The beginning, not the end

We constantly have moments of clarity when we are on our journey in the martial arts, and I could write about a lot of them. However, there is one momentous moment, that changed everything for me. I have written about it in the past, and hopefully it isn't too overdone.

My Kung Fu journey was altered forever, the day I broke my ankle. It wasn't passing my black belt test, nor was it being presented with my black belt 3 weeks later. It was how I had to completely change my training perspective. And it is one that has stayed with me since.

I went from focusing on the more physical aspects of training - making sure my body moved the way it was supposed, and fixing the minute details of each and every stance. I recall pushing myself hard every day with my black belt goal in sight.

The moment that I knew I would be out of commission for a time, I started to panic. I had no idea how I was going to continue, let alone what kind of a black belt I could be. However, I learned that there is much more to Kung Fu than perfect punches or kicks. Much more to doing a form than just going through the motions, no matter how perfect they might look. No. I learned that for every movement, there is a breath. A breath where your body and soul are in complete harmony.

I had to slow way down, and focus on what I was feeling, and how my chi flowed, instead of just getting through the technique. I learned to feel my Kung Fu, not to just do Kung Fu. It has become so much more spiritual, and I now understand where my strengths are. My Kung Fu makes sense and is a vital part of who I am, and who I am to become.