There’s an old saying:
“Those who stay near cinnabar become red; those who stay near ink become black.”
It reminds us that people are shaped by who they surround themselves with.
But while that’s true, it’s also incomplete — especially in martial arts.
Too many students rely on their Sifu’s name as if standing next to a strong tree is the same as being strong themselves. I could totally say that, as I consider I come from one of the strongest lineages of the Ving Tsun system. Don’t get me wrong I am proud.
But too many people think that by just dropping names, trace their lineage proudly, respect will follow.
But here’s the truth:
The plum may fall near the tree — but it still has to ripen on its own.
Lineage Is a Starting Point, Not a Guarantee
Training under a respected Sifu is an honor. Belonging to a strong lineage is valuable.
But none of that guarantees depth, discipline, or mastery.
You still have to walk the path.
You still have to sweat, reflect, correct, and grow.
As another proverb puts it:
“The master leads you to the door, but cultivation is up to you.”
You Represent More Than a Name
Being someone’s student doesn’t automatically make you a worthy representative.
You must earn that with your attitude, your effort, and your example — not just your technique.
If you carry a great name, but act with arrogance or carelessness, you stain the legacy instead of honoring it.
Plums that rot near the tree still rot.
Only those that mature over time carry the true flavor of their origin.
We Must Walk Our Own Path to Mastery
You can speak of who taught you, but what matters more is what you’ve done with what they gave you.
True martial growth comes from personal responsibility — not borrowed glory.
Don’t just lean on the tree.
Grow from its roots.
Stretch higher, that’s what your ancestors would want for you.
Bear fruit worth tasting.
Because in the end, the tree is only honored if the fruit is good.