Tag: martial arts training

Finding Your “Why” in Training

Oscar AgramonteSifu Oscar's Blog

What makes you Tick?

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make real progress in training. This applies to any pursuit, but for me, it’s mostly Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and strength training.

The first step is figuring out what makes you tick. What keeps you putting in effort consistently; through the tough days, weeks, and years? What’s your why?

For me, it’s two things:

  • My role as an instructor, holding myself to a standard for my students. 
  • My love as a student, striving to grow and improve within Wah Lum tradition. 

Another tool that’s helped me, especially in strength training, is writing things down. Sets, reps, weights, and notes on how I felt. Keeping track makes it clear that even when I feel stuck, I am progressing.

I don’t do this enough in Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Sure, I can see I’ve learned more forms and techniques, but quantity doesn’t equal quality. I could track martial intent, smoothness, endurance; maybe even score myself 1–10.

My plan? Before each training session, open my journal, review the last session, and decide one small way I’ll beat my past self. The key is not huge leaps, just being a little better than yesterday.

 

See 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.

Slowing Down To Level Up

Oscar AgramonteSifu Oscar's Blog

In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. We’re constantly bombarded with stimulus, making it easy to jump from one thing to the next without truly mastering anything. The same happens in martial arts—taking on too much at once can dilute our progress.

Tai Chi offers a different path: one of refinement. With each slow, deliberate movement, we train key principles—weight shifting, relaxation, breath control, rooting, and internal awareness. Even standing in a stance reveals hidden tension. 

Hour by hour, day by day, you can release that tension, and in doing so, discover a whole new world within.

If you practice Kung Fu, you can benefit by slowing down and focusing on smaller sections of a form. Your body becomes a comprehensive internal laboratory for refining fundamentals. 

 

Small Movements, Big Impact

Mastery isn’t about adding more techniques—it’s about deepening our understanding of the ones we already know. 

A classic straight punch, for example, isn’t just about the arm. It starts from the ground, moves through the legs, transfers through the torso, and finally, reaches the fingertips. With patient refinement, tension dissolves, and connection strengthens. Over time, what once felt rigid becomes fluid, effortless, and powerful.

 

What’s Next?

This week, focus on depth over breadth. Take one small movement—maybe a stance, a weight shift, or a simple strike—and refine it. Slow it down, feel the connection from foot to fingertip, and notice the subtle changes. The better you understand one technique, the more it enhances everything else. 

True skill isn’t about learning more—it’s about mastering what you already know.

Train smart. Stay focused.

See you in class!

 

Sifu Oscar

Integrity and Environment in Training

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

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.

Thinking Like a Beginner

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Mastery Starts with a Beginner’s Mind

Have you ever heard the saying, “In the beginner’s mind, there are endless possibilities?” Whether you’re new to Kung Fu or have years of experience, adopting a beginner’s mindset can unlock your potential.

What Is a Beginner’s Mind?

It’s about approaching every practice session with curiosity, as if it’s your very first day. When we let go of what we “already know,” we stay open to learning, embrace mistakes, and enjoy the journey.

How to Practice Beginner’s Mind

  1. Stay Curious: Treat even the basics as brand new—there’s always more to learn.
  2. Embrace Mistakes: Instead of frustration, see them as experiments for growth.
  3. Let Go of Shortcuts: Thinking “I’ve got this” can block progress. Stay open to fresh insights.

The Payoff

When you think like a beginner, you learn faster, reduce stress, and become more focused. This week, approach your training—or even a daily task—with a beginner’s mind. You might be surprised by what you discover!

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.

The Benefits of Single Leg Training In Kung Fu And Tai Chi

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Ever wondered why we do single leg training in our Kung Fu and Tai Chi Classes? 

Yes, “because they are cool” is a valid reason, but there are also other awesome benefits. 

  1. Better Balance: Standing on one leg makes certain muscles on the opposite side work hard to keep you steady. These include: 

           – Glute Medius: A muscle on the side of your hip that helps with side-to-side movements and balance. 

           – Adductor: Muscles inside your thigh that help pull your legs together and stabilize you. 

           – Quadratus: A muscle in your lower back that helps keep your spine stable. 

  1. More Muscles Working: With these muscles engaged, single leg exercises become 3D. You have to keep your balance against, twisting, sideways, and forward-backward forces. 
  2. Real- Life Strength: Single leg exercises copy real life moves and sports, making you stronger for your everyday activities. 
  3. Prevent Injuries: Working each leg separately fixes muscle imbalances, reduces injury risk and improving balance and coordination. 
  4. Stronger Core: Being on one leg requires more core strength than being on two legs, making your whole body stronger. 

Enjoy the balance, stability, and strength of single-leg training at Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi!

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.

Master Your Eating Habits Like Your Martial Arts Moves

Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

I want to share some practical tips to help you stay on track with your health goals while fully enjoying your meals. 

Just as in Kung Fu and Tai Chi, where precision, awareness, and discipline are key, mindful eating can greatly enhance your overall well-being and training.

It’s all about paying attention to your food- savoring each bite, listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and enjoying the overall eating experience without distractions. 

Tips for Practicing Mindful Eating:

  1. Slow Down: In Kung Fu and Tai Chi training, every move is deliberate and controlled. Apply the same principles to your eating. Take your time to eat. Chew each bite thoroughly and savor the flavors and textures.
  2. Eliminate Distractions: Try to eat without distractions such as TV, phones, or computers. Focus solely on your meal and the company around you. Just as you would eliminate distractions to concentrate during training, do the same during meals.
  3. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness signals. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re comfortably full. When training at Wah Lum, listening to your body is crucial to avoid injury and optimize performance. Apply this awareness to your eating habits.
  4. Enjoy Your Food: We tell our students to enjoy the process of mastering a new technique. Apply the same principle to appreciating each meal – its taste, aroma, and presentation. This can enhance your satisfaction and reduce the desire for unhealthy snacks later.

By incorporating these mindful eating strategies into your routine, you can enjoy delicious food while staying on track with your health goals, just as you balance enjoyment and discipline in your martial arts 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.