What is a real Kung Fu master?
A dancer knows how to dance with a sword; a warrior knows how to fight with a sword; but only the master of martial arts knows how to conquer his enemy with an invisible sword: one whose tip is made of wisdom, whose edge is made of integrity, the back of humbleness, the handle of honesty, and the tassel of passion.
What is Wisdom, Courage and Strength?
Master says: “Strength drives fighting techniques, tactics are the key to winning a battle.” In a contest between masters, a single strike will result in fatal damage and therefore determine the winner. Such a fatal strike is an inevitable result of the psychological contest between the fighters happening before the actual body movement even occurs. Victory belongs to those who are able to find their opponents’ weaknesses and develop a strategy to take advantage of that weakness, those who have the courage to strike right at the moment when an elusive opportunity presents itself, and those who execute the strike with strong force. Kung Fu without wisdom, courage, and strength is for show, not for battle.
“One can gain strength through exercises,” I asked Master, “but can we gain wisdom through exercises?”
“Wisdom is built from the techniques.” answered Master.
“Then how does one practice courage?”
“Courage is built from developing self-confidence with the aid of care and love.” Master replied, “Those who have experienced the excitement of success and have a desire to defeat their enemies will become more and more courageous to face being defeated once and again. On the contrary , those who have never ever tasted of success will be beaten down again and again. In other words, children should be educated through positive guidance and encouragement, rather than by punishment, in order to cultivate a positive attitude and nurture their desire to become successful men.”