Walk the Walk

Editorial

by Sibok Lloyd Fridenburg
Fu For You Summer 2024

You are probably all familiar with the term, “you can talk the talk; but can you walk the walk?”  In other words, can you take the action to back up the words that you speak, or, one of my favorite expressions, don’t tell me; show me.

I was honoured to be asked to center judge sparring and forms for the Black Sash division at SIT 2024, along with fellow judges Sibok Eric, Sifu Mark, Sifu Jim, and Sifu Syd.  It’s hard to believe that Sifu Eric and I centered rings for the first WKFA in-house tournament 25 years ago.  Those that know me know that I am not a big fan of martial arts tournaments, mostly because they are often poorly organized and/or poorly run.  This tournament is, and always has been different.  It is well organized and well run.  Judges are thoroughly trained on the tournament rules with an abundance of guidelines available during the tournament.  Thanks and congratulations to all the tournament organizers, judges, score keepers, and competitors.

Getting back to the theme of this article, I was extremely proud of the number of Black Sash instructors that not only dedicated time to judging, but also to train and compete in the Black Sash division of the tournament.  You were well prepared and not only demonstrated an abundance of tournament skill but truly proved that you are role models for everyone that watched the division.  Many schools preach these skills to their students, but you showed students and parents alike that you walk the walk.  Judging the Black Sash forms divisions was very difficult and often the smallest of details made the difference between 1st and last.  Things like, was the back leg straight, what was the trailing hand doing, was the weapon striking to the correct target, was the weapon fully under control, and finally, did the competitor exhibit sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and Kung Fu spirit?

So even if you didn’t place in the medals, take pride in the fact that you may have only been one misstep away.  Any of you could perform in the Black Sash division of any tournament and bring home some hardware.

WKFA is fortunate to have so many dedicated talented martial artists that are true role models to all our students.  You not only talk the talk but walk the walk. Congratulations to you all.