I’ve been regularly attending classes 3 times a week for the past 2 months. The main instructor, who we call “Sifu” (Chinese for teacher) is both knowledgeable and patient. So are the advanced students who also guide and condition us, often disoriented, beginners.
I trained in Kenpo Karate for several years during Junior High and High School, so my acclimation this particular style of Kung Fu and how it is taught has not been as difficult as I’ve noticed it being for beginners for whom this training is their first exposure to martial arts. Make no mistake though, in spite of it being a beginners class, I found the training involved to be quite strenuous at times. Last night, we had to go all out, performing all that we’ve learned so far, as fast and as hard as we could for 18 minutes. There wasn’t a stitch of clothing on me that wasn’t drenched with sweat.
I’ve been pleased with my progress. However, my complete ineptitude for retaining names of the forms and techniques that I’ve been taught is starting to get embarrassing.
3 replies on “A New Project of Mine: Kung Fu”
Chinese is so hard, it’s silly. I still remember a good handful of the Japanese terms from kenpo but I can barely say “hello” that the Chinese speaker in my office taught me.
Foreign languages SUCK! Isn’t this America? Where we don’t have to worry about that shiz? Alas, well done on the new exercise regime. I just looked at some old photos, where I didn’t need to hold in my gut. I miss those days. After the bar, I promise.
“There wasn’t a stitch of clothing on me that wasn’t drenched with sweat.”
Should we be surprised? LOL