Well you will be able to do that eventually if you put in the dojo time and the martial arts training. You may not be floating around on tree tops in your kung fu shoes or sliding down walls in billowing pyjamas – I haven’t found a sifu for that yet, if I do I will let you know – but you can become a powerful example of discipline and fighting technique.

I used to love watching Bruce Lee as a kid and I bought all his movies as well as posters, books and even nunchuks! I still can’t use those but that’s ok. I soaked up martial arts movies and they helped inspire me in my pursuit of kung fu practice. It is good to have role models to aspire to and emulate.

Everyone following their dream needs to be able to see the people who have been there before them as examples of what can be achieved through training. Hopefully, the teachers we find in our classes will be our first “examples” and their commitment to passing down their skills will motivate us and help us on our martial arts training.

Seeing such skill in action whether in your class environment or through films and movies or demonstrations really helps to maintain that excitement and energy around our art. Nothing creates that drive for excellence as much as seeing the flowing movements and techniques of a master in action.

Without teachers and sifus we can still continue to learn Kung fu or whatever style we are interested in but we will be like ships at sea without a compass, we may get there eventually but we my make many detours and go many miles out of our way.

In recent times the idea of these combat systems being used by everyone from amnesiac super spies to mercenaries to cartoon pandas has become commonplace. Nowadays you can’t make an action film without the hero knowing some form of martial art with which to destroy his opponent.

This is all Hollywood and movie glamour however and while they are focused on the violent aspects our martial arts it is important to remember that there is another side to these ancient fighting arts. There is a deep philosophical and spiritual aspect to a particular branch known as the “soft martial arts”.

What are the soft art styles?

Within the Chinese tradition the soft movement forms or “internal arts” encompass styles of Chi-kung, Hsing-I, Pa Kua and perhaps the best known and most popular – T’ai Chi Chuan. These forms have developed over the years to a point where their aim is to bring about in practitioners a deeper sense of mind-body connection and a wider connection with the world around them. A moving meditation if you will. In essence they strive to create harmony within and without. For those interested in martial arts and personal development, these soft, internal arts can help the student achieve a deep sense of peace and tranquillity within in their own lives.

Are the internal martial arts the styles for you?

Forgetting the benefits of prolonged practice mentioned above, the soft arts are also a great foundation for long term health and physical fitness. They are a complete form of exercise in themselves and will develop vitality in your body which you will find invigorating and satisfying. The chances of injuring yourself with the soft arts are also pretty slim as most of the exercises are simply movement forms. They are deceptive however in the amount of effort you expend. They look simple and effortless while at the same being challenging. That doesn’t mean though that these internal forms lack any combative power and usefulness – they don’t! They all contain a self defence aspect, (with the exception of Chi-kung which focuses particularly on developing Chi) can be just as effective as any of the “harder” varieties.

The only way to tell whether these internal arts are for you is to try them. Like many martial arts we have to sample them for a little while to make sure they suit ourselves and our bodies. If you are looking for a combat art with a deeper aspect to it then the soft arts may be for you.

Getting used to martial arts training is unlike most other sports. You will be using your body in ways you never have before and you will definitely feel it the next day after a session in the dojo. Fighting techniques require that you develop the reflexes of a cat. One of the most important aspects of this is footwork. Where you put your feet will be where the rest of your body generally follows and impact upon how much power you bring in to your kicks and strikes. Good positioning can be the difference between success and failure on the tatami mat or in the ring. Balance and poise develop naturally as you become lighter on your toes.

How do we improve our footwork, whether bare foot, in martial arts shoes or kung fu shoes, in order to improve our all round game when it comes to our individual discipline? Practise and more practise is the all too obvious answer we have to build in to our bodies that automatic knowledge of where to put our feet and our weight. I’ve written some guidelines on immediate action you can take to begin to develop your footwork.

Here are 5 ways to immediately improve your footwork:

1. Shadow or mirror boxing- train like boxers do and watch yourself as you spar against you own image. Try and observe weak points in your movement and stance.
2. Skipping – the classic rope exercise is a foundational exercise you shouldn’t leave out of your schedule. It builds reaction time, footwork, self assurance and balance.
3. Use rope work – tie a rope about two feet long between your ankles when training. The goal is to reach a point where you can move without the rope becoming tight or strained. It shouldn’t ever become this way – aim for looseness and a bit of slack. This is a superb training technique but will at first seem difficult but it is worth persevering with. For extra challenge and stimulus, you can gradually shorten the rope in small
4. Cardiovascular fitness – Work to increase your heart rate and sweat rate – but don’t over-do it. An all round strong heart is the king of all strategies and has numerous knock on effects in your training and life in general.
5. Stretching and flexibility– if you don’t already, do a quick warm-up and then practise stretching your muscles with precise movements. There are plenty of on-line guides to stretching and muscle contraction. Signing up for a yoga class is a good idea for personal instruction and long term benefits.

The feet must always be directly under the body. Any movement of the feet which tends to unbalance the body must be eliminated. The on-guard position is one perfect body balance and should always be maintained, especially as regards the feet. Wide steps or leg movements which require a constant shift of weight from one leg to the other cannot be used. During this shift of weight, there is a moment when balance is precarious and so renders attack or defense ineffective. Also, the opponent can time your shifting for his attack – Bruce Lee, “ Tao of Jeet Kune Do”

These easy-on kung fu slippers are widely used by many people and practitioners of, not only kung fu but other varied styles and they are reasonably priced and and very comfortable. They have a rubber sole and are surrounded by canvas with a light cotton lining which makes for an exceptionally light and durable pair of shoes. What’s great about these classic kung fu slippers, is that they are like a second skin really, and that they are snugly fitted to your feet and allow you to feel every nuance of your movement, positioning and stance. The way they are designed, which obviously goes back a few years, means you are aware of how your feet feel at all times. This sensitivity aids your awareness of your body movements and your technique. Even though shoe technology has come a long way since this footwear came into being they are nonetheless effective and practical.

They have stood the test of time and they wouldn’t still be available if they didn’t have something going for them now would they? You will definitely look the part even if you don’t feel it as a beginner in your style. These traditional kung fu shoes are a great first option for a martial artist. If you have several pairs of martial arts footwear already it is worth having a pair of these as a back-up for emergencies.