By Sifu David Moylan, Owner, Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy
Sifu’s Corner
Typically, I dedicate a portion of my column to provide a written recap of the prior three months. With a picture being worth a thousand words, let’s take this to the next level – I am very excited to announce the release of WKFA’s first annual yearbook! One of our families gave me the idea late last year and put me in touch with Kevin McCord of Picaboo Yearbooks. Having been a yearbook editor in my high school years, I was impressed with the simplicity of the process. Clearly yearbook technology has improved over the last 20 years! I polled our Leadership Team for volunteers and put together the team of Shihan Miskin, Cristina Prudencio- Brunello and Sarah Rank. Although we don’t really have “seasons” in kung-fu, we opted to have the yearbook run from July 2014 – June 2015.
Our team worked really well together and had a lot fun capturing and documenting the year. The enthusiastic response from the student body was great with over 80 orders being placed! There is no doubt the book will evolve year-to-year, but we hope you enjoy this first edition! We obviously have a lot of happening at the Academy, so this project is a great way to archive and organize all the resulting events, awards and photos. Plans are already underway for the next book. I would like to extend my gratitude to the editorial team this year for the many hours committed to making the book a success!
On the topic of thanks, I would like to pass mine on to Sifu Daryl for once again hosting a great Board/Cement Beaking Seminar on June 15th. The atmosphere that evening was electric and it was terrific to see everyone experiencing success. The night ended with an epic display of cement destruction with several students reaching milestone achievements!
I would also like to thank Sifus Anne, Lorna and Sarah for leading our Demonstration and Performance Teams through another stellar season. This year they selected the team using a try-out process. Practices were held regularly on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, which resulted in disciplined performances: June 21, July 18 and August 16 at Open Streets and Aug.13 at DQ on Westmount. Their next one will be on Sept.20 at Open Streets. Thank you Sihing Gunther for co-ordinating the team, events and cement all while working through knee surgery and rehabilitation.
The upcoming grading schedule has been set for a while, with our next Youth/Junior grading on Sept.26 and the Adult Novice II/Intermediate’s on Oct.3. Everyone should have their calendars marked for Sept.12, as this will mark the largest Advanced Adult grading in our 28 year history with four testing for Black and nine for Brown!
Sifu Sarah Gawley
Fall is a time of transition. Sifu Sarah is continuing her studies in Kingston and I wish her the best! Have no fear, as our Youth students are still in great hands, as Sifu Anne will be taking over her Friday class.
I welcome back all of our returning and new students!