Get On Purpose! Part 1

I'd like to say I found my purpose the first time I stepped into a dojo and threw my first punch, however, this is far from the truth. The reason I got started in martial arts, like many people, is that I was bullied as a kid and had very low self-esteem. Gradually by consistent practice I built up confidence and eventually was able to throw some decent punches, kicks and so on.

At that time I felt my purpose was not to get bullied. I would soon find out how shallow a purpose that was.

Sifu Dave Cial

​
Enter Kung Fu. A new school opened up in town and I figured I'd go check him out. I thought I knew what to look for since I had gotten a bit of a confidence boost from 2 years of karate. I walked into a class of people standing still. Having no idea what they were doing, I asked the teacher, Dave Cial (Left) some questions.  He explained that the standing practice was an exercise called Temple Stances and that they were a cornerstone of kung fu practice. I agreed to participate in the next class, and I quickly found out how difficult a practice it was.

After a few classes I started questioning how to apply these techniques in self-defense. Everytime, without fail, I would throw a random technique and end up either on the floor, in a twisted position, or with a hand in my face. Suffice to say my questions were answered.

After a month or so I decided to take Kung Fu classes full time, the tai chi practice soon followed. With this practice came a new purpose, one that affected the rest of my life. This newfound purpose was a practice of self-development. Underlying this practice was a deep respect for culture, traditions, and lineage.

Some Kung Fu quotes helped me fortify this purpose:
​
"When you drink a glass of water, remember where it came from." -Grandmaster Feemon Ong

"Train hard! Better to have the skill and not need it, than to need it and not have it." -Sifu Dave Cial

"Always be mindfull, see through the red dust." -Grandmaster Feemon Ong

This purpose of self-development is a major factor to why I joined the USMC. To show myself what I was capable of. In those years of hardship, I shaped the purpose of my entire life, although at the time I didn't know it.

Part 2