A couple of weeks ago, I was asked what I thought of weight training when it comes to kung fu. My intended reply was that weight training to build strength is one thing but training to build bulk is another. Bulk interferes with natural motion and thus it interferes with kung fu. My student’s all or nothing response to my answer was a reminder of why westerners have so much difficulty with the martial arts.
An all or nothing, quick fix approach forces a person to choose between two incompatible activities. Kung fu or weight training for bulk. An approach with wuji (balanced, without extremes) allows the pursuit of both disciplines with the understanding that mastery in kung fu will take longer. Either approach has consequences but one is more sustainable than the other.
The benefits one experiences from a lifestyle change are only there as long as the changed lifestyle is maintained. For example, if you want to lose weight, and keep it off, whatever you do to lose that weight must be maintained for the rest of your life if you wish to keep the weight off. Kung fu is no different. Never sacrifice something over the short term if you are not willing to sacrifice it over the long term. Sustainable practice is the key. If you enjoy weight training for bulk, you do not need to eliminate it to master kung fu. You can have your cake and eat it too, it just takes longer.
You have the rest of your life to train and your practice can enhance your lifestyle without limiting it.
“He that can have Patience, can have what he will.” - Benjamin Franklin (1708 - 1790)
1 comment:
Good food for thought. There's a word I like called "something" because over time somethings add up to a whole lot.
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