Control Corner 22 from Sifu Oscar: Your Life, Your Control

Welcome to the Control Corner, where we explore mastering control in martial arts, health, and life. At Wah Lum, the flipped Chinese character for ‘Fire’ symbolizes control—reminding us that true power starts with taking ownership of our journey.

Essentials: The concept of “locus of control” refers to how much you believe you can influence the events in your life. People with a high internal locus of control understand that their actions and decisions shape their destiny, while those with an external locus blame circumstances or others for their situation.

Why it matters: In martial arts, health, and life, your mindset determines your outcomes. If you approach your training believing you’re a victim of circumstances, you’ve already limited your potential. Success starts with taking full responsibility for your journey and seeing yourself as capable of growth and achievement.

What’s Next: This week, make a powerful commitment to yourself: dedicate 5% of your day (just over an hour) to your well-being. Think of it as a “life insurance policy”—not one that pays out after you’re gone, but one that invests in your longevity and quality of life right now. Whether it’s training, meditation, or health practices, this time is non-negotiable. Are you worth 5% of your day? The answer should be a resounding yes.

 

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 21 with Sifu Oscar: Mastering Distraction

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Control Corner, where we explore the art of control – whether in martial arts, health, or life. At Wah Lum, the Chinese Character for “Fire” is flipped upside down to symbolize Control, a philosophy also woven into the Control Your Health logo. 

Each week, we’ll share insights to help you focus on what matters and unlock your full potential. Enjoy!

Essentials: Are you sacrificing the important on the altar of the immediate? Distractions often pull us away from our true goals, but the good news is that we can reclaim control. While there are many things we can’t influence, we can shape our beliefs, behaviors, and focus to align with what truly matters.

Legendary coach John Wooden said it best: “Be quick, but don’t hurry. Always be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Focus on what you can control. You can’t control what other people will think of you, but you can control who you are and how you turn out as a human being.”

Why It Matters: Motivation comes from making choices that remind us we are in control. When we assert ourselves—whether by setting a boundary or taking purposeful action—we activate the part of our mind that drives self-motivation. It’s all about the locus of control: internal (believing we have power) vs. external (feeling powerless). 

Teaching yourself to embrace control fosters confidence and propels growth.

What’s Next: Ask yourself: Who are you at your core? What is essential to you? Gandhi spoke of “reducing oneself to zero,” letting go of who we aren’t so we can fully embody who we’re meant to be. Self-knowledge and authenticity are your greatest tools.

Remember, you are a work in progress, and that’s a good thing. The world needs you to fulfill your purpose. Focus on becoming who you’re meant to be—you matter to those who depend on you.

 

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.