Grand Master Mark Cassara, a student of Great Grand Master Wong for over
thirty years, carries on this proud legacy as Supreme Master overseeing teachings of Master Wong at four schools across the
United States, including his headquarters academy in Rochester, New York
Grand master Mark and Sifu Carl Going over movements
Right Click Picture and click play
Your Attitude and Perspective Shapes Your Experiences
You Know This
As you were reading the title of this report, your brain probably had an automatic moment
of acceptance of the idea of it, as we all, I believe,
have a basic understanding that our own attitude and the way we choose to look at things
shapes our experiences. Most Likely you Thought -or think -"I know that."
It's Not What You Know...Yes, well, it is one thing to "know" something --and another to apply
what you "know" repeatedly, consistently and in most all situations. To know is one thing, to make that knowledge work for you, automatically and without conscious thought, is another. To
know something is to own a hammer; to have that knowledge working for you, automatically out of
training, habit, and self-discipline,Is like having a crew of ten carpenters working on your Behalf.
It's Just like the Martial Arts Learning, practicing, and "knowing" the martial arts
is closely connected to learning, practicing, and "knowing" that attitude shapes experience. To
really "know" the martial arts, one has to practice the various techniques and ideas to the point
of complete absorption, to the point when a block, parry, punch, or Throw is delivered without
thought, but from Instant reaction at the perfect time and place. This kind of knowing means that
the brain goes on Automatic while under pressure, while over-stimulated by stress, demand, and
adrenaline. This skill, for most of us, comes from practice. It comes from forming, building, and
strengthening the neural pathways and muscle memories that turn thoughts into automatic responses.
The path is as Important as the Destination. What good Is knowing the martial arts if
you can't apply the techniques when you need them? Likewise, what good is it in knowing that your
attitude and perspective shapes your experiences - if you are unable to apply the idea, consistently and effectively, to your life when you need it? Yes, mastery is the goal. Putting the technique or idea on auto-pilot, that's the highest level of skill.
However, the path to mastery is as important as mastery itself.With the martial arts,
the point of practice is to master the movements --on all levels (physically, mentally, and spiritually).
However, practicing the movements is just as great a benefit -if not a greater one -as mastering
the movements. It is through the repetitive practice of all the movements that one gets fit, learns
to focus, learns when to conserve and when to unleash, and learns to perform despite fears or
Instinctive responses (like: RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!).It is during the practice that one
interacts with his or her teachers and classmates and garners The experiences, friendships, and
memories that are often equal too (or greater than) the physical benefits of the practice itself.
The magic resides in the practice as with physical practice and mastery, practicing
the idea that our attitude shapes our experiences is where the greatest benefits may reside. While
we want to "know" this concept automatically, we want the idea to kick in when we need it and control our experiences by controlling how we see and translate them, it is practicing this concept,
situation after situation and day after day, that gives us the greatest return. It's the repetitive
and conscious practice that gets and keeps us mentally fit -and is equal, I believe, to the benefit
of knowing it completely. During the practice of shaping our attitude and outlook on life's difficulties,
we sharpen our mental and emotional coping skills - and quite often, we make friends and realize
the benefits of forgiveness, compassion, kindness, and love.
Practice is just as important, if not more important, than mastery. Practice is life;
mastery is achievement. Mastery might not even exist! The point might be that the practice and
pursuit of mastery is the most beneficial aspect of the journey.
Thank You Sir, may I have another? So, I say welcome. The emotional and mental
difficulties and challenges of life -- as you welcome the beginning of a martial arts class. You
know it's going to make you sweat, you know you're going to have to work, but it's GOOD! You commit
yourself to a class, willingly and (hopefully) Enthusiastically. You happily accept the challenges
of training, because you know it is how you improve. WhyNot do the same with your attitude
and perspective on life (and its challenges)?Practice developing a good attitude and healthy, peaceful outlook about things that would normally driveYou nuts -or bring you down. Tell yourself
positive things about the what, where, when, why, and who of situations that might normally send
you off the deep end. Practice smiling when you might have cried,practice being calm when you want
to blow a fuse.
Tell yourself that THIS IS YOUR TRAINING, your classroom, your instruction, your lessons.
This is what makes you a master. Don't know and teach the idea that attitude is everything.
-PRACTICE IT! LIVE IT.
Tom Callos
Master Wong Mudong Fu Training Academy
us/Rochester, New York