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April 06, 2004
Butt-kicking for Justice
Actually, neither justice nor kicked butts were involved.
Prior to my layoff and unemployment in New York, I had been searching out kung fu schools along with the other Bo Law refugees. Most of my friends and former training brothers ended up joining a Bak Mei (White Eyebrow) school, but that wasn't really my style.
During my search, though, I came upon the school of Dr. Su Yu-Chang and I was really impressed. Had it not been for money issues, I would have joined, especially after taking a couple of trial classes with them. Alas, I would never get the chance to join them fully. My path led me to Los Angeles.
Skip ahead several months of wishy washy doddering around, wanting to pick up kung fu again but being constrained by the lack of car. After my last experience, I really wanted to find a place with an excellent teacher. The particular style wasn't as important to me.
Through contacts, I found out about Jason Tsou's school in Monterey Park. Fast forward through a few more months of wanting to go, no car, etc., and finally, this past week, Henry and I committed to going, hell or high water. Despite the lure of a fine party the same night, we followed through.
Two classes later, I really like this school. While my personal technique is hardly anything to write about, I think I learned more in the seven hours--yes, seven hours spread over two classes in as many days--than I did in all the time I spent at my last school. Quite frankly, Jason Tsou explained things in a way that went really deep. From the rationale behind a particular move to its various applications (the same move could be used in different ways) to the philosophical underpinnings of the art.
One thing that really impressed me was a walkthrough of the Chen Tai Chi short form where each move and turn was broken down into yin and yang elements, with stresses on where and how they needed to be balanced. It was like having the curtains thrown back and seeing light in the room for the first time.
I'm very pleased with this school so far and will be returning next week.
Posted by KinCross at April 6, 2004 12:24 AM