The Gung Fu Delusion part 2

Posted in Uncategorized on November 9, 2009 by His Dark Side

He changed into his silk suit. He had obtained the details of a tailor in Rajasthan who was able to custom make the suit. A picture had been provided, clipped from a Kung Fu magazine along with an addendum that simply read ‘black with white cufflinks.’ Despite having waited 2 months, he was happy with the fit. It allowed full movement without restraint. He could punch and kick without hindrance. The headband had been an easier purchase, the ebay seller having an online shop called the Rising Sun. He tied the headband and thus began his training ritual. After all, what is the point of martial arts if you fail to look the part?

His body responded to the preparation; his temperature rose a degree, his heart rate increased in anticipation and beads of sweat formed on his brow. He was ready to focus, ready to train. Fists clenched, knuckles clicking. He gritted his teeth and adjusted his breathing. He knew who he would be fighting. Someone had called him out a few months ago, the argument having gone back and forth. Differing opinions had turned into a blood feud and he was ready to react. The ritual complete, he sat down, fired up his laptop, logged in with his username and password and began his session of Forum Fu.

Fedor

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , on November 6, 2009 by His Dark Side

Courtesy of JP, here’s the 30-minute the pre-fight documentary for Fedor’s fight tomorrow night;

A Snippet

Posted in Uncategorized on November 6, 2009 by ctkwingchun

Here is a snippet of conversation that I’ve had with my acupuncture friend and mentor.  Some of this really hit home – and I hope it does the same for you.

“The paradox is that true control comes from not trying to control anything.”

“The part of you that wants to relax and enjoy life is your soul speaking to you.”

“And the whole idea of failure… maybe every moment in which you don’t find joy and peace is a sign of failure!”

“Krishnamurti had it when he said that it means nothing to be ‘well-adjusted’ in a profoundly sick society.”

(CTK)

 

Adiemus – Elegia

Posted in Uncategorized on November 6, 2009 by ctkwingchun

I’m really loving this – reminds me of Enya.  It’s just so beautiful:

(CTK)

Vibrating Palm

Posted in Uncategorized with tags on November 5, 2009 by His Dark Side

The Gung Fu Delusion

Posted in Uncategorized on November 5, 2009 by His Dark Side

There they are, huddled together. They discuss ‘dissolving, flowing, chi’ over lattes and muffins. The mugs. They brim with excitement as they raise their cups and one of them pauses to bring up the subject of a new topic “do we pivot on our heels or on our toes”? Sparks of appreciation, and the glinting of veneers. Pressed shirts, and chinos. They discuss, they meet.

Elsewhere, we picture a man. He pauses, eyes closed. Inhales sharply and his exhale becomes a gust of mist as he breathes into the dawn of a cold morning. Black hoody, black shorts and black gloves. A room of tatttered leather bags. HIs eyes open, gaze fixed and purposeful. He continues.

Gentleman-like

Posted in Uncategorized on November 5, 2009 by His Dark Side

“As far as the heavyweight division now, it sucks! Boxing through the 50’s and 70’s was where it was at. Guys like Tyson, Frazier, Ali, Liston, Foreman and Marciano were killers! Today… you’ve got the Klitschko brothers and Joe Mesi. So what! They’ll never make great champions because they are too gentleman-like. They’re not killers! Fighters in the 70’s and earlier were looking to take your head off!” Kevin Rooney, boxing trainer.


Midnight

Posted in Uncategorized on November 4, 2009 by ctkwingchun

(CTK)

Stop Flowing

Posted in Uncategorized on November 4, 2009 by His Dark Side

Its not about flowing. An opponent/aggressor will seldom provide you an opportunity to “flow”. It is about fighting.

A safe training environment would be a great place to let loose your inhibitions and do whatever you feel resembles a state of flowing. However, the street is a more discerning environment, rarely allowing you to flow. It is about fighting.

Gung Fu can be like karate, or it can be like water. Whatever the expression, assessment is not a subjective experience i.e. how does it feel, how does it appear but is objective i.e. how effective was it?

Stop flowing, start fighting.

It Hurts

Posted in Uncategorized on November 4, 2009 by ctkwingchun

First time back in a few weeks.  Still got this dry cough.  Night sweats.  Headache.

I plug in the music.  Yellow handwraps and 16oz black gloves at my chin.  I’m so cold.

Jab.  Cross.  Rip.  Kick.  Rinse and repeat.  And then it comes…

…my chest burns and it hurts.  I’m back in the game.

(CTK)