dan ho

If you do not train to fight in kung fu, you are missing out on very valuable benefits of kung fu including sensitivity, reaction, confidence, the list goes on. Sure, there are those who care only about “form” because they are “only studying for the art”. The list of benefits above are lost to those in that frame of thinking. They might as well be taking dance lessons, which actually are more enjoyable.

So why do I love kung fu?

Sensitivity

I had this very novel idea to carry and balance my cameras for quick access to them. Today, as I was walking through the Royal York Hotel, the little flaw in my system became apparent when a strap I used for the system became unravelled. The result was both my SLRs falling simultaneously to the ground. Thanks to my sensitivity, I detected the moment the weight shifted on my shoulders and had lots of time to react. My sensitivity is partly due to genetics (I always have to cut away the rear label on my shirts as I feel them attach to me and it bugs me) and in no small part, sharpened by my kung fu training.

Reaction / Reflexes

Reflexes are ability to react in time. However, proper reaction is also required, not just a random reflex. Thanks to the kung fu training, and my relative ambidextrous abilities, I managed to catch both cameras at the same time before they hit the ground. Thank you kung fu once again.

Kung fu will always remain a big part of my life. Some people might think that training to fight is barbaric, but I think this example illustrates how useful “training to fight” is in everyday non-combat life situations.