Mastering control isn’t just about martial arts—it’s about mastering your life. Welcome to the Control Corner, where we share weekly insights to help you focus on what matters most. Inspired by Wah Lum’s flipped ‘Fire’ symbol, let’s dive in and build your foundation of control.
Essentials: Did you know your body is constantly remodeling itself? Every day, it adapts to what you do or don’t use. If you’re not moving your joints, you’re signaling your body to let that mobility go. To truly “own” a position, you need to remind your body every day that you want it.
Why It Matters: Consistent movement strengthens and preserves joint health, helping you avoid “use it or lose it” setbacks. Keeping your joints active helps you maintain control over your range of motion, reduces injury risk, and keeps your joints healthy.
What’s Next: Interested in building a daily movement habit? Sifu Oscar is inviting a few students to join 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.
Every week, the Control Corner brings you tools to master the art of control in your life. At Wah Lum, we honor the philosophy of control with the flipped ‘Fire’ character—symbolizing discipline and balance.
Let’s ignite this week’s exploration of what truly matters!
Essentials: Injuries often happen when a joint is forced past its usual range, and its tissues can’t manage the pressure. Training your joints to handle these end-range positions helps convert flexibility into usable, controlled mobility.
Why It Matters: Training your body at these challenging ranges can be the difference between walking away from a minor mishap or sustaining a severe injury. Improving joint strength at end ranges decreases your injury risk and protects your mobility, even in unexpected twists and turns.
What’s Next: This week, work on strengthening your body’s end ranges. Choose one of the stances in Kung Fu or Tai Chi and hold the end range while contracting your muscles isometrically. Want to dive deeper? 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 is at the heart of everything we do—martial arts, health, and beyond.
Welcome to the Control Corner, where we share weekly insights inspired by Wah Lum’s philosophy of control, represented by the flipped Chinese character for ‘Fire.’
Ready to unlock your potential?
Essentials: Control over your body starts with your joints. Dr. Andreo Spina emphasizes that training your joints to move fully and accurately prepares your muscles, ligaments, and even your brain for a more accurate sense of your physical space.
Why It Matters: The more control you have over your joints, the more stable and resilient your movements become. With this strong foundation, your body can move more precisely and is less prone to mistakes. Imagine making better progress in your Kung Fu and Tai Chi training because your body knows exactly where it is at all times!
What’s Next: Try a daily joint mobility routine that takes each joint through its full range of motion. By making this a habit, you’re already enhancing your body’s capabilities and long-term health. Follow alonghere.
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.
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.
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: In this section, we’ll explore the concept of Control. At Wah Lum, the Chinese character for “Fire” is flipped upside down to symbolize Control. The symbol is also used in the Control Your Health logo, honoring the deep-rooted philosophy passed down from Grandmaster Chan. Check out Sifu Mimi explaining a little bit more about Wah Lum Philosophy HERE
Why it matters: Control begins with self-awareness – understanding what’s truly important to you. While you can’t control everything, you can focus on the things within your reach, like your health and martial arts practice.
What’s Next: Stay tuned for more insights on Control in our weekly blog. For now, start your week by reflecting on what truly matters to 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.
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.
If you’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like, here’s some food for thought. (And yes, I’m talking to myself too!)
Remember:
You Are What You Do.
Consistency in small actions builds greatness. For example, if you train at the Temple an average of twice per week, try spending 5-10 minutes practicing the basics on the other five days. The compound effect will accelerate your improvement.
Your Beliefs Shape Your Results.
Expect challenges, and they’ll show up. You might face injuries, illness, or even moments of discouragement. Preparing a list of things you can do – rather than focusing on what you can’t – can help you stay on track during difficult times.
Knowledge Isn’t Power Without Action.
You have the tools, now it’s about using them. After reading this, ask yourself: What are you going to do? Read another email, scroll social media, or research secret kung fu training tips? How about spending five minutes on your Kung Fu or Tai Chi basics?
Success is in Your Daily Choices.
What you choose now shapes what you’ll achieve later. The kind of martial artist you become depends on the actions you take today.
Take Control of Your Progress!
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.
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.
Do you ever feel that an invisible ceiling is inhibiting your progress?
As a martial artist, (or aspiring martial artist) we love mastering new movements, pushing ourselves, and getting those incremental improvements, right?
But life gets busy and we find ourselves wrestling with time. Endless commitments, demanding schedules…
The big thing that holds many students back from progressing is being able to get into certain positions. Low stances, high kicks…
But it doesn’t end there!
Once you can get into a certain position, you also want to feel strong there.
I’ve been working on some mobility training that has been helping and I am looking to start a project soon that’ll take a handful of students through a targeted mobility program.
Reply if you want to hear more about it.
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? The 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.
When people ask me how long I have been teaching, and I say over 25 years, I often get a confused look. Perhaps because I look so young! ha. I wish!
I often think about age and experience and realize those two numbers represent entirely different things. Just because someone is ‘older’, doesn’t make them more experienced in things they haven’t practiced. Just because someone is ‘younger’, doesn’t mean they don’t have experience. Reading those lines back is confusing, but basically… you know, the old saying: don’t judge a book by its cover!
I have the perfect story for this that dates back to… oh maybe 18+ years ago. I was attending the Yee’s Hung Ga tournament in New York, and had brought my students with me. My friend was a male Sifu from Yee’s and we went to meet an uncle of one of my students. When we arrived, the uncle immediately ran over to my friend and shook his hand exclaiming how happy he was to meet his nephew’s Sifu. Embarrassed, my friend said, “No, no, I’m not his Sifu, she is his Sifu.” The uncle did a double take, because as you can imagine this was about 18 years ago, so I looked even younger (lament), and I was a she, not a he!
2017 Test Weekend – Lady Sifus2008 Test Weekend – Lady Sifus
I always laugh at these situations, and don’t get too offended, because this is the stereotype I have dealt with my whole life. I am really proud that in the Wah Lum system there are several female Sifus and a good number of female kung fu practitioners. My father is always really proud of this fact as well. *Girl power!*
Post instructor certification weekend, I’ve been doing a lot of ‘thinking about the old days’. Perhaps this is because I had 2 students from my earlier demo teams testing together this year. (Matthew Martin of Wah Lum of Raleigh and Hiep Dang of Wah Lum of Portland) It was a double take for me to watch them both testing together after all these years. This was Matt’s 3rd test and Hiep’s 1st test. I cannot believe how quickly time goes by. On top of it all, they were fight partners and teammates for a long time. I never imagined they would both be testing to become a Sifu and that they would even produce students of their own one day. As I don’t have biological children, I imagine this is what a parent feels like when their kids are all grown up! I’ve been through so much with these guys, been to their weddings, been through hard times… and now they have decided to follow the path of becoming a Sifu. They have chosen to propagate and share Wah Lum with others. I am proud.
I am really proud of the growth of the entire Orlando branch of the Wah Lum tree, the students that have studied with Sifu Tu Truong and I at the Temple. Torsten Landau of Wah Lum Germany, who has been spending his summer training with us for the past 9 years. Last but certainly not least, Oscar Agramonte, my husband who has taken the word partner to another level with being not only my husband, but my partner in Wah Lum. (not an easy task)
I look forward to watching them grow as instructors and meeting their students. I look at all the members of the Wah Lum family and am overwhelmed by the growth of this tree with so many branches. All from the seed that my father planted. He took the teachings of his Master and brought it to the USA to share with the world. I like to remind my students that they are part of something so much bigger than just the classroom they are standing in. Somewhere in the world there are others lining up to ‘bisan‘ and start their kung fu class just as they are. How cool is that?
