In China, there is a subtle and elegant custom when drinking tea: when someone pours tea for you, you express your thanks by gently tapping your bent index and middle fingers on the table.  This is called “Kòu ZhǐLǐ” (扣指礼), which translates roughly to the “Knocking Finger Salute.”

There is a powerful, though likely apocryphal, story that circulates about Nelson Mandela’s presidential inauguration in 1994.  It is said that among the distinguished guests, he invited three former prison guards from Robben Island, where he had spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity.  These were not friendly faces; they were men who had subjected him to hard labor, insults, and brutality.

Last week, I participated in the 10th World Kung Fu Championship at Mount Emei. It was an experience that left me with deep emotions and valuable insights, compelling me to share this heartfelt reflection.

In the US Challenge Championship in 2023 I qualified for the US Kung Fu Team giving me the opportunity to compete in the 10th World Kung Fu Championship at Emei Mountain, China in October, 2025.