Finding Direction

 

It's not the speed of attaining goals that is the priority. Instead, it's figuring out how to attain goals and the quality of work that you put in. It's easy to go through the motions so that your audience sees and you maintain your reputation. Know your direction.....plus it is so much more fulfilling when that direction is for the greater good, not just for yourself.

Getting somewhere is easier when you know which direction to start walking.

What's in a name? Part 2: "Sihing"

 

This series is primarily for my students, but I hope the information presented is of interest to others. 

In this series, I'll be addressing the different titles that are observed at my Kwoon, Seattle Wushu Center, as they apply to our Kajukenbo, Wushu, Tai Chi, and Eskrima classes. Please note that the titles featured in this blog apply to our school, and the uses may differ in other schools.

-Restita DeJesus

What's in a name? Titles in Chinese Martial Arts Part 1: "Sifu"

 

In many traditional martial arts, titles can be sort of confusing to remember.  In the Western world, we tend to use the term "Professor" when addressing a college or graduate school instructor, or the term "Doctor" when addressing a medical specialist. However, many times, the use of titles in martial arts is misunderstood, and somehow the same etiquette tends to fly by the wayside in the Western culture. 

In Chinese martial arts and Chinese-based martial systems, the use of titles for teachers and coaches changes depending on the relationship between individual and the teacher within a school or system. It is the students and general public that refer to a teacher by a title. One typically never refers to themselves by a title.

Of course, in any martial arts nowadays, if a teacher prefers to be called by their given name outside of the school, then that's what the students follow. This post is not to berate martial artists for not recognizing their teacher's titles, but to recognize the traditional connotations behind the titles.

 In this series, I'll be sharing both the general outlook of martial arts titles, and how they apply to my classes at my school. I'll present one blog post per Title.

Sifu: 

A term that can be translated as "Teacher-Father" (or nowadays "teacher-parent"), and the standard term for a head instructor (usually upper level rank) of a school. The term doesn't literally mean "Master", although the title implies that the Sifu is the "master of the house", i.e. caretaker/main manager/main teacher of the school (Kwoon).

Generally, the title "Sifu" had been used for male teachers only, while the title "Simo" was used to refer to female teachers or the wife of a (male) Sifu. Nowadays, many schools choose the use the term "Sifu" for anyone that is head of a school (or has been bestowed the title by their own Sifu).

The students usually call their own teacher "Sifu". However, traditionally, the teachers typically do not call themselves "Sifu", nor do they refer to themselves as a "Master". The general public may refer to the teacher as "Sifu" or "Master" to show recognition of their position and knowledge, but a more appropriate term that the public may use is "Laoshi", which is the general term for a teacher or those with long experience and wisdom in a particular subject.

These days, teachers refer to themselves as Sifu when stating who is writing an email or calling on the phone (i.e. "Hi John, this is Sifu Restita, got a minute to discuss your upcoming exam?). But typically we wouldn't introduce ourselves to others with a title. We should never say "Hi, nice to meet you, i'm Sifu Restita DeJesus"). Nor would we sign emails or letters with a title. 

Titles are meant to be used by students of a teacher, when speaking to or speaking of their teacher.  For example, when introducing your teacher to another person, it is considered etiquette proper etiquette to say "James, this is my Kung Fu teacher, Sifu Restita DeJesus. Sifu, this is James."

At our school, the Sifu title is bestowed by the Chief Teacher to Black Belts who reach 3rd degree level and show an interest in teaching and sharing the arts. However the title is not necessarily automatically bestowed when a black belt reaches 3rd degree. In some schools, a title is adopted if a teacher/Master/Grandmaster refers to them with the title. For example, when I was presented with my teaching certificate in Wushu and Tai Chi at a large  celebration banquet , my Sifu presented me to the audience as "Sifu Restita DeJesus", informing the martial arts community in attendance that it is now my current position within her curriculum, because I was to teach her curriculum outside her school.

Traditionally, there is only one "Sifu" at a school, being the head of the school. However nowadays many contemporary schools recognize other Sifu that were promoted to the title by the "Chief" Sifu, as the term can apply to anyone with much more experience in their field than those who are addressing the teachers. The title Sifu is also used in some schools to refer to teachers that have their own class within the school. 

Keep in mind, that the title of the teacher changes, depending on who is referring to them. As already mentioned, students call their teacher "Sifu". However if a student is a black belt and has students of their own, their students call the teacher's teacher "Sigung" (implying "grandparent"). However that title is for another blog post. 

Other titles a Sifu might hold is "Sibak" (older uncle, although the term"Simo" is sometimes used for older auntie. My school tends to recognize the term " Sibak". For example, if one my junior classmates (that I studied under the same Sifu with) has students and they come visit my Kwoon, their students would technically call me 'Sibak' while the Junior classmate could call me  'Sihing" (elder brother) or more appropriately, 'Sijie' (elder sister).  

But I digress. Those titles are for other following blog posts. 😊

In our lineage, at my Kwoon, it is considered good manners for students to address the head teachers of Sifu ranks, by their title even outside of the school. Many Westerners tend to think they can call their teachers by their first name without the title, outside of the school. However, addressing the teacher by their earned title is like addressing a Doctor if you meet them at a grocery store. If you saw your doctor at the store, most people wouldn't say "Hey Mark, good to see ya!".....you'd most likely say "Wow Dr. Mark, (or Doctor Johnson), I didn't know you shopped at this store too...", etc etc. The same would apply in good manners in martial arts.  Same with kids addressing their teachers at their grade school, middle school or high school.....kids tend to address their teachers as "Ms. Johnson" instead of "Lily" if seeing them at the store. It's something naturally done by kids.  In our lineage, the same applies. This is a kung fu etiquette that symbolizes that there is no difference in respect between Kwoon and outside the Kwoon. For example, regardless of the surroundings, the teacher still has more experience than you.

Generally, the public would refer to the teacher as "Lo Si" (Cantonese) or "Laoshi" (Mandarin) as a term of recognition of an individual's position of a teacher. It is polite to uses the term plus the teacher's last name. 

However, regardless of the title, I suggest that students start by being polite, use a teacher's title, and allow the teacher to request that you call them by their given names outside of the Kwoon. Try not to ask "What you want me to call you outside the Kwoon?" because that puts the teacher in a very awkward position, because even while they're trying to teach you the politeness of titles, they don't want to seem egotistical by saying "call me Sifu". If they request that you call them by their first names outside of the Kwoon, then do so....and it is proper to not forget the position and experience they hold.  If they don't correct you, that's fine too, because perhaps the etiquette is something they in turn follow with their own teachers. Both are fine. 

Titles in the Chinese martial arts can be a confusing thing, especially since the use of them are based on family positions (parent, uncle, older/younger siblings, etc etc). When in doubt, ask the teacher "Can you explain the use of the title _______?" I'm sure teachers will appreciate you willingness to learn. 

Why do Kata (forms) practice? (Martial Arts post)

 

"Kata" (Japanese term, literally meaning "shape", or "model") in traditional martial arts, refers to choreographed sequences of movement, known as "forms". In Chinese it is known as "Taolu" ("routine"). Most traditional martial arts have their own forms as part of their curriculums. These forms have been passed down through the generations, keeping the original format. Some forms are modified by Masters. The practice of form may also include "free form" or "free flow" exercises, so that the practitioner can put what they've learned into a spontaneous sequence.

With the popularity of "realistic" fighting styles and MMA, traditional martial artists have seen an increase in the criticism of the practice of forms, primarily in social media. Many videos or posts on social media featuring traditional martial arts kata are met with judgemental comments, such as:

"Won't work in a street fight" (I wonder how many street fights the commenter had encountered?)

"Unrealistic, they need to learn a real martial art". (How many "real" fights have they been in?)

"Such BS. I would sweep and (insert planned out technique here) and  make them tap out" (perhaps they have a plan after watching the video 5 times to formulate their strategy?)

"My system is all about fighting, no stupid useless forms." (Well that just makes you an ass-kicker, now doesn't it?)

Real fighters don't use forms or free flow practice to learn how to practice good techiniques" (um....why do boxers do free flow shadowboxing?)

What some people do not understand is that forms indeed have benefits. While the practice of Kata originally taught the fighting techniques of a particular art, many people today just see fighting as being grappling, boxing and MMA.

Accountability

Being held accountable for our actions or inaction is often seen as either a blessing or a curse. Accountability can be:

- A source of pride

- A means to determine our efforts

- Or, unfortunately, a reason for dishonesty or deceit.

Sometimes we embrace accountability. Sometimes we don't. Sometimes we get angry that our accountability is questioned. 

Emotions aside, ask yourself:

"Am I secure enough to own up and be held accountable?" 

It can be a hard thing to do. It's too easy to blame someone else for your actions (or lack thereof), difficulties or issues. It's too easy to be untruthful in an attempt to "cover our asses". It's too easy to preserve our reputations through cover-ups. It's too easy to demand accountability from someone else, yet find ways to not be accountable for our own actions.

I often ask myself, "Why is this sometimes so difficult?"

There is a Japanese term, "Setsumei Sekinin":

• Setsumei (説明): This part means "explanation" or "clarification."
• Sekinin (責任): This part means "responsibility" or "duty."
• Combined Meaning: Together, "setsumei sekinin" implies a responsibility to provide a clear and thorough explanation, often in a public setting, for actions taken or decisions made.

Given the meaning, the "duty to explain" might sometimes make way for excuses, hidden truths or outright lies. However I've learned through the years to look within and know i'm secure enough to own up to my mistakes, and be courageous enough to "explain". 

I've observed through the years, that those who try to work hard for themselves and their situations, are the ones who take the bitter pill of accountability, while those whole take only partial accountability or refuse to be accountable at all, are those who already have what they want or need, even when it was gained through questionable means.

I've found, that the real time one should keep accountability on the priority list, is when you already have what you want and need.  Not only when you are lacking. Our actions and morals when we have everything set for us, is the indicator of our reputation. 

It can be a tough thing to do, given that many of us in the Western world are caught up in our own reputations and want to preserve it. 

But think of your INTERNAL reputation. You will always be dealing with "You".  It's not about how other people view you.

It's about how you view yourself. 

It's about being truly honest with yourself.

It's about asking yourself 'Did I really do everything I could for myself,

or did I just move on to a different activity to distract myself

to avoid the uncomfortable work?

Reputations are nothing without "Sekinin"....responsibility"...."duty".

April is Filipino Food month!

 

I urge my friends to try Filipino outside of the popular "Lumpia" (egg roll), "Pancit" (noodles), and "Adobo" (meat stewed in soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar).  There are so many dishes, with vegetarian and carnivore options, This month I will try to post about some popular dishes. Stay tuned!

Perspective Matters

Learning to differentiate between "intuition" and "personal issue influence"

 

Something that I've been working on for some months now, is learning to differentiate between "energy" and "personal influence". It is hard for me to explain my thought, but here goes.

We have all heard the phrase "Energy doesn't lie although words can be deceptive", or "Trust your intuition", and similar phrases. We might have even seen memes of similar concepts on social media. However, although some may wonder "it took you this long to figure it out?", the same people should realize that they wouldn't say that if they really understood. 😂

We're human.....and as much as some of us would like to think we are more 'evolved' than others,....we are all flawed. We make mistakes. We do things that are disagreeable and find ways to justify our actions or blame others. We look for the faults in others, etc etc.

Energy is indeed a powerful thing. Some people are really skilled at feeling out the energy in a room and adapting accordingly. Some are great at noticing vibes about someone that may be scattered, negative, stressed, joyful, celebrative, struggling, etc. Their intuition is strong.

However, I've been learning that there's a difference between "intuition" and "personal influence".

Our very own belief structures, prejudices, anxieties, insecurities, projected negativity, judgements, etc can indeed influence us, yet make us believe that it is our inner guidance, intuition, or as some might think, "Divine Guidance".  Personal influence is sometimes hard to differentiate from true intuition.

The learning curve is figuring out what is our intuition and what is our projected personal influence. 

I'm still learning and discovering.  And its going to be a ride on that rollercoaster on the learning curve.

Hearing vs. Understanding

 

Sometimes, we hear with our biases and expecations, picking out just enough words to from an opinion. These opinions might be based on our beliefs, insecurities, and even formed to justify our beliefs. 

Hearing, listening, and understanding are different things. When we learn to really listen to all the words, and ask for clarification if needed, will we learn to communicate effectively with others.

#confirmationbias

#communication

#understanding

#hearingvslistening

Not wanting to train?

(this was published in Sept 2020 during the COVID19 pandemic, and i've slightly modified it for repost.)

-----

 I've noticed a surge in online fitness tutorials on social media and more people taking Zoom classes with their coaches and trainers. I too have experienced increased enrollment in my in person and online classes.

However, I've also noticed there are those that have numerous excuses for not exercising. It's not that they are incapable, it's not that they are mobility challenged, it's not that they don't want to set a goal for exercising....it's just they won't do it.

I've heard many "I can't" type of reasons why students are unable to attend their martial arts class, and many of the reasons are legitimate. However there are some that make me wonder if there are other reasons why they cannot train. The same holds true to other types of exercise. Here are some that I've heard from colleagues who are personal trainers, coaches, and instructors:

"I'm too tired"

 Either the sluggishness convinces you to not head to the gym (and stay on the couch), or the tiredness pulls you away from finishing your workout.

Exercise is one of the best and safest ways to give your energy levels a recharge, but we've all felt that pull of the couch and forget that exercise is an energizer. When you're feeling like not going to training, just try saying to yourself "Well, i'll go and see where I'm at". Chances are, you'll be able to finish the session when your energy bumps ups. Or, if you're in the middle of a workout and want to give up even when you have the energy, try saying to yourself "Okay, just try one more squat", or reminding yourself why you started that day's training in the first place.

"I had a crappy stressful day"

Another excuse that actually says "I don't wanna" and "I choose to stay in this stressed out state of mind".

The stress reducing benefits of any type of exercise are many. Being stressed out or angry is a perfect reason why you get some training in. However, don't look at exercise as something you "have" to do. Choose an exercise modality that you like and enjoy, so that you don't look at the activity as dreaded homework. Walking the dog, a short walk after dinner, or even a short 10 minutes "challenge" of HIIT (high intensity interval training), all count as exercise.  You don't have to workout a whole hour or 2 hours for it to count. Just get that body moving!

"It's raining/too hot/too cold...."

.....and Dorothy's house landed on the Wicked Witch in my backyard.....yada yada yada.

If the weather is the main reason that convinces you to skip out, then you might need to ponder the reasons why you started working out/training in the first place. When people are motivated, they come up with creative ways to get their training in during inclement weather.  Now I'm not saying that you have to drive in the snow in Seattle to get to class (and we know Seattle tends to shut down when it snows 😂).  Train at home. Don't have weights? Find creative ways to get the resistance training in. One time I filled a backpack with water bottles and cardio-walked around my neighborhood. Invest in a inexpensive set of resistance bands, or a dumbell set and adjustable bench. Its amazing how much you can do with a minimum amount of equipment. Practice your kata/forms at home.

"I ate healthy food today, I can skip training today"

Regardless of how advanced we think we are, we are innately reward oriented. However, sometimes our minds trick us into thinking we deserve a reward for very little or no effort. Sometimes we reward ourselves BEFORE the effort ("I'll have this big slice of cheesecake now and get to the gym later to make up for it").

If losing weight is part of your goals, having a healthy diet is only half the battle. The trick is to not confuse "healthy food categories" with healthy eating. For example, having a salad is great, but if you pile on fatty dressing, greasy fried meats, tons of cheese, etc, you've added extra calories that leave you wondering why you're not losing weight. Consult a dietician for advice for your personal goals.

The other half of the battle is building lean muscle to jumpstart your metabolism. If your "healthy food" is overshadowed by unhealthy or empty calories and you skip training, you won't see results.

"I don't have enough space at my house to train my kata/forms"

My house is pretty small. I have enough room to setup my bench and resistance bands to do my weight training, but practicing my forms with the space I have would not be possible unless I modify.

* Upper body only forms practice:  Practice only your upper body movements from a predetermined stance, performing all the moves facing in one direction and simultaneously telling yourself the names of the stances you should be doing for that move. This forces your mind to look at your kata differently and to remember your kata using a different modality.

*Lower body only forms practice:  Same as above, only doing the the stances, adjusting your position when you run out of space, and telling yourself what the upper body is supposed to be doing.

* "Kata in a box": A training method that teach my students, for when they have little to no space at home to practice. It involves switching up your stances and footwork in place, or only moving one stance length in each direction of the form. It is tricky at first, but with practice, you can still practice your forms, and in a way, learn a "new" variation of the from.

"My personal trainer/coach/teacher can't meet with me"

Then learn to train on your own time, using the tips and hints that your trainer gave you at the last training you attended. If you want the gains, you have to work. Not much more I can elaborate on this.

Your work determines your results

 

If you're a martial artist, we've all been there. We've been through days where we just weren't "feeling it", not wanting to go to class, not feeling motivated to work hard that day, just feeling tired, needing some recharge time.  It's fine to take some self care time to oneself, in fact, I always recommend it to my students.  However, when its time to come back to training, it's time to work.

Many times, people tend to base their belt ranks on the years they've been at their Dojo, Kwoon, Dojang, etc. However, being a member for 10 years doesn't mean you have 10 active training years.

An average attendance rate for martial arts is between 2 to 4 classes per week (this is just average, although I know many who attend their classes 5 days a week).  Let's say an average class is 1 hour (yes, I know some hardcore schools will have 90 minute classes or up to 3 hours, but let's just say 1 hour). There are 8,760 hours in a year. That means someone would need to attend that many classes just to equal 1 year.  If someone attends class 2 times per week, that's only 104 hours.

Now I'm not writing this to make people feel bad about not training 5 days a week at their martial arts. We all have lives, we all have responsibilities, perhaps injuries we must take care of, kids to take care of, etc. No teacher or coach should make you feel guilty about not coming to their class 5 days a week.

I'm writing this because I want my own students to understand that it is not the number of classes you attend, it is the EFFORT they put in at each class. If you only put in half effort, it is not going to result in half the results and half the progress.  Half effort produces no real results, because you'd be training yourself to only put in minimal effort. Just do your best at each class, and do your best to practice when you're not in class.

Just as in building muscles, muscles need progressive overload and healthy diet and mindset in order to build and grow. The same applies to martial arts. Skills build with progressive challenges, practicing difficult movements as best as our bodies can while still keeping the standards of the art. Its hard work. And part of that hard work is your mindset. Only you can motivate yourself. Only you can make the decision to push yourself toward the standards of your martial art. Sometimes you might feel like you're starting over and need to push beyond the frustration, dealing with the two steps forward then 1 step back, the feelings of inadequacy, self doubt, and sometimes, even thinking that the teacher owes you promotions for showing up to class. The teacher doesn't 'owe' you anything, and the number of years you've been a member of a school doesn't mean you should automatically get a black belt, if you haven't been putting in the work. You earn what you work for. In doing that, you also "earn more work" (i.e. "earn new material to practice").

THAT is part of the Kung Fu Journey.