One Thousand Times, Correctly

Editorial

by Sibok Lloyd Fridenburg
Fu For You Fall 2025

I once heard someone say, “man, I hate it when we do repetitions to the count”. It may have even been me, in the beginning. However, after time, it becomes apparent that there is only one way to learn any martial art and that is through constant repetition. The recipe for success is to learn, assess, practice, follow corrections, practice, assess, follow corrections, and practice more.

When I practice on my own, I can still hear the words of wisdom imparted by Grandmaster Pan in the early years of my training, “When you have repeated a single technique, correctly, one thousand times, you understand the technique.” Correctly is the key word in the phrase because, if you practice something a thousand times incorrectly, it will be extremely difficult to fix. Whether it’s an advanced spear thrust or the reverse punch you learned right at the beginning of your training, practice will ensure continuous improvement along the road to excellence and understanding.

Shadow boxing is a fantastic way to practice, if you do it correctly! Too often I see shadow boxing used as an aerobic exercise, with the focus on raising your heart rate and getting a sweat on. It can and should be used as an opportunity for self-correction. Watch yourself in the mirrors and listen to the words of your instructors; not just when they are speaking in class, but when you’re practicing alone. Keep your guard up, watch your stance, keep your chin down, use a full range of motion, watch your weight distribution, pivot on a reverse hand strike, don’t bring your feet together. All of these are things that you hear instructors vocalizing in every class; those words are embedded in your mind so listen to them when you’re shadow boxing and use the exercise as a tool for self-correction.

So, what about Youth and Junior students? We have had many younger students over the years that have embraced Kung Fu training and were extremely diligent in their training and practice habits. This, however, is the exception rather than the rule. Many students come to class, follow instructions, and then don’t think much about Kung Fu until their next class. With only two classes per week for younger students, practice between classes is essential.

Parents enroll their children in music lessons and demand that they follow a strict routine of practice throughout the week, yet seldom, if ever, encourage kids to practice Kung Fu between classes. The reason commonly expressed by parents is that they don’t want them to practice incorrectly. As someone that has taught a broad range of age groups over the years, I assure you that it is easier for instructors to make corrections for those that practice regularly, even if some things are incorrect, than it is to constantly re-teach techniques to students because they have forgotten.

Five minutes of practice is better than nothing; 10 minutes is better than 5; 30 minutes is better than 10. If you’re serious about improving your Kung Fu, listen to the words of your instructors running through your head as you practice, practice, practice!