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Why do we do this? Train martial arts, that is. Why do we put so much time and effort (and sweat and a few tears) into something which is generally misunderstood by our peers, and sometimes even our friends and family? I just had a conversation about that very subject with one of our black belt students. “Why do you do this?” his wife asks him on occasion. “Because I can,” was the simple, perfect answer.
I have found myself on many occasions trying to find the right answer that question too, and being a teacher, as well as a storyteller (writer and filmmaker), I usually end up with a much more involved answer. I end up going into the great and amazing history of this art form; the awesome feeling of confidence, knowing I can handle myself (and protect a loved one) in a bad situation; the excellent health benefits which get better over time; the incredible feeling of perfecting a difficult technique.
But to be true, I think I like this black belt student’s answer better. He was a student of mine as a beginner about 15 years ago, and I was very pleased (and proud), that a student of mine from so long ago would still be training after all these years. After teaching for many years, I took some time away from the studios to go back to school and finish my degree at USC. Now that I’m back, it’s a real joy to see so many familiar faces in the classes, still working at it, still putting that tremendous effort into achieving their goals. Maybe that’s also part of the reason why I do this, and why I continued to train so hard while on my own for several years – that I know there are others out there, not so different than myself, who are doing the same thing.
So, why do we do it? Why do we train so hard, sweat - and yes, on occasion when a mistake is made, bleed -to perfect ourselves in this quest to achieve a black belt, or another degree of black belt, or even, dare we say, to try and Master this deep and seemingly boundless art form? Why do we do it? Because we can!
S.L. Sylvian
3rd Degree Black Belt
Moo Pai Apprentice under Master R. Jones
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The Ancient Art of Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu: The Law of the Fist
Kung Fu is a martial art that can be traced back to early day China. Calendar dates sometimes reflect the discipline of Kung Fu being established pre-A.D. Within Kung Fu are variations of this martial art.
One of those variations is called Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu which was named after the Shaolin temple of Buddhism. This temple is located on the mountain of Sung and was roughly established around the fourth century A.D.
What Is Shaolin Kung Fu?
In order to understand what Shaolin Kung Fu is, it is important to understand the environment that bred this type of martial art. The Shaolin temple was established during a period of time in China when individual regions were controlled and dominated by warlords. In addition, law and order was based upon the survival of the fittest and as such the different areas were replete with killers and thieves.
To counter this lawlessness, the priests of the Shaolin temple created a powerful new dimension to the art of Kung Fu. This dynamic new dimension to this discipline allowed the priests the resources to repel those that would wish to do harm to those in the temple and who wished to destroy the religion itself.
Some of the abilities that were created through the use of Shaolin Kung Fu were legendary. Some of those legends included the ability of the disciple of this Kung Fu being able to penetrate concrete with their fist, direct their body to heal faster and simulate the action of a dragonfly and skim the surface of water. Every martial arts have their legends and kung fu is no different. In some cases the claims are so unbelievable that you need to take these stories with a grain of salt. However, the monks loved to teach with stories, so there is a grain of truth in most of these legends and should be read with that in mind. To believe a shaolin monk could jump 100 feet is foolish but to understand the story of will power is wisdom.
More on The Art Of Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu
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This is the seminor we did in Federal Way, Washington. This is part one of 5.
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How to Choose a Martial Art
Once you’ve decided that you want to start training a martial art, you’ll need to decide which one is best for you. Of course, your choice might be dictated by the schools available in your area, but if you’re lucky you’ll have the choice of at least a few different types. There are many different types of martial arts (and even variations within the basic types) so it’s important to make sure that you research the techniques and features to find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. This general explanation of the six most popular styles in the United States can help you get started on the decision.
More on Seattle Martial Arts Information
