We had another great 9 section Whip seminar. I really enjoyed the lecture as Sifu told us some of the traditional Chinese sayings relating to the practice of Chinese martial art and health skills. Most Chinese people who train in these skills will have heard these sayings but we might not, so I always love to hear them and have them explained by Sifu. These saying all relate to the importance of practice and following the principles. Water will have to drip on a stone many thousands of times before there will be a hole in the stone, but when there is, then the stone has fundamentally changed, in the same way our regular practise and training will change and develop us, both physically (Quan Do Qian Bien Shen Fa Zi Xian – Practise 1000 times, the kung fu movement will be formed naturally), in personality, understanding and spiritually (Quán dǎ wàn biàn shén lǐ zì jiàn – Practise 10000 times, the spirit will be shown, the theories will be understood). It is not just a matter of practice however, it is also about following the principles so that our training is also internal and improves our health, removes blockages and gives us benefit in the future.
Lian Quan Bu Lian Gong. Dao Lao Yi Chang Kong (Practise Kung Fu without internal training. We will get nothing when we are old.)
Every seminar is an oportunity to polish and pick up new details and this was no exception.
The new part of the form was quite challenging, spinning the whip around your neck while turning! It was hard not to get dizzy. The challenge of the form is to keep everything flowing. A very enjoyable seminar!
by Peter Andersen
Student Comments
“Practice ten thousand times to reach the spiritual level” – that is quite a lot! Really enjoyed the new part, although I get a bit dizzy spinning. Great stuff!
Thank you, Sigong.
Paul Hogg
What seemed incredibly difficult at the beginning of this series of lectures is now becoming more familiar. We had some good discussions in the breakout rooms. I still don’t feel courageous enough to use the metal whip, but I’m sure that will come in time. Thank you Sigong. Peter Hogg
Interesting lecture on how practicing many times changes the body and mind. The new part of the whip is challenging as usual, but the old parts feel a little bit more flowing. Like the tassel, it is a great feeling when it all flows nicely, and irritating when it doesn’t! More practice! Thank you Sigong. Christine
The new section is great fun but I can only practice it so much without getting dizzy! Thanks Sigong for an entertaining challenge!
Lee B
Sifu, thank you for another fantastic course. This one was so much fun. I’m looking forward to practising 1000 times to make it look a little less scruffy.
Peter W
The lecture highlighted the importance of practice and repetition, not just for improving particular forms, but for body, mind, attitude and spirit. Currently, just about keeping up with the form and all the changing and directions, so clearly still much practice is needed. The new part is certainly quite challenging and so will need to get really comfortable with the whip. Thank you Sigong. Sam