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The Process of Learning Kung Fu
Kung Fu is my life.
It contains all things....Gentle, Explosive, Delicate, Calm, Wisdom....there are thousand words to define it but there are no words to fully describe it.
It is a process of exploring the mind and body, it is exciting....over time comes new insights and new ways to view the world .
In 1998 I started to learn Tai Chi and in 1999 when I was 18, I decided to dedicate my life to it. I spent 10 hours a day, every day for 1 year practicing. I gave up everything else. I ate, slept and breathed Tai Chi. After that first year, I continued to practice up to 9 hours a day. I wanted every movement to be perfect.
In 2001, in addition to studying Tai Chi, I also decided to learn the long broadsword which because of its length and weight is a difficult weapon to master. At that time, I had too much power and not enough control. During one practice, I had swung the sword around and hit my knees which caused very serious injuries. It took a lot of mental and physical strength for me to continue to train. From my hip down I was in so much pain. It was extremely difficult to do the horse stance. I was quite upset but I felt like I had to continue, it would have been devastating if I could no longer practice. Because of Sudden Thunder Tai Chi and my love for Kung Fu I was able to heal and work past that injury.
From 2002-2006 I went to Chen village 3 times a year, training for 2 weeks during each visit; and in 2004, I trained intensively with my Sifu for 2 months. During those training periods I would spend the entire day practicing every detail of the different movements. I would practice doing "explosive power" for hours without stopping; focussing on the fist, elbow, shoulder, back, knees, legs and fingers. In the evening, I did advanced intensive "push hands" training that is used for real fighting. This traditional training method came from the ancestors of the Chen Martial Arts Family in Henan Province and goes back many generations. It became an obsession for me to get it exactly right.
By 2002 I had mastered a simpler form of Tai Chi called "Old or Big Form" so in 2008 I decided to challenge myself further. I wanted to have a breakthrough and master the 15 levels of Sudden Thunder Tai Chi which is more difficult and also contains 74 movements. Going from 10 to 20 sets without stopping was a huge challenge and very difficult for me to achieve. It was a continuous flow of kicks, jumps, jumps and turns, attacks and most importantly practicing explosive power which was strenuous and mentally exhausting. Next, I had to work on my speed. To finally achieve my goal was a big milestone in my journey and was a stepping stone to where I am today.
Because of my passion and dedication I would like to pass on and share my knowledge of this great art form.
