2nd Generation, HQ
Commenced Training: November 1984
Achieved Red Belt 1st degree: 15th December 1990
Achieved Red Belt 2nd degree: Maybe 2005 (with SHG Paul)
Achieved Red Belt 3rd degree: Maybe 2008 (with SHG Paul)
Achieved Red Belt 4th degree: Maybe 2011 (with SHG Paul and You guys)
Achieved Red Belt 5th degree: Maybe 2014 (with you guys) Achieved Red Belt 6th degree: TBA
Kung Fu Journey:
I was travelling and working away from my Sifu between 1991-1999.
Why I Train? I enjoy it. I personally really like to teach also and to see others grow. I like the stages we go through from frustration to understanding through effort. I like improving myself under my Sifu’s guidance and my training partners help. All of this gives me a sense of well-being and helps me maintain my energy awareness, health, balance, fighting spirit and confidence. This benefits my family and my work.
What do you do you think of the style you train? It’s like being on an unfolding journey with no end. Unique. Effective. Direct. Devastating. Stimulating. Good for health and well being. Provides confidence to face any situation. The ways we engage our mind and body is quite unique. How we maximize our energy makes the style highly effective. When we engage with another person our concentration is very direct and the power is devastating when one has correctly grasped the technique. This style ticks the right boxes for me. It also is great to see others find these same insights when we teach the art.
How do you perceive it to other styles? Each style has its merits. Personally I am not attracted to some other styles and frankly don’t want to be. The best “other” style I appreciate is boxing. I firmly believe any style is only ever suitable to certain personalities. Forgive me for saying this but I have always perceived our style as an intelligent persons style. Intelligent is so much as it does not rely on weight classes but is rather designed to be suited for all types and ages as long as the attitude is open to explore its depths. Of course one must become proficient in the art before it can be useful. This can initially take a longer time compared to some other less complex arts. Simply I don’t believe our style is of any value unless the individual sees the value. Personally I immediately saw and felt the value the first time I ever experienced our style. I respected it straight away. I did not have that same experience with other styles I’ve trained. Maybe it’s the same with practitioners of other styles looking at us. I think each style much “click” with the individual person for it to be possible to achieve greatness in that particular style. Perhaps any style is good and is really up to the practitioner to explore it’s depths. No point comparing. I like this style. I chose this style over all others and found it’s depths are always deeper so I guess that’s why I’m still searching. It suits me. I feel confident to face conflict as it comes using my style. I feel I have choices. Others no doubt may feel the same with their style. At he end of the day it’s up to the practitioner to make the style they choose useful to them. For me this is the best style.t
Would you recommend the style anyone and why? Yes – to anyone seeking a style that can last a lifetime and give continuous benefit. Also to any existing other style seeking to improve their art through the CKFA understanding of our circular approach and use of the brain. I believe we can add value to other styles given the opportunity in much the same way we remain open to understanding the value in other styles
Philosophy:
What is your Kung Fu Philosophy? Kung fu opens the door to correct thinking. E.g. Don’t be half-hearted. Aim to win. Adapt quickly. Train for the unexpected and the random. Be alert and efficient with a clear purpose ready to take appropriate action with the goal foremost in mind. Avoid conflict. Hit hard when required.
What is your life philosophy? Keep things real. Prefer to live well. Help others where you have the ability to do so. Face life’s unexpected challenges with as much willingness, courage and intelligence as you are able to muster. Earn respect of others and look for ways to respect others even though they may not respect you. Enjoy the short life you are given and let the rest take care of itself.
What do you think of your Sifu ? I love my Sifu. He is my teacher and my most respected mentor. He is a man like the rest of us. He has faced many of life’s challenges more than most. He is hard working; he is consistent, he is reliable and his thinking is deep. His mind is very powerful and he has a single mind to do things he puts his mind to. He has a good sense of humour, can tell a good story and he will help his friends. I have learned and continue to learn every day when I am with my Sifu or even if thinking about him when I have a problem it helps a lot. This is simply because of his black and white thinking. His mind is clear and creates an unambiguous point of reference for me. I consider myself extremely fortunate and lucky to have found him.