It was Michael Tyson’s second day at our Kung-Fu school and I took a hard look at him. He was built like King Kong, was as hairy as King Kong, sported Mr. T’s hairstyle, but he had Oprah Winfrey’s puckered lips and Michael Jackson’s kohl-lined eyes. This made me a wee bit suspicious of his intentions, but I was in full concentration mode as I began teaching him some basic Shaolin Kung Fu tips.
“Tyson, in Shaolin Kung Fu, the Chi (breath) must unite with the Li (force). Do not lose focus, because the brain must coordinate with the heart, the heart must coordinate with the mind and the mind must dictate the way you breathe. Persevere and you will be rewarded.” I began educating Tyson.
“Man, you just sound like my Grandma when she’s chanting hymns at the church! Ha, ha!” Tyson guffawed, his lips vibrating, his eyes filled with merriment. Hmm, Tyson was a casual customer.
I smiled back, “Thanks for that, Tyson. In Shaolin Kung Fu, it is necessary for the body to be agile, swift and packed with energy. The movement of all parts of the body must be coordinated and you must focus on your body movements....