Interview with Grand Master Nam Anh (Radio Canada)
An interview with Grand Master Nam Anh by a journalist from Radio-Canada.
Part 1
Grand Master Nam Anh:
In Eastern philosophy, we believe in reincarnation. We believe in a destination — a concept known as “karma.”
We therefore always strive to find and understand our own karma. This helps us live a much easier life — like swimming downstream, going with the current. But if you live against your own karma, it is like swimming upstream.
And so, in our philosophy, we seek our own path — a personal path — to follow, to fulfill, and to complete.
Part 2
Grand Master Nam Anh:
In Kung Fu, there are the 3 M rules — the Three Masteries.
The first mastery is the mastery of technique. Through the study and practice of techniques, one comes to understand one’s own capabilities — one’s strengths and weaknesses.
At a more advanced level, the second mastery is the mastery of one’s emotions. Human beings operate on the basis of seven emotions, and it is essential to master these emotions in order to achieve what is known as self-mastery.
Once this is achieved, there is yet another level of mastery — and that is the mastery of violence.
In short, Kung Fu is a way of mastering and controlling violence.
Part 3
Narrator:
The practice of Kung Fu encompasses philosophical teachings as well as physical training — which is demanding and often painful. These two aspects may appear contradictory and as incompatible as oil and water, yet they are blended harmoniously through the practice and philosophy of Kung Fu.
Grand Master Nam Anh:
These two aspects are not contradictory at all — not in the way you might think.
If you jump into a stream, you must swim — and if you stop moving, you will drown.
You must be alive in order to walk the path. To cross an ocean, you need a strong vessel. If your boat is not sturdy and well-crafted, how will you ever cross that ocean?
The physical body is the boat — and you must build it strong before you embark on the journey across the ocean. That is the vision of the path in Kung Fu.
Part 4
Grand Master Nam Anh:
The most precious thing I have carried with me from the teachings of Kung Fu — and from many years of practice — is an understanding of life and death.
This is something that some may consider esoteric, and it can indeed be difficult to grasp. But for someone who has walked this path for fifty years, you can see very clearly how it all works — especially when it comes to the matter of life and death.
I believe that everyone should come to understand this — to fully embrace this beautiful philosophy. That, above all else, is what matters most.