Karate Kid in Gi - Horse Stance

Karate Kid

The Story of the Water Trough

I once heard a story about a man who came into a Shaolin temple and asked if he could learn kung fu. The master of the temple agreed and called for a large trough to be brought out. The trough was filled with water and the priest then gave the willing student instruction. The student was to hit the surface of the water with all his strength. The student, deciding this was a simple task leaned over and swat the water with all his strength, splashing water in all directions. The master told him to continue hitting the water for the rest of the day. The trough was refilled each time the water level dropped too low. The next day the student was told to continue his exercise. This stretched into weeks and then into months. The student pounded the water furiously each day while he began to have doubts. His frustration found release in the only activity he was allowed to pursue at the temple, slapping water. Finally, after two long years of hitting a trough full of water his anger overcame him. While sitting at the table for dinner the student stood up and spoke to the master. "I have been hitting that trough of water for nearly two years. I came here to learn kung fu and in all that time I have learned nothing." In anger the student pounded his fist upon the table and to his complete surprise the sturdy wooden table broke in two with the force of his blow. The other priests all gazed in wonder at the remains of the table and their meals now strewn on the ground. His anger forgotten, the student turned to the master. Still in his chair, the master smiled and folded his hands while speaking. "Now my pupil you have learned your first lesson".