| Feature Article
Foster the Spirit of Kung Fu in Everyday Life
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Chinese culture has been evolving for 5,000 years. Its underlying
philosophy includes yin yang, wu xing (5 elements) and ba gua (8
changes) which are illustrated in the I Ching (the Classic of Changes).
The Taoist principles have influenced every aspect of Chinese culture
from medicine to cooking to martial arts. The term kung fu means skill
of a high level. It can be applied to many areas of life. For example,
one would say a master chef has kung fu in cooking. Although the term
has its general use in Chinese culture, it tends to be associated with
martial arts.
The art of Tai Chi Chuan (Grand Ultimate Fist) is based on balance and
harmony. It is about yin and yang, open and close, softness and
firmness. At first, we need to relax so we can know softness. If not,
beginners tend to be too stiff and tense in their movements. Only with
practice can we interchange – we then know when to be soft and when to
be firm. Eventually, we become the embodiment of yin yang.
At first, we find it difficult to relax. Once we learn to relax, we
take care that we do not fall into the extreme state. This means that
we become floppy and empty, with too little structural shape. In Tai
Chi, we strive to find the perfect condition between hardness and
softness. This takes practice and time. In our everyday life, it is
being able to deal with the ups and downs with equanimity. This does
not mean being robotic. It means not being attached to the ups and
downs of our emotions. It is natural for us to express our emotions but
it is important that we do not allow them to control us. Once we become
a victim, we have lost our essence. For example, it is good to have a
drink sometimes. However, when we cannot go without it, it becomes a
problem. We all have different tolerance levels. Training in Tai Chi
teaches us to be aware of this and encourages us to find our balance.
 Another martial art that is based on Chinese philosophy is Xing Yi Chuan
(Shape Mind Boxing) or Xin Yi Chuan (Heart Mind Boxing). Its underlying
philosophy is wu xing (5 elements) – wood, water, metal, fire and
earth. In Xing Yi, these elements are expressions of power represented
by movements like chop, drilling fist, crushing fist, cannon fist and
pushing fist. The philosophy of wu xing states that different elements
are dominant under certain conditions. However, when conditions change,
they lose their form. Earth absorbs water, wood grows and parts the
earth, metal chops wood, fire melts metal, water extinguishes fire, and
on and on it goes. In daily life, the wu xing philosophy teaches us the
complexity of relationships. If we do not understand or empathise with
another’s point of view, we are likely to meet difficulties. The
following story illustrates how easy it is to leap into judgement. A
man travelling on a train was disturbed by some children who were
screaming and fighting. The children’s father was saying and doing
nothing. The man who was sitting a few seats behind them finally could
not restrain himself any longer. He told their father how annoyed he
was with his children, his lack of discipline and his unwillingness to
say or do anything. The children’s father told him very sadly that
their mother had just died that morning and that he was very sorry for
their behaviour.
This philosophy also makes us aware of the connectedness of all things.
In some way which may not be fully comprehended by the mind, we are
linked. Our actions do affect us and others in positive and negative
ways. When we train in any of the kung fu arts, we begin to see the
power of being positive. This happens firstly with ourselves –
overcoming limiting beliefs that “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good
enough”. Then it reflects on our dealings with others. Instead of
being negative, we try to see the good in them and encourage them to be
the best they can be. When we meet true masters of kung fu, we are
always uplifted by the energy and confidence they exude.
Ba Gua Chang (Eight Trigram Palm) is a martial art based on the I Ching
(the Book of Changes). Its movements gain inspiration from the 64
hexagrams of the I Ching. These hexagrams represent the different
phenomena that occur in our world. For example, the hexagram Tai – 3
yin broken and 3 yang unbroken lines – represents tranquillity. It is a
sign that you are on the right path. Another hexagram, song, represents
conflict, a state of tension. More than anything else, the hexagrams
give us insight into ourselves and how our inner state is reflected in
our outer circumstances. The martial art of Ba Gua recognises the
importance of change or adapting to circumstances. Even though the
physical body may be whirling around like a hurricane, internally the
energy and spirit are grounded. In other words, we are taught to keep
our cool, even while those around us lose their cool.
So what is the spirit of kung fu? It enables the weak to become strong,
the fearful to have courage, the depressed to be optimistic and enemies
to meet as friends. Through consistent training, we can overcome
obstacles and transform ourselves. The constant dripping of water wears
away a stone. Train every day and you will wear away the blockages and
resistance. You will then realise your full potential. Once your mind
and heart are open, you will see how wonderful and precious life is.
Kung fu will enable you to live your life to the full and be all that
you can be.
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