How Long Does it Take to Become an Instructor?

As I speak with people I often am asked how long it would take them to become an instructor in Kung Fu. I am always amazed that people expect an answer to this question. I am not sure how I am expected to know the answer to this question. We should probably equate this to some other questions.

• As a person begins to take skating lessons, do people ask them when they will become a professional hockey player?
• How about stopping someone on the street and asking them how long it would take you to get to Florida? Ask that question without specifying how you intend to get there.

I am a Kung Fu instructor, not a psychic. There are way too many variables that play into the equation. Without training with a student for a while I cannot judge things such as athletic ability, retention, coordination, attitude, motivation, determination, attendance and patience. This does not even account for family commitments, work commitments, injury or unexpected circumstances. Let's just say that becoming an instructor will happen when it happens. I would encourage everybody to be patient, work hard and let things happen when they do.

Remembering to Pull Your Elbow Back

With the return of Grandmaster Chen to Canada, there is always the chance that he will pop in to visit our school without any prior notice. This is a great opportunity to have the head of our style critique our forms and techniques. Although students are understandably nervous when he is watching, the biggest thing to remember is that he is looking for precision. As mentioned in one of my previous blog entries, there is a heavy focus on pulling back your elbow to generate power when you are practicing Fut Gar Kung Fu. You must pull your elbow back as hard as possible to help generate power in your striking arm. This can be visualized as throwing a defensive elbow to the back at the same time as throwing an offensive strike to the front. Of course the end point of the elbow depends on the technique you are executing but keeping this in mind will make a big difference as you are performing.

CCKSF Supports China Earthquake Victims

Members of the CCKSF performed on Friday night at Pacific Mall in Markham in an effort to support the China earthquake victims. This was put together with very short notice and although I was not able to attend in the end I would like to applaud the instructors that were able to participate. The organization has regularly performed to raise funds for charity during times of disaster recovery and reminds us that the martial arts community should contribute whenever possible. Well done to those that were able to participate!!!

For those that are interested in supporting the cause, donations can be made online at the Red Cross website.

Renos are Done!!!

So it looks like my house renovation is finally wrapping up. I have spent much of my free time working on the house for the past few weeks. Thanks to my brother-in-law it looks great....I am definitely not the main person responsible for the good work. As I explained to him at the beginning of the process, I am good at breaking things, not fixing. Looking forward to posting again soon.