What we want from our kung fu

Last night there were two topics of discussion around leadership. First we talked about we want from our Kung Fu and to keep reflecting on this at regular intervals on our journey. Without this reflection and goal setting we will become stale in our training and can get discouraged if we lose sight of what we are here for. I was looking to:

1) See how far I can push myself physically and mentally
2) Gain control over my body and movements
3) Increase my self confidence outside of kung fu

Also when I returned home I also thought I am looking to help achieve my life goal:

'To understand and inspire health'

Kung fu can help me get closer to understanding my own health and what I need to do to remain healthy. Also through my dedication to my practice I hope to inspire health in others through displaying great strength physically and mentally. Also this blog will hopefully inspire others to begin their own martial arts journey.

The second topic was about doing kung fu for ourselves, not for our Sifu. We should be pushing ourselves harder, sinking lower in our stances to see how much we can challenge ourselves, not because sifu is watching. We should recognize when we have done well, and not only experience this gratification when Sifu acknowledges it. During a broadsword form today I really felt like I nailed it, it really felt like I had completed the movements correctly and I was disappointed that my Sifu was watching someone else. I remembered this lesson and realized that the important thing was that I recognized the growth in myself.

Nick
White Sash