Dedication

Over the years I know a few of my friends have made comments about how much of my life I dedicate to kung fu. For the longest time I did not even think about what they were saying nor did I delve for any deeper insight. I think, at those particular times, I agreed with them and left things at that. Kung fu has always been an investment and, like any investment, a return is expected. If the return justifies the investment the decision is a no-brainer.

Now older and wiser, I realize how far off the mark those comments are. In fact they are 180 degrees out of phase with my reality. I do not dedicate my life to my kung fu, I dedicate my kung fu to my life. Everything I do and everything I have — I can see kung fu’s influence.

I may encourage my students to take their kung fu out of the kwoon and into the world but inevitably it goes beyond that. My life is my kwoon.

“Our teachers did not give us a clear explanation of the kata from old times. I must find the features and meaning of each form by my own study and effort, by repeating the exercises of form through training.” – Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898 - 1984)