Sometimes I think about how blessed we are to be living in the 21st Century when it comes to the benefits of communication. I don’t pretend to know the particulars of what this century will bring concerning the betterment, or what will be to the detriment of the human race. I do know that we have wonderful, world wide communication right now.

Through much of China’s history finding a martial arts instructor could be extremely difficult. There were geographical, familial, and trust barriers to overcome. There was little or no commercialization of martial arts, and being accepted as a student could be next to impossible.

In our current circumstances, there is a plethora of instructors, schools, and styles to choose from. Information on all aspects of the martial arts is available in magazines, books, seminars and the World Wide Web. Getting in touch with an instructor half a continent away, or further, is done with a phone call or an email.

Sometimes I long for a simpler time and place. I remember when gasoline was 25 cents a gallon, and a burger could be had for 19 cents. My feelings are very mixed about the time and place I was born. I have often thought I would like to have been stationed on an Army post in Arizona in the 1870s. No cars, airplanes, telephones, or nuclear war. The combat was with iron sighted rifles, pistols, or hand to hand.

But then I think about how I’d much rather go to a dentist in 2007 than in 1874. I also think about how much information we have at our fingertips. I think there are others out there who have these same mixed feelings.

I have come to the conclusion that I should count my blessing about the time and place I live in. I should thank the Good Lord for every day he gives me breath, and the ability to enjoy the martial arts.

Sure, it would have been nice to have lived in China in 1836, and to be in on the beginnings of Choy Lay Fut. But it is also nice to be able to have access to so many systems of martial arts and philosophies right here and now. We are blessed to have life in the period of history we were meant to live in. I think I will enjoy the present.

Article written by Sifu Larry McFadden
Founder of McFadden Leopard Claw Street Martial Arts System & Kan Balam Kung Fu

COMBAT WARRIOR E-MAGAZINE February 2007 / CombatWarriorMag.com