Category Archives: Philosophy

Deep Practices

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Learning Kung Fu can be a unique experience or, if you are not paying attention, it can be just another subject with the same tired educational template thrown over it. By a “unique experience” I do not mean the kind advertised on vacation posters. I mean an experience that shoots through your veins and hovers over your skin. I mean unique, not in the sense of “really good,” but “one of a kind.” I mean deep. Kung Fu is not the only tree that bears this luscious fruit. But I believe that to satisfy the idea of ‘deep,’ a practice, … Continue reading →

Bagua and the Pandemic Pivot

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The unprecedented changes triggered by the pandemic are ongoing. Like every school all around the world, the Academy of Martial and Internal Arts is adjusting to the changes. We struggle onward despite these challenges, but there are surely more ahead. Many cling to a hope for the ‘return to normal’ but that’s backwards thinking in so many ways. Change is normal and we’re undergoing global change right now. Others talk about ‘the pivot’. Here at the Academy, it has me thinking about the Bagua. Perhaps it’s because Sifu Ted has been working on a Bagua book, one that I’m sure … Continue reading →

Seven Experiences of Martial Training

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Nowadays, everyone seems to want a practice. But the fact that martial arts practice has a path all its own may result in some disappointment to those seeking a casual gym-style experience. Such deep practice can render unexpected results. The art establishes a special relation to the body, leading to some confused feelings. I thought that it might be a benefit for students to recognize some signposts on the journey. Phases like those below do not follow a given sequence but, with the proper amount of practice, they will come. 1.Great Expectations You may find that in the first few … Continue reading →

Interview with Grandteacher Adam Hsu (Added parts 4 & 5)

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Adam Hsu is one of the top Kung Fu teachers in the world. He is also one of the “grandparent” teachers at the Academy, having taught both sifus Linda and Ted. In this series—the first THREE parts now posted—he begins an in-depth conversation on the meaning of true Kung Fu. Update: Parts 4 & 5 Now available   Want to watch on youtube? Click HERE Want to watch on our affiliate site (plumpub.com?) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

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Slow Learner

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Next October, I will celebrate my 50th year in the martial arts. When I started studying, I had no idea or plan to make this a lifetime practice. I joined up for the same reason a lot of 16 year olds do: I was getting bullied at school and I wanted to learn some self-defense. Wait— you mean it took me 50 years to learn to defend myself? Am I just a slow learner, or did I find something else to keep my interest all these years? Honestly, the answer is “both.” I had learned all the self-defense moves I’d … Continue reading →

How To Progress in the Martial Arts By Jim Mullen

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Instruction, Class, Practice Practice, Instruction, Class Class, Practice, Instruction Instruction, Class, Practice After many years in the Martial Arts I’ve found myself in every possible combination of these three activities. I’ve done every combination of any two, and I’ve only used one for long periods of time.

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10 Reasons You Don't Want to Study Kung Fu

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They call it the mother of martial arts, Kung Fu. Considering its age and the powerful influence it has had on all other martial arts on the planet, this is probably true. On the other hand, as we all know, the designation “mother” isn’t always positive as in “That’s a mother of a problem.” And Kung Fu IS a problem because, over a period of thousands of years, it has taken on so much more than the average person can even imagine. It’s like the difference between studying math (ugh!) and learning just enough numbers to make change.

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Mindfullness: Part Two

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Chinese traditional beliefs recognize “Three treasures of Life”: Jing, Chi and Shen (Essence, vital Energy and Spirit). An alchemy can occur with these treasures: a co-dependence enhancing the quality of life. These beliefs emphasize the practical and focus on simplicity.

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