Learn the Basics and Always Be Prepared to Learn More Basics
I heard an interesting story today that really highlights the importance of the basics and of remembering that we can all always learn something.
An American student of Chinese martial arts (a black belt, actually) along with his master were given an opportunity to meet with a Shaolin warrior-monk. The black belt was extremely excited at the opportunity, because he knew of the "mystic" powers of the Shaolin.
"Master, please tell the monk that I wish to learn the secrets of the Shaolin," he implored.
The master spent a few minutes conversing with the monk and then told his student, "He wants to teach you how to punch."
"Master, I know how to throw a punch. Please, ask him to teach me some of his advanced secrets."
The master spent more time conversing with the month and again told his student, "He wants to teach you how to punch."
"Master, I am a black belt. I have trained with you for years. You know I know how to throw a punch. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to be able to learn the secrets of the Shaolin. Please, ask him to teach me the secrets."
The master again spoke with the monk, and this time the monk asked to see the students punch. The monk lit a candle and asked for a full force punch directly at the flame, but to stop one inch away.
The student threw a beautiful punch and stopped exactly one inch away from the lit candle. "See," he cried, "I have throw a perfect punch. Ask the monk to teach me a secret."
The master spoke with the monk and then turned and said, "He is very impressed with you punch. He says it is very good and very powerful. He would now like to show you his punch." So, the monk got up and threw his punch. Instead of stopping an inch away, he stopped over a foot away. But, something amazing happened; the candle flame went out.
The student was stunned! How could the monk have put out the flame from more than a foot away? "Please," he implored, "that is what I have been asking for. I want to learn that."
The master spoke to the monk and translated, "That is what he has been saying. He wants to teach you how to throw a punch."
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Winter Camp and Big Bow
Mark your calendars for a weekend of hard workouts and exciting new curriculum. The Moogong Ryu Winter Camp and Big Bow is coming soon. The camp staff is hard at work making this camp the best ever with all new offerings.
This year our Winter, Spring, and Fall camps will feature two specials. First of all, there will be no test during camps, which will allow attendees to focus their entire time and efforts toward camp and not be distracted by the testing process. Also, each camp will be designed around a theme. The Winter Camp theme is Competition. Special classes will be held people interested in competitions - as competitors, coaches, referees, or volunteers!
Upcoming events
- Test - Brice Road(Event)(16 days)
- Test - 161 Branch(Event)(18 days)
- March Senior Class(Event)(26 days)
- Test Brice Road(Event)(34 days)
- April Senior Class(Event)(61 days)
- Spring Camp - Brice Road Locaiton(Camp)(75 days)
- Test - Brice Road(Event)(79 days)
- Test 161 Branch (Event)(81 days)
- USAT Indiana State Championships - National Qualifier, Southbend Indiana. (Competition)(83 days)
- May Senior Class(Event)(89 days)
Battle of Columbus 2012
