3 Pillars of Training | Can I Learn Kung Fu Without A Training Partner?

We hear it all the time… “Can I learn Kung Fu without a training partner?” or “You can’t learn Martial Arts without a training partner.”, etc.

Since we have opened the doors to Enter Shaolin this question and statement keeps coming up. I think we could make tons of videos and blog posts on this and it would still arise as if we never addressed it. LOL

I like to say that there is 3 pillars to a person learning and becoming proficient in Kung Fu and you might just be surprised at how much you can learn solo and how much of how good you are depends on the training you do when no one is looking…

Here are the 3 Pillars of Training:

The First Pillar: You have to train your body. This includes things like push ups, sit ups, cardio work, bag work, conditioning the body etc… This type of training can be done alone. (You will find most of this type of training in our C.O.R.E. training category here.)

The Second Pillar: This includes things like learning forms and solo training drills. For example: Learning the Sil Lum Tao, Chum Kiu, Bil Gee, Jong, Tai Chi, Qigong, etc… This part also can be trained alone. We have a growing section on solo drills that can be done, obviously without a partner. 😉

The Third Pillar: This is the pillar everyone gets caught up on and often stops them from starting their training. This is the sensitivity training, sparring and practicing partner drills. All of these require a training partner obviously.

But notice how that is only one third of your training and there is a lot more training to do before you are even need or are ready for a partner.

Obviously at some point in your Kung Fu journey you are going to need to seek out training partners. However as the saying goes:

“If you build it, they will come”.

When you start being consistent in all the other training you are doing, people are going to start asking questions. Maybe because you are starting to look more toned and in shape, maybe because your demeanor and attitude has changed fro the better, maybe because you were got doing some Qigong or Tai Chi in the park or maybe you were out in your favorite Enter Shaolin gear and someone aks you if you train in martial arts… As you evolve, people will ask questions, as you make this a lifestyle change vs. a hobby like-minded people are just going to gravitate to you.

Not to mention there are ways you can actively look for training partners or ask a loved one or friend to work with you, bonus they will also reap the same benefits as you!

When your out and about and you see someone checking out your Tai Chi form or see someone wearing martial arts clothing or a shirt, don’t be afraid to start up the conversation. This is a perfect time to introduce yourself, let them know what you do, ask about their martial arts background, etc. If you feel like they might be a good fit to train with, tell them that you are looking for a training partner to train and learn with. The worst that will happen is they say no.

But if you do your part, you are going to eventually find a good training partner or two! You will be amazed how well the laws of attraction work when you are consistent and take action.

Maybe you are not a kung fu expert and you are just getting started that’s okay. You can certainly teach someone the knowledge you yourself have acquired and you could pick one or two lessons from Enter Shaolin to work on together and even outsource the teaching. It really doesn’t have to be complicated.

Do you think you can learn Kung Fu from a video like this?

Here is a little taste of the types of solo training drills we teach you. Sifu Phu is creative and has many ways for you to train solo with and without equipment!

This video from our member’s area in the C.O.R.E. Training section C.O.R.E. stands for (Combat, Offense, Reflex and Energy) Training.

But the real point of this post is, if you don’t have a training partner right now, that’s okay because learning these simple training drills will start giving you the tools you need to apply the techniques you learn. Not to mention you have 2/3 of your training to do solo and that’s not some small feat to get over. It’s sort of like layering.. Each layer and part of your training will bring you closer to being able to perform a technique in a real situation.

The training drill you just learned is to help you develop better wrist control. Go ahead and grab a towel and give the training a try. Let us know if you liked it in the comments section below.

Happy Training,

Sifu Larry Rivera
& The Enter Shaolin Family

1-844-9-KUNGFU

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About Sifu Larry Rivera

Sifu Larry has been training in martial arts since he was 5. In his early years his father influenced his martial arts training. He taught him the basics of self defense, guile, military tactics, Judo and Jiu Jitsu. At age 7 his he was enrolled in Goju-Ryu which he trained in until he was 16. He took sometime off, but when he came back he decided he was never quitting martial arts again and at the age of 19 his thoughts on what martial arts was and was not got flipped when he started training with Sifu Phu and learning internal martial arts. Needless to say, he's a lifer and a guy you want on your side.

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