By Sifu David Moylan, Owner, Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy
Sifu’s Corner
I’m putting pen to paper (or whatever the digital equivalent is…fingers to keys I guess) following our annual Intermediate/Advanced grading on May 24. I would like to personally congratulate the eight successful grading candidates. They proved that hard work and preparation pays off with exceptional performances all around. Tarana treated us to one of the most fluid and beautiful homemade forms in recent memory. We now have three new blue sashes, four new sihings (brown sashes) and one new black sash. Sifu Anne solidified ten years of consistent and dedicated training with an inspiring show of discipline, resolve and spirit. She is a very mature young lady and an exemplary martial artist that I proudly welcome to our Black Sash team.
When I last wrote, the Winter Olympics had just concluded. After one of the longest and harshest winters in recent memory, the spring brought our own in-house competition, the 17th Annual Shiai held on April 12th. This year was our most successful, as approx. 100 competitors put on personal best performances. A huge thanks to Sifu Patti, Sihing Gunther and everyone that lent their time to help the event run as smoothly as it did!
On the item of thanks – I would like to extend mine to Sifu Sydney and our Leadership Team volunteers for running another very well received Five-Animal March Break Camp. This year was our best attended! Following, a lot of parents inquired about a summer camp. We won’t be holding one this year, however, we do run all of our regular curriculum classes. The summer is prime time for training kung-fu. Private classes during the day are also quite popular. If you have questions about your membership over the summer or are interested in extra classes, please be in touch.
Under the guidance of Sifus Cory, Greg and Mark, our Competition Team rose to new heights this season. We had exceptionally strong showings at the CKKA tournament in Kingston on March 22nd, the Dragon Warrior Challenge on Apr.26 and culminating with Karate/Kung-Fu Maynia at Conestoga College on May 3rd. My respect goes to all our competitors who represented themselves and the Academy admirably. Thank you Sifus, for putting your time and energy into running exciting and fun weekly practices. Everyone is already looking forward to next season!
Our Lion Dance Team has been practicing diligently under the guidance of Sifu Robin. We made our public debut at the May 3 tournament to a huge crowd. If you know of anyone in the community looking for a lion dance performance – we are officially eager and ready!
Thank you to everyone who came out and lent a hand at our semi-annual Maintenance Day held the Saturday of the May long weekend. We touched up a lot of the paint and covered some good territory to have the Academy looking tip top for the grading and season ahead!
The upcoming months will be as exciting as any. Our Demonstration Team has been practicing hard and will be performing at all four of the Open Streets events in Uptown Waterloo this summer. Our Annual Adult Breaking Seminar will be held June 24TH and stay tuned for the summer picnic announcement.