Kung Fu and Other Miscellaneous Writings
Martial Arts
I believe that hand skills are important. Open-hand fighting and contact weapons have their places. When firearms and projectile weapons run dry, malfunction, or when you’re in a location where it is illegal to carry those types of weapons, it is time to have another skill set ready.
I prefer to call myself “the weapon” and the other items my “tools.”
There’s been somewhat of an ongoing debate about the use of mixed martial arts (MMA) versus traditional martial arts for self-defense or in a street fight for a long time. MMA fighters train daily for matches and are undoubtedly in great shape with a highly sharpened skill set. I do not doubt that an MMA fighter could handle himself in a street fight. However, their skills are based on traditional styles. Whether fighting on the ground or striking while standing, the techniques are derived from the original pioneers of the original martial arts. I have little doubt that when executed properly, any given martial art is effective in a street fight.
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In the octagon, fighters fight for money, fame, and recognition. The audience pays to see who is the best. They train daily to condition their bodies to take a beating from opponents and study strategies for victory. Martial artists, on the other hand, compete in tournaments held between schools but generally, do not get fame or fortune. It takes years of study to master the technique of a particular style. Conditioning of the body happens gradually during the period of study. Physical fitness and the limits of the body are tested constantly. They eventually become disciplined over time and become skillful in the execution of their art.
To recap, there is little doubt that traditional martial arts are effective for fighting and self-defense. In a street fight, a common thug could be easily beaten by someone with knowledge of the martial arts or mixed martial arts. I encourage everyone to learn some open-hand skills and to practice them regularly.
Shaolin Kung Fu has been around for 1500 years and is the father of all martial arts.
My Martial Arts Journey
When I was seven or eight, my parents enrolled me in a six-week self-defense class at Cypress College in Southern California. That was in the mid-1980s and the class was taught by instructors who practiced Kung Fu San Soo. This type of Kung Fu is banned from being used in tournaments because when it is executed, the opponent can be seriously injured. There’s something about throat punches and eye gouges that are frowned upon in tournaments. They taught me how to effectively target the fleshy parts of the body and deal serious damage to an attacker.
When I was a teenager, I began learning traditional Tae Kwon Do at a Do Jong established by Master Kong in Placentia, California. At the time, my parents could only afford for one of us to test for our black belt, so I passed on the opportunity so my younger brother could get his. I was ready to earn it but I never took the test. Shortly after, my entire family relocated to Arizona.
Following relocation, I focussed on music (I’m a drummer) and college. I took a 22-year break from martial arts, during which time I earned a college and a university degree, chased my dream of playing music professionally, and settled into a career. Five and a half years ago I was fortunate enough to return to martial arts and I’ve been training ever since. To protect the privacy of others, I will not name my instructor or the locations I have been learning at. Currently, I am studying Shotokan Karate with Toshikan self-defenses (seen in the John Wick Movies) and Shaolin Kung Fu. I recently tested for my brown belt in Kung Fu and hope to be testing for my black sometime this year or next.
My instructor is an actual teacher and you would never expect him to be a Kung Fu or Karate master. Having a good instructor makes a world of difference. It has made me want to strengthen the principles of self-discipline, perseverance, integrity, and strength of character.
I embarked on this personal journey because I always wanted to learn Shaolin Kung Fu. When I was a kid, I watched the movie “Kung Fu” starring David Karodine. I also watched Bruce Lee movies and over the past three years I have done some self-study of Wing Chung. Although I am far from a master of these arts, I plan to study them for many years to come. Doing so has kept me physically fit and healthy.
Mind, Body and Soul
Training the mind goes along with training the body. As a Christian, I pray and meditate regularly. God presented me with the opportunity to be a disciple of Jesus and the Shaolin Temple at the same time, so I took it. As a side note, my return to Church came a few months after returning to the martial arts. Gaining physical strength is great but it must be matched with mental strength and a good heart. My Christian faith and Kung Fu show me how to deal with challenges in my day-to-day life. Finding the right balance of emotional self-control and mastering my mind are guided by the examples set by Jesus and the masters under which I have studied.
The inward journey has been a lot more difficult than the outward one. While martial arts helps one learn self-discipline and integrity, it does so in a different way from Christianity. Katas, or martial arts forms, stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. One must be in control of the body to maintain balance. Emotions must be in check. Mirrors help us to look at our stances and techniques. We are constantly looking at ourselves and evaluating so that we can be better.
Learning about Jesus and his teachings requires reading, but implementing the teachings requires thought and action. First I must read and process the information about Jesus before I can implement what I learn about him. He taught compassion for others, but he also exercised self-control. He didn’t allow others to manipulate him. He was a master of his own mind and emotions. He knew how to treat others without allowing himself to be abused and he demonstrated these examples through his actions. Jesus was a Spiritual Warrior who fought and defeated evil on the spiritual plane.
The two different approaches are not at odds with one another but instead, they complement each other. It is difficult for people to look inward and be critical of themselves. However, self-growth cannot happen without it. Evaluating one’s own ego takes courage. Keeping it in check takes strength. When I look at myself, I try to maintain balance and equilibrium. I am not always successful but I am persistent. I do not give up easily. Prayer and meditation assist with this process. I’m a work in progress and I seek balance in all things within my daily life. To be continued…
Practical Applications
The teaching of Jesus have shown me how to handle people using language. Being kind to others is not a weakness and sometimes it is useful to outsmart potential opponents. Facing evil requires a clear mind and self control. An individual who can use “verbal Judo” to avoid confrontations goes on to live another day. I encourage everyone, regardless of faith, to work on mastering your own mind and improving your ability to communicate effectively. This may get you out of a sticky situation.
Sticky situations arise from a variety of conditions. They can be the result of road rage, a neighbor you don’t like or a stranger in the public domain. Sometimes they involve a single person or a group of criminals. Sometimes you may face someone who cannot control their anger. Other times you may face a complete psychopath. When evil people turn a situation into a violent confrontation, it may be necessary to use your hands and feet as tools for self defense. That’s when use of martial arts comes in. When the moment arises you either have the skills or you don't.
“The best way to win a fight is to no be there.”
Mr. Miyagi
Special note to my readers:
Every December, I clear my schedule and focus on my primary line of work because work activity picks up and I have mouths to feed. I spend the month focused on work and preparing for Christmas. Spending time with my family during the holidays takes priority over writing, and as of yet, writing doesn't pay the bills. If you’ve noticed I haven’t published for a month or so, that is the reason why. I appreciate your understanding and I wish you a belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Now that things are beginning to subside, I’m back at it.
Other Miscellaneous Writings
When I sat down to write this article, I wrote for two hours straight. I had the intent to include some tips about how to escape a terrorist attack but when I started writing about the martial arts I couldn't stop. I’ll write about the other topic separately. This article will be published as it’s own. I felt it important to convey some information about my own personal journey and it almost feels like a journal entry.
Either way, the past year has been introspective. I have reflected on everything from individual moments to big picture aspects of my life. A lot of time and effort has been devoted to reinventing myself, mastering my mind and understanding my own ego. Cessation from certain cultural aspects of western society and civilization to pursue new perspectives and enlightenment have been included in the process. Reconciliation between ideas from east and west within the framework of objective perspective has been another important aspect to what I have been doing. Applying all of it practically as a matter of daily life has been my goal of self improvement.
I’m not saying I’ve been a terrible person. To the contrary, I frequently receive compliments related to my character. I just want to keep growing. I want to be the best I can be.
It’s really not that difficult to live as a decent human being. It’s not too much to ask of yourself or others to not be a douchebag. And, while we cannot control how others treat us, we can certainly control how we react. Not reacting negatively to the negative treatment of others has not historically been my strength. The Golden Rule has not always been something I have practiced. However, as I grow spiritually, I realize how powerful that one particular teaching is. It is a reflection of one’s own inner strength and discipline of character to execute the use of the Golden Rule. Here’s what it says if you don’t know: Treat others as you would like to be treated. It shows compassion, is the moral and spiritual high ground and it demonstrates an understanding of God’s Law and God Himself. Believing in God is one thing. Understanding Him is another and when you understand Him, you live in accordance with His law. Practicing the Golden Rule becomes easier over time when you live in accordance with His law. I’m still working on it myself and I don’t give up easily.
Something else that helps me is the Serenity Prayer. Once you read the prayer you will understand why. I encourage each of you to memorize these two prayers and use them whenever you need to.
The Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time.
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as he did, the sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it.
Trusting that he will make all things right
if I surrender to His will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with Him forever.—Reinhold Niebuhr, 1892-1971
“Live Free, or Die Trying.”
As always, I hope you stay prepared. God Bless and thank you for reading.
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