Finally, after what seemed a very long time, he’d begin to talk, softly but firmly, about whatever it was we’d done, why it was wrong, and how disappointed he was that we were having to have this talk. All while, thin slivers of wood gently floated to floor as his knife deftly cut into stick he was whittling.

By keeping his eyes fixed on his whittling, Grandpa made certain he never saw tears rolling down our faces as consequences of our actions washed over us. He never tried to drive home any big point. He always spoke in gentle tones and when he was finished, he stood, snapped his old knife shut, put it back in his pocket, and turned to walk away, never quite looking at us directly.

“Clean up shavings, will you, boys?” he’d say as he slowly walked off porch. The lesson had been learned, and there was nothing left to say.

You know, people don’t seem to whittle like they used to, at least, not way Grandpa used to, or for same reasons. I don’t even carry a knife, and neither do most folks I know. But there are times when I’m working at lathe in my shop—when a long piece of wood curls up from knife and floats down to floor—when I’m suddenly eight years old again, watching my grandpa sitting on porch swing, whittling.

I reach down, pick up shaving and watch it curl around my finger. Then I just stand for a long moment, remembering, until a thought crosses my mind. Maybe I will get myself a small pocket knife, after all. You never know when urge to whittle might overtake me.

© 2004. Gary E. Anderson. All rights reserved.

I found ‘Testimonials’ section to be quite interesting as there are a variety of responses from students. They come across as being very authentic as there seems to be such a diverse reaction to training. The Kung Fu seems to have helped so many people ranging from older women to teenage boys. One aspect that everyone comments on is lack of ego and competitive nature of instructors. Just like website, stigmatic qualities often associated with Martial Arts is not present here; no one is trying to look cool or be aggressive. This is very important to people whom just want to increase their health and self-defense capabilities like myself.

This website is a perfect example of true function and intention of Internet, to share positive information and knowledge around world. Of course Tai Chi Academy is a business, but honest and open format of their website reflects philosophy of their teachings and is appreciated by visitors. All products’ costs are right there to be seen; as there is nothing to hide when monetary gain is not sole imperative of an organization. A lot can be learned here by companies’ and individuals’ approaches to constructing an identity on Internet.