Staying Strong and Steady: Martial Arts Training in the Time of COVID-19

thoughts

30 Jan

Short Note from Raymond:

This article was originally written by Yeung Sifu in April 2020, during the peak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. We've decided to reupload it on this new website since the story and its insights remain relevant today. We hope you find inspiration and encouragement in these words, just as we continue to do.

Staying Strong and Steady: Martial Arts Training in the Time of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives, pushing us indoors and away from our usual haunts, including the beloved martial arts studios. It's a time that tests our adaptability and resilience, but also an opportunity to reflect on the core of martial arts training: the journey rather than the destination.

Wisdom from "The Tortoise and The Hare"

Years ago, my instructor, Chen Sifu, shared a nugget of wisdom that's particularly relevant now. He compared martial arts training to the classic tale of "The Tortoise and The Hare," emphasizing that the journey matters more than the speed of progression. His words ring true today as we find new ways to continue our practice, reminding us that persistence is key, even if the pace slows down.

Embracing Solitude in Practice

With gyms closed and social distancing in place, many of us are experiencing the unusual solitude of solo training. This shift poses a question about the nature of martial arts: How do we maintain the spirit and effectiveness of our practice in isolation? While we may miss the immediate feedback and camaraderie of sparring partners, this period also opens a door to deeply personal growth.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Solo practice might seem daunting, but it also strips down distractions, allowing us to focus on the nuances of our form, meditate more deeply, and engage with martial arts philosophy on a personal level. This introspective approach can lead to profound insights and a strengthened resolve. It's a chance to turn inward, refine our skills, and perhaps discover aspects of our practice that we've overlooked.

A Call to Inner Strength

This peculiar chapter might not have been the training ground we envisioned, but it brings with it a valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability—qualities at the very heart of martial arts. As we navigate these times, let's use this opportunity to fortify our practice from the inside out. Keep training, keep exploring, and remember that every challenge is a stepping stone on our martial arts journey.

Stay inspired, stay engaged, and let's emerge from this stronger and more connected to our martial path than ever before.

龜兔賽跑－ 19／4／2020
現在武漢肺炎肆虐,大家大多時間留在家中.到外面運動的機會會少了.又有限聚令因此大家都不能到武館練習了.
回想大約廿年前我的師傅陳師傅曾說,練武就好似龜兔賽跑.只要方向正確,有時候我們的步伐雖然好像很慢,但仍有到達目標的時候.問題是我們有否堅持努力.今天看來還有一事,就是孤單.練武人大多數時候都要找拍檔練習、對打、拿手靶、拆招、練抗打,甚至彼此交流練習心得也要另一個人.如果獨自一人練習可以堅持多久呢？一個月？一年？我們看書和上網雖能增長見識,卻不能代替跟人一起的練習吧？