In so doing, Mr. Han reveals the true essence of Kung Fu and it isn't fighting. In fact, it couldn't be further from what most people think of Kung Fu.
As bullies attack Dre, they leave him humiliated and angry. Dre just wants to learn Kung Fu to teach them a lesson.
Yet Mr. Han tells Dre that "Kung Fu is not about fighting. It's about making peace with your enemies."
Making peace with your enemies? Huh? Such a concept is so foreign to most of us that we usually laugh this kind of non-sense off.
Yet deep down we know there's way more to it. And that's exactly what Mr. Han teaches Dre at a time in his life that he's so desperate that he'll actually listen.
Both at The Dragon Institute and in the movie, Kung Fu is taught to be about character, not the accumulation of knowledge.
Mr. Han says "Kung Fu lives in how we treat people."
It is about respecting yourself, respecting others and demanding respect when you don't get it from others.
Kung Fu is why "attitude" is so important. It's about facing your fears and learning to take a stand.
It is also about "being still" on the inside instead of doing nothing.
It's about "playing the pauses" - - centering yourself, relaxing and allowing yourself time to breathe.
Mr Han goes on to say that "Kung Fu lives in everything we do. Everything is Kung Fu."
Most people don't look to kung fu for life's answers. They don't think that far "outside-the-box". If you're like Dre, maybe you're one of the people desperate enough to actually listen.
Or maybe this movie has given you insight into what Kung Fu really is.
Either way, we're proud to represent the true spirit of Kung Fu in Orange County.
© The Dragon Institute Wing Chun Orange County | Martial Arts Dana Point | Martial Arts San Clemente
