A Wuwei Fighter
By David Chen, 2002

Master Chi was a trainer of imperial fighters for King Tao.

He was training a fine young boy.
The king kept asking if the boy was ready for combat.
     "Not yet", said the trainer.
     "He is full of fire. He is ready to pick a fight with
      every other fighter. He is vain and confident of
      his own strength."

After 10 years, the king asked again.
     "Not yet, he flares up when he hears another fighter shout."

After 10 more years,
     "Not yet, he still gets that angry look and tightens his fists."

Another 10 years, the trainer said,
     "Now he is nearly ready.  When another fighter shouts,
      his eyes do not even flicker; he stands immobile like a tree.
      He is a Wuwei fighter.
      Other fighters will take one look at his eyes and run."

......................
**Wuwei: Non-action, yet prepared for all actions.