I am usually not a lucky person. 
since I want to be lazy and not rely on employment income, I crossed over those emini day trading... and watched the screen for almost one year. "Pangan" worse and worse, the more I know, the more fearful I became, think too much and confused. 
Seems the longer time frame is better and day trading is really hard to do yet I still think one can be successful.
I am now thinking DCA the index and watch for good location to enter in furture contract and ride the waves like your "shifu"
but several times I actually got in at good location, but just get shaked out. (pocket not deep and afraid to lose big)
At the end, I think the hardest thing to learn is the trading, but investing is ok. IF I am not successful in trading, I will be just an investor if I can live long enough to see the fruits.... LOL
