[Review #800]
2023-088…read more
On my 800th review, coincidentally it's also my 88th for 2023, I'm giving it to Lion's Pride Kung Fu because Asians/Chinese believe 8 (八) sounds like fortune (發).
I learned of the kung fu (功夫) studio through my son's classmate's mom, Lisa W., who takes classes with her son. I was really impressed with a video of her in a recent competition so I had my son take a couple of trial lessons to garner his interest, especially since he's been going to Chinese school to learn Cantonese... he's been interested in all things Chinese. We met Aaron on the first trial day; super friendly guy, answering all my questions & sharing his personal experience that I want to sign-up too (sadly, I injured my neck & most recently my shoulder that I'm holding off for now).
During the week long trial sessions, M was literally learning trial by fire during the 2 days he attended. I thought I knew my son's capabilities & limitations, but he proved me wrong. I thought 師傅 (Sifu) Jeremy Hector would deconstruct the exercise for the newcomers, instead they're expected to follow along with 師傅 providing the necessary adjustments/corrections. I expected M to be frustrated (he was), but persevered & pushed through it, as did my husband. 師傅 is strict & professional, yet his teaching style still keeps the kids & adults engaged. Can't say it looks fun, but I'm very impressed with the class work ethic.
In a short month, M learned the "Stance Exercise" ("步法"; 20 moves) & "Salute Act" (42 moves). It's quite impressive for an 8 YO to remember the order of each move & his fluidity as he transitions from one to the next! My husband also signed up so he can get some exercise in; they attend twice per week in the beginner family session on Monday & Wednesday evenings; no Saturday mornings due to Chinese school.
I like the idea of combining Chinese school & the kung fu studio's teachings & customs, particularly on morality. In traditional Chinese schools of martial arts, it's not just a means of self-defense, or physical & mental training, but also a system of ethics aka "martial morality" (武德), which focuses on 2 aspects: 1) virtue of mind & 2) virtue of deed. The 1st is meant to cultivate the inner harmony between the emotional mind (心: heart) & the wisdom mind (慧; intelligence); 2) concerns social relations, with the eventual goal of "no extremity" (無極) -- closely related to the Taoist concept -- where both emotions & wisdom are in harmony. In Chinese school, respect (尊重) is taught, to your family, elders, others, & yourself. My rambunctious 8 YO is slowly growing into his own: respectful, dedicated, honorable. I'm so proud of M's recent growth & change for the better.
師傅 Hector has been a martial artist for most of his life, devoting over 2 decades, studying various Chinese Kung Fu styles with well-respected masters. Lion's Pride offers traditional Kung Fu, as well as training in several styles of Chinese martial arts, self-defense, weapons, & Tai Chi. Some styles (as listed on their website):
* Northern Shaolin
* My-Jong Law Horn
* Tai Chi & Seven Star Praying Mantis
* Yang, Chen, & Do Gar Tai Chi Chuan
* Classical Chinese Weaponry (練兵器)
* Chi Kung
* Traditional Chinese Lion Dance
If you're looking to learn Chinese Kung Fu (功夫) or a change in how you exercise, come check out Lion's Pride Kung Fu. 師傅 Hector provides his guidance & extensive knowledge to exercise your mind, body, & spirit, alongside a whole group of supportive friends to help you succeed!