From the big city, to the temple. From the north, and finally the south. This year's journey has taken me all over China. Days and nights have gone by. Drinking Tea with friends old and new. Training, drenched in sweat. My body, moving through these ancient motions new to me. My mind, trying to make sense of it all.
Time and time again our little group has been told, "You're not real monks/warrior monks". Yet, day in and day out we continue to train in the art that we love. Performing, competing, testing our skills in so many different ways. In so many different places.
If even discipleship doesn't make one a warrior monk; then what exactly does?
Tea in the City
These thoughts were brought about during a tea session with a friend I hadn't seen in two years. We walked through the streets of Chengdu, catching up on the paths we took in life. His similar but different to mine.
His path; full of visa issues, travel, Wushu carpets, and intense training at one of the best places in China. My path; full of working many jobs, long hours, training when I can, to finally being in China training under the sun. In parks, temples, tombs.
The night sky was dark over the busy city of Chengdu. The streets lit by the lanterns hanging overhead. Sipping slowly on a warm cup, I talked about plans of going home to which my friend replied, "So the warrior monk journey is finally over, huh?".
A chuckle escaped my mouth, "I guess so".
Trickling Thoughts
"Have I ever been a Warrior Monk?".
From the days in Maling, where we were known as the Cripple Crew. A gaggle of foreigners trying to master kung fu under some rough circumstances. Fast forward to me back at home, bald head shining out of the collar of blue monk robes. Competing for Gold. Supported only by my solo training session. Even today, I don't feel like a warrior monk.
Being told that the Kung Fu I've learned in the past is wrong. Government rules forbidding us to wear our training robes in public or at competitions. Having to leave the temple. Plus, many more small instances like this.
It's All Apart of the Journey
The musician's voice floated through the night sky as tea continued to flow from the pot to our cups. The differences in our Kung Fu journeys was interesting. As I talked about the politics behind Shaolin; the fakes, rules, and money behind it. He told me of the reality behind Wushu training. As I lamented about the end of this journey my friend made a comment;
"Maybe this part of your journey is over. Hopefully the skills you've learned will help you on the next part."
The Benefits of This Journey
That's when it hit me. Maybe being considered a "warrior monk" isn't apart of my journey. The goal has always been to learn Kung Fu. Warrior monks were always a motivator, an example of what I should strive for.
Through Kung Fu, my flexibility, coordination, endurance, and understanding has all improved greatly. I've also learned what things I'm drawn to and what things are hard for me to understand or do. Through watching other classmates; I've seen what is possible at many stages of life. Flexibility gains at 45. Strength gains at 60. Those that find peace in their 30s and 40s. These are all reminders that our life is long and we still have time to improve, as long as we keep trying.
So, although I might not be "Shaolin" or a "Warrior Monk". I'm definitely a Kung Fu Man. A Kung Fu Fighter perhaps. And, I'll accept that as I move onto the next stage of my journey.
📿Johnny
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