Shaolin , why choose us, all martial arts have their strengths ,some offer strength building others lighting fast forms some are purely based around fighting techniques. However, the true martial artist soon recognizes the facts from fiction.
What is Martial Arts or "Kung Fu"?
Martial arts is hard work, not only in your training, but in what you should be doing to promote your art, your style and your way of life. If this means that you need to sacrifice time to promote your style or even your particular school then that is what you should be doing. If that is what you are not doing then you probably are merely learning to fight.
Now you might ask, "Is fighting not what martial arts is all about?" The answer is, No, certainly not Chinese martial arts. Fighting does not teach you humility, hard work and dedication, nor does fighting teach patience and the reward thereafter.
After one has learned to be humble and patient, you seem to become a reasonably modest person, avoiding extremes and unnecessary arguments or confrontations, a more content person with what you have because in time you realize that what you have is what you have worked for.
The fighting aspect is ultimately why most people start a martial art, but if you are training under a true Chinese martial arts practitioner you will soon realize that it is not why you should be training.
You should be training to become a better human being ,a patient humble and modest human being. The fighting that is taught in Chinese martial arts is what teachers you honesty. In fighting there is no room for lies, no room for con-men, no one to blame but yourself .if you lose there are no excuses, no petty squabbles about who you are or whose style is better. It is only you to blame that is the Chinese martial art way.
Look carefully when choosing a master. If he follows this way and still dominates at competition level and remains approachable, pleasant to talk to and humble in word and deed then you have found yourself a true master.
To learn the power and sheer endurance of the Tiger takes perseverance, the White Crane demands impeccable balance and perfect posture, something that cannot be developed over-night. The Snake needs to be fast and agile, the Leopard cunning and powerful, the Dragon - lifetime commitment to internal energy development.
Whoever thinks he can accomplish this in a few easy steps only cheats himself and his students. After several years of training I have discovered that "Kung Fu" takes a lifetime of hard work and mainly patience. If this is what you are, then start Chinese martial arts, if not then this is probably not your way, because Chinese martial arts is a long and hard way, but the rewards are great.
By Si-Sook Brian Smith