You Don’t Know Kung Fu

Kung fu means and represents the accumulation of skills resulting from difficult but disciplined and efficient work. It also embodies the principles of efficiency as a consequence of proper timing, proper technique, proper leverage, and proper position, all fundamental building blocks for developing our skills to the highest level we have the individual capacity for cultivating.

As martial artists, whether just starting out or aspiring to greater heights, we can all benefit from the lesson of working efficiently with the seasons in whatever work we do. Take for example the Woodcutter. When winter comes, he must draw upon his store of wood, or cut more, so that he and his family can stay warm. If he has worked partially or ineffectively, then he will not have enough wood stored for his or his family’s survival. On the other hand, if he has wisely worked according to the seasons, he will not only have an accumulation prior to winter, but also have the privilege of leisurely cutting kindling because of his disciplined diligence in the prior season. Moreover, his efficient practice of cutting with the grain requires even less energy than the wasted effort of careless cutting against the grain.

My Sifu taught me that, Kung fu means and represents the accumulation of skills resulting from difficult but disciplined and efficient work. It also embodies the principles of efficiency as a consequence of proper timing, proper technique, proper leverage, and proper position, all fundamental building blocks for developing our skills to the highest level we have the individual capacity for cultivating. We must return to these foundational principles often even as we master more complex forms and methods. You will notice that simple forms feel different because you have accumulated the work to notice the powerful nuances in the simple building blocks. Ultimately, true progress in any work requires consistent repetition, knowing when to act, and knowing when to leverage and allow natural forces to assist and amplify our strength and effectiveness to accomplish our task.