The Dragon's Way

Today, I had a proud mother moment.  For the last year my daughter has been studying Chung Kuo Chuan, an ancient Chinese martial art.  It is older than Kung Fu which is the form that most people are the most familiar.  Chung Kuo Chuan means "Chinese Boxing Form, and both of us have learned so much.  My daughter has studied and practiced and sparred.  It has been a big commitment on her part, and she has embraced it whole heartedly.  My daughter was born in Northern China in the provincial capital of Liaoning - Shenyang.  Just about a year ago she was searching for something that could provide a connection to her heritage.  She wanted something Chinese that could be all hers.  Something she could study and practice and would provide a bridge to her homeland.  That first day she tried it out was amazing.  She was a totally different person.  The "dragon" inside my daughter leaped out and neither of us have been the same since.  It seems to have become an extension of her person.  

Her sifu or teacher is Master Clark, a 6th degree Chung Kuo Chuan Black Belt.  He is patient, encouraging and totally great with his students.  He helps his students to become not only disciplined martial artists, but also the best people that they can be.  My daughter has always been on the shy side, but this last year has been amazing.  I have watched her confidence grow by leaps and bounds.  She speaks up and looks you in the eye and the shyness is just a mere memory.  When she walks into the Dragon's Way Kwoon or school she becomes a martial artist.  She is all business and trains hard.  There aren't many nights that she isn't soaked in perspiration.  It's a tough workout, but it has done so much.  

Today she took her third test and at the end received her Orange belt. (Every time she takes a "belt" test she starts all the way back to her White belt and moves through the information in each one.) The easy stuff is behind her.  Now the real training starts.  She gets her hands on her first weapon in this belt - the bow staff.  Everything is kicked up a notch, but I know she's ready.  This tiny girl from Shenyang defies gravity when she leaps in the air.  Her grace and ability are a thing of beauty.  I'm so excited and proud of her and I know Master Clark is too.