Tradition

Kung fu has always been about family and community. Styles and knowledge were passed down from generation to generation within a family. It isn’t just coincidence that kung fu rank titles literally translate to family titles such as older brother and father. A kung fu kwoon has traditionally taken a central role in its community. If you were a new family moving into the area or someone in need of assistance, your local kung fu school was the resource to turn to. It was an integral part of the community wheel.

I believe our place and significance in the community is analogous with the strength of our kwoon family. The connection we have to our training mates defines the experience and serves to motivate in times of need. Another key requisite element for staying engaged in your kung fu is connecting with your kwoon.

In a structured school with scheduled class times and monthly tuition, it is a challenge for a student to maintain a proper perspective and relationship with their kwoon. It can be easy to fall into the gym membership mentality and just show up for a quick workout before jumping back into the rat race. Our traditions serve to ground the mind and the spirit to ensure proper training perspective is maintained so that maximum benefit is achieved.

We have an annual renovation project that give our students an opportunity to reconnect with their kwoon. The project allows them to put their own blood and sweat into the walls and take ownership of their training hall. It is no coincidence that our most dedicated and motivated students always take advantage of this opportunity and the students that struggle the most are the ones that cannot see the value in the project for themselves. It is unfortunate that they can’t see their lack of participation fuel their apathy.

This year’s renovation project was our most ambitious to date. Walls were moved, flooring was replaced, and the entire spirit of the kwoon was altered. A small, dedicated group of students managed and implemented the entire project and turned the vision into a reality. I take great pride in the leadership they have shown and I am comforted that the ownership of the kwoon is in capable and able hands. What is even more gratifying is that through the efforts of Shing Wiebe and Sihing Lindstrom, we are once again reminded of the value of tradition.

“Tradition does not mean that the living are dead, it means the dead are living.” - Harold Macmillan (1894 - 1986)