Master David Schenk

The following is an autobiographical narrative and thoughts about the Arts by Master Schenk.

I began my training in a system called, Kwan Ying Do. Prior to this I was into biking, swimming, running and lifting some weights. In these avenues of exercise I felt good yet I felt something was missing. Something felt incomplete, and I really didn't know what (yet). These exercises were challenging. Yet I came to realize it was adding another pound or add another mile to the run or bike another hill. I came to realize that I was searching for that something in outside sources and I wasn't being fulfilled.

I joined a Martial Arts School with a friend and started to train. Boy, what a wake up call. I could bike 50 miles yet not sit in horse stance for one minute. I found out I had no real sense of balance either on one leg or between sides of my body. I started to realize (to me) that most exercises programs have no depth, no real spirituality. There is a difference between an Art and an exercise. An art is about self-study, the inner journey. Now, I didn't know this at first, and it took many years until this became clear to me.

I stayed in this system for ten years training hard and doing a lot of self-study, yet at about year five, I was looking. I believed the Martial Arts were about brother/sisterhood. The concept of belts and inflated egos was a turn off. The training was good. I built a great foundation and learned a lot of forms and two weapons. I trained Iron Vest for ten years and did Nine times power for seven. Yet something was still missing, something wasn't complete. I saw a Tai Chi demo, and it was to me a Spiritual dance. Here was a part of the missing link. I wanted to learn, and I did. This was the start of a new concept in ALL that I did.

I left this school and joined the Wu Tan system under the direction of Master Tony Yang. In the next 19 years I studied and learned a lot. I was given permission and a certificate of Masters level to teach all I had learned. This included: Xingyiquan, Praying Mantis, Yangs 32, 24 and long form, Baqua, Ba-Ji, Mizong, Pi-Qua and different levels of Chens Tai Chi. Weapons included, staff, spear, dao, double dao, three straight sword forms, mia dowl and deer horn knives. I also learned more Qigong, Eagle claw training and many other valuable exercises. I left this system in about 2001 due to personal reasons. I have great acceptance of all my teachers and give thanks for all they have passed on to me.

The more I trained the more I understood that the real nature of the Martial Arts isn't about fighting, or being the tough guy on the block. It is about brother/sisterhood, about a common ground on which ALL CAN LEARN EQUALLY. I came to realize the only Dragons we are ever fighting are the ones inside of us. Martial Arts aren't about fighting, they are about the journey to self, of Spirit. Yes, if you want to hone your skills, sparring with the right attitude is the way. This is called having a partner versus an opponent. There is a big difference. To go into the ring and walk out in honor of each other is the way. There is never a loss, in loss is gain. In my opinion, as long as we perpetuate fighting, such as "tough man" contests, it only shows our lack of growth as men and woman on a Spiritual level.

I was asking questions and soon the answers came. I was led to Yoga and the art of stretching. I learned more Meditation and trained under different Qigong masters. I became aware of diet and the importance that all aspects of my life played in this journey. I did a lot of reading on Tai Chi and the internal arts.

I believe in training outside as much as possible. Train in the woods or on open ground. Flat surfaces do little for balance. Uneven ground works all the leg muscles in a different manner. I believe that to be complete you must train in all the above areas; anyone can do a form, but few can sit in silence for an hour. Find a teacher who is willing to pass on the arts completely. This is difficult these days. So many people get MONKEY MIND and run from school to school that they actually hurt the art versus improve it. I believe a lot of teachers hold back information for this reason. They don't want a bad image of their Art reflected in this way. Find a teacher and stick with him/her. Practice and practice and listen to your mind-body. Build a good foundation and then move on. READ, READ and research keep an open mind and open heart, be kind, compassionate, walk a quiet path, never bragging, keeping inner peace above all else. Ask, and you will receive your answers: your teachers.

As this is your journey, you must incorporate the basic P's, as I call them. They are: practice, patience, perseverance and a positive mental attitude. In this way you will gain PROFIT in all areas of your life. There are many levels to the Arts and you have to start with foundation. There is a level of the Arts where the Art plays you versus you playing the art. It took me years to self-realize this; to reach a level where you are no longer DOING a form you are BEING the form. This takes years of practice and is well worth the journey. This is the only way the Arts will grow. This is the only way you will grow.

In peace and balance,

Sifu D. Schenk