the kung fu spirit

One of the main ideas of studying kung fu for me is that through hard work goals can be achieved. This is not a huge revelation, but simply common sense. Yet, I have found over the years that common sense is easy to put in a statement, but harder to apply in one's life. Kung fu has helped me learn how to focus better, stay motivated, and have patience. These three characteristics have not only helped me with martial arts training, but other aspects of my life as well.

I've always been a multi-tasker. Sometimes that's a good thing, and sometimes it's not. Much of my time is spent working on a film script, grading papers, answering business emails, chatting with friends online, etc., all at the same time. On good days, I can accomplish these things without losing focus and without any additional stress. Yet, I have moments when the cards come crashing down. I'm a human being and I get tired. It's simple as that. My kung fu training has kept these moments to a minimum though. It's given me not only the physical endurance to move on, but the mental training to focus in a chaotic world. I believe this has helped me on film sets as an actor and stuntman, a running coach, a teacher, and a former member of corporate America.

My training has also kept me motivated. I always strive to get a little better each and every day. That is not isolated to just my kung fu training. I believe in the kung fu spirit, which I interpret as working to better your own life and the lives around you. Therefore, I motivate myself to be a better father, husband, and citizen. Also, I motivate myself to be a better runner, yoga practitioner, and scholar. I believe all of these things help me physically, mentally, and emotionally. They help me be a better person and martial artist.

I've also learned patience from my martial arts studies, particularly kung fu. Many martial arts studios promote becoming a black belt in 18 months. How can that truly benefit someone? I guess it could fill the pockets of some and fill up an empty hole with false confidence within others. When I go to a doctor, I honestly don't want one with 18 months experience. Well, I guess it's better than one with 17 months. Anyway, it seems we live in a society that wants to rush things. The old saying, "Stop and smell the roses," had been in our culture and other for centuries for a reason. It's worth living life like that instead of rushing through it. I believe with patience comes the willingness to learn. I always want to have that willingness to learn. This is the attitude I work for in kung fu training, work, and family and social life. I've been fortunate enough to earn goals in martial arts training, but they did not come quick or easy. That made them more rewarding. This applies to my goals and accomplishments in life as well.