Category: Mindset & Philosophy

Control Corner 16 from Sifu Oscar: The Power of Self-Awareness

Oscar AgramonteControl Corner, Mindset & Philosophy

The flipped ‘Fire’ character at Wah Lum isn’t just a symbol—it’s a reminder that control transforms lives. Welcome to the Control Corner, where we share practical insights each week to help you focus and unlock your potential.

Essentials: Control begins with self-awareness- knowing who you are, owning it, and embracing both your strengths and shortcomings. True control isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty. 

Why It Matters: When you stop chasing a romanticized version of yourself, accept what you don’t excel at, and lean into what makes you great, everything changes. Execution matters more than ideas, and self-awareness gives you the clarity to move forward with purpose. Accepting yourself isn’t just liberating; it’s your strongest play.  

What’s Next: Reflect on your strengths. What do you do better than most? Where do you struggle? Be honest. Create an environment where you – and others – can speak the truth without fear. Use that truth to fuel your next move.

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Control Corner 8 from Sifu Oscar: Awareness vs. Acceptance (and Why It’s Good for Your Joints!)

Oscar AgramonteControl Corner, Mindset & Philosophy

In martial arts and in life, control is everything. That’s why at Wah Lum, the flipped Chinese character for ‘Fire’ symbolizes the art of control. Welcome to the Control Corner, your weekly guide to focusing on what matters and achieving your potential.

Essentials: I know, talking about death sounds like a downer—but hear me out! In Bitter Sweet, Susan Cain suggests that our difficulty accepting death is central to human suffering. Many great thinkers reminded themselves of mortality daily, even putting out their fires at night without leaving embers, just in case.

Why It Matters: There’s a difference between awareness and acceptance. You don’t have to accept impermanence, but awareness of it can actually bring more control to your life. Think of it like joint mobility: by regularly working on your range of motion and building strength in your end ranges, you gain control and stability. Awareness of life’s limits is similar; it reminds us to focus on what we can control—like how we care for our bodies and how we respond to life’s ups and downs.

What’s Next: Bring control into your daily routine. Start with daily joint mobility, strengthening end-range positions, and building joint control. And if you’re ready to go deeper into this practice, we’re starting a remote coaching program to help you strengthen both body and mindset. Sifu Oscar is bringing on a few students for a remote coaching flexibility/mobility program starting soon. If you’re interested, email kungfu@wahlum.com with “Control Mobility” for details.

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Control Corner 4 from Sifu Oscar: Focus on What’s Within Your Control

Oscar AgramonteControl Corner, Mindset & Philosophy

Welcome back to the Control Corner, where the journey to mastering your life begins. At Wah Lum, the flipped ‘Fire’ character symbolizes control, reminding us that focus and discipline are key to unlocking our potential. 

Let’s explore this week’s lessons!

Essentials: When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to control things outside your reach. This can lead to frustration and distress. But often, we overlook the areas where we do have control – our behaviors, choices, and mindset.

Why it matters: Instead of stressing about the uncontrollable, ask yourself, “What is actually within my control right now?” Focusing on what you can control opens up space for clarity, new perspectives, and effective solutions.

More Info:This week, shift your attention to the behaviors and choices you know positively influence your life. Whether it’s your health, your martial arts practice, or even how you approach each day, taking control where you can will help reduce the noise of what’s outside your power.

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Control Corner 3 from Sifu Oscar: Find Your Fire

Oscar AgramonteControl Corner, Mindset & Philosophy

Our weekly Control Corner is all about harnessing control in every aspect of your life. At Wah Lum, we use the flipped Chinese character for ‘Fire’ as a symbol of control—a reminder that true strength begins with mastery over ourselves. 

Let’s dive into this week’s insights!

Essentials: Award-winning chef José Andrés once shared a story about his father cooking Paella, a dish traditionally made over an open fire. As a child, José was in charge of the fire and didn’t like the task—he thought it was menial. His father corrected him: making the fire was the most important job. “If you control the fire,” his father said, “only then can you be a great cook.” 

Why It Matters: This lesson extends beyond cooking. If you can control the fire within—your passions, reactions, and mindset—you can be anything you want. Pay attention to what’s underneath, not just what’s happening on the surface. How are you reacting to life’s challenges?

What’s Next: This week, take some time to find and tend to your own fire. Discover what fuels you, and focus on controlling it to achieve your goals.

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Control Corner 2 from Sifu Oscar: Discipline Breeds Creativity

Oscar AgramonteControl Corner, Mindset & Philosophy

Welcome to the Control Corner, your weekly dose of wisdom on mastering control in martial arts, health, and life. At Wah Lum, the flipped Chinese character for ‘Fire’ represents control—an idea central to everything we do. 

Let’s explore how focusing on what matters can help you reach your full potential.

Essentials: French novelist Gustave Flaubert once said, “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” His message highlights the power of discipline in personal life to unlock creativity and innovation in other areas.

Why it matters: Stability in your personal life – whether through routine, relationships, or self-discipline – frees you to be bold and daring in other areas. In your martial arts training, controlling the basics, you eliminate distractions and unnecessary complications, creating space for creativity and growth.

What’s Next: This week, focus on bringing order to your personal life. Simplify where you can, and watch how it frees up energy for your martial arts journey!

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Step Back, Reflect, and Realign

Oscar AgramonteMindset & Philosophy

Kung Fu and Tai Chi teach us the value of reflection and intentional action. 

This month, I challenge you to carve out a few hours to step back, reflect, and realign your focus.

Here’s how:

  • Find an inspiring space (a park, a quiet coffee shop).
  • Bring a journal and pen—no devices!
  • Spend time thinking and writing about the bigger picture of your life.

Start with these questions:

  1. Are my daily actions leading me toward my goals—or off course?
  2. What do my actions say about my true priorities?
  3. If my life were a movie, what would the audience be shouting for me to do?
  4. Am I focusing on meaningful goals or getting lost in busy work?
  5. What beliefs should I challenge to grow stronger?

Give this some time, and see how it transforms your mindset. 

Small shifts now can lead to profound changes later—just like a single degree in a kung fu or tai chi stance can make all the difference!

Let me know what insights you uncover—I’d love to hear from you!

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Integrity and Environment in Training

Oscar AgramonteKung Fu, Mindset & Philosophy, Tai Chi

Let’s talk about two words that transform how we approach fundamental human movements and training: integrity and environment. 

These concepts aren’t just buzzwords; they’re essential to understanding how we navigate our training and, ultimately, our lives.

Integrity

Integrity isn’t just a moral principle—it’s about wholeness. In life, it means being the same person in every situation, doing what’s right even when it’s hard. 

These ideas come from strength coach Dan John, whose insights on movement and resilience have inspired the way I approach training and teaching. 

In training, integrity reminds us that the body is one unified system. Every movement you make—whether a punch, kick, or a Tai Chi flow—requires harmony in your entire being.

When we train, we don’t just strengthen individual muscles; we fortify our entire person. From the mind to the spirit, every part contributes to our athletic performance, our health, and our growth.

Environment

Your environment is everything around you, from the floor you stand on to the challenges you face.

At Wah Lum, the environment could be the training floor, an opponent, or even the crowd cheering (or distracting) you.

In simpler settings, like playing catch with a baseball, the environment might seem controlled—just you, the ball, and the person across from you. 

But in more complex situations, like sparring or navigating a chaotic crowd, the environment shifts unpredictably. 

It’s dynamic, ever-changing, and requires you to adapt while maintaining your integrity.

Why This Matters

At Wah Lum, our goal is simple: build you up. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, so you can face any situation with strength and balance. 

As we train, think about how these two ideas—integrity and environment—play a role in every move, every breath, and every decision.

When we flow through a Tai Chi form or execute a powerful kick in Kung Fu, we’re practicing unity within ourselves while adapting to the environment around us. This will help us thrive in martial arts and life’s challenges.

Keep these ideas in mind as you train. 

Be whole. 

Be adaptable. 

And let’s continue building the best versions of ourselves.

Looking forward to seeing you in class!

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Step Into Your Future Self Today

Oscar AgramonteMindset & Philosophy

Imagine Your Future Self

Picture yourself as the focused and disciplined martial artist you’ve always wanted to become—strong, confident, and balanced in both mind and body.

Now, ask yourself: What would that version of you be doing today?

The truth is, your future self isn’t some distant dream. It’s the direct result of the choices and actions you take right now.

Here’s how to get started:

Clarify Your Vision – What does your ideal practice look like?

  • Are you mastering forms and techniques with precision?
  • Building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness?
  • Achieving goals that push your limits?

Train With Intent – Practice like you’re already that future version of yourself.

  • Would your future self skip practice, or would they commit fully?
  • Focus on movements, techniques, and habits that bring meaningful progress.

Make Future-Focused Decisions – Set a training routine, embrace challenges, and approach each session with a long-term mindset.

  • Are you reacting to setbacks, or are you growing from them?

Every day you show up, you’re building momentum. Your future self isn’t a far-off concept—it’s shaped by the choices you make today.

Start training as the person you want to become, and watch how quickly your practice transforms.

Your journey starts now—are you ready to take the first step?

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

There’s No Such Thing as Failure, Only Feedback

Oscar AgramonteMindset & Philosophy

Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

Setbacks happen. But here’s the secret: they’re not failures—they’re feedback. It’s all about how you respond and grow.

Step 1: Normalize Challenges

Feel off track? Distracted? Stuck? That’s normal! What matters is taking action to move forward.

Step 2: Growth Mindset Strategies

  • Remind yourself: Every setback is just feedback.
  • Take one small action to get back on track.
  • Change your environment to improve focus.
  • Get support—ask a friend, an instructor, or send us an email!

Step 3: Learn and Grow

Treat challenges as opportunities to refine your approach. Each one offers valuable lessons.

Your Challenge

This week, notice your setbacks and reframe them as feedback. 

Take one small step forward and keep learning. Growth isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.

Let’s make this week about progress, not perfection!

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

What’s Actually Sustainable

Oscar AgramonteMindset & Philosophy

Sustainable Progress: Small Steps, Big Results

Consistency beats perfection every time. Whether you’re training or tackling life’s challenges, focusing on what’s sustainable will help you achieve your goals without burnout.

Step 1: Adjust Expectations

Life gets busy—it’s normal! Success isn’t about going all-in every day; it’s about finding a rhythm you can maintain. Even a 10% consistent effort can deliver results over time.

Step 2: Think on a Continuum

Avoid “all or nothing” thinking. Instead, ask, “What’s one small thing I can do today?” A little better every day adds up to long-term growth.

Your Long-Game Strategy

This week, set realistic goals that fit your life and stick with them. Whether it’s five minutes of practice or a short meditation, consistency builds results. Play the long game, and you’ll see the progress add up.

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.