Control Corner 15 from Sifu Oscar: Prioritizing Health Over Fitness

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Control Corner! Inspired by Wah Lum’s flipped Chinese character for ‘Fire,’ we’ll share insights to help you master control and achieve balance in martial arts, health, and everyday life.

Essentials: As my strength coach Brett Jones wisely said, “The only place fitness comes before health is in the dictionary.” This highlights a powerful truth: prioritizing fitness at the expense of health is a losing game. True training success lies in enhancing overall well-being, not just chasing performance goals.

Why It Matters: Exercise and training should support your health, not compromise it. Sleep, stress management, and nutrition are just as important as hitting your reps. A body fueled by rest and proper care performs better, recovers faster, and sustains progress longer.

What’s Next: This philosophy is why we named our strength, conditioning, and fitness program Control Your Health instead of something like “Control Your Fitness,” even though fitness-focused names might be more popular. Health isn’t just the foundation of all progress—it’s the long-term goal. This week, take a moment to assess: Are you prioritizing health as the bedrock of your training? Small changes in sleep, nutrition, or stress management can make a world of difference!

 

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 11 from Sifu Oscar: Cultivating Awareness for Success

At Wah Lum, the flipped Chinese character for ‘Fire’ reminds us that control is the key to mastering life’s challenges. Welcome to the Control Corner, where we share weekly wisdom to help you unlock your potential.

Essentials: Awareness isn’t about waiting for the right moment—it’s about tuning into the present, especially as life gets busy. By focusing on what you can control now, you’ll create a solid foundation for success, whether that’s with fitness, nutrition, or stress management.

Why It Matters: Many of us approach vacations or holidays with a “survival mode” mindset. But with awareness, you can maintain stability without feeling overwhelmed. Being mindful of your responses to everyday stress can help you stay focused on what truly matters, making the life more enjoyable and meaningful.

What’s Next: This week, take a few moments each day to notice what’s within your control. Simple actions like slowing your breathing, focusing on one task at a time, or grounding yourself in your surroundings can make a huge difference.

 

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 4 from Sifu Oscar: Focus on What’s Within Your Control

Welcome back to the Control Corner, where the journey to mastering your life begins. At Wah Lum, the flipped ‘Fire’ character symbolizes control, reminding us that focus and discipline are key to unlocking our potential. 

Let’s explore this week’s lessons!

Essentials: When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to control things outside your reach. This can lead to frustration and distress. But often, we overlook the areas where we do have control – our behaviors, choices, and mindset.

Why it matters: Instead of stressing about the uncontrollable, ask yourself, “What is actually within my control right now?” Focusing on what you can control opens up space for clarity, new perspectives, and effective solutions.

More Info:This week, shift your attention to the behaviors and choices you know positively influence your life. Whether it’s your health, your martial arts practice, or even how you approach each day, taking control where you can will help reduce the noise of what’s outside your power.

 

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.