Discipline and Respect

No matter our reasons for beginning kung fu, the art can only guarantee two things: discipline and respect. When you think about it you will come to realize that with those two things anything and everything is possible. 

There are always provisos that come with guarantees. Logically we all understand that a guarantee is only as good as our common sense and our engagement. Your car’s warranty is void if you drive the car off a cliff. Likewise the guarantee of discipline and respect is void if you are not putting in true, consistent effort. You do not benefit from lessons unless you are present for those lessons. Nor do you benefit from lessons if you are not actively applying them.

Our uniform, like most things in kung fu, serves a purpose. Our uniform helps ground us by being a constant reminder of what we are a part of. It clarifies our perspective and reinforces our commitment while reminding us that no matter our background, we are all equal in the kwoon with the same goals of improvement. 

If the uniform is to be a useful tool to help us develop discipline and respect, we must keep our uniform clean and well-maintained. You can’t expect a saw to do its job if you do not keep it sharp and clean. Your uniform should be treated the same.

Students who continually show up to class with dirty or torn uniforms, are not progressing as quickly as students who respect their uniform. They are not progressing to their full potential not because their uniform is dirty but because they are not applying discipline and respect to their training and their lives. 

The biggest statement a student can make about discipline and respect is how and when they arrive at class. Clearly you are not applying those concepts if you are constantly arriving late for your classes. Consistent tardiness is one of the most disrespectful actions toward your fellow students and your instructors. The second biggest statement a student can make about discipline and respect is the condition of the uniform they are wearing to class. 

The bottom line:

If you want to learn kung fu, you must be taking your training outside the kwoon and into the world by consistently applying the concepts of kung fu in all aspects of your life. That starts by taking care of when you arrive at class and taking care of your uniform.

Jeff Brinker