Hmm

I’ve been doing this martial arts thing for a minute.  And I’ve had the most growth over the last three years.

I went from watching video after video and reading book after book – looking for the magic secret sauce that would make me better – to not giving a fuck and just training my thing.

There’s a Chinese Tui Na (massage) saying that ‘Talking does not cook the rice.’  That couldn’t be any closer to the truth when it comes to Gung-Fu.

Now, I’m watching videos on the latest come up in the Wing Chun world and something ain’t sitting right – from both angles:

1. If someone breaks structure, breaks the rules of engagement and puts on a lot of pressure, even if it’s slap-happy shit, they can best their opponent.

2. Someone can edit a video emphasizing mainly their attacks to make themselves look good.

The way things were done in the days of old when a new person enters a kwoon still stands.  And you bet your Adidas that when anyone visits me, I’m taking it to them – the old school way.

Respect.

Wing Chun; Who Cares?

I guess I’m a funny beast because of the way I see things.

Take Wing Chun for example.  So many people practicing and teaching this martial art.  So many claiming to have the real or true skill.  Who cares?

Honestly, I used to; however, I don’t anymore.  I mean, seriously: we’re standing on a rock, that rotates around the sun, that floats in space.  We’re all going to die one day.  So, seriously, I don’t take it all too seriously.

What’s the defining factor in a martial art?  Principles?  The ability to make robots out of students?  Or functionality – whatever that may look like?

We’re all expressing our learned skill through our personal experiences.  And I think that’s a beautiful thing.

Crane Guiding Snake

Ode to Greatness

There are those of us who are unable to spend the funds travelling the world, training with the best of the best.

And yet, why for?

To just be able to say we did?

To hang their certificate up on our wall?

Alas, we stay at home and instead of sitting on a plane, we sit in our horse and do the one thing that makes sense: Gung-Fu.

This goes out to those individuals that, perhaps not even about money but living situation, find themselves not longing for recognition through the association of others, but carve their own path and find their own greatness.

Canada; Adidias; Skateboarding

Still

It didn’t surprise anyone when I died. When I failed. I failed… but I’m still beating you. 

— Jason Todd

Cottleston Pie

Shaolin Temple; Worth A Revisit