This year we smashed our Chinese New Year records with a total of 52 lion performances and 10 martial demonstrations. Our previous record was 38 and 4. We did 44 of those performances and 9 of those demos in 13 days! The preparation, planning, and...
I think the Year of the Fire Monkey has certainly lived up to its reputation. If you cast your memory back to January where many of us spoke with trepidation about the impending craziness of a Monkey Year boosted by the dynamics of the Fire...
I continue to be amazed by the commitment, passion, and skill of our members. Not only to their Kung Fu and Tai Chi but the martial performance arm of what we do too. Traditionally, the lion dancing and demonstrations a Kung Fu school put on...
Kyun Kyun Fuk Jing (or in Mandarin - Quan Quan Fu Yang) is a very classical Chinese proverb. It translates to 'adhere or stick faithfully to someone or something.' In regards to relationships this proverb is talking about the commitment people make to each other for...
Earlier this month I took a family holiday that involved returning to my home town. While visiting, Simo and I took time a visit to my step father’s grave. I was thinking about him, some of the things he accomplished in his lifetime, and what...
"Ask yourself three times a day, what am I doing wrong." - Confucius We should continually return to the basic practices, or foundation movements, of our chosen arts. Confucius also said "Wen Gu Er Zhi Xin." This means you always have a better, deeper understanding when you review and...
"How can you be a Master of others (a Sifu), if you can't even master yourself." GrandMaster Henry Sue, Circular Tong Long Kung Fu I love this quote. It makes it very clear to me the responsibility required of the Sifu to make sure he practices...
Last month I talked about what a Sifu is and how this traditional figure from martial lore is relevant in modern times. (You can see that article here). This time I want to talk about the bonds that form between a Sifu and his Disciple...
"We grow through discomfort or insight. But never through apathy." - Vishen Lakhiani 2016 The regularity of training in Kung Fu and Tai Chi is like the blacksmithing that creates the sharpest swords. The steel is heated in the forge, or crucible, then pounded and folded,...
Martial arts today are many and varied. They come from different countries and cultures, with the result being countless styles and varying degrees of quality. Some are traditional arts that require a lifetime of commitment, others are sports oriented that give the student limited time...