Kung Fu

Today, here in the West, the term “kung-fu” has come to signify any number of systems or styles through which Chinese martial arts are taught and studied. In the Chinese language the term “kung-fu” has a meaning in common usage that may include any disciplined skill or technique developed over time and may be applied to any human activity besides Chinese self-defense arts. Anyone who refines creative physical activity to a high degree can be said to have developed “kung-fu”: a skilled and efficient housewife, photographer, sculptor, an Olympic athlete, a chef, joiner, surgeon, shoemaker, tailor, secretary, machinist, etc., could each be said to have “kung-fu”. Watching someone who has developed kung-fu working, often the dynamics of their activity appear simple and effortless to such an extent that the person may appear to be doing very little or nothing and yet be highly productive.

This impression often mystifies those of the general public who have not developed themselves in any specific direction. Particularly in an era when so much information is obtainable at the push of a button, it is easy for those people to believe that such skill may also be acquired quickly and with little effort. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As anyone who has developed any physical or mental skill to any degree knows, the development of that ability is neither a quick process nor is it easy. On the contrary, all self-development takes constancy, determination, humility, perseverance, energy, plain old-fashioned hard work and lots and lots of time.

Learning how to practice traditional Chinese Kung-Fu is a time-tested and verified form of self-development. Though based on simple principles of coordination of intention, energy and movement, practicing kung-fu is not possible without great dedication to the refinement of one’s physical and mental capability. To achieve results a student needs to be guided by an experienced instructor, over many years. Much more time is required to learn how to train, practice and apply Chinese Kung-Fu than most people would ever dream of spending in normal professional preparation. Many beginners begin to feel as if they know everything in the first five to ten years only to realize that their understanding is much like a mirage in a desert: very clear and distinct in appearance but of no true substance. This is a necessary and fundamental step in learning kung-fu. That the student becomes aware of taking this step is the responsibility of the instructor. Part of his work is to illuminate the student to the knowledge that knowing the sequence of movements of the forms and having the ability to apply them is not sufficient. Understanding the internal and external aspects of the movements and knowing how not to fight is the point at which one truly begins to practice kung-fu.

A thorough awareness and comprehension of one’s limitations and weaknesses is where the study of kung-fu begins. The development and refinement of one’s capabilities and strengths is the path along which kung-fu travels. kung-fu’s destination is the fluid union of the self, weaknesses and strengths, body and mind/spirit, water and fire, yin and yang. A kung-fu master may show his or her achievement through having developed the capability to respond appropriately to any situation with calm, poise and sincerity, without violence, anger or unnecessary action.

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