This quote was by the late great Danny Fallon from New Jersey. He was an “old school” martial artists from the 60’s and 70’s who fortunately was able to live into the 1990’s. This man judged his power on how many car lengths he could knock someone back. Later in life he went on to run a successful drug/alcohol treatment center because he took no bs and as Dannny would say, “A thief can’t rob a thief”. This quote to me means for some people kung fu is a hobby and others a lifetime commitment. A lifetime commitment because they like it and that’s the kind of person they are, very diffilcult to find committed people today. Before joining any martial arts school ask yourself why you want to train and do you see yourself doing this in 10 years. People come and go in martial arts, some are very dedicated for a short time and disappear, others are slow steady over a long period of time, and others don’t make it at all. Kung Fu has something for everyone. With dedication it can reward you w/ great skills and good health. Often people will find reasons to quit, none of which make them responsible. If you apply this quote to your training you won’t be derailed by the usual excuses, the mind set is a long term commitment to your training.
Everybody wants hamburger, nobody wants steak
Published by January 1st, 2009 in Uncategorized. ClosedDuring the 08 student reunion GM Yee was referring to martial arts today everyone wants what is quick and easy. People eat more hamburgers than steaks and most people don’t want to take the time to wait for a good steak. Today in martial arts the perception is the less time it takes to learn (or become good at) the better it must be. Why would this apply to kung fu when it doesn’t apply to any sport. Can you hit a 90 mph fast ball in 30 days training? Look at professional atheletes, they’ve spend years to get to thier level. Same thing in martial arts, if you want to be a “professionial” or above average you must practice over a long period of time to reach that level. When practicing, your goal is not to be hamburger but grade A steak. In your mind practice to be the best you can, don’t settle for less, don’t settle for hamburger.
Grandmaster Yee would use this quote to encourage people to teach and promote this kung fu system. He would say “you can’t be #1 in your bathroom, if you got something good, show it to the people, share it with the people”. Your kung fu can’t do much good if you keep it locked up and hold it to yourself. Sure you have good health and good self defense but a kung fu man with a good heart shares it. The internet has plenty of people who are keyboard warriors and #1 in their bathroom, it’s safe in there. Nobody will ask you a question, challenge your thinking or challenge you. Take a chance and put yourself out there, that takes some guts. A good example people could identify with today would be BJJ, they brought their style to America because they thought they had something good, they promoted and shared their art. Sharing your kung fu helps you advance by being challenged to teach better or reach people to become better. You can’t do that from your bathroom. Next up, the quote from the 08 reunion, “everyone wants hamburger, nobody wants steak”.
Sifu Pete
This is often a quote heard by GrandMaster Yee, which was followed with “you people always excuse”. This is what makes kung fu people different than others. We don’t make excuses of not having the time, no money, too tired, don’t feel well, no excuses. A real kung fu man is good because he practices and refined his art through hard work. This carries over to his life and knows with a good heart, good mind, and hard work we can make a difference. GM Yee would say kung fu people are not normal people. I’ve seen students come and go from different backgrounds and economics and one thing for sure is if it’s important enough to you, you will make it work.
I’ll be posting more quotes I’ve heard over the 17 years, next up “Can’t be #1 in your bathroom”.
Sifu Pete
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