Kong Hoi Kung Fu Assn. Blog

15 Days Away

2008-05-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

It is 15 days until Sifu Anthony and I head to Hong Kong. We are training everyday to prepare. We do not know what we will learn, as all the forms Sifu Li knows we have already gained. In 21 days our school comes over and we will train everyday. We look forward to seeing Hong Kong again and i look forward to showing them around. We are truly going to live the dream.

Questions?????

2008-05-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sifu Li called Si-Gung Sunday and informed him of our dates when we will train. Si-Gung said all was fine and was ready for us. Sifu Li said he did not know what we will learn, as all the forms he knew Lai Tung had were now taught to us.
Sifu Anthony and I will be ready for the challenge. Will Si-Gung teach us details, another form, applications, chi control, all of the above? Who knows, but know this, we are excited.

Countdown

2008-05-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

The school did well at the CACMA Tournament and now we look toward Hong Kong. We are getting excited as it is only one month away. I hope we are ready. Anthony and I will go first, then the others. We are truly blessed to be able to live the dream!

The Return

2008-04-03T03:37:00.000-07:00

The school is going again to Hong Kong. I will be going back june 7th with Sifu Anthony to train one more time with Grandmaster. Students Eoin, Steven, Derek, Jerry, Sam, and Gabriele will be joining us on the 13th. Are we excited? Yes!!!

Training and Perspective

2006-11-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

What an awesome opportunity to train with the Grandmaster of Lai Tung Pai, Kong Chiu Hoi, in Hong Kong and to accompany Sifu Chris Facente, Sifu Chris Woodrow, and Mint Hill Lai Tung Pai practitioner, Derek Nester, these last couple of weeks!! Having trained in northern style Kung Fu for 35 years, where footwork mobility and forward movement with the feet and body are king, it was quite revealing to train in a top notch southern style, Lai Tung Pai, where stability and forward movement of the "encircling hands" are king. Many times during training I was reminded by the translator that "I play the Bok Pai" (northern style) instead of the "Lam Kuen" (southern style). It will take much time to reflect and train utilizing all of the new information in light of this new perspective. Again, my thanks and gratitude go out to Sifu Chris Facente, who Grandmaster Kong Chiu Hoi designated as a future heir to Lai Tung Pai!

We have forged our spirits in the tradition of our ancestors

2006-11-24T01:17:00.000-08:00

We have done it! We learned 8 forms in 12 days. We are sad to say goodbye but happy to get back home. I leave 11:35 HK time and get to the USA 11:40 US Time. Just a 5 minute flight.

Thank you all for reading the blog and keeping up with us. See everyone soon!

One Day Left, One Form To Go!

2006-11-23T03:07:00.000-08:00

Si-Gung presented us with the Si-Mo Dao or Mother-Son sword set. This form can be done with the double broadswords or with a long and short sword. Si-Gung said it has only been taught to 5 people by him. What an honor to learn such a form. Tomorrow we learn the Butterfly swords. He has only taught 3 people this form. Derek has really stepped up to the plate and done really well. Si-Gung still misses Chris Woodrow.

Be back Saturday, have a happy thanksgiving and I'll be at class Sunday.

More Later...

Two Days Left!

2006-11-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

We learned the Lai Tung Broadsword form today. This is , as all Lai Tung Forms, a short set so we learned it all in one day. This still leaves us with at least two more forms. We later went to the harbor and saw the start of Chirstmas in Hong Kong. It is a truly incredible sight. Bulidings lit from top to bottom with Christmas lights. I cannot describe it. I am starting to fell good about coming home, but sad as it will be long time before I will see Si-Gung again.

More later...

Rain and Review

2006-11-21T18:29:00.000-08:00

We started the day with a workout in the park. Derek had not been used to the fast pace and so we took time to work the new forms. We ate breakfast and went to the park again with Doug. Here we met a young lady also doing kung fu. As we worked out we noticed she was doing the same thing as us following along as we did the forms slowly. She could not speak English but we shared some techniques. The world of Kung Fu is a small place and speaks a universal language.

Today it rained a lot and Si-Gung had us reviewing all we had learned. He asked me a lot of questions about the school and was happy to Landon's form. It rained so hard we had to stop working out. We went with Si-Gung to buy weapons, Chris W. I got you a set of Butterfly swords and bought the school a set of Cern Dao. You have some change left over. Si-Gung is going to give us three more forms in the last three days! This will give our total of 8 forms in 12 days.

More later...

Back in the US

2006-11-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I made it back to the US on Saturday. I missed my scheduled flight from Chicago to Charlotte and ended up spending over 5 hours in the airport. Amazingly enough, my bags made it to Charlotte before I did!

All-in-all, this was a great trip. My understanding of the style has increased greatly. It was also great to see where Sifu trained and to work with Si Gung. From the stories, I'm really glad that I am a grandchild!

2006-11-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Zow! We learned an exciting new and demanding form (Elo Kuen) today. Lots of spark and fire! This morning we practiced in the park to review last weeks material and we are rising early to meet Derrick for a couple of hours of training. ...Coming down to the wire and have learned quite a lot so far.

Back to Work!!!!

2006-11-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

Boy was the two days off nice, but now it was time to get back to it. Si-Gung taught us another new form Elo Kuen. I have never even heard of this form. Derek was tired and excited to meet Si-Gung, but he didn't sleep too much the night before. This took its toll of him early, as you can read by his blog below.

Doug and I went shopping for more stuff and bought some. We found a book store but they were closing in 5 minutes so we came back here and thought we would blog.

More to come, tomorrow Si-Gung is taking us to buy high quality weapons.

2006-11-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

After breakfast Chris and I practiced the newest Lai Tung Pai forms this am for about an hour at the public park - they're starting to integrate a little bit - and then off to watch the ''Kung Fu Corner" in Kowloon Park near where Derek ("Spicey D") and Stan (Derek's Dad, aka "Big Daddy") are staying. [They had gone to the Po Lin Monastery this am and probably will have lots to say about their journey.] Sifu Lee's sister May joined us to watch the local kung fu practice too. After the opening Lion Dance at the Kung Fu Corner, a couple of Wushu and Tai Chi groups demonstrated for almost 2 hours their solo and group empty hand and weapons forms, including single and double fan, broadsword, straight sword, and staff forms. As Chris mentioned, while we were watching 2 Kung Fu competitors from Brazil came up to us and said that they had recognized us from Hunt Valley (Baltimore) Kuoshu Tournament earlier this year. "Small World", is right! We chatted for awhile and took some pictures. As the demonstrations wound down, we parted ways, we headed back to the Kowloon Hotel to meet Derek and Stan, who then joined us for dinner and the street markets by our hotel here.

Chris Leaves, Derek in the House, Party Time!

2006-11-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

Our brother, Chris Woodrow went back to the states on Saturday. He was sad but looks forward to getting home and seeing his family. Derek came in Friday night and met us for a trip to the Peak. Derek brought his father along and he wasn't thrilled about the steps in Hong Kong.

We went and had supper with Sifu Li's family. They, as always, welcomed us as family. Sifu's mom was happy I brought pictures, and we were glad we brought a smile to her face. I know she misses her son very much. We were deep in the New Territories. The locals were surprised to see "round eye" this deep in Hong Kong. As always, this was a fantastic meal that we would have never found.

Later as we were going back, we decided to check out the German Bier Fest at the Marco Polo hotel. This was the party in Hong Kong! Ask me for the pictures and video of the Chicken Dance and Alpine Horn contest. Stephen, you missed the party.

We woke up later than normal Sunday morning and went to breakfast. There we met a New Zealand female power lifter. We had an interesting conversation. We then went to our park and worked out for a good hour. This felt good to loosen up and get back in the swing of things. We went to the park to see the Kung Fu in the park, a weekly demo put on by local schools. This day was mostly Tai Chi. Talk about a small world, we met two competitors from Baltimore and Doug and I had in our rings! They went to the Singapore tournament and were taking a little tour of Asia. Incredible!

More later...

Time to review

2006-11-17T06:18:00.000-08:00

We had a review day today. Si-Gung has given us time to comprehend all the forms by letting us do them over and over. Si-Gung has let us play Luk Sao with our Si-Suk's(Kung Fu brothers of our instructor) and he let us teach them as we are more skilled. Chris Woodrow's last day and he really shone as he made quick work of one of the Si-Suk's.

Did I mention we climb 114 steps (7 flights) of stairs to training every day?

More later...

2006-11-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Day 6 and we are developing a group dynamic in our forms- the effort and intensity are magnifying and our breathing and coordination are unifying. From the internal form to the southern long fist and short fist forms, we are building a cohesive group presentation that reflects our individual passion for martial strength and passion.

We already have our money's worth and we still have 6 days left!

2006-11-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

We finished off BaGua Poon Kuen today. Si-Gung is setting a blistering pace. For those reading the blog that don't do Kung Fu, imagine learning how to tap dance one day, swing dance another, and modern dance the next. This is what learning new forms are like. We worked some weapons today. The heat is rough, around 85-90 and 80% humidity.

Miss everyone, more later...

Training Day 6

2006-11-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

The days are going by faster and faster. Another day without an interpreter. I think we actually get more out of these days than when Julie is there. Some times it's hard to understand, but for the most part, we can figure things out between the hand signals and the little bit of English that Si Gung knows.

We got to touch hands with 2 Si Suks today. It was a great experience. Si Gung used this opportunity to teach everyone some new things. Afterwards, Si Gung was proud of us all. All-in-all a good day.

Training Day 5

2006-11-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

Day 5 - Start of Form #4. My brain is getting overloaded, but we are getting a lot of good stuff. It has been amazing touching hands with Si Gung. It's true what Sifu says - Si Gung really does have 3 hands. You think that you have both of his hands tied up, and then you feel something on your chest. Luckily for me, he just taps me; he likes to tickle Chris F.

more later...

2006-11-15T05:32:00.000-08:00

My thanks and appreciation again to Sifu Chris Facente for the invitation to join him and Sifu Chris Woodrow for 15 days of training with the Grandmaster of Lei Tung Pai, Kong Chiu-Hoi! Grandmaster Kong Hoi, "Si-Gong" is a ball of energy in his mid-late 70'S! He is tough yet generous with his 'time and effort". Today we completed the 5th day of training and we are into our 4th form! The volume of information has been at the top! We have spent 4 hours in the afternoon with Si-Gong each day learning and repeating the forms, and doing "luk sao" with each other and with Si-Gong! After dinner and dropping off to sleep some nights right after we get back to the room, we arise to start again. After breakfast we walk to the local park to practice and analyze the information. Because of my background in "bok pai", northern style forms, Si-Gong has now recommended that I apply myself and "empty my cup" and I have strived to do that from Day One. Rolling Hands with Chris and Chris and Si-Gong has been quite revealing and thrilling and I look forward to this fascinating form of practice drills each day.

We learn more...

2006-11-15T05:05:00.000-08:00

Today we started Bagua Poon Kuen. This was a form I have wanted to learn for years. Sifu has always talked about this form. We have all but seven moves. It is fun, but I have the flu and had to take it easy today. Chris and Doug did not however; and they trained hard as possible. Si-Gung is very respectful to Doug and his art. He respects that Doug is still learning and told us how we must practice every day to keep the information fresh in our minds. I hear Jerry did well at the tournament, hope all else is good back there.

More later...

Another Day, Another Form

2006-11-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

We learned the Poon Kuen form today. Si Gung wanted to see what forms we do so we demo-ed them for him. He was proud for what Sifu Li taught us. I have new respect for Sifu Li. We train 4 hours on a roof under the hot Hong Kong sun. Sifu Li trained every day for 1 year, 6-8 hours a day. Training is hard. We asked Si-Gung what Sifu was like when he trained. Si-Gung was very mean to his students. One of Sifu's S-Hing's (older school brother) said they were beat up after training. We are like the grandchildren, Si-Gung is very nice to us.

More Later...

Its not all training...

2006-11-13T04:20:00.000-08:00

We did have the previous day off (see below) and we made the most of it.
We got an early start up to the peak. This it is quite an adventure. The tram goes up at a step angle. Doug is a little scared of heights and was not comfortable. When we got to the top, words cannot describe the view. We ate breakfast at a ritzy restaurant overlooking the city and harbor. The haze was bad but lots could still be seen.

We left and went to Lantau Island where the Po Lin Monastery is. The Po Lin is very famous for its 30 meter high Bronze Buddha. Lots of steps up to the Buddha. We also went to the temple grounds and did our Tai Chi. It was quite and experience.

Kevin and his parents took us to a restaurant in Kowloon City by the old airport. This was the best meal we had so far and one of the least expensive. Kevin’s family treated us like one of their own. They toured us around town and told us they thought of us like family. It was the perfect ending to a great day.

Training Day 3

2006-11-13T04:07:00.000-08:00

Wow - I don't even know what to say about today. We had arranged to have lunch with Si Gung, but then found out that the translator would not be present today. Luckily, Joyce was there at the start to understand our dietary restrictions. I never thought that the food would stop coming. Needless to say, 4 hours of training on a full stomach...

Amazingly enough, we were able to learn a lot of things without actually talking. We finished up the Ya Sa Sau form, did a lot of Luk Sau, and practiced fighting openings. It is amazing what Si Gung can do. No matter what you think you have covered, there is another hand coming at your chest.

Tomorrow's another day - and there is another form to learn. Time to get some sleep.

Second Day

2006-11-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

Well how about this. We did our intensive training, starting with practicing the form we learned yesterday. Si-Gung really drove it into our heads to stay up with him so we can learn the most. We picked a random stop on the subway and walked around. There was an outdoor food market not for the weak of stomach! We will just say fish heads, chicken feet and a whole goat. We came back and went to Si-Gung's place. We have been honored enough to train where Sifu Li used to train. Si-Gung taught us the begining to Ya Say Sow (24 hands) and worked on the 5 element tai chi form. Si-Gung gave us an intense but fulfilling workout. We left Si-Gung and decided to go to the horbor. Hong Kong harbor is quite beautiful at night. I am writting this form a coffee house right on the horbor looking at a Chinese Junk sail by. I hope everyone is well. I miss everyone and wish everybody could share this experience. I miss Gabi the most.

More Later....