Youth Student’s Corner
by Chantal Moylan
Fu For You Fall 2024
As we get closer to Fall and the start of school, our routines start to go back to normal. For some this can be difficult, as getting back into the swing of things after time off takes some time and effort. Whether you’ve taken a short break or had a long vacation this summer, returning to Kung Fu can be exciting and a little challenging. But don’t worry! Here’s how you can make your return to Kung Fu smooth, fun, and successful.
The first thing to do when you’re getting back into Kung Fu is to remember the basics. Basics are the foundation of everything you do in Kung Fu, like your stances, punches, kicks, and blocks. Spend some time practicing these at home before your first class back. This will help your body remember the moves, making it easier when you start training again. The biggest key to getting back into a routine is consistency. Try to attend every class. The more consistent you are, the faster you’ll get back into the groove and the better you’ll become.
Practicing Kung Fu at home is a great way to get back into routine faster. You don’t need a lot of space—just enough to practice things like your forms, stances and techniques and shadowboxing. You can even practice outside while the weather is still nice! You can also do your strength requirements (push-ups, crunches/butterflies, squats and super ninjas) to make you stronger. The more you practice at home, the better you’ll feel during class.
Setting goals is another great way to motivate yourself when getting back into routines. What do you want to achieve at Kung Fu this year? Maybe you want to learn a new form, improve your sparring, or earn your next belt. You can write down some of your goals and keep track of the ones you achieve throughout the year. This way, you’ll have some things to work towards and keep you motivated.
It’s also important to remember that it’s okay if you’re not as fast or strong as you were before the break. Your body might need a little time to get back to where it was. Don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t remember all the moves right away. Kung Fu is about patience and persistence. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement with each class. Also remember that your Kung Fu instructors and leadership team members are there to help you learn and improve. If you’re unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Another thing to remember is that Kung Fu is not just about hard work; it’s also about having fun. Enjoy your classes and your practice. Kung Fu is a long journey, and every step you take is important. Getting back into Kung Fu after a break might be challenging, but by focusing on the basics, practicing consistently, and setting goals, you’ll quickly regain your rhythm. Remember to be patient with yourself, enjoy the process, and have fun in each class!