Control Corner 10 from Sifu Oscar: Building Mobility Now, Not Later

Control starts with focus. Welcome to the Control Corner, where we explore Wah Lum’s philosophy of control, represented by the flipped ‘Fire’ character, and apply it to health, martial arts, and life. Let’s ignite your potential together.

Essentials: The best time to build joint and body health isn’t “someday” or “next year”—it’s now. When you incorporate regular mobility exercises, your body builds the strength it needs for smoother, injury-resistant movement. Think of it as your body’s holiday preparation!

Why It Matters: During the year, extra stress and inactivity can affect your joints, leaving you stiff or prone to injuries. Starting small now, even a few minutes a day, can make a big impact by the time January rolls around. Plus, you’ll feel more limber and ready to tackle anything that comes your way!

What’s Next: Start a simple daily mobility routine. Whether it’s a few gentle stretches or deepening your Kung Fu and Tai Chi practice, the sooner you start, the better you’ll feel.

 

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 9 from Sifu Oscar: Start Small with Nutrition Now, Reap the Rewards Later

Control is the foundation of growth—in martial arts, health, and life. Welcome to this week’s Control Corner, where we honor Wah Lum’s flipped ‘Fire’ character by sharing tools to help you master what truly matters.

Essentials: There’s no need to wait for the “perfect time” to focus on your nutrition. Small, consistent steps—like mindful eating and balanced meals—can set the stage for a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Why It Matters: Whether it’s holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, or regular weekends, having a foundation of good nutrition habits helps you enjoy these moments without overindulging. Starting small now can prevent sluggishness, keep you energized, and align with your health goals year-round.

What’s Next: Try a simple, healthy swap or mindful eating tip each day. Take your time to tune into your body and how food makes you feel. If you’re looking for extra guidance, we’re here to help—just reach out and let us know you’re ready to take the next step in your nutrition 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.

Making Time and Taking Action

Small Actions, Big Wins: Your Guide to Progress

We all want to make progress, whether it’s in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, or our personal goals. But sometimes, life’s demands can feel overwhelming. The key? Two simple yet powerful actions: making time and taking action.

Step 1: Make Time for You

Life pulls us in a million directions, but when you carve out time for yourself, you’re saying, “I matter.” It’s not just about scheduling—it’s about committing to your own growth. Plus, making time helps you build skills like planning and prioritizing, which reduce stress and build resilience.

An easy way to put this into action? Join a martial arts school and commit to attending your classes!

Step 2: Take a Five-Minute Action

The hardest part of starting is often… starting. Instead of waiting for motivation, try this: commit to just five minutes. 

Read one paragraph, practice one stance, or stretch for five minutes. That tiny action builds momentum, breaks through procrastination, and creates a sense of accomplishment.

Your Challenge

This week, block out a few minutes for yourself and take that first small step. You’ll feel more motivated and empowered with every action. Remember, progress is a series of small wins!

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

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.