No Limitation As Limitation

 Sorry for the long gap in posts but I was seriously busy trying to improve my knowledge and skills. I'll tell you some other time.


 That title comes from Bruce Lee's famous statement " Using no way as way, having no limitation as limitation". Let's focus on the second part of that statement. I feel that's especially timely in light of a couple of  things. One was this past July 20th marked his 40th year passing (R.I.P).

   While everyone knows about Lee's phenomenal skill, strength, and speed as a martial artist, what most people don't know about his limitations. He himself admitted as much. Did you know he was very nearsighted? Infact that was the main reason he studied Wing Chun Kung Fu , so he could fight in close. He wore contact lenses the rest of his life.



   One leg of his was shorter than the other.  He also had a small frame and was prone to sinuses. Despite these problems he put the effort to overcome these obstacles. And because of the height difference , even though he was a righty, he switched to a lefty's stance. He found this to be more powerful. He had defeated his "limitations".


  Another thing was this article from Eric Guttman. His article came infact just a few days earlier. Guttman points out how many famous people overcame obstacles to achieve success. Some examples include Michael Jordan and Bill Gates.

    And just this past Labor Day, endurance swimmer Diana Nyad completed the Cuba - Key West swim. That's 100+ miles! Did I mention she's 64 years old? Did I also mention this was her 5th attempt? That's perseverance!  I think it also shows she didn't let her age "limitation" stop her!


    I too have had to overcome limitations. One hip is slightly higher than the other, there's a slight curve in my spine, and my feet while not flat don't have big arches. Despite this I've been able to become a pretty athletic guy, doing pretty good in running and strength activities. At age 42 I was able to run a 5:45 mile and at age 46 I was finally able to do a 1 leg squat ( aka the pistol ).


    We may have limitations but we shouldn't let those keep us down.