Back to Women in Kung Fu
HOLLY
"What I love best about being a martial artist is the way my body feels when I practice katas. The forms we have in Shaolin are ancient and extremely beautiful, and I feel like they lend me a certain power when I'm doing them. When I practice katas, and put my all into doing Tiger, or Bird, or any of our other forms, I feel stronger, faster, more powerful. Knowing these katas is like having a magic wand that turns you into a better you when you do them. At least, that's the best way I can describe the feeling."
As to the instruction...
"You couldn't ask for better instructors than we have at Shaolin-Do. I think one of the most important things about our instructors is that while they are extremely talented and have dedicated a lot of time and effort to achieving their skill in kung fu, they are also very humble. They approach you as a fellow student of kung fu, not as a drill sergeant. I think part of what enables us students to get through difficult classes is the fact that the instructors are right there with us, doing the workout or doing the katas, and working harder than anyone. The fact that they are WITH us, not ORDERING us, makes us feel very supported."
PAT
"I am 55 years old, and I first started martial arts when my husband, a life-long exerciser, became concerned about my lack of exercise. I had tried exercise before, but found it all to be boring.
"It (Kung Fu) had just the right mix of physical and mental challenge for me. I really appreciated the way the instructors were so patient and didn't try to rush me into things for which I was not ready. They were always willing to help when my memory failed, and they managed to make me feel like this was something I really could do. I was so impressed with the level of instruction at the school."
When I first started, I could not do even one pushup nor reach my ankles (forget the toes!). But little by little, I got stronger and more flexible. I remember when I was a blue belt seeing the brown belts doing one-arm pushups. I thought, I'll just have to drop out when I reach brown belt; I'll never be able to do that! But amazingly, by the time I was a brown belt, I could do those pushups. I stayed with the program and eventually, with lots of encouragement, was able to test to black belt. I have been in the program for eight years and am now working on my second-degree black belt, albeit at a very slow pace.
TAYLOR
"Kung Fu is a great sport for girls my age who aren't really into the whole organized sports thing. My hand eye coordination is very low. However, people are always amazed in my P.E. class when I'm able to do a ton of push ups in the FitnessGram, or when I can kick really high. My secret? Kung Fu. I'm 13 years old, and kung fu has impacted my life very much. I met two of my best friends at kung fu when I was around 6, and we still all see each other during Saturday and Tuesday black belt class. Shaolin also helps me vent when I'm angry from something at school- I can kick and punch as hard as I want to! :)
DEBBIE
"I started attending Austin Kung Fu wanting to get fit and learn the ancient form of self- defense. What I got out of it was a lot more than that. Since I started the training, I have gained more self-confidence and a second family. The people there are sincere and caring and have become my second family. We know each others children and are all interested in their well-being.
Both my daughters have taken on the interest of learning the art and are now a second degree black belt and soon to be a black belt. They have both gained self confidence and skills that are invaluable. Knowing that they can protect themselves is a comfort to me." LESA
On positive changes it (training) has brought to her life. " Great teaching and insights from Master Joe. Reduced stress. Lots of fun. Better stamina, flexibility. Good friends, good times, and good humor! A positive, upbeat perspective on life. There is nothing like a good kick that knocks the wind out of you. It really keeps you from dwelling on other, less immediate problems haha.
Kathy
I could say that I go to Kung Fu because it improves my blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tone, and overall health. All that is true (my jeans do fit better!). But, the thing that has kept me going for over 7 years is the friendships I have built in the school and the incredibly friendly and supportive environment. And it is not just the ladies at the school, it is the guys also.
Lien
I can't even begin to list all the benefits of my Shaolin-Do training, but to start with the first most important one, it gave me the confidence and self-esteem I never once possessed. I was always a timid girl but since I joined the school, I am more open to people because Shaolin-Do taught me to believe in myself and my abilities.
Before I joined the school back in 1994, I could not even do one push up. I remember Master Joe told me not to worry too much about what I cannot do, but to focus on what I can do. That thinking made a profound difference in my life, because I no longer focused on my weakness but rather on my strength. One push up became two and so forth, and the rest is history.
|
