Junior Student’s Corner
by Sifu Charlie Romeo
Kung Fu is a way of life that emphasizes not just physical discipline, but also the development of a strong martial attitude—an important aspect of our training. This attitude is something that we as martial artists must embody to continue our journey in effectively learning Kung Fu. Let’s explore some of the important components of the martial attitude.
Humility
Humility is a crucial element of the martial attitude in Kung Fu. It is the understanding that we are not perfect, and that there is always room for improvement. In Kung Fu, students are taught to understand that we are all on a journey of self-improvement, as we try to be the best version of ourselves, rather than trying to be better than others. Humility is also about controlling our ego and not being arrogant about our own abilities. This part can be difficult to understand because in Kung Fu we are taught confidence in ourselves and in our abilities; however, overconfidence to the point of arrogance goes against the values of Kung Fu. If you find yourself thinking things like “I bet I could beat that person in a sparring match”, you may want to re-evaluate your martial attitude. Remember, Kung Fu emphasizes community and working together, rather than trying to be better than everyone else.
Respect
Respect is another fundamental component of the martial attitude in Kung Fu. Respect is shown to one’s teachers, as well as to fellow students. At WKFA, there are many traditions upheld that emphasize respect such as bowing and saying hello to your instructors, bowing into and out of the Kwoon, and responding to your instructors with a confident “yes Sifu!” It is also important to treat your classmates with respect, which can be done by bowing and by showing appropriate control when participating in partner drills. Traditions of respect have been a part of Kung Fu from the very beginning, and it’s crucial that we hold onto them.
Patience
Patience is a critical aspect of the martial attitude in Kung Fu. Kung Fu is not a martial art that can be learned overnight; it takes time, dedication, and hard work to master. One could potentially learn all the requirements to earn their red sash within a two-week timespan, but would the expected quality, intent, and deep understanding be present? Definitely not. Every step in your Kung Fu journey takes time and patience. It’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s okay to progress slowly. Patience is about taking the time to learn and grow, knowing that it will lead to success in the long run. These three components are essential to the marital attitude in Kung Fu, and we are taught to embody them both in and outside of class.
By developing the qualities discussed above, we as martial artists become not only more skilled in our art, but also become well-rounded individuals who can navigate life’s challenges with the teachings we learn in Kung Fu.