Sigung David Moylan, Owner, WKFA

Sigung’s Corner

This November, after exactly 34 years, to get more floor space, an old wooden wardrobe style cabinet was removed from the kwoon. This cabinet’s time at the Academy pre-dates even Sibok Lloyd and Eric’s time. In our last newsletters, we enclosed Memoir of an Armoire: Part I and Memoir of an Armoire: Part II. Here is Part Three of a Memoir of an Armoire:

During my years as a cabinet in the Kwoon, the instructors and students were present with such consistency. I witnessed a pattern of practice of this activity they called “Kung Fu”. While most days were very routine, there were special events.

Most attended at specific times and days, but once the snow melted, there would be a day that brought out what seemed like everyone at once. They called this day the “Shiai” and it was filled with activity and excitement. Everyone gathered around two of the four squares on the floor (oddly described as “rings”). The Shiai opened with a song (sometimes to lovely live music) and a group “bow” (the move I’ve seen so many times, if I could move, even I would remember to look left). Students would perform for the Sifus, who watched intently, and then, on cue, flashed up numbers. They’d also spar each other, stopping more than normal for the Sifus to flip red and white flags, also on cue. The performers would receive medals of different shades that brought big smiles to their faces.

When the sun started to shine less and the trees started shedding their leaves, another large gathering occurred. On the night before this especially curious event, certain Sifus and students decorated the entire building with a strange assortment of things like pumpkins, chainsaws, skeletons and lights. They’d play music and stay very late, then the next afternoon, many people, mostly kids, would arrive. Normally all wore black pants and a t-shirt, but on this day, there was such variety: long gowns, painted faces, strange hats, props and so on. This was one of the very rare times Sigung wasn’t wearing his black top with white frog buttons. The day was packed with fun and games. People even ate food in the Kwoon (also very rare). In the early years, kids would watch something on the grey box above me, but later on, they shined a much larger moving image onto the big walls. I think they called this big party “Halloween”.

From my corner in the Kwoon, I watched our space change considerably from when I first arrived. Sifus and students would sometimes come in to do things other than hit one another. They did a lot painting and beautiful artwork was hung everywhere. Trophies, posters and plaques came and went, but others kept their spot; notably four above the mirrors that the Sifus refer to quite regularly—I believe they call them “Focus Points”. The younger students raise their hands when asked about them. Not often, but sometimes they shout in unison—something about stances and focusing their eyes, mind and body.

Certain Sifus added wooden structures to the Kwoon; one is along the brick wall and the students use it for balance on slow kicks and stretching. Planks suspend large canvas bags that get struck with such passion and energy. A rack was put in to hold their weapons. I guess I couldn’t house everything this growing group of regulars needed.

One of these “wood working” Sifus would eventually come to have a major impact on my life and role in the Academy, but alas, a story for later.

 

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Sibok Lloyd Fridenburg

Editorial

by Sibok Lloyd Fridenburg

Younger WKFA students experience many changes during their Kung Fu career and parents need to help them transition.  Moving to a more advanced class, or from the Youth to Junior Program, can be a very exciting time for kids but sometimes it can be extremely intimidating or even overwhelming.  At WKFA we all want to see kids reach their full potential so if your child that couldn’t wait to get to class is suddenly less anxious after a significant change be sure to find the root cause and don’t be afraid to respectfully speak with Sigung or their regular instructor to help find a solution that will bring back that old motivation.

Remember that a Green Sash Junior student may be at the top of the class in terms of rank or seniority, then suddenly they move up and are low person on pole.  The same thing happens when kids move to a more senior program and go from being the oldest kids in the class to the youngest kids in the class.  For some it may not be a big deal, but others really struggle with these transitions.

The first introduction to the Adult program for Advanced Junior students are the Advanced Adult classes.  I’ve had the privilege of teaching the Advanced Adult program for 16 years and it is not unusual to see both students and parents struggle with the transition. Greater demands are placed on younger adult students than they were used to in the Junior program.  Some make the transition with no issues, but many struggle with the fact that their techniques, forms, and even sparring need to be brought up to a higher standard.

When a student moves to the Adult program there are many expectations that you need to be aware of:

Class attendance – kids only have 2 regular classes per week to attend.  We offer many more classes to adult students.  It is now essential that students over the rank of Orange sash attend at least 3 classes per week.  In fact, if your child is getting ready to test for an advanced adult rank (Brown or Black) they must average 3 classes per week for six months prior to the grading cutoff as a minimum requirement.  In addition, they must also attend a minimum number of advanced classes.  So as parents you can expect to spend a lot more time in the car than when they were Juniors, but don’t worry, they’ll have their driver’s license soon 😉.

Pickup Times – most parents drop their kids off for the Adult program and then pick them up at the end of class.  It is essential that they are picked up promptly at the end of class.  If the class ends at 9:30, you need to be there at 9:30 to pick them up.  We will never leave students outside on their own after class because their ride has not arrived, but I can tell you firsthand how irritating it is to come down from the changeroom to find younger students still waiting for parents to pick them up.  Please be there on time!

Arrival Times – lateness is not tolerated in the Adult program and anyone of any age arriving late for class, for any reason, will have to stand at the entrance to the Kwoon until invited to join the class.  They will also be assigned a minimum of 50 pushups that must be completed before joining the class.

Communication – We treat all students in the Adult program as adults and, unless absolutely necessary, we do not communicate with them through their parents.  We communicate with them directly.  Dates, times, requirements, obligations, strategies, etc. are now an added responsibility of kids in the Adult program.  Parents are always welcome to interact with Sigung or instructors, but we feel that it is now appropriate to place the added responsibility of knowing and understanding things listed above directly on the shoulders of the student. We recommend they provide their email address to receive updates and this newsletter.

All instructors at WKFA want to see every student succeed and as parents you play a huge role towards ensuring a positive experience for your kids.

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Sifu Michael Prudencio-Brunello

Youth Student’s Corner

by Sifu Michael Prudencio-Brunello

Welcome back everyone! With school over, there is lots of time to relax, enjoy the nice weather, and best of all…more time to practice Kung Fu! When we talk about Kung Fu, many times we think of the physical things, like our punches, kicks, forms, and sequences. Last newsletter, Sifu Sarah went over some great ways to help make practicing these techniques more fun – make sure to read her article, 5 Ways to Make Practicing Kung-Fu Fun, if you haven’t already done so. But there is also a mental part of Kung Fu – we have twelve different themes of the month that show us how Kung Fu students should act all the time! Here are some of these themes and tips on how to practice them. See how many of these practice tips you can do this summer!

1. Community

We each have many different communities to which we belong. We have our Kung Fu community, families, and friends, just to name a few. This summer, make sure you spend time with your different communities! Come on out to your Kung Fu classes, spend time with your family, and hang out with friends. Remember we can be strong on our own, but we are always stronger when we are with others.

2. Mindfulness

At the beginning of every Kung Fu class, we start with some meditation. As we sit and focus on our breathing, it helps us live in the moment and be more present. This is something you can do any time! If you feel overwhelmed or like you’re losing focus, try out a bit of meditation. This is something I always do to help me think better and be happier in the moment. You can even have family or friends join in with you!

3. Spirit

In Kung Fu class, we talk about having strong Kung Fu spirit when you kiai and say “Yes Sifu”! But the Kung Fu spirit can also be used outside of class – it means being excited and engaged in everything you do! Whether it be a fun day with friends or some chores at home, try to bring good spirit into every task, and have a positive attitude – I’m sure that everyone around you will notice and love it!

4. Courage

Whenever we find something difficult or scary, we need to rely on our courage to help us! This summer, try to find something that is difficult or a little scary, and give it a try. Remember that the goal is not being the best at everything you do – it’s most important to try your best and always remember you can try again and improve!

Thanks for reading! Though we only talked about four themes today, there are twelve in total. Do you remember what theme we have for each month?

Test your knowledge and see if you can fill out this crossword puzzle!  (Hint: the WKFA Facebook page is a great place to look if you need a hand!)

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Charlie Romeo

Junior Student’s Corner

by Charlie Romeo

Now that spring is winding down and we’re heading into summer, it’s finally time to pack up your jackets and enjoy the warmer weather. One of the best parts about spring for a martial artist is the perfect outdoor training temperatures, and now is the time to take advantage! Here are some tips for how to continue your personal training outdoors.

Tip 1: Dressing Appropriately

There’s nothing worse than practicing your forms and stumbling through because of improper clothing. To make the best out of your outdoor training, wear baggy pants or shorts, and closed-toe shoes tied tight. This allows you to move freely and to work your stances without being restricted by pants that are too tight, or by flipflops falling off your feet. Reminder: during the warmer months, come to each class with proper footwear and clothing to train outside – your instructor might also take advantage of the warm weather!

Tip 2: Location

Training inside your home can be effective but can also be restrictive depending on how much space you have. Certain activities such as your kicking sequences and longer forms require more space, so training outside can be a great option to work these requirements. Whether it’s in your backyard, or at a nearby park, always be aware of your surroundings. Take advantage of the extra space but always put safety first.

Tip 3: Hydration

As the summer heat approaches, it’s very important to take care of your body. You need water to stay healthy and to train at the best of your ability, so bring a water bottle with you when you train – both at class and for your personal training, but please do not bring disposable plastic water bottles to class.

Stay healthy and enjoy your training!

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by Sifu D’arcy Langois

Temperatures are rising, the sun is starting to rule the skies, and the summer of Kung Fu is soon to be upon us. That means it’s time to shake off that winter hibernation and start to think about what the Summer has in store.

While we train year-round, things tend to move just a little quicker at the Academy in the Spring and Summer months. Between Gradings, Tournaments, and other events it feels like there is always something going on during the warmer part of the year. What does that mean for Kung Fu students? It’s time to adjust your training accordingly! Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Take some time to refocus on your goals. Consider your current training goals; are they the same from the winter, or do you need to adjust? Knowing where you want to be is the first step in getting there, so determine your goals and write them down.
2. Figure out your new training schedule. With the warmer weather on its way, the opportunities you’ll have to train are myriad, and not just at the Academy. If Covid taught us one thing, it’s that training at home is possible, and is well worth the effort. This is especially true for those looking to grade in the upcoming season, make sure you are setting time aside to train outside of class hours. Remember: what you did to prepare for your past gradings, will not be enough for future ones.
3. Ramp up to your new schedule. It may be tempting to launch directly into a new training regimen, but if you go too hard, too fast you may end up regretting it. Scale your way up to your new normal, leaving your body time to adjust as you increase your training frequency. Don’t forget to work your strength, and flexibility alongside your technique, and cardio: your body will thank you.
4. Be prepared to be flexible with your plan. Once you reach your training goals, constantly evaluate yourself. Are you seeing gains? Are you pushing too hard? Could you push harder? Keep these things in mind and make whatever adjustments you need along the way. These things are rarely linear, so it’s okay to make changes on the fly, do what’s right for you.

Remember to bring everything you could need to the Academy each time you train (I recommend a good pair of shoes in the summer for training outdoors). The Summer of Kung Fu is soon to be upon us, use it for the opportunity it is and make some great gains in your Kung Fu journey.

See you in the Kwoon (or outside)!

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by Sifu Laurent Bernardin

Sparring is one of the pillars of our Kung Fu curriculum. This activity involves students facing off against a partner, both wearing protective gear. However, you will find this to be very different from a boxing match or MMA fight.

The emphasis in sparring at WKFA is on working with a partner to develop your skill. As such, safety is the primary consideration and strict rules apply for that purpose. Absolutely no contact to the head or back is allowed. Kicks need to be above the partner’s belt or sash level. Other areas of the body are permissible targets, however, students need to control the force of their punches and kicks. The goal is to make contact without hurting or injuring your partner.

When students first start to spar at the Youth Yellow Belt or Junior Yellow Sash level, they need to undergo an assessment to show that they display the required control and can get their kicks up sufficiently high. Only then will they be allowed to engage with a partner, all in the interest of keeping everyone safe.

Sparring can be a very rewarding experience and helps to develop technique and footwork. It is also a high intensity activity and builds endurance. Students will typically emerge from a sparring class just a little more sweaty than usual.

In addition, there is a self-defense aspect to sparring: Students will experience getting hit and learn how to react. In a real-life situation, how you deal with getting punched can make a bad scenario worse. Sparring experience can make a difference.

During classes, Sifus monitor the students to make sure good technique is used and all safety rules are followed. However, mishaps do happen. Serious accidents are exceedingly rare, but occasionally a punch will make contact with a nose or a kick may land too low. Usually students shake off such incidents rather quickly but I would encourage you to reach out to Sigung if your child does not have a positive experience during sparring. A student may be barred from sparring if the Sifu feels that they lack sufficient control to keep their classmates safe.

Another aspect of safe sparring is to make sure that the student’s gear is in good condition and fits well. They are not permitted to spar if their equipment is too small, or is damaged.  Students are taught how to properly put on their gear and to make sure none of the velcro is exposed as that can lead to painful scratches for their partner.

Sparring is an important part of your child’s Kung Fu journey and will help them develop skill, endurance and confidence. They can apply the techniques that they learned and measure up against a partner in a safe environment.

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by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD

The foundation of discipline is a trusting relationship that encourages children (and eventually teens and adults) to behave in different situations in an age-appropriate way; recognize, express and manage their emotions; communicate; solve problems and explore the world around them and learn appropriately.

The first approach is known as Connect then Redirect.

Connect

As instructors and parents, it is critical to connect with children and teens at an emotional level to build a healthy relationship. Here are some considerations to increase connection and approach challenging behaviours in ways that strengthen relationships:

• Use “I” statements such as: “I don’t like it when you do that” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” This expresses your feelings and discourages being judgmental.
• Acknowledge your child or students’ behaviour (“I can see that you are upset”) even when they are misbehaving. It shows them respect.
• To avoid saying “NO” too often, find other ways to convey what you are trying to communicate. For example, if a child yells, say “Use a quiet voice).
• Be comforting. Approaching a child at their eye level or below with a gentle nod or touch with an empathetic look can go a long way in creating safety.
• Be consistent with limit setting. Say what you mean; mean what you say and follow through from your side on what you said you were going to do especially with consequences.

Redirect

The second part is to do redirect, which works well with young children but can help with older children. Consider the REDIRECT mnemonic:

Reduce the number of words used when disciplining and ensure the message is clear, firm and brief.

Embrace emotions. Acknowledging a child’s feelings is validating to them.

Describe the behaviour you would like to see without lecturing.

Involve your child actively in disciplining.

Reframe a “NO” into a “YES” (with conditions). This is often not possible when safety is an issue however, when possible, tell a child what they can do versus what they cannot do.

Emphasize the positive things a child does. Catch them doing good and tell them. Focusing on the negative behaviour will in fact reinforce that behaviour.

Creatively approach the situation with humour if possible.

Teach your child how to recognize and name feelings like frustration, anger, disappointment. This will help them learn how to deal with strong emotions.

Time In

A second approach is known as a “TIME IN” instead of a time out. In a “time in” you can connect with a child and discuss their feelings and behaviour in a way they can understand. The key is to try and determine what their unmet need may be. Listening will usually go further than arguing. Note that time outs are now considered less effective and should be attempted after these other approaches have been attempted. If trialing a time out be sure to; keep it short, ensure no attention is given to the child and finally create a safe distraction free spot.

Should you have any questions on any of the information provided in these brief articles, feel free to reach out so we can book an appointment to discuss things further.

Also see Approaching Discipline Positively: Part I.

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Emotions are like waves on the sea, or weather in the skies, rising and passing of their own accord. 

You cannot control your feelings by an act of intention or will.  So, you are not responsible for your feelings; only for your response to them.  Accept emotions completely, let your feelings be, just don’t let them run your life.

Dan Millman

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