Seriously?

I have to share this little anecdote that took place on Saturday. Just after it happened, I wasn't sure if it warranted a big laugh or a brawl on the mats.

I was bringing in a big tote of uniforms from my car into the kwoon when a young man (wow, do I sound old!) asked to hold the door open for me. (He was probably in his early twenties at the most). I said that would be great, thank you. As I was walking through the doorway, he asked me how my Kung Fu was going. I said "Awesome!". To which this charming boy says " Well, I studied Muay Thai and Wing Chun, so no offense but my kung fu is better than yours". I smiled and nodded while thinking "you little punk! Let's go right now - on the mats and I'll kick your butt!". Of course I wouldn't do that, but I thought it!

And upon further reflection, I have to put a thanks out to that guy. While I still think his ego is way too big for his britches, he did get me thinking. Here is what I know.

I could never say that my kung fu is better than someone else's. I am always learning and my biggest hope is that I am better today than I was yesterday. If I am not, well then I didn't put in an effort. And the guy next to me? Well, I am sure there is something that he is better at, and I will strive for it, but it doesn't make him better than I am. And....

I also don't care. It's MY journey. No one else's. I love what I do, I have been given this gift of Kung Fu that I can share when I teach. I learn every single day, and I am thankful for that.

I also realized (and it has woefully been brought to my attention before), that I don't exactly look very tough. I am still working on my "meanness" during my forms and my build doesn't exactly intimidate anyone. So while this person annoyed me, he also taught me something (once I stopped deciding whether to laugh or punch him in the nose). He taught me never to forget my journey and the wonderful gift that Kung Fu is.