Tag: martial arts philosophy

Do you need to add, or do you need to shed?

Oscar AgramonteMindset & Philosophy

Hello, Wah Lum Family!

The author James Clear shared a thought that struck a chord with how we approach our training:

“There are two ways to grow: by adding or by shedding. Do you need to add something or do you need to shed something?”

Our default setting is usually to add. We want to learn a new form, pick up a new weapon, lift heavier weights, or train more days a week.

But often, the biggest leap in our progress comes when we choose to shed. And usually, what we need to shed is the expectation that we must excel at everything all the time.

You cannot be at your best every day

We put an immense amount of pressure on ourselves to perform perfectly every time we step onto the training floor. But as my strength coach Brett Jones has reminded me many times:

“Only the mediocre are at their best all of the time.”

If you are always at your “best,” it means you are staying entirely within your comfort zone. You aren’t pushing the boundaries of your mobility, your strength, or your mind. Real growth is messy. It means having days where your stances feel weak, your mind is foggy, and you feel like you are taking two steps back.

Implementation over Ideas

When we accept that we won’t be perfect every day, we realize a fundamental truth about Kung Fu and life: What prevails is rarely the best idea, but the best implementation.

You don’t need a secret, magical training protocol. You just need to show up and do the work, even when you aren’t at your best.

It is only now, after 25+ years in Wah Lum, that I can truly appreciate this. As I reflect on my own limitations and what I might humbly call my own “mediocrity” compared to the ideal, I am more in awe of Grandmaster Chan than ever. His great skill didn’t come from being perfect every single day; it came from relentless, decades-long implementation.

The power of the “Amateur”

So, if we aren’t going to be perfect, and if we are constantly humbled by the art, why do we keep doing it?

There is a great quote from the show Mozart in the Jungle that captures the mindset we need to cultivate:

“You say ‘amateur’ as if it was a dirty word. ‘Amateur’ comes from the Latin word ‘amare’, which means to love. To do things for the love of it.”

Shed the need to be perfect. Shed the frustration of not being at your best today.

Embrace being an amateur. Step onto the floor, put in the reps, and train simply for the love of the art.

See you in training,

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.

Spread the Pressure

Oscar AgramonteKung Fu, Mindset & Philosophy, Tai Chi

In Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and even in life, pressure is inevitable.

Strategist Lulu Cheng has a formula for measuring pressure: P = F / A — Pressure equals force divided by surface area.

If the same amount of force hits a wide surface, the pressure is low. But if that same force is concentrated into a single point — like a needle — it can pierce through anything.

It’s the same in combat and in daily life.

A wide stance, a solid structure, or a connected team spreads out the pressure. But if you’re alone or too narrow in focus, even a small, focused force can break you.

When life pushes hard, we might not be able to change the force coming at us — but we can widen our surface area.

Lean on your training partners. Ask for help. Connt with your community. Or simply take a step away and do some deep breathing.

That’s the benefit of being part of the Wah Lum family — we don’t face challenges alone. (Have you read my post on The Wah Lum Conspiracy?)

Mental and physical attacks, setbacks, and goals are all shared and supported by the people training beside you.

But when you’re the one applying force? That’s when precision matters. Be focused, specific, intentional — like the tip of that needle. That’s how you make an impact.

Remember, everything meaningful in life involves others. Nothing profound is achieved in isolation.

So when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious — take action. Move. Help someone.

Because action absorbs anxiety, and connection spreads the pressure.

See you in training,

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Feeling stuck? Build Momentum. Small, consistent action turns pressure into progress. Join our next cycle and keep moving forward. Reply with Momentum and I’ll get you started.

 

P.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 22 from Sifu Oscar: Your Life, Your Control

Oscar AgramonteControl Corner, Mindset & Philosophy

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 “Focus 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.