Kung Fu

What is Kung Fu to me? Kung Fu to me is an event that changed my life. I was an angry kid growing up. I had been doing Kung Fu ever since I was in 3rd or 4th grade. I was bullied and resented everything in my path. I looked at the world as "what is the next hoop must I jump through". I was the embodiment of mediocracy. I did not try in my Kung Fu classes. I saw every new change as another weight to bring me down. I did not like Kung Fu. I did not quit (yet), because I did not want to hurt their feelings, or at the time is what I thought. So I continued to go to Kung Fu, but I was never emotionally or mentally there.

Eventually I did quit. It was inevitable. At the time I was happy, no more responsibilities, no more hoops. In my mind I believed Kung Fu never did anything for me anyways. How wrong I was. I unknowingly had created a hole in my life; I was gone for 3 years. I slowly started to realize that everything that Kung Fu has done for me, and that I was implementing the lessons in to my life unknowingly. I used many skills from Kung Fu in school to help get my anger under control. I realized Kung Fu greatly benefitted me. I was not fully convinced yet, but my mom changed that for me.

My mother was also in Kung Fu and every year I saw her go for her black belt and fail. It just reinforced my false ideas about Kung Fu, but on her 3rd try she finally got it. Her hard work and discipline finally paid off. I was blown away, my false ideas crumbled. I was inspired to join back in Kung Fu. I now saw everything that was given to me as a challenge as an opportunity to grow as a martial artist and a human. I developed a new approach. Every challenge was a tool to help me physically and mentally. I started to take full advantage of the no longer hoops, but opportunity's. 

Kung Fu eventually helped me with my social phobia. Kung Fu helped me see all events as an opportunity to become better. Kung Fu helped me find the best friends I have ever had. Kung Fu has given me support like no other. Kung Fu gave me happiness. Kung Fu for me is my miracle that changed my life forever.

Randy Langner