I recall a time when one of my teachers told us (the class), “Everyone put in a life or death situation will attempt to defend themselves and those around them, especially family; but, not everyone invests in learning how to defend themselves.” At first, I didn’t understand him; after all, I had been training in some sort of self-defense program since I was six years old (before I could understand and appreciate what real self-defense was). But, over the years, I’ve seen people come and go, unwilling to put the work into being prepared to defend themselves…. And, I’ve heard all kinds of excuses why they “can’t” put in the work to prepare.
Jason, I just don’t have time.
These are the same people I meet at the fair and other places partaking in recreational activities. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not anti-recreational time. But, don’t expect me to believe you have no time to train when you’re out every weekend fishing, hunting, drinking, etc. And, don’t expect me to believe you don’t have the time when I understand the Kung-fu aspect of Wing Chun. Allow me to explain….
Many think Kung-fu means “martial arts”, but that is a very limited view of the actual meaning of the term. In fact, if we wanted to get literal, Chinese martial arts would be 中国武术 zhōngguó wǔshù. No. Kung-fu refers to any study, learning, or practice that requires patience, energy, and time to complete; in short, a way of life.
What makes Wing Chun a form of Kung-fu is simple: It’s principles can be used in various aspects of life in order to preserve and maintain a healthy self while developing greater wellness and skill at school, at work, at home, …. where ever you are and whatever you are doing. What this means for our “I don’t have time” excuse is: That’s no excuse.
Quite often I have students bring things to class, activities they do at work or at home, that causes them physical stress. We, then, work on engineering out that stress, using the principles of Wing Chun Kung-fu.
Why should you be interested in this?
Why not?
Self-defense is something everyone is interested in at some level. While it may not be a combat situation you’re thinking of, you may be thinking of issues at work that may cause you to feel less energized than you used to or cause you tension and pain. Or, you may be considering an issue you have in general, and questioning how you can change things to improve your health and stay healthy. Others may be looking for more practical ways of using their strong bodies. Whatever your interest, Wing Chun Kung-fu can help you achieve your goals and preserve a self worth defending – regardless the threat – and provide you the resources to defend yourself when and how necessary. (Ability isn’t being able to repeat an action in an exercise over and over with increased weight. Ability is being able to do what you intend to do the moment you intend to do it with positive results. If you’re living your life in a way that limits your ability to defend yourself, you will be at a disadvantage.)
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