Skipping ahead about twenty years. My son was four and a wonderfully intelligent little gentleman. He was getting ready for school and beginning to play soccer, but we noticed a slight shyness and lack of direction in him. So I thought back to when I started studying Tae Kwon Do and remembered the structure, self confidence, and respect that were major components to study. So we went on a little search for the right instructor, not really aware of differences of the two different studies. My husband was looking for something to bring his self awareness to the front, so one Sunday we sat through the typical watch and see of a intro class. Sitting through the children's kungfu class, was a great bridge that I felt could bring him closer to what his Dad was looking for and what I was hoping for.The decision was made that day to enroll him. Something clicked in the weeks that lay ahead. He has grown into a young man that is respectful and aware of how to control his body. He is finding his direction. His dad followed suit. Then we went to his first tournament which I remember was not very award- winning. However, it was a great learning experience. Watching the competition sparked something in me. I have to admit I am a bit of a junkie for it.
Shortly after the tournament I began my search. I knew I liked the aspects that drew us to Kung Fu to begin with. Their is a subtle grace and gentleness to it, yet direct at times. This is really something I have rarely felt as I am tall and have been so since 6Th grade. I wasn't sure I could do it. This was the first of many anxieties I was soon to experience. So I observed the differences of the different styles my Sifu teaches. Here is a little break down of the styles he offers:
Shoalin 8 Animal Kung Fu
Wing Chun
White Willow
Tai Chi
Lung Lum Pai
The Lung Lum Pai Dragon Style Kung fu system originated from the area of the South China Sea. Dragon is one of the original 5 Shaolin animals. Inspired by the movements of the ferocious Komodo Dragon, it uses twisting winding movements both fast, slow, close, wide, long, and short. Dragon techniques generate tremendous circular power from the hips, chi kung [energy breathing exercises-Chi (life force)], and the ground. The unusual but powerful movements are agile, deceptive, quick, as well as confusing. When it attacks or defends it blocks and strikes simultaneously. The Dragons venom is so toxic that it infects anything it bites (acupressure points/Chinese medicine) and favors a variety of joint locks/manipulations, chokes, sealing breath, as well as pressure point striking. This system of the all powerful predator also has a passive and wise nature and is widely known as the Chinese guarding Dragon. It became a symbol of the Chinese Emperors and thus all Chinese are known as the decedents of the Dragon. This style has more than 10 empty hand forms, and 10 weapon forms. Lung Lum Pai Dragon style uses weapons that are long, short, double, or flexible. It makes use of Chinese medicine and acupressure points. Chi kung (energy breathing) is used to both awaken, enhance, and strengthen the body as well as can be used to disrupt the organs and/or meridians of an attacker. It also uses movements that are both hard and soft, standing up or on the ground.
The list is not complete, please visit http://www.kungfukc.com/ for the full list and more descriptions.
So one morning I came in early for my Kickboxing class, and saw Dragon Kung Fu class in action. I was captivated. The thing that drew me was the grounded aspect of the form. It's movements are intense and all over the place. How they got from one side of the kwoon (school) to the other without leaving the ground in a few movements was enchanting. The strength was intoxicating but looked effortless. If you know me nothing I do ever looks effortless.
So it began....
This journey is one of a woman's path to understand her place in KungFu. To discover a place to stand strong and confident.
