So, if you’re intention is to test in the May grading it’s time to step up to the plate and formally declare your intentions. Once you do, flip that internal switch to “training mode”; train hard, train smart, and feel good about your grading.
At Waterloo Kung Fu both our instructors and students are held to very high standards. Instructors are expected to maintain their own level of fitness, keep current with all curriculum requirements, and be able to effectively teach our curriculum to students. As instructors, we expect no more from students than what was, and is, expected of us, but we will accept no less. We share in your success and in your challenges and will do whatever we feel is necessary to help you attain your personal potential.
I like tigers; I admire tigers; but I’m cautious sparring tigers. Why? A true tiger personality may be predictable, but don’t let your guard down. Even before you enter the ring you know what to expect. The tiger will try to draw you into their style of direct action where, unless you are also a tiger, you may be easily intimidated by their direct aggressive techniques. You always need to be wary of the tiger and never become complacent or you will be overcome by power and aggressiveness. Characteristics that distinguish the tiger….
Although seemingly the weakest of our five animals, the crane is very complex and, to me, next to the dragon, embodies the underlying tenets of the Kung Fu that we teach at WKFA better than the other animals. If I had to describe our school in terms of the five animals, I think we would identify more closely with the personality of the crane than any other animal. The characteristics that distinguish the crane….
It was a long time coming, it took a lot of work, and it took a lot of careful evaluation and consideration, but the result is a revised set of adult requirement sheets that are much more tuned to the current state of evolution of WKFA.
I remember many years ago when a senior student commented to Sifu Bob (Sigung) that they were sure that a particularly gifted student was destined to get their black sash very quickly. Sifu just looked at her and said, “It’s not as much about skill as it is about dedication, and I’ll believe that any student has the dedication necessary to pass a black sash grading when I see the sash around their waist.” That student never did test for black, and the number of times that that statement has rung true over the years is truly astonishing. Every year about this time students begin talking of plans to shoot for their black sash in the spring, and you’ll have to forgive me if I roll my eyes. Talk is cheap; don’t tell us, show us!