Kung Fu Fusion
I recently evaluated where I am at with my Kung Fu, and it had nothing to do with my kicks or punches. I evaluated where I was at with what Sifu Regier referred to as; “Believing in the system”. I think when we first tie on the belt and take in our first class of Kung Fu we are entering a relationship similar to that of a vacuum salesman at our front door. We approach with caution to determine if the salesperson genuinely believes that I would be better off with a Super Sucker 1000.
For me there was no real definitive time by which I can say that Kung Fu went from being a life add on, to becoming fused and a part of me. The difference in those two perceptions however, is immense. When something is an Add On, it is considered detachable, of little importance, easily sidelined, and even easier to drop altogether.
Some people will buy a Super Sucker 1000 after five minutes with the salesman, others may evaluate it for weeks. The point is, Kung Fu fusion; I believe comes different for everyone. For me, I know the process was slow. In fact it happened over a period of years. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that it has only really been the last year that I have believed in the system. I am not sure why it took so long. Realistically I always liked what Kung Fu did for my life, I liked what it was doing in the lives of fellow students, and people who seemed to believe in the system already, really had no reason to lie.
What I do know, is that I believe I have arrived. I am in a very different place now then I was even a year ago. There are noticeable differences in the two perceptions. When I miss a family event, I don’t feel guilty, I feel disappointed I couldn’t do both. When I miss a Kung Fu event, I don’t have resentment because I take my Kung Fu with me everywhere. It’s fused, and it manifests itself in more than just 50,000 push-ups, it becomes integral in the way I think, the decisions I make, and my relationship.
One thing I am proud of, is that I did not quit for many years because I wasn’t fully invested in the system. Making sure a Super Sucker 1000 is exactly what it claims to be takes time. For me, that time meant periods of guilt, doubt, disengagement, resentment. I think that is normal. Realize that changes in your life of this enormity probably won’t happen fast, but they are very exceptional. For those that are working through this, all I can say is stick with it, take a deep look at yourself at the end of this I Ho Chuan year, and whether you see it or not, I believe you will be one step closer to Kung Fu fusion.
Vince Krebs
