Fu For You – Editorials
WKFA Adult Grading Myths and Mysteries
Here are a few things for you to consider when you start to look towards your next grading.
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Expressing Gratitude for our Exceptional Instructors
I tip my hat to all our dedicated instructors that have chosen to make Kung Fu a way of life and work hard to pass that dedication on to the next generation of WKFA instructors.
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When the Journey and Destination Become One
Rest in peace, Grandmaster Pan.
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Patience and Progression
Follow the recipe until you discover your own pathway.
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Progressing to the Next Grading
Whatever you did to prepare for your last grading isn’t good enough to prepare for your next!
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Evolving Kung Fu
As we have evolved as a school, our forms and techniques have changed to compliment that evolution, and Kung Fu continues to evolve as a martial art.
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It’s the Journey that Counts; Not the Destination!
Something I try to instill in my students is that stress cannot exist in the present moment and the more time we spend in the present the less stress we experience.
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Am I injured, or am I hurt?
Anytime you incur a training bruise, bump or strain, you need to ask yourself this question; “Am I injured, or am I hurt?” What? You mean there’s a difference. You bet there is!
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The Black Sash – Diligent Training and Perseverance
Kung Fu training is one of the most intense individual activities you will ever encounter. Your level of expertise or competence has no bearing on who may suffer from burnout, or who will ultimately complete the journey. We all need a change of pace and a change of scenery from time to time.
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2015 in Review
Wow, I simply can’t believe that another year has nearly slipped by and in a few weeks we’ll surge into 2016. In preparation for this newsletter I started looking at some old newsletters back to the early 1990’s; a bit of a journey down memory lane. A few things really hit home as I waded through the pages, here’s some of the most notable.
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Warmer Days Are Ahead
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.
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Gradings Aren’t Just for Students
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.
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Distinguishing Characteristics of the Tiger
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….
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Distinguishing Characteristics of the Crane
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….
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New Adult Requirement Sheets
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.
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Preparing for Advanced Gradings
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!
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25 Years and Counting
Editorial
Wow, to say that it seems like yesterday that I first picked up the phone and called
Sifu Bob Schneider about taking Kung Fu classes would be an understatement. Kung Fu had always been on my to-do list but I had just never taken that first step. It was a step that led to the most rewarding years of my life. Both me and Sifu Eric celebrate 25 years at WKFA this spring and I’d like to take this opportunity to share some highlights and changes with you, my Kung Fu family. Here are a few of my personal highlights….