MAKING SACRIFICES

 by Yang Xuangxing

New students are sometimes surprised and more than a few are disheartened when I tell them that following the martial path is going to require making some sacrifices. Oftentimes, it means making changes in their lifestyles; changes that usually involve having to make some sacrifices. And that's rarely a comfortable thing to do.

One of the most common problems lies in the ability to attend class. Class times may run afoul of one's hobbies, job, or family activities. I never ask that a student sacrifice family functions (the importance of family is paramount, in my opinion) but hobbies, spending time with one's buddies, and even job conflicts? Oftentimes, yes. I sometimes changed jobs because my current one interfered with my ability to train. It may not have been a wise choice in so far as income goes, but my training was placed higher on my list of priorities. And training always took priority over hobbies as well.

I remember wanting a particular sword very badly. I simply couldn't afford it outright, so I saved up money by eating simpler meals and not spending money on anything that I didn't absolutely have to have. It didn't take long for the extra money to accumulate and I eventually bought that sword. I still have it. And I still practice with it regularly.

It's a question of how badly you want to learn and what level of skill you want to reach. If you want something badly enough, you'll make the necessary sacrifices. If not, you'll make excuses.