A self-defence situation should be ended as quickly as possible: That would be ideal. Wing Chun is perfect for ending a fight as quickly as possible, as it focuses on vital body parts such as the neck, solar plexus and liver. However, though the probability is low, there is a possibility that your opponent does not fall.  It’s possible that you’re already tired, whether it’s because it’s late at night or you’ve done some physical activity. Either way, endurance comes into play.

In a self-defence situation, all one has to do is outlast the other person; this also applies to competitive fighting. Endurance can be built through frequent exercise and stamina training. However, what the majority of people do not realise is that mental endurance plays an immense role in life too.

Mental endurance does not mean passivity, it does not mean giving up nor does it mean giving in to suffering: It means mental strength. It is the ability to exercise inner strength in everyday life, and the ability to deal effectively with any challenges presented. This requires a certain degree of willpower, self-discipline, and perseverance. We must learn to keep our minds focused upon what we are doing, and not let it get distracted or disorientated. It requires learning to stay on the road that leads to our goals, no matter how tough the going is. When we build mental endurance, we teach ourselves never to quit what we are doing. Our mental endurance keeps us going, even when our body is tired, despite the difficulties and challenges we might face.

At first, this mindset can be adopted by watching others. There are lots of great movies in the world which are based on real-life stories about people who faced incredible odds and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but who nonetheless refused to quit. And they managed to achieve what they were after. Watching others refuse to give up will certainly strengthen your own resolve to keep going. You may tell yourself the following: “They didn’t quit, and neither will I.”

The ultimate goal is to develop an “I won’t quit” mindset. Not giving up is a mindset. And it’s a mindset that you can adopt. What you do need is to constantly tell yourself the following: 

• I will either find a way or make one. 
• Every problem has a solution, and I have the ability to find it. 
• Setbacks are temporary. 
• I will find a way through this. 
• This too shall pass.

Having an “I won’t quit” mindset not only helps in Kung Fu but will make it much easier for you to persist—and refuse to give up—until you achieve your goal.