Lindsey

1) When and why did I start Kung Fu Training?
I stared training 6.5 years, around 1999. I joined Kung Fu so that our family could do something actively together as a whole group.

2) What is the most important thing I learned?
The most important thing I have learned is to never underestimate yourself. You should test and challenge yourself and allow yourself to face fears. The school gives you plenty of opportunities to do just that. And don't be surprised when you find that your life becomes much more fulfilling. Who figured? I am a mom of four boys, a wife, a dentist, as black belt in kung fu and an avid addict of Tai Chi. Life is Grand!

3) What I like best:
Kung Fu is both physically and mentally challenging. When you are training, your mind is fully engaged. You have the luxury of focusing on one thing, your training and not all of the other hundreds of busy things that so frequently consume our daily lives.

4) What is one misunderstanding or myth I would like to refute:
Kung Fu can be enjoyed by people of all ages. As with life, each of us navigate our own chosen paths and in Kung Fu training you can also navigate your own training and achieve your own personal best.

Chris

1) When and why did I start Kung Fu Training?
I started training 7 years ago in 1999. I joined the school to further my training in martial arts. Previously I had trained in Tae Kwon Do and Jiu-jitsu.

2) What is the most important thing I learned?
I have learned that true, long lasting rewards in life only come with hard and persistent work.

3) What I like best:
It has led me to the discipline of Tai Chi Chuan, which for myself has transformed my ability to manage day to day stress and life in a more comfortable and peaceful manner. Also, I no longer have severe back pain, which had plagued me for many years!!

4) What is one misunderstanding or myth I would like to refute:
Some people believe that only certain people can benefit or train in Kung Fu. EVERYONE can benefit and everyone can train in Kung Fu. It simply takes hard work, discipline and perseverance. When the aforementioned are indoctrinated into your character through Kung Fu or Tai Chi Chuan, you will be forever transformed.

Anonymous

1) When and why did I start Kung Fu Training?
I started Kung Fu almost six years ago. My initial interest was to improve my health and strength. Over the years I casually thought about martial arts but did not really understand all the various types and their differences. My youngest son wanted to start training too, and that was enough to get me started. As I researched various styles, I came across a saying the stuck with me: "It is better to spend three years looking for a good school than one year training in a bad school." Learning about various arts convinced me that a traditional style was going to be a good fit. That led me to Kung Fu and the school in Brea.

2) What is the most important thing I learned?
The lessons from training in Kung Fu are numerous. It is difficult to single out one item as the most important. One that stands out is that mastery of the fundamentals is never ending. To learn, and then build upon, and relearn the fundamental aspects of the art is critical. As with many things in life the ultimate skill is hidden in the basics. This principal and the humility needed to embrace this is one of the most important things I have learned.

3) What I like best:
The honor embedded in how we train and how we are taught to think about Kung Fu is one of the things I like. This brings an enormous dignity to everyone who participates, no matter the skill level, age, race, or other things that separate us. This honor is not cheap or faked, it requires you to bring your best; you give it your all. To do this with other students pursuing the same things is very satisfying.

4) What is one misunderstanding or myth I would like to refute:
One misunderstanding I have encountered for those less familiar with Kung Fu, is that the earning of belts is the ultimate goal in the training. Earning a belt and advancing is tremendously satisfying, but there is so much more. It would be similar to saying that the goal of high school or college was getting the diploma. A belt and a diploma are alike. They are a symbol, recognition of a meaningful accomplishment, but they are not the accomplishment itself.

Anthony

1) When and why did I start Kung Fu Training?
I became very interested in marshal arts when I was in college and have been taking classes since, when I had a chance. I began practicing the art of Kung Fu three years ago when one of my students introduced me to the Brea Shaolin Kung Fu School. I have greatly enjoyed my studies in this ancient Chinese system of marshal arts.

2) What is the most important thing I learned?
I have learned the value of endurance. I think it is one of the most powerful tools available to a marshal arts student and can greatly aide in becoming a successful student.

3) What I like best:
I like being around the young energizing students at this school. I feel that I am alive and strong when I wake up every morning. I feel proud that at my age I can perform and compete with the younger students.

4) What is one misunderstanding or myth I would like to refute:
I do not feel that I am experience enough to comment. However, I do think that as long as students appreciate and uphold the message of the art, their body and sould will benefit.

Reno

1) When and why did I start Kung Fu Training?
October 2003 for health and self defense.

2) What is the most important thing I learned?
Patience.

3) What I like best:
Watching the progress of my fellow students and helping the new students learn.

4) What is one misunderstanding or myth I would like to refute:
People tend to think that Kung Fu is a spiritual thing. I feel that is too pretentious of a statement. Although students are cultivating themselves on many levels, it really is what you make it and that is different for each individual.

Scott

1) When and why did I start Kung Fu Training?
I started Kung Fu training in July, 2005. I've always been interested in martial arts and although I did some Kung Fu San Soo and Kempo Karate as a kid, I didn't stick with them for very long. Later in life, I wanted to take up a marital aret an stick with it, with the gaol of becoming proficient at it. I chose Kung Fu because of its effectiveness and because of my interest in Chinese culture.

2) What is the most important thing I learned?
I learned that Kung Fu requires a very different kind of strength and stamina then weight lifting or other sports. I've also learned that this is a long-term endeavor that requires a lot of dedication and consistency in order to progress.

3) What I like best:
I like the mental and physical challenges that it poses and the development of focus and confidence, which are necessary in order to meet those challenges.

4) What is one misunderstanding or myth I would like to refute:
The idea that practitioners of Kung Fu are quick but not very strong. Kung Fu requires a great deal of strength, which is a different type of strength from weight lifting and most other sports.

Scott

1) When and why did I start Kung Fu Training?
I started in high school. It was always something I wanted to do as a kid, watching Black Belt Theatre on Sundays.

2) What is the most important thing I learned?
I've learned that consistent effort can take you further than you originally thought you could go.

3) What I like best:
The benefits of our Kung Fu are very comprehensive. It provides physical strength, endurance, speed, internal and external health, fighting ability, peace of mind and a path to enduring development.

4) What is one misunderstanding or myth I would like to refute:
I don't believe age, sex, size, natural abilities, etc matter very much in the long run, as to who develops real fighting ability. All it takes is someone patient enough to endure the pains of training hard for years. An the humility to let it happen.