"Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, which will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons."

First Certified Kung Fu Black Sash!

Sihing Dave has completed his black sash program requirements and has earned his certification and title "Sihing."

This title translates to "big brother." All kung fu students should address him with his title before his name - "Sihing Dave."

Congratulations Sihing Dave!

According to traditional Chinese belief, the lion signifies courage, stability and superiority.

Clashing cymbals, gongs and drums excite the moves of the lion. Throughout the performance, the lion will mimic various moods and demonstrate similar physical gestures combining art, history, and kung fu.

The lion dance was thought to bring good luck and prosperity in the year to come. Customary gifts like oranges symbolizing wealth and red envelopes containing lucky money are often seen at Chinese New Year accompanying a lion dance performance.

The northern lion dance was used to entertain the imperial court and the appearance is similar to a Pekinese dog.

The southern dance is more symbolic for Chinese New Year celebrations as mentioned above and have more cat like resemblances.

The style of kung fu we do is a Northern Shaolin Long-fist called Huaquan (Glorious Boxing). This style involves movements of all of the muscle groups in your body including the joints and internal organs. It will strengthen the upper and lower limbs while working on developing flexibility in the knees, hips and shoulders. It will also build elasticity of the waist and teach the student how to control their breath during physical activity. This type of training is rigorous but all these elements play an important role in long-fist kung fu. There is an old saying that states: “Practice boxing without exercising the legs, and you shall blunder into old age; practice boxing without exercising the waist and you shall never achieve expertise.” Statements like this remind us how important it is to train the body correctly and consistently while taking our time to build the proper fundamentals necessary for success. To be successful in long-fist a student must attend class at least three times per week on a consistent basis. Anything less will not allow the training to build the body correctly over time and run the risk of injury.

Congratulations on an awesome job in receiving your new Tai Chi sashes!

An extra congrats goes out to Roy for getting his Black Sash!

A student said to his master:

"You teach me fighting, but you talk about peace. How do you reconcile the two?"

The master replied:

"It is better to be a warrior in a garden than to be a gardener in a war."

Great Job Elijah!

Outstanding job earning your black sash!

We are all proud of you and look forward to you joining the black sash training program. 

"There's a difference between interest and commitment. 

When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient.

When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results."

-Blanchard

Great Job Tai Chi Students!

Another excellent sash ranking by all the Tai Chi students.

An extra congratulations goes to Michelle for getting her Black Sash!