| I’ve been a golfer for over 30 years, and a | | | | when Royce Gracie dominated that sport. He |
| student of Pai Lum Kung Fu for the past eight | | | | was often matched against opponents much |
| years, achieving the rank of 1st Degree | | | | larger than he (he usually weighed in at about 170 |
| Blackbelt. Although these are obviously radically | | | | pounds). Typically, he would wait until his |
| different activities, to excel in either one, you | | | | opponent would charge in and try to kick him to |
| must develop similar characteristics. Both golf | | | | the head or body. This type of technique often |
| and Kung Fu are total body activities that also | | | | results in less balance for a martial artist and |
| engage the mind. | | | | Gracie would capitalize on this by moving in quickly |
| First we will focus on flexibility. The more flexible | | | | to take his opponent down, then work into a |
| you are, the more potential your golf swing will | | | | position where he could choke out his opponent, |
| have, as you will be able to generate a longer golf | | | | or put him in a joint lock, forcing a tap out or a |
| swing with a wider arc, one of the major keys to | | | | broken limb. |
| increased power. Obviously, flexibility is very | | | | There is no other sport that requires you to be |
| important to the martial artist. Again, the | | | | more mentally tough than in golf. That is why |
| greater the flexibility in your technique, the | | | | Tiger Woods is the best. He is simply much |
| greater the range of motion you may have, and | | | | stronger mentally than any of his competitors, |
| thus, the greater potential for power. Also, | | | | and that is why he often wins even when he is |
| greater flexibility helps prevent injury. | | | | off his game. |
| Next is strength. In both golf and the martial | | | | In Kung Fu, we generate power by maintaining |
| arts, you do NOT need to be super strong to | | | | proper balance and being rooted to the ground. |
| have significant power. Huge muscles typically | | | | In the movies, you will see fighters leaving the |
| are not important to either activity. However, a | | | | ground and performing those fancy, jumping, |
| decent amount of strength is clearly important. | | | | spinning kicks. But, once you leave the ground, |
| Traditional martial artists tend to work out the | | | | you lose power. If you watch any of the old |
| body in more traditional ways, without the use of | | | | Bruce Lee movies, you did not often see him |
| heavy weights. This results in a lean and hard | | | | leaving the ground when he finished off a kick or |
| body, rather than a big and bulky body. A less | | | | a punch. Occasionally, but not often. |
| bulky body allows the martial artist to maintain | | | | In golf, the best players will keep their balance. |
| greater flexibility. This is also important to the | | | | This is the most important factor to having a |
| golfer. We don’t often see 250 pound | | | | powerful golf swing and consistent ball striking |
| linebackers who have a good golf game, but it is | | | | ability. That is why even when they swing hard, |
| not uncommon to see a quarterback play golf | | | | they maintain good balance. |
| well, not to mention a hockey player. | | | | Finally, both activities require you to remain |
| It is also important for the golfer and martial artist | | | | relaxed to perform at the best of your ability. If |
| to be strong mentally. When in a fight, the | | | | there is any excess tension, you lose power, |
| martial artist must maintain his cool and | | | | flexibility and touch. That is why breathing and |
| composure at all times. By doing so, he will | | | | relaxation techniques play a crucial role in the |
| make few mistakes that his opponent may | | | | mastery of both. |
| capitalize upon. | | | | So, if you have the opportunity, go learn a little |
| I am reminded of the early days of the UFC | | | | Kung Fu! I guarantee it will help your golf game! |