Active Listening

I feel that a great characteristic to have as a person is to be a great listener.  We have had several consistent messages from our sifus lately pertaining to the "four phases of kung fu".  The consistent message is we need to focus more on the first phase of kung fu which is "form", or "technique".  This is especially evident in my forms.  When I think of this personally, it is a tremendous opportunity for me.  When practicing or performing forms, my focus has always been demonstrating the aspect of power.  I always consider each technique as crashing through a cement wall.  This has been my comfort zone. 

I need to change this to focus on the first phase which is "form".  I am going to challenge myself starting today to mindfully practice forms focusing on the first phase of kung fu.  The benefits will include centering, flow, quality of moition, effortless movement, and the connection of the six harmonies.  I look foward to the benefits of this direction with my forms practice.  This will align my path in making kung fu an art for me.

I will also listen to the advise from Sifu Brinker on Saturday.  Today I have stopped breaking boards, partially because I have broken all that I have, and also because the advise makes sense to me.  I will focus on the specific techniques within my board breaking sequence.

To keep this front and center for myself, the four phases of kung fu:

Form or technique
Speed and power
Accuracy
Realism

Have a great training week all!!

Allan Gamble