The photo above is from a martial arts school that I attended in the 90's.
The writing under the photo is from an Old Kung-Fu Book that I found in my class.

 

I always wanted to learn a martial art so I decided to join a school near my home. The school I joined taught Karate, Judo, Jujutsu and Kung Fu. (Kung Fu is a broad term that is used to describe all martial arts of Chinese origin). This of course made the school very appealing because it offered more then one type of Fighting Style. The School had two Sensei's or teachers. Sometimes referred to as an instructor, Spartan or Master. Going into this school I had a few expectations. But I soon realized that it wasn't going to be like the Kung Fu TV Series. There was a lot I didn't understand about the Martial Arts process. What I did like about the class was the intense exercising. But I wasn't there just for the physical conditioning. I wanted to learn the mechanics of self defense and also learn how to perfect those particular skills. The teaching was slow and the methods were not personalized for my particular skill level. I have already learned how to Wrestle years before in Junior High school and I also practiced Boxing. So I became a little bored in learning these particular Forms. Mostly because I did not understand where they were leading me and just how exactly they translated into self-defense skills. After earning my second Belt I decided that the slow pace of teaching was not beneficial towards my goals. I needed a more personalized approach and a better understanding about what I wanted to achieve, and how important it was in learning Self-defense when compared to other priorities in my life. So sadly departed from my teachers and classmates and left my my martial arts school after a few months. Looking back I wish I knew then what I know now. I learned that it wasn't just the physical skills I was after. I also wanted to learn the wisdom that was behind this particular knowledge. You cannot be taught physical skills without fully understanding the psychological effects of these skills and also fully understanding the responsibilities that these particular skills demand. So it is extremely important how you teach martial arts and how it's teachings are understood by the student. I believe that martial arts should be learned by everyone. They should make martial arts apart of every school and implement the teachings as part of Physical Education. It's extremely important that you know your physical abilities and at the same time to be fully aware of your vulnerabilities. And not just your physical vulnerabilities but the vulnerabilities of the mind as well. Every new skill and piece of knowledge has a responsibility. This is one of the main reasons why I am so dedicated to Improving Education. So just like studying History and Science, every student should study martial arts physical skills. Students should understand the Science behind the Human Bodies Physical Abilities, the physiological & Psychological effects of Fighting, The effects of Physical Abuse and the responsibilities that martial arts knowledge demands.

"Having very effective physical skills, combined with over confidence and a strong well conditioned body can sometimes cause you to over react to a situation. Having physical skills does not mean that you have to use them. Knowing your options in every confrontation is critical. So the mind will always be your greatest asset. So knowing when to use these skills could mean the difference between life and death."

"Information and Knowledge is your best defense. And knowing how to use that information and Knowledge correctly would be your best offence."

Liu Style Baguazhang - 64 Hands (youtube)     Being, Knowing, Doing   (Sharing / Caring)

Baguazhang    Bagua    Chinese Martial Arts    Grandmaster     Ip Man

"A true martial artist does not live for, he simply lives."  Bruce Lee

Martial Arts Websites

"Learning martial arts is not just about self defense or preserving culture. It's also about appreciating the abilities of the human body, it's understanding force, leverage, it's understanding physics and math.
Learning martial arts improves coordination and agility. Its therapeutic. It keeps oneself connected to ones own body and earth. It's fun, it's good for you and it's pretty good exercise too. But still, martial arts is just one of many things that you can do with your life, and there are many things to do in life, so choose wisely my friend, choose wisely."

Fear 

What is being afraid?