Category: Wah Lum

QQ: What Inspired Your Journey Into Kung Fu and Tai Chi?

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

For me, a part was undeniably the cool factor. Growing up with Saturday morning Kung Fu theater left quite the impression, and fueled the desire to mimic (unsuccessfully) those awe-inspiring moves. 

In his book “Mastery,” Aikido instructor George Leaonard proposes, “It’s possible that one of the reasons you embarked on the path of mastery was to look good. But to learn something new of any significance, you have to be willing to look foolish…if you’re always thinking about appearances, you can never attain the state of concentration that’s necessary for effective learning and top performance.”

Acknowledging that looking foolish is part of the initial learning process is crucial. 

It’s a realization that sometimes we have to embrace the discomfort, knowing that something valuable often accompanies moments of initial awkwardness. 

Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals engaged in hard work can help you feel more comfortable and, perhaps more crucially, accountable. 

The collective effort becomes a motivating force, pushing everyone towards their goals. 

From my own experience of enduring moments of seeming foolishness over decades, I’ve learned that hard work plus consistency can compensate for the absence of natural talent. 

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.

Embrace The Work

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Being successful in Kung Fu and Tai Chi isn’t a walk in the park- it demands dedicated effort. Some would say it’s “hard work”?

Anyone claiming otherwise falls into one of two categories:

  1. They’re liars.
  2. They profit by convincing you it’s effortless.

Success requires work.

The kind of work, whom you collaborate with, how, and when you work, and even the intensity of  your efforts – all of these hinge on your personal choices.

So let’s navigate that.

Step 1: Tilt the Balance Towards Production

Ensure your consumption-to-production ratio strongly favors production. Knowing every tactic means little if you don’t put them into action.

Spend more time training than on YouTube.

Step 2: Embrace Being a Beginner

Earn the right to be good by being okay or even bad at something first. Consider it your unique stepping stone, setting you apart from the rest.

Before asking what’s the next thing you will learn, ask if you have put in enough time into the basics. (Hint: you probably haven’t)

Step 3: Embrace Consistency Compounded

Make things easier by leaning into the idea of consistency compounded. Small wins, day after day, outweigh attempting everything at once and falling short.

Step 4: Love the Plan

Your journey is smoother when you genuinely like the plan. Don’t look for shiny shortcuts, but take accountability for your actions and the process becomes more enjoyable.  

Does the training resonate with you? 

Best, 

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.

Understanding Flexibility vs. Mobility

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Let’s talk about Flexibility vs. Mobility. Understanding the difference can greatly enhance your training and overall performance in Kung Fu and Tai Chi. 

Passive Flexibility: This refers to your body’s range of motion when an external force is applied, such as gravity or assistance from a prop like a strap for stretching your hamstrings. 

Active Mobility: On the other hand, this is the range of motion you achieve through your own muscle power, without external aid. 

Why does this matter? 

Simply put, passive flexibility alone doesn’t ensure functional movement in Kung Fu or Tai Chi. 

Active mobility is what empowers you to move your body into necessary positions. It strengthens your muscles and enhances resilience, ultimately improving your performance and reducing the risk of injury. 

By incorporating a more active approach to your stretching routine, you’ll gain better control over how your body moves and feels. 

Keep up the great work!

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.

7 Nutrition Tips For Continued Fat Loss

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

How is the year going so far?

If fat loss or building lean muscle was a goal for the new year, these 7 tips are for you!

  1. Foods Are Your Best Friends: Start loving whole foods in their natural state. Why? They’re less likely to lead to overeating compared to processed foods, which are a bit too tempting and easy to consume in large quantities. Whole foods keep things simple and clean for your body.
  2. Protein – Your Secret Weapon: Make protein a staple at every meal. Mixing up your protein sources not only maximizes energy and trims your waist but also assures you’re always performing at your best. Think of protein as your loyal ally in the battle against fat.
  3. Size Matters in Meals: Here’s a little secret – eating larger meals less often will leave you feeling fuller than snacking frequently. Confused? Use the 3+ strategy: three satisfying meals, and forget about the 5-6 small meals a day. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
  4. Go Nuts for Nuts: Snack on nuts! They’re not just tasty; they keep you full, are packed with essential nutrients, and here’s the kicker – your body doesn’t even access all the calories in them. It’s like a nutritional magic trick!
  5. Minimize Alcohol – Seriously: Alcohol is a triple threat to fat loss – it disrupts metabolism, is calorie-dense, and let’s be honest, leads to some not-so-great food choices. Stick to healthier options and watch your fat-loss efforts pay off more effectively.
  6. Sleep is Non-Negotiable: Underestimate sleep, and you’re inviting sugar cravings and a hungrier you. Plus, insufficient sleep hampers your body’s ability to burn fat efficiently. Embrace your sleep like a precious resource.
  7. Plan and Prepare: Without a plan, you’re planning to fail. It’s that simple. Plan your meals for the day or week. This small habit can be the difference between succumbing to temptations and sticking to your fat-loss goals.

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.

Question To Ask Yourself Everyday

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Ever find yourself pondering the path of your martial arts journey or, more broadly, your life journey? 

It’s a common reflection, and the key is not just knowing what you want, but in understanding how to get there. 

The crucial question isn’t about the “how” every day.

To be your best self now, and to start moving towards the next version of who you are and the life you want, there’s a single powerful question you need to ask yourself: 

What must I say No to, so I can say Yes to what matters?

I wrestle with this every single day. Defaulting to Yes often leaves me overcommitted and overwhelmed.

There’s a real cost to not prioritizing the essentials- not doing the work I’m most called to do, not achieving the impact I aspire to.  

Have you paid this price too? 

So here’s the challenge to the question, in three parts:

  1. What tasks must you say no to? 
  2. Who must you say not to?
  3. What parts of you will you say no to?

It’s a trilogy of questions, each increasing in difficulty.

And it isn’t easy. Real change is never easy. 

If you’re navigating your Wah Lum Kung Fu or Tai Chi Journey and need support, Sifu Mimi and I are opening the next round of our warriorOS program. 

This personalized program will focus on installing your personal Wah Lum Warrior Operating System. 

We’re opening up spots soon. 

Comment with “warriorOS” if you are interested in the details and securing one of the coveted 5 spots. 

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 Crossroads Are You At?

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

At life’s crossroads, choices emerge. Picture this: a moment where the path ahead diverges, and you stand there contemplating. 

Do you choose the familiar, or venture into the unknown? 

Take a breath, and let’s explore the crossroads you’re facing right now. 

This could be a whisper of possibility, a pull towards something new. 

On the flip side, it might feel like the pounding beat of frustration, a push away from the way things are right now. 

These emotions signal potential crossroads, offering you a choice to be made.

So, how do you summon the courage to make the braver choice? (It doesn’t have to be the bravest… but we can strive for braver.)

Well, first you have to admit that there’s a choice to be made. 

Consider this: I want to carve out time for additional training that I KNOW will improve my Kung Fu or Tai Chi. Now, compare that with the late-night Netflix (currently it’s Amazon’s Reacher series) binge. 

See the crossroads? A choice looms – Will I take action? Will I let go of something? Will I choose to do nothing? 

When you’re at the intersection of possibilities, the decision is yours to make. 

Reply to this if you’re at a crossroads in your Wah Lum Journey and share the choice you’re going to make. 

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.

Can 5 Minutes A Day Unlock Your Potential

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

I’ve often spent more time imagining an elusive move in Kung Fu or Tai Chi instead of practicing it. 

Life gets in the way, doesn’t it? 

Whether your goal is self-defense, inner peace, or perfecting a butterfly kick, remember that small, consistent steps lead to big progress. 

Here is a quote from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits that particularly resonated with me today:

“You’re not focused enough unless you’re mourning some of the things you’re saying no to.”

It made me think of 3 questions to unlock clarity, focus on action, and eliminate distractions:

  1. What is my goal with Kung Fu or Tai Chi?
  2. What is one daily action (under 5 minutes) that I can do that will move me towards that goal?
  3. What will I have to limit or give up to do this daily action consistently?

Feel free to respond with your answers by replying to this post!

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.

Build Rock Solid Habits: 2 Smart Strategies

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Let’s talk about building habits without the drama of 7 steps of this, or the complexity of 50 shades of… whatever.

You’ve probably heard the classic advice: Do something for 21 days straight, and boom, a habit is born. Or, just clench three things aggressively (teeth, hands, butt), and voila, problem solved.

But does that really work?
Here are two proven strategies, no clenching required:

  1. Duhigg’s Trigger Trick:
    • Charles Duhigg, the habit guru, suggests focusing not only on the new behavior but also on the trigger that kicks off the old one. Identify that YouTube binge that steals your training time—step one done!
  2. Fogg’s 60-Second Rule:
    • B.J. Fogg from Tiny Habits says your new habit should take only 60 seconds. Want more Kung Fu or Tai Chi? Step two: Commit to just 60 seconds of practice. Make it so easy that it feels like a warm-up, and watch the magic unfold.

Now, let’s apply this to your training:

Example Scenario:

  • Identify the YouTube (or social media) time thief.
  • Commit to 60 seconds of your chosen form or technique.

Result:

  • You’ve simplified your start, and chances are, you’ll end up doing more than just 60 seconds.

So, what do your two habit-building steps look like for you? Hit reply and let me know—I’m curious!

Stay strong,


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.

Some Thoughts That Might Be Useful

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

I’ve put together some thoughts that might be useful.

If you’re not progressing at a rate you are happy with, I’d encourage you to take these thoughts to heart. 

(AND THERE I WAS MAINLY SPEAKING TO MYSELF!)

Now, invariably, when I write things like this, I get replies saying ‘Were you talking about me?’

No, and yes.

It’s not specifically about anyone…but it’s about you if it’s about you:)

Here goes…

You are not what you say or think, you are what you do. As a person, martial artist, or fitness enthusiast, your success is 100% dictated by your actions and their results.

The simplest way to be great is just to be consistently good. Small steps day after day, week after week, are the surest path to success.

What you believe is what you settle for. If you believe things won’t work or that things are always hard…they are.

Your ideas and knowledge are worth nothing without consistent execution. You know what you need to know and have access to the coaching, tools, and resources you need…but what you do with them is 100% on you. 

Said differently, Consuming information won’t make you successful, applying it will.

Success is choosing between what you want now and what you want most. How you spend each day will tell you what you’re choosing.

OK – that’s my collection of bonus thoughts. Maybe they’re helpful. Perhaps they’re not relevant or you’re not ready to hear them.

Either way…they’re true:)

 

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.

How Champions Embrace Stumbles & Smash Goals

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Want to achieve something extraordinary in your martial arts and fitness journey? Buckle up, because the road to excellence is paved with setbacks.

Forget instant wins – embracing frustration and learning from defeats is what separates champions from the rest.

Here are some tips:

  • Show up. Do the work. Repeat. Blue-collar hustle meets unwavering will. No distractions, just relentless pursuit.
  • Ditch the strict timeline. Greatness takes time, not deadlines. Commit to the journey, not a finish line.
  • Celebrate wins, learn from losses. If you’re not stumbling, you’re not pushing hard enough. Embrace the grind, it’s where growth happens.
  • One big decision, not a million tiny ones. Choose your ultimate goal, then stay laser-focused. Less decision fatigue, more unwavering progress.

This isn’t easy, but the reward? Crushing your goals and becoming the best version of yourself.


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.