WHEN IS IT GOOD ENOUGH?

 By Yang Shuangxing

You're in class and practicing the basic reverse punch. Again. God only knows how many reverse punches you've thrown since you started learning karate/gong-fu/taekwondo and you've been doing it for several years now. WHY do you have to keep practicing this fundamental technique? You can perform it very well...so, just WHEN will it be good enough that you can dispense with this boring practice?

Never.

The legendary masters of various arts and styles were all known to practice basics every day. Moreover, they weren't simply “lobbing” them out there; their mind were wholly focused on each and every technique. Moreover, according to my teacher, Master W. C. Chen, each had to be executed as if your life depended on it. This doesn't mean that they're performed with a lot of “oomph”, however.... each one one must be sharp and precise with a feeling akin to releasing an arrow from a bow.

Don't compare yourself with others as you practice. You are training for only one person...yourself. And remember, “practicing the basics”involves more than fundamental punches and kicks. It also involves stance and footwork, methods of body shifting, breathing techniques, and elementary form(s).