Ken Gullette's Internal Fighting Arts

Guest Editorial: What Kung-Fu Has Done for Me

What kung fu has done for me:

A highly remembered Saturday afternoon ritual of mine growing up in the 1980’s was Kung Fu Theatre.  I recall the artificially sounding “whacks,” “whooshes,” “clangs,” and “swishes” that were incorporated into the fight scenes to make them more dramatic.  The obvious looking wigs and fake beards were hilarious and fit perfect with the grunts and "hmmppphs" and "hm hm hmmm..." as well as the unusual pauses and voice patterns that were almost trademark to kung fu movies.  Ever since I was a young child growing up on Kung Fu Theatre - I dreamed of one day studying some cool form of kung fu.

That day came in October 1997 when I met my kung fu teacher and lifelong friend, Ken Gullette. From Ken, I studied various styles of kung fu including Yang and Chen style Tai Chi, HsingI Chuan, and Baguazhang (which was my favorite).  One of the most important features of my studies was a philosophy that has helped me with my personal life tremendously.  I developed a very good reputation in the regional tournament scene and made many good friends throughout this experience.  I remember only one time not placing in a division in 4 strong years of competing, often winning 1st place.  I earned over 60 trophies my first three years of competition.  I still have the trophies as a reminder of my hard work and dedication to martial arts.  I was Ken’s top student and to this day, his only black sash.   

All of this was due to having such a great teacher, friend, and mentor that I found in Ken. My training in the classroom ended in late 2001; however, my training with Ken has been ongoing since 1997.

In 2001 I was training with Ken at our old school on Tanglefoot Lane in Bettendorf, IA.  I was on my 3rd Level Brown Sash and we were running through the test for black sash.  At the time I was practicing a Baguazhang form and after I completed the form Ken turned to me and told me that I earned my black sash.  He stated, “I think you’ve earned your black sash. You dedicate your life to what we practice and study.  You’ve been training hard on your own and in class for the last 4 years.  That is the real test.”   At that very moment Ken told me something I would never forget for the rest of my life.  He turned to me and said, “Richie, you have a talent.”   I hear those words run through my mind often when I am challenged in life.  He was right, I did have a talent.  The talent that I achieved in kung fu developed into becoming a very responsible and successful young man that has attained a great deal of success with his education, career, and personal life.

In 2005 I blew my knee out practicing a straight sword form.  Despite my injury, I came back to class once again.  Then last year I got engaged and relocated to Pella, IA.  I know that if it weren’t for my 3+ hour relocation from the Quad Cities – I would still be training at the school. Life is ever evolving and you never know where it’s going to take you.

What is the point of this entire article?  I could have said that kung fu can help keep a person motivated.  Martial arts can do a lot more than that.  Kung fu has changed my life forever.  Ken has blessed me with his wisdom, experience, and knowledge.  I often ask myself where I would be right now if it weren’t for Ken. I learned many valuable lessons in class, but I believe I learned more from Ken outside of class than anything.  I now make the money I deserve to be making working for a very successful Fortune 100 company and the only major debt I have are my student loans.  I graduate from College with my BSIT next month.  Ken, thank you for all that you have given me.

Richie Coulter -- Pella, Iowa -- February 7, 2007