Colin Jin Ye Black Belt

Hello everyone, my name is Colin Ye, and my is speech about the link between Kungfu and Chinese culture.

Kungfu has been a major part of my life since I was 3, when I was first introduced to the culture. I have helped out for many potlucks, cultural celebrations, and performances. One particular thing that stuck out to me was the Calligraphy activity during Kungfu summer camp. At first, I thought it was a simple exercise by writing words. I was mistaken, since the “basic” characters actually required immense precision and concentration to get the words looking good. What was hardest to pull off writing the characters was the differences in pressure. Like Kungfu, the flowing and direction of the lines can feel like (and be applied to) the changes in speed and power during any Kungfu form. From Eagle Claw, to Staff, to Sparring, the variations are always there. Another thing to note is the amount of times you have to practice and repeat writing calligraphy to get the words looking how they’re supposed to be like. As with every other sport, habit, or activity, you always have to practice, practice, practice after you learn it.

  Quick question, what is Kungfu’s literal meaning? (wait for audience to respond) Yes, it literally means “A skill that you need to practice in order to get good at it.” If you think about it, calligraphy is the same thing. Again, “A skill you need to practice.” In fact, everybody has a skill they’re good at, and that needs practice. You could use this new knowledge to learn even more things, and it’s still considered Kungfu!

  In total, this is one of many different links from Kungfu and Chinese culture, Calligraphy  being one of them. There are much more links from Chinese culture and Kungfu, but time is limited for me to speak about them. Overall, learning Kungfu and Chinese culture builds understanding of both of them, and are important and interesting to learn about.

  Thank you to my family and friends, and people like you.

Thank you for my family for supporting me on my journey to black belt.