Most Martial Arts came from the need of a group of people to defend themselves from another group of people. Once example would be the training of a monk to defend themselves against robbers and other such characters. To do this you create a series of easy to learn reactions to actions. Robber pulls a knife you use your staff to keep him at a safe distance and so on.

What does this mean? Anyone can learn Martial Arts because its nothing but a series of actions and reactions so your ability is only limited by how much and how quick you can learn. A majority of the people in the world (given they where in shape) could earn a "Black Belt" in almost any Martial Arts in time.

What separates a "Grand Master" from "Joe Blow"? He doesn't just "learn" Martial Arts but instead its like second nature to him. The average person can only "react and act" within the bounds taught to them but a "Grand Master" can "adapt and adjust" to meet any obstacle he might face.

How does this relate to PHP and programming in general? ANYONE can learn PHP and I mean ANYONE give enough time and effort but what they learn is to "act and react", matter fact when it comes to programming most schools teach "act and react" to begin with and most certifications out there are "act and react".

A true "Grand Master" of programming can "adapt and adjust" They can think outside the box and solve problems that a majority of the people out there would shake their head at. Its not about knowing the PHP manual inside and out. Its not about being able to spout of the definition of every object pattern there is. Some of the things "Grand Masters" do amaze the people around them because they didn't believe such things possible.

The average person will look at certain things as impossible. The rest of us realize "anything is possible" its just a matter of where, when, how and if its realistic to assume it can be done within the time frame the client wants it done.