Advanced techniques and concepts will, of course, not be taught until a student has reached a level of understanding where he or she can actually understand and utilize these tools. Some would call this a “secret” (especially those who never reached that stage of their training). Really, though, this is no different than not learning Calculus until you understand Algebra and Geometry. Even if you were shown these things, you wouldn’t understand them.
Sometimes knowledge is withheld from a particular student because he or she doesn’t yet have the control or maturity to use them without seriously injuring a training partner. Is this a “secret?” This is no different than people not being allowed to drive before a certain age. If they aren’t mature enough to understand how dangerous the tool is, then they’re very likely to misuse the tool.
One of the most interesting reasons I have heard for “secrets” being withheld, though, comes from Willem “Uncle Bill” de Thouars. According to Uncle Bill (as his students and friends affectionately refer to him), many of the old Chinese instructors would withhold information and intentionally leave gaps that the student then has to go fill on his or her own. In this way, the system remains “alive.” It doesn’t stagnate. The core principles that define the system are handed down, but the student is left to find applications based on his or her own experiences. This way, the system continues to grow and remain current with the times.
Information withheld to prevent the student from surpassing the instructor is, I am sure, done … but this is ludicrous and petty on the part of any instructor that would do this. The role of an instructor is to teach; to help a student realize his or her full potential. If a student has more potential than the instructor, then why shouldn’t he or she surpass the instructor? If the student is mature enough to learn the material, then he or she will surely give the instructor credit.
If a student is dedicated and stays with an instructor, then there should be no “secrets.” On the other hand, information not taught to the student shouldn’t necessarily be regarded as a “secret.” If the instructor has valid (i.e.: not pettiness or ego) reasons for withholding the information, then it is not a secret. If a student shows dedication, loyalty, and maturity, then the instructor should teach the student all of the core principles of the system. Holes left by the instructor to be filled in should be regarded by the student as a sign of trust. The instructor has to trust the student not only to fill in those holes, but to fill them with applicable knowledge, not fluff.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of instructors out there who would have their students (or potential students) believe that there are “mystic secrets” in the martial arts. More than that, these instructors would have people believe that their school is the only place these “secrets” can be learned. This is nothing more than promotional hype. There is no such thing as an “ultimate” martial art or a system that will make a fighter invincible.
In fact, the only valid “secret” to martial arts seems, these days, to be hard work. So many people think that they can go out and buy “fighting secrets” in their local strip mall. They act like martial knowledge and ability comes in a bottle … just rub it on and let it sink in. The only way to gain knowledge in any endeavor (be it linguistics, mathematics, or basket weaving) is through research and study. The only way to achieve physical ability (be it gymnastics, swimming, or tennis) is through physical exercise and practice. These are hard facts. Why would the martial arts, which encompass both physical and mental understanding, be any different?
These ideas are some of the same ones that Bruce Lee was trying to get across thirty years ago … and he wasn’t the first to point these out. Humans are a strange breed, though. We would rather believe that there is some mystical secret that will cure all our ills and make us invincible overnight. Will this ever change? I doubt it. For now, though, anyone who is looking for martial arts training should keep these things in mind. Be wary of any school or instructor claims to have “mystic secrets.” This is not to say that all schools or instructors who claim this are fakes. Some of them really are good martial artists and instructors who have been misled themselves or who have just gotten carried away with commercialization. Be especially wary, though, of those who claim they can turn you into Superman overnight and remember the old adage: "If it seems too good to be true then it probably is."