I figured I would start a thread here where people could boast, or just comment about the benefits of their training. With so much backlash against martial arts originating from China now, and since we are seeing several generations now teaching Kung Fu from non-Chinese, and many eager to shift the focus more to simplified, or cage tested methods, yet others remaining true to what they've been taught. This also comes with Buddhist principles, which are really principles and could be called Muslim or Christian. Are these dwindling? Is the same person that gives you the pieces to become a competent fighter, the same person that should be giving you lessons on self-improvement? I think so... Are martial arts so dissected now that we have pieces all over the place and no real totality, ie, you go here to strike, here to joint lock, here to condition and strengthen, here to get some morals, here for socializing??
While it's good to have community and access to a lot of different things in your school, it is also good to keep open to the world around you and what it has to offer even some of the things that may be contrary to what you are being taught or learning. Keep the mind open, keep the eyes open and it's almost never a good thing to keep all your eggs in one basket. Ask your sifu how many teachers he had and what else in life influenced him. All kungfu is not necessarily of buddhist origin and much of the ways of focused practice on different styles under different teachers is how many sifu of now and of old have done things for centuries.
First and foremost, I have received much physical attributes and skills from my Sifu. I state this first because it was the primary reason I decided to start training. And I also need to continually work these skills and attributes. I am in better shape than ever, more energy, and when I spar or train, I can use what I've been taught under pressure. I still have a long ways to go, but I can feel it starting.
your sifu provides you with a method of training and a system of practice that when applied by you should work according to the plan. Don't sell yourself short. If you do not practice what he has to show you, then you will gain little or nothing at all. the more diligent you are and remain in your practice, the more it simply stands to reason that you will make more and more success as time passes. The sifu takes what he has learned and devises a way for you to gain from the overall practice of kungfu. The work is entirely up to you to do or not do.
Second, I've learned much about respect, humility, and honesty. There are times when I would dismiss something with a little white lie, but then I think that if it was Sifu would I dismiss it like such? Now I find myself being direct and more to the point and not telling those little white lies.
I think this is just part of growing up and taking responsibility for yourself and your actions
Third, through Kung Fu and my Sifu's Kwoon, I have made some great friends and how to listen, to teach (Somewhat!), and to handle a variety of situations.
that's good. Friends are always good. Good friends are great.
Although I've only listed a few that come to mind, I do feel that Kung Fu is a very promising endeavour and that the improvements I've seen are countless. As I start to instruct classes I realize how darn tough it really is to teach and I start to see my own skill level, and the demands I place on my fellow students, and I realize that it is some hard work. I guess that is what Kung Fu is all about.
kungfu by definition is hard work 
, it's about a lot of things. Teaching will not only help yoru younger classmates in their progress, it will help you in yours.
David
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Originally Posted by WinterPalm
