More Hung Gar Training

Hung Gar training has just become more exciting, my Sifu (teacher in chinese, I think) has begun incorporating sparring in the training sessions. Actually, very, very ,very light sparring, no armor and no contact really, using only Hung Gar moves. This allows for complete freedom of movement and allows one to be familiar with his or her body. This is also very advantageous for me because of my size a weight (neither tall nor heavy) so I can try to escape most hits because I probably won't survive them.

The first sparring session I had with Sifu was a clear demonstration of his martial dominance (not that it was ever in question), speed and strength and tactics were obvious in the finality of his punches, blocks and more importantly, his footwork. To be honest, if Sifu took the sparring seriously, I would be down after the first hit and I'd be lucky if I wasn't knocked out cold. Well he is the master and I am the student.

Training is currently being conducted in a new venue, Kong Han Athletics Club, also in Binondo. The venue offers much a much wider space where students can get thrown on the mat and practice the forms in a less constricted environment. The venue also displays a myriad of chinese weapons and martial gear to enhance that traditional kung fu feeling. I've been trying to training harder, alas my work schedule oftentimes gets in the way but I pray that I've been showing some improvement.

I'd recommend this martial art to anyone who'd be interested in a great mix of traditional Chinese martial arts and their modern application. Its also a great way to get in shapre, relieve stress and, in the case of one of my friends, to loosen that slight pain in your back via a hip throw.

I will continue to train until Sifu Frank tells me to stop, til then I only hope I can gain the strength to follow his words of wisdom: "When you punch your opponent, you should punch like you're trying to break through a wall".