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 14 from Sifu Oscar: Mastering the Tools, Not Being One

At Wah Lum, the flipped ‘Fire’ character represents control—a powerful philosophy woven into our practice and teachings. Welcome to this week’s Control Corner, where we explore ways to focus on what matters and grow in martial arts, health, and life.

Essentials: Jim Kwik in his book Limitless compares technology to fire: a tool that can either cook your food or burn your house down, depending on how you use it. Tools like fire—and technology—are neither inherently good nor bad. The key is conscious control. Without it, you risk becoming the tool, rather than the master.

Why It Matters: In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to let technology take over. Notifications, endless scrolling, and digital noise can consume our time and energy. Control isn’t about avoiding technology; it’s about setting boundaries and using it purposefully. Think of it as mastering your Kung Fu and Tai Chi skills – you decide how to wield it for good.

What’s Next: This week, take inventory of your digital habits. Are they serving your goals, or are they pulling you off course? Try setting time limits on apps or dedicating tech-free zones in your day. Remember, control is about using tools to empower, not enslave.

 

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.