Junior Student’s Corner
by Sifu Charlie Romeo
Fu For You Winter 2024-25
STOP! Before reading this article, take a moment to consider the title. Think about what Kung Fu means by definition. Now, think about what Kung Fu means to you. Is the answer different? Finally, consider what Kung Fu might mean to others. How might this differ? You probably can’t answer these questions right away; it could take hours or days to truly review your understanding of Kung Fu from alternate perspectives. Revisit this article once you’ve confidently and honestly answered the above considerations.
What does Kung Fu mean, by definition? If you want to be literal, the rough translation to English is “skill achieved through hard work”. This, however, is quite vague and doesn’t exactly convey the intricacies of Kung Fu. To be more specific, Kung Fu could be described as a Chinese martial art that emphasizes the wellness of body and mind, while teaching the practical applications of self-defense, and encouraging individuals to be their best self. This is my shot at a lengthy one-sentence definition inspired by the teachings of our school in particular. Still, one sentence is not enough to define the art of Kung Fu. Kung Fu has many variations and depths that cannot be fully captured in one paragraph. To learn more about the external definition of Kung Fu, I encourage you to take some time to research and observe the full picture.
Kung Fu is difficult to define objectively—it may even be impossible. That’s because Kung Fu is a subjective personal journey that differs from person to person. So, I’ll ask again: what is Kung Fu to you? What do you value the most about being a martial artist? In what areas have you realized the most benefit? There are so many benefits to Kung Fu that it can be difficult to narrow down the most impactful, but it’s important to recognize how your training has shaped you – physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this process, you may discover growth and benefits in areas you hadn’t noticed before. This process of self-discovery not only deepens your training, but also allows you to reach a higher potential that you may not have realized was possible.
Now that you understand what Kung Fu is to you, consider the last question: What might Kung Fu be to others? While you may benefit from Kung Fu in one way, your classmates will likely find other benefits to be more impactful. For example, one person could be training to become more physically fit, while another is there to become competent in self-defense. A third person could be trying to build confidence. When you respect that each person has their own benefits and reasons for training, you create an encouraging environment where people can learn and grow. In the end, that’s what Kung Fu is to me—growth. In any way, and at any pace, Kung Fu helps people grow to become better versions of themselves.