Engaged Kung Fu

My students have all heard me reminding them to stay engaged in their kung fu. It is hard enough to follow through on anything that takes a long time to master so staying mentally engaged with your goals and your process is a fundamental key of success.

Staying engaged with your kung fu is easier if you are practicing engaged kung fu. When kung fu has permeated itself into all aspects of your life, it becomes so much more. We always talk about the mental and physical benefits of the art but if we do not actively apply our kung fu beyond the physical, the mental benefits never reach their full potential.

Practicing engaged kung fu is about taking your training out of the kwoon and into the world. If your kung fu is teaching you empathy, that empathy should show in the compassion and understanding you show to others. If your kung fu is teaching you to listen to your body, that should show in your diet and your lifestyle. If your kung fu is teaching you to be a leader, speak up about what you believe in and never appear indifferent. If kung fu is teaching you about mastery, never accept the mediocre.

“A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idel.” - Kahill Gibram (1883 - 1931)