By Sifu Lloyd Fridenburg

Editorial

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 crane is passive by nature, always choosing to avoid conflict but will defend itself with passion if necessary. The intent of the crane during a conflict is to use the energy of its opponent against it. Avoidance is one of the main tactics of the crane. I know of at least one school that has a grading requirement where the student must navigate their way through a maze of other students that are sparring while avoiding all techniques along the way, without showing any signs of aggression.

The characteristics that distinguish the crane are:

• Speed – The crane uses superior speed to outmaneuver its opponent. Whether hand, foot, attacking or avoidance techniques, the crane moves fast.
• Agility – Agility is the ability to move with speed, balance and power while changing direction or position. All of which are hallmarks of the crane.
• Accuracy – Because of the controlled use of power accuracy is extremely important in the execution of crane techniques.
• Deception – Convince your adversary that you are going to do one thing when you actually execute something different.
• Confusion – The crane attempts to confuse its opponent with a combination of speed, deception, and accuracy. A confused opponent might choose to avoid further conflict.
• Patience – Patience is paramount in all crane styles. The crane will always seek to avoid conflict and will only strike if force is necessary and an appropriate target presents itself.
• Footwork – Crane styles emphasize strong flowing footwork, allowing the crane to move quickly and accurately to avoid, or to attack.
• Balance – Because crane techniques and footwork are not linear superior balance is another hallmark of the style. Techniques are often performed by means of untraditional stances including twisting, one-legged stances, and leaps.

All of these elements combine to form the personality and techniques of the crane.

The post Distinguishing Characteristics of the Crane appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

By Sifu David Moylan, Owner, Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy

Sifu’s Corner

Every time I sit down to write my column I’m amazed by everything that has occurred over the three months between writing! Right around when the last newsletter was sent, my family welcomed to the world our third child, Sarah Nicole. Needless to say, the last 90 days have been foggy at best, as we adapt to switching from “man-to-man” defence to “zone-coverage”. Thankfully, everyone is really healthy and doing well as we adjust to the new routine.

March Break featured our Five-Animal Camp under the guidance of Sifus Sydney, Sarah and Anne. The kids attending were treated to high quality instruction and fun was had by all! I get asked regularly, but there will be no summer camp this year, but we do run our regular classes through the summer (with the exception of the last week of July). This is a great time for students of all ages to develop your kung-fu and hone in on specific training goals.

The bulk of our tournament season took place between newsletters with the CKKA Tournament in Vaughn on Mar.28, our 18th Annual In-House Tournament on April 18th and Karate/Kung-Fu Maynia at the University of Waterloo on May 3rd. Our students put in strong showings all around! Special thanks to sifus Cory, Greg and Mark who headed up our Competition Team once again this season. Also thanks to the many volunteers who helped ensure our tournament ran like a well-oiled machine! A special nod to Adam Volpe who competed in Sault Ste. Marie and qualified to compete nationally in Ottawa on the May long weekend. In Ottawa he placed very well and qualified to represent himself, the Academy and Team Canada at the world level this fall!

We held a sizable kids grading on April 25th and the upcoming grading on June 13th is typically the biggest of the year. The next Youth/Junior grading will be later in September. Our adult Novice II grading was cancelled due to insufficient numbers, but the next one on October 3rd will be a go. Our Advanced Adult students will continue to train hard through the summer in anticipation of the Sept 12th grading that is fast approaching!

The Lion Dance Team had a very busy spring performing at the opening of a business, tournaments, a grade school and a charity fundraising fashion show!

Already June is looking to be very full with a special Fitness Triangle seminar hosted by FWP on June 7th and our annual Board Breaking seminar scheduled for the 15th. Continue to listen to in-class announcements, postings at the Academy, checking the Academy calendar and watch your e-mail for upcoming events throughout the summer!

The post Summer 2015 – What’s Happening at WKFA appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.