kung fu Archives - WAH LUM®

Step Back, Reflect, and Realign

January 28, 2025January 25, 2025Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Kung Fu and Tai Chi teach us the value of reflection and intentional action.

This month, I challenge you to carve out a few hours to step back, reflect, and realign your focus.

Here’s how:

Find an inspiring space (a park, a quiet coffee shop).
Bring a journal and pen—no devices!
Spend time thinking and writing about the bigger picture of your life.

Start with these questions:

Are my daily actions leading me toward my goals—or off course?
What do my actions say about my true priorities?
If my life were a movie, what would the audience be shouting for me to do?
Am I focusing on meaningful goals or getting lost in busy work?
What beliefs should I challenge to grow stronger?

Give this some time, and see how it transforms your mindset.

Small shifts now can lead to profound changes later—just like a single degree in a kung fu or tai chi stance can make all the difference!

Let me know what insights you uncover—I’d love to hear from you!

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Integrity and Environment in Training

January 21, 2025January 22, 2025Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Let’s talk about two words that transform how we approach fundamental human movements and training: integrity and environment.

These concepts aren’t just buzzwords; they’re essential to understanding how we navigate our training and, ultimately, our lives.

Integrity

Integrity isn’t just a moral principle—it’s about wholeness. In life, it means being the same person in every situation, doing what’s right even when it’s hard.

These ideas come from strength coach Dan John, whose insights on movement and resilience have inspired the way I approach training and teaching.

In training, integrity reminds us that the body is one unified system. Every movement you make—whether a punch, kick, or a Tai Chi flow—requires harmony in your entire being.

When we train, we don’t just strengthen individual muscles; we fortify our entire person. From the mind to the spirit, every part contributes to our athletic performance, our health, and our growth.

Environment

Your environment is everything around you, from the floor you stand on to the challenges you face.

At Wah Lum, the environment could be the training floor, an opponent, or even the crowd cheering (or distracting) you.

In simpler settings, like playing catch with a baseball, the environment might seem controlled—just you, the ball, and the person across from you.

But in more complex situations, like sparring or navigating a chaotic crowd, the environment shifts unpredictably.

It’s dynamic, ever-changing, and requires you to adapt while maintaining your integrity.

Why This Matters

At Wah Lum, our goal is simple: build you up. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, so you can face any situation with strength and balance.

As we train, think about how these two ideas—integrity and environment—play a role in every move, every breath, and every decision.

When we flow through a Tai Chi form or execute a powerful kick in Kung Fu, we’re practicing unity within ourselves while adapting to the environment around us. This will help us thrive in martial arts and life’s challenges.

Keep these ideas in mind as you train.

Be whole.

Be adaptable.

And let’s continue building the best versions of ourselves.

Looking forward to seeing you in class!

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Performance Training

January 20, 2025February 5, 2025Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

I spoke with Sifu Antonio a couple of weeks ago, and he told me how excited his students were for the Wah Lum of Brazil Grand Opening. It was a special treat for them that Grandmaster Chan and other Wah Lum Sifus were attending. He was wondering what we would be performing at the show, and I confessed that because of Chinese New Year, we had not planned out our performance. As much as I loved performing growing up, I am actually fine if I do not perform these days. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I don’t often feel motivated to perform, but part of it is that I enjoy seeing the next generation step up. I am excited to see what the youth and newer generations put together creatively and how they execute their forms. Throughout the CNY celebrations I sometimes considered performing if we were short on help, but then I would see the kids really flourish and push themselves to the limit. (we call it CNY pride) So, I opted not to perform during CNY. I learn a lot from observing and it helps me become a better teacher.

Of course it will be an honor to perform at the Grand Opening in Brazil on behalf of the

Temple and to be a part of this great celebration. Sifu Tu will be doing his famous double edge sword, Sifu Oscar a mantis form, and I still hadn’t decided what to do. I will also begrudgingly admit that I often don’t decide what I am doing until I am on stage! Improvisation is a big part of my repertoire. Good or bad, it definitely keeps me on my toes.

Do I recommend this route? Certainly not! My method for training students is to drill and drill and drill their performance routines until it is engrained in their brain. It may seem odd that I do not want them to do as I do, just do as I say! I worry that makes me a hypocritical teacher, but then I realize I had to create my own system for performance training. Although my father was always there to guide me, I had to do the majority of my performance training on my own. I had to drill and drill and drill until I got it right. I was also fortunate that we had a lot of live shows to gain experience. I’ve spent entire summers performing kung fu shows daily at theme parks. Not many other martial artists have had this experience. Ultimately another reason I have a flare for the dramatic, is I take after my teacher, Grandmaster Pui Chan. No one performs like he does! I have seen masters through the decades from all over the world, and while many have incredible kung fu, none of them have the showmanship like my father. Even the other masters always comment on his performances. In addition, he is always performing. On the streets in Brazil, or on the cruise; he starts talking to anyone who fish-pond shows interest, and immediately he is on stage. If they are lucky he does some kung fu moves for them too. Through these experiences, I learned the art of performing, and
not just the art of kung fu. They really are 2 different animals! (I never had animals growing up, except for the fish at the Temple, but they hardly count as pets right?)

My students are fortunate that I developed a system for producing entertaining shows. I don’t often compliment myself, but I do believe I can put on an exciting show. Instead of having to discover these techniques on their own, I am there to guide them and essentially give them short cuts. Some might say it isn’t good for them, and that they should discover things on their own, but then I see them perform and realize they are much better performers at this stage of their training than I was. In having to figure it out on my own, my progress was slow. My hopes for my students are for them to surpass me by trillions and gazillions! In order to do this, I combine my experiences to give them what I hope is the best system of training for their progress and growth. Although I have been doing this a long time, I am still learning. I am pleased that the crowd is always happy at our shows, and my goal is to always improve and challenge myself.

Watching the kung fu show in Rio de Janeiro that was led by Sifu Antonio was such an inspiration. I was thrilled the moment they stepped on stage. The music, the uniforms, and the performance resembled shows I have produced in the past. I was so happy to see that this has carried over all the way in Brazil! Sifu Antonio and his students captured the essence of my Wah Lum kung fu performance style, and it was excellently executed! Kudos to everyone who performed!

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It is such a unique thing to realize that all over the world, Wah Lum students are doing the same classes we are doing at the Temple, and now to see them perform the same, was a special moment for me. It makes me unbelievably proud, and it was pleasure to share the stage with my Wah Lum of Brazil family. Congrats again to Sifu Antonio on a successful grand opening and for all of the hard work these past 20 years to make the school what it is today.

Making Time and Taking Action

December 17, 2024December 17, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Small Actions, Big Wins: Your Guide to Progress

We all want to make progress, whether it’s in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, or our personal goals. But sometimes, life’s demands can feel overwhelming. The key? Two simple yet powerful actions: making time and taking action.

Step 1: Make Time for You

Life pulls us in a million directions, but when you carve out time for yourself, you’re saying, “I matter.” It’s not just about scheduling—it’s about committing to your own growth. Plus, making time helps you build skills like planning and prioritizing, which reduce stress and build resilience.

An easy way to put this into action? Join a martial arts school and commit to attending your classes!

Step 2: Take a Five-Minute Action

The hardest part of starting is often… starting. Instead of waiting for motivation, try this: commit to just five minutes.

Read one paragraph, practice one stance, or stretch for five minutes. That tiny action builds momentum, breaks through procrastination, and creates a sense of accomplishment.

Your Challenge

This week, block out a few minutes for yourself and take that first small step. You’ll feel more motivated and empowered with every action. Remember, progress is a series of small wins!

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Your Path to Progress: Small Steps, Big Impact

December 10, 2024December 12, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

If you’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like, here’s some food for thought. (And yes, I’m talking to myself too!)

Remember:

You Are What You Do.

Consistency in small actions builds greatness. For example, if you train at the Temple an average of twice per week, try spending 5-10 minutes practicing the basics on the other five days. The compound effect will accelerate your improvement.

Your Beliefs Shape Your Results.

Expect challenges, and they’ll show up. You might face injuries, illness, or even moments of discouragement. Preparing a list of things you can do – rather than focusing on what you can’t – can help you stay on track during difficult times.

Knowledge Isn’t Power Without Action.

You have the tools, now it’s about using them. After reading this, ask yourself: What are you going to do? Read another email, scroll social media, or research secret kung fu training tips? How about spending five minutes on your Kung Fu or Tai Chi basics?

Success is in Your Daily Choices.

What you choose now shapes what you’ll achieve later. The kind of martial artist you become depends on the actions you take today.

Take Control of Your Progress!

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

The Power Of One-Leg Squats In Kung Fu and Tai Chi

December 3, 2024December 4, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Today, I wanted to dive deeper into the power and benefits of one-leg squats for our students.

Our Kung Fu Students Know One-Leg Squats!

Our Style has Tam Tui in the name after all!

Performance science leader and coach Dr. Alex Natera has done an excellent job testing and categorizing the relative loading between the target and assisting the leg in various lower-body exercises. His research, using force plate data shows the following weight distribution:

– Bilateral Squat (your two-leg squat, or think of our Riding Horse Stance): 50/50

– Step-Up: 56/44

– Split Squat (think Kneeling Horse Stance for our Kung Fu students): 65/35

– Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat: 78/22

– Single-Leg Squat (Tam Tui or Pistol Squat): 100/0

Natera’s research also demonstrates that a one-leg squat with 50% body weight (BW) in external load equals a 2x BW back squat. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs and can do a one-leg squat with 100 lbs in external load, it would equate to a 400-lb back squat.

Pretty impressive, right?

Building Up to One-Leg Squats

It’s essential to build significant strength in a split squat before attempting a one-leg squat. Aim to lift 50% of your BW in a split squat first. This builds the motor control needed for one-leg squats and sets you up for success.

Why are One-Leg Squats Important?

– Greater Coordination: One-leg squats demand much more coordination. Taking one leg off the ground engages side-to-side stabilizer muscles like the adductors (inner thigh) and hip rotators (glute medius).

– Lower Orthopedic Cost: One-leg squats, along with the other exercises mentioned, have a lower orthopedic cost. They challenge students with lighter loads, reducing negative side effects of spinal compression.

However, that lower orthopedic cost comes with a warning: you have to be able to perform a bodyweight split squat pain-free first! Even if you never manage a full one-leg squat, you can still reap many of the benefits of single leg training with split squats or step-ups.

Embrace the challenge, and I would love to hear your thoughts or questions!

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

The Benefits of Single Leg Training In Kung Fu And Tai Chi

November 26, 2024December 4, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Ever wondered why we do single leg training in our Kung Fu and Tai Chi Classes?

Yes, “because they are cool” is a valid reason, but there are also other awesome benefits.

Better Balance: Standing on one leg makes certain muscles on the opposite side work hard to keep you steady. These include:

– Glute Medius: A muscle on the side of your hip that helps with side-to-side movements and balance.

– Adductor: Muscles inside your thigh that help pull your legs together and stabilize you.

– Quadratus: A muscle in your lower back that helps keep your spine stable.

More Muscles Working: With these muscles engaged, single leg exercises become 3D. You have to keep your balance against, twisting, sideways, and forward-backward forces.
Real- Life Strength: Single leg exercises copy real life moves and sports, making you stronger for your everyday activities.
Prevent Injuries: Working each leg separately fixes muscle imbalances, reduces injury risk and improving balance and coordination.
Stronger Core: Being on one leg requires more core strength than being on two legs, making your whole body stronger.

Enjoy the balance, stability, and strength of single-leg training at Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi!

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Lions and Firecrackers and Kung fu, Oh My!

November 23, 2024Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

We are almost finished with the shows for Chinese New Year (CNY). It’s hard to believe in 2 days, we did over 30 performances. I’m not sure why I am always surprised, because this has been our tradition… this is our culture. I only know how to celebrate CNY one way: with lion dancing, kung fu shows, and firecrackers. Lots of firecrackers.
When I was younger, and the Temple would go out to perform, we had fewer participants, which meant a lot more kung fu for the few of us who performed. It didn’t matter. We loved it. As much of a ‘mysophobe’ as I am, CNY was one time I didn’t mind the germs or dirt. Rolling in firecracker dust on the parking lot floor was expected. Exciting even! What is CNY without hearing the drums play over and over in your head before you go to sleep, or coming home and finding firecracker remnants in your hair? No cuts or scrapes? That just means you didn’t celebrate properly.
Ask any performer what the shower at the end of CNY day 1 is like, and they will all tell you the same story. You watch the dirt go down the drain; you feel the burn from scrapes you didn’t know you had, you feel amazing to be under the warm water, and could probably fall asleep right there in the shower. That is the essence of CNY. The lunar calendar marks the ‘new year’ for us, a new beginning. We wash away the dirt and negativity from the past, recognize the hardships that will soon be in the past, we embrace the warmth of the new beginning, and we feel the challenges of being tired from hard work… But then we get up and do it again.

This is me running into the lion’s tail this year!

I remember telling my students this year after the floor was wet from the rain, “you don’t need to split and roll on the ground.” Sure enough, they got out there and did the split and rolled around on the ground. At first, I wondered why they were doing it, I just told them they didn’t need to do it! Why are they getting all dirty? Then I remember how I was at their age and what I did as a young performer. The excitement of the shows, the adrenalin, and the fun of just getting messy for CNY. Why would I try to stop it?

It’s part of the tradition, part of the culture.

Photos: Courtesy Karl Simpson and Hao Nguyen

Discover How Tai Chi Can Improve Your Blood Pressure

November 19, 2024November 20, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

Our Tai Chi students may already know this, but I wanted to share some cool news to our Kung Fu students.

A recent study found that Tai Chi can lower blood pressure even better than aerobic exercise.

In a study published in February 2024, researchers discovered that Tai Chi improved systolic blood pressure more than aerobic exercise. The study included 342 adults from China with prehypertension.

Participants were divided into two groups: one practiced Tai Chi, and the other did aerobic exercise. Both groups exercised four times a week for 60 minutes each session.

After 6 and 12 months, the Tai Chi group showed better improvements in systolic blood pressure.

Tai Chi is similar to isometric exercise. It involved holding static or slow, smooth moments using your body’s weight to strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments and increase flexibility.

This makes Tai Chi a great, easy alternative to traditional aerobic exercises for lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.

Check out the full study summary HERE

Stay healthy and active!

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Master Your Eating Habits Like Your Martial Arts Moves

November 12, 2024November 13, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

I want to share some practical tips to help you stay on track with your health goals while fully enjoying your meals.

Just as in Kung Fu and Tai Chi, where precision, awareness, and discipline are key, mindful eating can greatly enhance your overall well-being and training.

It’s all about paying attention to your food- savoring each bite, listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and enjoying the overall eating experience without distractions.

Tips for Practicing Mindful Eating:

Slow Down: In Kung Fu and Tai Chi training, every move is deliberate and controlled. Apply the same principles to your eating. Take your time to eat. Chew each bite thoroughly and savor the flavors and textures.
Eliminate Distractions: Try to eat without distractions such as TV, phones, or computers. Focus solely on your meal and the company around you. Just as you would eliminate distractions to concentrate during training, do the same during meals.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness signals. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re comfortably full. When training at Wah Lum, listening to your body is crucial to avoid injury and optimize performance. Apply this awareness to your eating habits.
Enjoy Your Food: We tell our students to enjoy the process of mastering a new technique. Apply the same principle to appreciating each meal – its taste, aroma, and presentation. This can enhance your satisfaction and reduce the desire for unhealthy snacks later.

By incorporating these mindful eating strategies into your routine, you can enjoy delicious food while staying on track with your health goals, just as you balance enjoyment and discipline in your martial arts training.

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

You Get To Choose

September 24, 2024October 8, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

I want you to try a short experiment. Look straight ahead, then look up, and then look straight again.

Did you notice yourself inhaling when you looked up? If not, try it again and pay attention to your breathing.

Breathing is often taken for granted, but it can have a profound impact on our practice. A small adjustment in our breathing can yield significant results.

Kung Fu and Tai Chi, with their generations-old wisdom, have never disconnected movement from breathing. The ancient practitioners realized that the breath could affect the nervous system, heightening, relaxing, or balancing it.

Breathing is unique in that it’s the only physiological function we can control both consciously and unconsciously. It bridges the gap between our voluntary and involuntary processes.

While breathing is automatic, we have the ability (if we choose) to control its speed and depth voluntarily.

At Wah Lum, we emphasize breathing first, allowing movement to unfold naturally. We then sync our movement with our breath, creating a harmonious mind-body connection.

Breathing is the foundation of our practice, whether it’s Kung Fu, Tai Chi, or strength training.

It cannot be overemphasized.

From beginning to the end of every movement system, breath is the essence.

Stay mindful of your breathing and let it guide your practice.

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

QQ: What Inspired Your Journey Into Kung Fu and Tai Chi?

September 10, 2024September 28, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

For me, a part was undeniably the cool factor. Growing up with Saturday morning Kung Fu theater left quite the impression, and fueled the desire to mimic (unsuccessfully) those awe-inspiring moves.

In his book “Mastery,” Aikido instructor George Leaonard proposes, “It’s possible that one of the reasons you embarked on the path of mastery was to look good. But to learn something new of any significance, you have to be willing to look foolish…if you’re always thinking about appearances, you can never attain the state of concentration that’s necessary for effective learning and top performance.”

Acknowledging that looking foolish is part of the initial learning process is crucial.

It’s a realization that sometimes we have to embrace the discomfort, knowing that something valuable often accompanies moments of initial awkwardness.

Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals engaged in hard work can help you feel more comfortable and, perhaps more crucially, accountable.

The collective effort becomes a motivating force, pushing everyone towards their goals.

From my own experience of enduring moments of seeming foolishness over decades, I’ve learned that hard work plus consistency can compensate for the absence of natural talent.

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Can 5 Minutes A Day Unlock Your Potential

July 30, 2024September 28, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

I’ve often spent more time imagining an elusive move in Kung Fu or Tai Chi instead of practicing it.

Life gets in the way, doesn’t it?

Whether your goal is self-defense, inner peace, or perfecting a butterfly kick, remember that small, consistent steps lead to big progress.

Here is a quote from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits that particularly resonated with me today:

“You’re not focused enough unless you’re mourning some of the things you’re saying no to.”

It made me think of 3 questions to unlock clarity, focus on action, and eliminate distractions:

What is my goal with Kung Fu or Tai Chi?
What is one daily action (under 5 minutes) that I can do that will move me towards that goal?
What will I have to limit or give up to do this daily action consistently?

Feel free to respond with your answers by replying to this post!

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Yin Yang Duality of Tension and Relaxation

June 12, 2024September 28, 2024Oscar AgramonteWah Lum

You may already know that Yin and Yang are two opposite but complementary forces in Chinese philosophy. They are often represented by the symbol of a circle divided into two halves, one black and one white, with a dot of the opposite color in each half.

Tension and relaxation are also two opposite but complementary forces in physical performance. Tension is strength and power, while relaxation is speed, endurance, and flexibility.

Kung Fu and Tai Chi demand both tension and relaxation. For example, when punching, you need to tense your body at the moment of impact to deliver maximum power. But you also need to relax quickly afterward so that you can recover and throw the next punch.

Elite athletes know the importance of practicing both tension and relaxation. They need to be able to tense their muscles to generate power, but they also need to be able to relax quickly to maintain speed and endurance.

Soviet Professor Leonid Matveyev observed that elite athletes are able to relax their muscles much faster than novice athletes. (800% difference!)

This is because they have trained their bodies to switch between tension and relaxation quickly and efficiently.

Here is a simple example of an exercise that you can do to practice tension and relaxation:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
Tense all of the muscles in your body as tightly as you can.
Hold the tension for a few seconds.
Relax all of your muscles as quickly as possible.
Repeat steps 2-4 several times.

As you get better at this exercise, you will be able to tense and relax your muscles more quickly and efficiently. This will help you to improve your performance in Kung Fu and Tai Chi.

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals.
Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Tip of the Week: You Are the Solution

April 17, 2024April 16, 2024Wah Lum AdminWah Lum

Anyone else get a ton of email marketing ads?

As I was thinking about my shortcomings, I realized there is no shortage of information bombarding me!

So the most appealing services, methods, and products are the ones that promise a specific solution.

This service provides comfort and makes us believe that whoever is providing the solution is competent and has the solution. For the record, most coaches, Sifus, and teachers struggle with impostor syndrome (ahem…as I raise my hand).

But I do believe we need to be wary about the fact that a specific solution implies that you have a specific problem.

If I were to sum up all the solutions/problems that have been offered to me, I would probably be convinced to enter the fetal position, never to act or move with any kind of confidence again.

If you want to practice Kung Fu or Tai Chi and move with comfort, ease, and fluidity, you need to believe in yourself, and your body.

I know it’s cliché, but you need to be the solution.

There is a story we all tell ourselves. How are you going to rewrite your story this week?

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? The first step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals.
Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Break Through Plateaus In Your Martial Arts Journey

April 3, 2024April 1, 2024Wah Lum AdminWah Lum

Hey there,

Do you ever feel that an invisible ceiling is inhibiting your progress?

As a martial artist, (or aspiring martial artist) we love mastering new movements, pushing ourselves, and getting those incremental improvements, right?

But life gets busy and we find ourselves wrestling with time. Endless commitments, demanding schedules…

The big thing that holds many students back from progressing is being able to get into certain positions. Low stances, high kicks…

But it doesn’t end there!

Once you can get into a certain position, you also want to feel strong there.

I’ve been working on some mobility training that has been helping and I am looking to start a project soon that’ll take a handful of students through a targeted mobility program.

Reply if you want to hear more about it.

Sifu Oscar

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi? The first step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching. Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals.
Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Take It Day by Day by Brittany Caldwell

April 20, 2020April 20, 2020Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Feature story by Brittany Caldwell of the University of Central Florida schools of Journalism

3/19/20

“Take It Day by Day”

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Chief instructor Mimi Chan (center) demonstrates a kung fu form to a group of students. Photo by Hao Nguyen, Courtesy of Wah Lum Temple

Cars whiz past a yellow brick wall on North Goldenrod Road. After 40 years in Orlando, the Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Temple still maintains an air of mystery. Tucked back in a forest of bamboo trees, the Chinese martial arts school stands with cultural pride.

Chief instructor and UCF alumna Mimi Chan begins her day with tea and gratitude. She meditates and takes a moment to reflect on her blessings. At Wah Lum, she lights incense to honor her ancestors, a long-standing tradition of respect. She is an athletic woman of average height, dressed in her uniform of a comfy T-shirt and loose pants with her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Throughout the day, she juggles technical difficulties and coordinating the business with the help of her MacBook and iPhone. Whereas the school would be full of students preparing for kung fu and tai chi classes, this week it’s just Mimi and a few instructors, who are careful to stay healthy as they livestream classes on Zoom. As the operation manager, Mimi runs the show- even in adversity.

“My day has been tackling and putting out fires and how I’m going to plan and implement for all the things to come,” Mimi said.

Because social distancing is being encouraged as a way to combat the coronavirus pandemic, small businesses are at risk. This has been in the back of Mimi’s mind since news of the outbreak in February. But her main concern was the students- the people that made Wah Lum like a family.

“The more we were hearing as things progressed, about how the disease could be spread from people who don’t show symptoms, the more concerned we were,” Mimi said.

She cancelled in-person classes in early March before the Florida government mandate closed fitness businesses. Even though she was saddened by the closure, she did not want to have the virus endanger the health of the students, especially given the range of ages.

“While all of our students were very mindful and careful, you could just never be too safe,” Mimi said. “I would’ve preferred to make the decision on behalf of the students while having a plan in place.”

Along with two other certified instructors, Mimi is referred to as “sifu,” which means a teacher or a father figure. It’s a symbolic title in Chinese kung fu, where the person guides the student through training but is also like a second family to them.

At 42, Mimi has managed the family business that her father created for the past 21 years. Her father, Grandmaster Pui Chan, and her mother, Simu Suzy, are the owners and influential to decisions. The school is not just a business to Mimi and her family- it’s also a temple rooted in history. She is dedicated to upholding her father’s legacy of authentic Chinese culture and martial arts.

Overseeing a small business amidst the coronavirus is not an easy task but her gratitude for the Wah Lum community motivates her to keep going.

“We run our business like a family,” Mimi said. “All of our students are like family members.”

Some students and instructors are UCF alumni just like Mimi. UCF is not far from the Wah Lum Temple- about 12 minutes away.

Virtual classes don’t mean that the students watch a video at odd times in the day. The schedule is the same as it was pre-coronavirus. If you have a class at 6:30 p.m., you log on to Zoom at 6:30 p.m. The only thing that has changed is the format.

“For us, the priority is keeping our students engaged and active, and helping bring them some normality in a very abnormal time,” Mimi said.

Mimi said they wanted to livestream the class at the school in a familiar place- in front of the martial arts altar.

“It is far better for them to actually feel like they are there with us,” she said. “That way the students can get as traditional of an experience as possible.”

Mimi has been working at least 12 hours each day to organize the virtual classes. When she feels stressed, she uses the breathing exercises they teach in kung fu and tai chi classes. The impacts of the virus on Wah Lum are like math problems that she has to solve, yet she said she enjoys figuring out how to fix them.

“This is very unprecedented so we just have to take it day by day,” Mimi said.

Mimi constantly balances the needs of the business with the concerns she has for her family. Her sister, mother and father fall into the at-risk category for the coronavirus. She said she feels better knowing they are safe while she is working. Her family may be absent from the school but that doesn’t stop them from contributing. Mimi’s mom records tai chi classes from home.

With the Orange County stay-at-home order in effect, Wah Lum will continue with their online classes.

“We will not reopen until it is safe to do so,” Mimi said.

The school depends on students’ membership to support the service-based business. While the virtual classes keep them afloat, it’s unclear what the future may hold.

But even in a pandemic, those closest to Mimi have faith in her coordination behind the scenes.

“We are very lucky that we have someone like Mimi who’s very good at handling problems and looking at solutions,” said Oscar Agramonte, 40, Mimi’s husband and a Wah Lum instructor.

When he is not helping out with kung fu and tai chi classes, Agramonte leads a kickboxing and sparring class. He also has his own associated fitness program called “Control Your Health.”

A UCF graduate, Agramonte got his certification to be a physical trainer while teaching at Wah Lum and realized he could do one-on-one training as a full-time job. He recently made the decision to move his classes online but has found teaching virtually to be a challenge.

“I’m so used to talking to people in person,” Agramonte said. “I feel very relaxed. And when I’m doing it virtually, the energy levels is just different.

“I have to project more. I have to draw the energy out. And I don’t have an instant reaction as to whether they’re giving me that energy back.”

Agramonte is hopeful that with time, the process will get easier.

“It’s harder for me right now because it’s a little bit newer,” he said. “The longer that we get into this quarantine type of situation, the benefit will be that we’ll get better at it.”

The move to online classes poses an obstacle as to how almost 50 students will learn detailed kung fu forms from one screen. In a face-to-face setting, there are separate areas for different classes to take place at once.

“I think you can do [kung fu] on virtual,” said Jeremy Rose, 41, a student for 10 years and a UCF alumnus. “It’s just going to be harder when you’re trying to give so many people something at the same time.”

With one week of virtual classes under her belt, Mimi feels good about the future of online training. There are still some technical things she’d like to improve but she said it was “pretty successful overall.”

She said she appreciates that the students continue to support Wah Lum and how positive they have been with the virtual experience.

“The best thing is that we can still be connected,” Mimi said. “It was a really beautiful thing to see that everyone’s in their home and we’re all still participating in the same kung fu classes.”

After the students say goodbye to the instructors and the Zoom classes sign off, Mimi stays at the school a little longer to work on scheduling and communicating with staff members. After she leaves for home, the temple is truly empty.

Plunged in darkness, the Wah Lum Temple rests, grateful for another day to spread its message of fitness, culture and community.

Why women should practice kung fu: my real life application

November 26, 2017March 18, 2024Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

I have been asked about teaching a ‘women’s self defense’ seminar over the years, and I always decline because in all honesty, I don’t ever feel like I am a true authority on the subject. Yes, I have done kung fu my entire life. Yes, I have done sparring class. Yes, I have been taught self defense. However, I do not practice fighting on a daily basis or apply my kung fu in a combat environment as often as I would like to. I never like to pretend I am an expert in something I am not, so I usually shy away from the request for a women’s self defense class.

The main focus of my martial arts training has always been its expression as an art form, preserving the cultural tradition, health, philosophy and self defense application. I always hated the question “Have you ever used kung fu in a fight?” because as a traditional practitioner, my goal was always to avoid a fight. Learning to deflect and avoid confrontation is kung fu to me. I know some people may scoff at this and say “yea, but if you were attacked those things aren’t important.” They would argue that knowing how to physically fight and defend yourself is the most important thing. I disagree. I do agree at the end of the day, a woman should be able to defend herself physically, and have the tools to harm an attacker. However, I am also realistic in the fact that an average female is at a disadvantage to a male in size, weight, and strength. Don’t get me wrong … I am all about girl power, and anything he can do I can do better… but nature can’t be overlooked.

Do I think I could defend myself against someone within my weight, size, and skill level? Yes. Do I think I could fight off a couple 6′ 3″ 250 lb guys attacking me? I certainly would put up a good fight, but probably not. Furthermore, if my attacker had a fire arm or other weapon, I would certainly be at a disadvantage. This is not a kung fu movie. However, I liked to believe that my kung fu training has taught me to have heightened awareness of my surroundings, ability to detect potential danger, and the ability to react quickly in a stressful environment. I know many are scoffing at these ideas as well.

I unfortunately finally had a live test of this theory. This past week, I was sleeping in my room and heard a loud noise that woke me up. I thought it was O in the kitchen and remembered that I wanted to remind him to take some boxes to the Temple. So I left the bedroom and went down the hall to find a man in a hooded sweatshirt running through my house. When he turned his face, I saw that he had a full face mask on and at that moment I knew it was not O. In reflection, I believe that my adrenals kicked in and I went into offensive mode. It was fight-or-flight and my instinct was to fight. I changed my stance (albeit I was in my fluffy bathrobe, and was probably the least threatening I have ever looked), started yelling at him to get out, and advanced forward. He ran away from me, slammed the sliding glass door onto the ground, and ran out the back. I then proceeded to barricade myself in the room closest to the street and dialed 911. The police arrived within 5 minutes, but were on the opposite side of the street. I had to direct them to the correct house, asked them to come in, and clear the home because I did not know how many people were in the home or if he had returned with a weapon. Even under the duress, I was able to give concise directions, describe the thief, and felt confident in the interaction we had. I did not pursue him out the door because I did not know what was waiting around the corner, and knew he must have had some tool or weapon to break the glass. I was not trying to be a hero in this scenario, which I truly believe was the smartest choice I could have made. When people asked if I ‘would have’ used kung fu on him, I tell them I did use kung fu. I didn’t have to fight, but I was defensive when I needed to be, and offensive when I needed to be. I held a confident posture, I yelled loudly and pointedly (enough to make him run in the opposite direction of the woman he outweighed and was larger than). I secured myself in a safe room and called for help. I gave clear directions when I saw the police was at the wrong house. I was able to tell them what direction he headed, what he was wearing, and general details about his appearance. In this stressful situation, I did not freeze, I did not get emotional, and as a result, I am alive. I attribute this to my kung fu training. So have I ever used kung fu in a fight? Yes.

To hear more about this, subscribe to my podcast as I will be discussing it on there soon. I HAVE ALSO MOVED THE BLOG TO: www.sifumimichan.com

Birthdays!

November 3, 2017November 3, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Even though we don’t get a true Autumn here… it always feels like the leaves are falling on me! October 12th is my father’s birthday, October 31st is my mom’s birthday, and November 2 is the anniversary of the temple. This is a busy time for me! I always get overwhelmed and am worried about what to do for the celebrations, not sure what gifts to get for my parents… and I usually start planning about a year away. So last year, I already knew that this year we would be celebrating my dad’s birthday in England, and my mom would be having a huge bash for her 70th milestone! This means I had to do something ‘low key’ for the 37th anniversary of the Temple. By low keyI mean having something with only about 100 people… this is low key! We are having a lecture, book signing, and ‘Celebration of Food’ at the Temple tomorrow. I’m excited. I have been talking about this ‘Celebration of Food’ idea on my podcasts, and feel that it is just what the doctor ordered. I’ve been frustrated at the divisiveness of this country lately. Especially since I just returned from visiting the hallowed grounds

of the D-Day beaches, Normandy American Cemetery, and the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. I was so proud to be American as I walked through these places thinking about what our country was fighting for, and the sacrifices that were made. I feel that we have become so angry with one another now that we forget how alike we are. I truly believe everyone has something in common. Yes, we are all human, yes we all breathe air, etc. but the one real commonality that I see people unite over is food. More often than not, we as humans don’t just eat to live, we live to eat! My wishful thinking is that if the world could participate in a huge potluck and respect each others’ culture through the sharing of food, then we could all be friends. Hopeful? Naive? Maybe. However, I can still dream and partake of all the delicious meals people will be bringing tomorrow. I promise to share some photos after the event on our Facebook page.

The other major stress this weekend has been the 100 guest list formal birthday party that I’m planning at my parents house. I’ve gutted the interior and transformed it into a ballroom. Linens, centerpieces, champagne welcome, and a buffet station with a 10 course meal lies ahead. (as if we wouldn’t have eaten enough that day) Some people have said I am crazy to have 2 main events in 1 day. They would be right. (However… I have done this many times before… holding a tournament and a huge stage production the same day anyone?) I like to pride myself in my logistical prowess, and my strong event planning skills… while both events will be incredible, I am feeling the effects. We just returned from the Grand Opening of Wah Lum of Germany less than 2 weeks ago, had a big Parent Day Show for the kids class right when we got back, and then jumped into planning for all the events this weekend… I’m stressed. I admit that I can’t handle it as well as I did in my extreme youth. I’m grumpy, I’m tired, and I’m frustrated! My parents and I have different planning methods, that often clash and I have had to make adjustments over the years. As I get older, I get more stubborn…and I think it’s safe to say the same goes for them! It can be a nightmare to try to work it all out, but in the end I remember one of the most important things in life is gratitude, and it leaves me with these questions:

How lucky am I that I have parents that are around with soooo much energy to drive me bananas?

How lucky am I to have the opportunity to throw a 70th birthday party for my mom and celebrate the 37th anniversary of the Wah Lum Temple all on the same day?

Pretty darn lucky.

A Tale of Two Weekends

September 17, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanKung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

I’ve been meaning to write a recap of my training weekend in Boston with my Si Hing (older kung fu brother), Sifu Bob Rosen. However, we had a little storm named Irma come through and kind of threw things of track.

Weekend 1

The Labor Day weekend was time I had designated to do my personal training. A little ‘me’ time! As I stated in previous posts, even instructors have to test, and maintain their material. One of the vows that I made at the last test was to spend more time training with my peers, which meant that each year I would go to Boston to connect with my Si-Hing Bob Rosen. (I also tried to get my Orlando brothers to go too; Sifu Tu joined me on this fun weekend) The end of the year was quickly approaching, and I saw an opportunity with the holiday weekend. It turns out to be great timing for Sifu Bob because he closes the school to clean, fix, and regroup for the fall. I know many of you are imagining really crazy ‘secret’ kung fu training that might have taken place; consisting of levitation, flaming weapons, etc. Sorry to disappoint. I like to go over fundamentals and delve deeper into my understanding of the forms. We collaborated on ideas for self defense applications, technique, and practiced advanced forms that we rarely teach. (so ok, some secret cool kung fu stuff) I am so appreciative to have such incredible kung fu brothers that are willing to spend time with me. I learn so much from them and feel fortunate to have such knowledgeable brothers. Sifu George couldn’t make it this time, but he will definitely join us next time. The Orlando crew often gets together though, and hopefully we will be able to train more often.

Per tradition, after training you eat! Having lunch in Boston chinatown is special for us because it is so nostalgic. I love being in Boston because it makes me feel closer to my father, knowing I am walking the path that he once walked everyday.

The best part about being in Boston? I do not have to ‘worry’ about my students. 😉 We all love teaching, but we also love kung fu. Once you become a Sifu, personal training time requires strategic planning and prioritizing. I had to travel all the way to Boston to get away! I know people often think… “but you are at the Temple all day! You can train when there are no classes.” Unfortunately, that is not my reality. Running the Wah Lum Temple and the Wah Lum System consists of many administrative tasks, meetings, planning, etc. It is certainly a challenge and hard work on a daily basis. But then again, that is kung fu too.

The last part of the trip consisted of a little bit of official business, but it was something I was excited to do. I visited two new locations while in town. Wah Lum of Quincy’s brand new location and Wah Lum of Taunton’s relocated building. So proud of our growing Wah Lum Family!

A fun interlude for the weekend was an event at Paper Asylum, Pete K. of Wah Lum of Boston‘s pop culture store. I did the Mulan appearance bit: signed autographs and took photos with fans. They had a fun cosplay group out there to add to the Disney theme. Confession: My favorite character is Ariel, and her asking for my autograph was pretty amusing.

Weekend 2

On my way back to Orlando I heard the news of the gigantic storm headed our way: Hurricane Irma. I usually try to keep calm during storm warnings, because while one has to be prepared, it doesn’t help to panic. I returned on Wednesday evening, and there was no water or gas, and the city was madness. I started imagining scenes from Mad Max… and decide which character I could be. First I had to decide which film… well, let’s say it’s the most recent one for our younger readers. Obviously, I am Furiosa (based on the name alone), and O is the guy hanging off the truck playing the electric guitar. ha! Ok, I digress.

The storm grew and intensified, and by Friday I was a bit concerned… but Friday night, it started to ‘shift’ and the projections of a category 5 hurricane splitting Florida in two suddenly changed. It veered west. Not great either, but a better scenario for several parts of south Florida. Then Cuba intervened. I think if it hadn’t hovered over the northern coast of Cuba for a bit, we would not have been so ‘fortunate’. I know several areas in Naples, the Keys, etc. had major devastation, but imagine a category 5 making landfall versus the 4/3 that hit us. By the time it got to Orlando, it

Jerk Salmon over egg papparadelle with spinach and tomatoes.

had lost some strength, but still made an impact. Yes, we were without power. (Oh no, the world is ending we have no electricity!) However, we had running water, and that was fine by me. O and I had a lovely candlelight dinner on Sunday, as I had a butane stove to cook our meal. Not too shabby for a hurricane powerless meal?

The winds were howling at 3:00am on Monday morning, and I knew Irma had arrived. My anxiety wasn’t for my home and possessions, but for the Temple. I always worry about the Temple (as does my dad). The steel building could’ve been gone in an instant, had a tornado decided to take it away. (we get a lot of tornadoes when there are hurricanes) We prepped the Temple the best we could, but honestly there wasn’t a lot we could do except hope for the best. In 2005 during Charley we got lucky because a tornado came through and tore up the street. Had that tornado decided to be a few feet over, the Temple would’ve been gone.

I’m certainly not trying to diminish the devastation that so many have felt, with 82 fatalities, and over 60 billion in damages and counting. My heart goes out to all who have lost their loved ones or homes. I can’t even imagine being on Barbuda as 90% of the entire island is now destroyed. I was just in lovely Saint Martin earlier this year, and my heart goes out to them especially. I feel fortunate. I am so lucky to be in Orlando where we always seem to ‘just miss’ the wrath of the storm. Yes, there was some damage, and yes, I was without power for 5 days. But I had running water, food, and was able to borrow generators to keep my food from spoiling. Inconvenient? Yes. However, seeing the images of entire homes leveled or floating away reminds me of how fortunate I am compared to others. The Temple survived another storm. We feel that the bamboo and our ancestors always protects the building. The bamboo is flexible and sways with the wind versus causing any resistance or fighting against it. This is something I am also trying to be better at. I need to learn to be flexible… to flow with the wind… and hopefully I will endure as the Temple has.

—–

Our starfruit tree from my first blog post was a bit shaken, but we quickly gathered the salvageable fruit to share with others.

Featured image above is my ‘mantis signal’ that I sent out when the storm started. We lost power and I started doing shadow puppets. Oh what fun.

When at war…turn up the heat

September 2, 2017March 18, 2024Sifu Mimi ChanKung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

I am at war every day. I am at war with the mosquitoes that inhabit the Wah Lum Temple. I’m at war with
the heat. I know some people may not believe that the earth is truly warmer than it was a hundred years ago, or that 1.53 degrees does not seem like very much… for those that think that, come to Orlando in August. Today as I entered the Temple it felt like I was crossing the Sahara desert. Ok, I’m being dramatic, but we do not train with air conditioning, and the summers are brutal. Between the mosquitoes and the heat, it can be very difficult to stay motivated to train.

Since I complain about winter being too cold, I try to embrace summer so I say: turn up the heat! I welcome the challenge, but I try to be smart about it. I hydrate like crazy. Pure h20 does the trick. I know advertisers would have you insert their candy colored sports drink here, but really water is the best. I do also love coconut water, and discuss more of this on our Kung Fu Pod episode on Hydration. Something I didn’t discuss on the podcast is Sole. (pronounced Solay) I drink that every morning and it gives me natural electrolytes without the high fructose corn syrup.

As for the mosquitoes, I have done everything from making my own repellant of essential oil mixtures, creams, etc. and recently bought a LOT of citronella, lemon grass, and basil plants for my war these blood suckers. I ‘think‘ they have all helped in combination, but one of the kids here described them as ‘kung fu’ mosquitoes, so they are tough. Even the chemical products with deet and picaridin I tried never worked. So why overdose on the toxins if they don’t help? At least with the essential oils you smell nice. If anyone has any ideas for mosquito prevention – share!

So during the war of the summer, I opt to turn up the heat!

A day in the life of Grandmaster Chan

July 10, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog, Tai Chi

img_1089-2 O always tells people if they want to lose weight just follow around Grandmaster Chan for one day. That is definitely one way to burn calories. A day in the life of Grandmaster Chan consists of waking up before the sun and working in the sun, often until it goes down. Grandmaster Chan enjoys his time in the garden and tending to his fish. Whenever he goes on vacation, one lucky person is given the task of watching over his fish and plants. No one wants this job. All will be going well, and then right before he is due home, suddenly a plant or worse, fish dies! It is a nerve racking time for us back home and we have been known to try and resuscitate fish! No CPR or anything, but we were taught to push the fish through the water, as it moves the water through the gills. We have saved a few this way.

Back to a day in the life of Grandmaster Chan.

He is a creature of habit. He wakes up goes to the Temple to bisan, and makes his breakfast. (usually oatmeal and coffee) While water is boiling or the oatmeal is cooking he will start clearing things around the kitchen. After his breakfast he starts his outdoor routine. If you have ever been around the Temple in the morning or mid day, you might catch him doing any of the following: building fences of bamboo, clearing leaves or garbage from the Temple grounds, planting new trees, or even on the roof clearing the gutters. I am not very happy about that one! Depending on what area needs his attention he makes his way there and never asks for help. As a matter of fact when you try to help it often ends up being a bit of a fight…and who wants to fight with a Grandmaster of kung fu? At that point just volunteer to take care of the fish.

A question I get asked a lot is: Does he still practice kung fu? And my answer: every day. Maybe I haven’t ‘seen’ him doing right hand stick or 36 hands this week, but I see him using a broom (stick) to sweep the floors everyday, and I watch in awe as he moves up and down in a squat or to a side to side while cooking, cleaning, chopping, or clearing the grass…just like a form. He is constantly moving, and constantly working…. working hard = kung fu.

Juggling

June 9, 2017June 7, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog, Tai Chi

Nope. I can’t juggle. I actually can barely catch a ball. However, I do juggle tasks and priorities all the time. Same goes for my personal training, unfortunately sometimes it has to take second or even third place in line of what needs to get done.

When the Sifu Test was approaching, I was in kung fu mode 24/7. I even visualized my forms before sleeping! Not that I don’t practice my kung fu consistently, but as I have mentioned in previous posts, my year is scheduled out according to my work schedule, and I go from there. This weekend, O is at a 4 day fitness summit learning a bunch of fun fitness things. So for these few days, the priority is taking care of his fitness clients and coaching his classes. At the same time, I also have to make sure that the kung fu and tai chi classes are covered, as we also have most of our instructors out of town on vacation. This is actually pretty easy, because it was scheduled a while ago. The tough part is when a wrench is thrown in my perfectly planned schedule. This is what often happens with my personal training and wellness habits. I admit there are times when I have run myself so ragged, it was a detriment to my health! I do not recommend this. When someone tells me they have kids or too much work that prevents them from eating right or working out, I always ask: What is it they always say on the plane? (What? No one listens to the safety talk right?) Well I do, and they say: Put your oxygen mask on before assisting others! This is so true. How can I expect to help my family, cook for O, teach my students, and get work done if I am not taking care of myself? I am basically writing this out to remind myself that it is important to eat, sleep, work out, relax, and enjoy life. So how do I do it? Juggling! I basically make sure that the priorities are always being rotated. (It’s the only juggling I think I’ll ever be able to do)

In tai chi we teach the philosophy of the yin and yang, the balance to life. single whip I try to follow this principle with every little thing. If I am on the computer too much, I set a timer to walk away and get off the screen. If I am eating too many delicious foods, I make sure that I am working it off at kung fu, walking extra on vacation, or making better choices the next day. If I am feeling guilty from eating delicious foods, I remind myself that it is ok, and reiterate to myself that I can enjoy it… and feel good about it. I am sure you will notice by now that I talk about food and eating a lot. Good food brings me joy! So think about what brings you joy, accept it, be thankful for it, and then keep on juggling.

The kids are all grown up!

May 5, 2017September 26, 2024Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

When people ask me how long I have been teaching, and I say over 25 years, I often get a confused look. Perhaps because I look so young! ha. I wish!

I often think about age and experience and realize those two numbers represent entirely different things. Just because someone is ‘older’, doesn’t make them more experienced in things they haven’t practiced. Just because someone is ‘younger’, doesn’t mean they don’t have experience. Reading those lines back is confusing, but basically… you know, the old saying: don’t judge a book by its cover!

I have the perfect story for this that dates back to… oh maybe 18+ years ago. I was attending the Yee’s Hung Ga tournament in New York, and had brought my students with me. My friend was a male Sifu from Yee’s and we went to meet an uncle of one of my students. When we arrived, the uncle immediately ran over to my friend and shook his hand exclaiming how happy he was to meet his nephew’s Sifu. Embarrassed, my friend said, “No, no, I’m not his Sifu, she is his Sifu.” The uncle did a double take, because as you can imagine this was about 18 years ago, so I looked even younger (lament), and I was a she, not a he!

2017-sifu-weekend-151 — 2017 Test Weekend – Lady Sifus

I always laugh at these situations, and don’t get too offended, because this is the stereotype I have dealt with my whole life. I am really proud that in the Wah Lum system there are several female Sifus and a good number of female kung fu practitioners. My father is always really proud of this fact as well. *Girl power!*

Post instructor certification weekend, I’ve been doing a lot of ‘thinking about the old days’. Perhaps this is because I had 2 students from my earlier demo teams testing together this year. (Matthew Martin of Wah Lum of Raleigh and Hiep Dang of Wah Lum of Portland) It was a double take for me to watch them both testing together after all these years. This was Matt’s 3rd test and Hiep’s 1st test. I cannot believe how quickly time goes by. On top of it all, they were fight partners and teammates for a long time. I never imagined they would both be testing to become a Sifu and that they would even produce students of their own one day. As I don’t have biological children, I imagine this is what a parent feels like when their kids are all grown up! I’ve been through so much with these guys, been to their weddings, been through hard times… and now they have decided to follow the path of becoming a Sifu. They have chosen to propagate and share Wah Lum with others. I am proud.

I am really proud of the growth of the entire Orlando branch of the Wah Lum tree, the students that have studied with Sifu Tu Truong and I at the Temple. Torsten Landau of Wah Lum Germany, who has been spending his summer training with us for the past 9 years. Last but certainly not least, Oscar Agramonte, my husband who has taken the word partner to another level with being not only my husband, but my partner in Wah Lum. (not an easy task)

I look forward to watching them grow as instructors and meeting their students. I look at all the members of the Wah Lum family and am overwhelmed by the growth of this tree with so many branches. All from the seed that my father planted. He took the teachings of his Master and brought it to the USA to share with the world. I like to remind my students that they are part of something so much bigger than just the classroom they are standing in. Somewhere in the world there are others lining up to ‘bisan‘ and start their kung fu class just as they are. How cool is that?

What is a Sifu?

April 25, 2017April 25, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Some people ask me what my typical day is like? Nothing about my life seems very typical, but I do have a routine. Usually, my routine is filled with the thought of show planning, trip planning, or scheduling for the Temple. However, on the ‘off season’ (who am I kidding, there is never an off season at Wah Lum) I do have some conventional days.

A normal day would be waking up around 8:00am, doing some exercises, making a fabulous breakfast, (have I mentioned I cook?), and then getting started on my ‘work’. A lot of people think all I do is teach kung fu. If it were that simple, I would be a stress free and happy individual. For those of you that own your own business out there, you know how much this entails. Looking at the bigger picture, I also have meetings and collaboration with the other schools in the Wah Lum system. Sometimes this includes traveling to different schools and doing seminars, shows, events, etc.

I could ‘complain’ about all the boring business work I have to do, but instead I thought I would share some of my reflection about the Sifu Test a couple of weeks ago. A lot of people think that the test is just showing your physical capabilities. The test is more than just an evaluation of your skills. Yes, we do a LOT of forms, weaponry, and application, however a deeper part of the test experience is the camaraderie, the philosophy sessions, and spending time learning more about one another.

I highly recommend anyone in the Wah Lum system read the RED philosophy book of translated lectures by Grandmaster Pui Chan. In this book, he reveals the SECRET OF KUNG FU! Just kidding. Well, not really. I’ve read the book several times, and each time I read it I learn something new. Whenever I read about the traditions or the philosophy of kung fu, I take away something new. When I read it in preparation for the test, the main passage that struck me this time, was the definition of a Sifu. Here’s an excerpt:

“It is possible for you to get married and get divorced several times in your life. However, once you become a disciple of your Sifu, the relationship is binding for the rest of your life….We know a lot of incidents in the karate circle where a guy get his black belt, then he leaves the school, has a quarrel with his instructor and open up his own school…. to the Chinese the relationship between a Sifu and his students is binding for the rest of his life. When you become a disciple, you promise to take care of your Sifu for the rest of his life…The same way as you would treat your own parents, that is how delicate and involved the relationship is between them.”

I’ve read this several times over the years, and each time I read it, I am a little sad. This was a lecture from the 70’s, and at that time, my father was just starting to develop advanced students. In the 1970’s, he had only seen examples of other styles that had disrespected their Sifu, and became self proclaimed Grandmasters of their own style. The worst part of the ‘creation of the own style’ isn’t just the disrespect and lack of true understanding of what being a kung fu practitioner is, but that they don’t actually ‘create’ anything. They are still using the teachings of Wah Lum and even doing the exact same forms. Some people think once they learn Wah Lum it is ‘theirs’ and they have the ‘right’ to do with it as they please. Kung fu is personal. Each practitioner has their own relationship with kung fu. While one certainly has the right to develop their kung fu or tries to be a better practitioner and person, one does not have the right to propagate and teach kung fu without permission from their Sifu. My father structured what was already an incredible kung fu system with the ability to grow. However, being as open as he was in teaching all who wanted to learn (many of you have seen this part of his story in the documentary Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer) he also encountered those that would disrespect the system, the teachings, the lineage, and worst of all their Sifu. It is interesting to me that those that leave their Sifu think they know more than their teacher to the extent that they are now the Master! How little they seem to understand about traditional Chinese kung fu! Everyday we recite the teachings on the Wah Lum kung fu altar. I try to live by these principles in the classroom, but also in my daily life. And yet, there are some who just throw it all out the window and try to preach to others what they do not practice. I get so frustrated, and never understood how or why my father would continue to be so open, and how he could continue to share his beloved art after the repeated disappointments by students. He told me, “I know who I am, and what is right; they know who they are.” I am learning to accept this as ‘the way’ and the right way…but the other side of me wants to yell to the world who they are, and what they are. I am still learning. I am still a student. I will keep trying to practice control.

So, what does it mean to be a Sifu? My father always says, it is more than a certification, and more than just having students call you Sifu. I listen to his teachings and I learn more as time goes on. To me, being a Sifu is living by the principles instilled in me by my Sifu, and trying to uphold the true tradition. I will treat my Sifu as my parent and take care of him for the rest of his life. However, I know I am lucky, because I have the best Sifu of all time that actually is my parent.

Disclaimer: Remember, I do not claim to be a writer. Ignore and excuse grammar issues! Thank you!

Podcasts, blogs, and media

April 14, 2017March 18, 2024Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

I’ve been thinking about media a lot lately. Especially after starting this blog and Culture Chat Podcast, NOW the Sifu Mimi Chan ShowAnyone who knows me knows that I have always been opposed to ‘social media’. I miss the intimacy of getting a personal call from a friend with big news, instead of an announcement on Facebook. I appreciate the personal touch of a hand written postcard, versus an email, although don’t get me wrong, I love email! I am still reluctant to completely embrace social media, but see it as a necessity. I have been slowly adapting to the changes of the way the majority receives information and have tried to see the positive in this inevitable change. (hence @sifumimichan on twitter and instagram!)

Over the Sifu Test weekend, my social media consultant Lei Ann R. (aka @leiannoffduty), told me something that resonated and helped me open my mind even more. Instead of seeing it as a chore of hoping to get more viewers, likes, or comments; I should just enjoy documenting the journey and capturing the moments. For example over the weekend, sharing on Instagram our moments of laughter, pain, or serious kung fu work.

I am grateful for the feedback I have received in regards to this blog, and I have truly enjoyed my conversations on Culture Chat. The main reason I started the podcast was to find another creative outlet, share others’ stories, and connect with old friends. I wanted to subtitle the podcast ‘the most interesting people you never heard of’. I’ve discovered that everyone has an interesting story to tell, and that we can all learn from each other… or just simply be entertained by true stories.

So instead of seeing it as a chore, podcasting has been something I really look forward to doing. Maybe I’ve found my favorite media outlet. I will also begrudgingly admit I used to make fun of husband, O, for constantly listening to podcasts all day every day. Now, I am an avid listener and a podcaster myself! (In case you are interested, some of my favorites: The Tim Ferris Show, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, Malcom Gladwell’s Revisionist History)

I’ve enjoyed talking to my friends on Skype or in person, and sharing it through the podcast. The best of both worlds! I’ve been able to reconnect in a traditional way via a modern method. There is a time and place for all the media madness, but I still love direct communication, and don’t think it will be a lost medium. Especially since we are now finding ways to combine the best of both worlds. I spoke to 3 friends this week that I haven’t spoken to in years! Maybe we email here and there or text, but an actual conversation? It’s been forever! Using the podcast to reconnect has been a fun and fulfilling experience, and I am really enjoying it. I am not spending all my time thinking about likes, and ratings (although it does help to have an audience… so please rate and like it! 😉 … instead just reconnecting with friends and having great conversations, while sharing these interesting stories with others.

While I still think social media can be a distraction, I am learning to see how it can connect us in a new way. In short, I try to use it for good, and not evil.

Check out my podcast if you like this blog – you’ll meet some really interesting people from all around the globe.

Test Prep

March 31, 2017March 31, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanKung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Every 3 years all Wah Lum instructors take the Sifu test, even if they have previously certified. Why? Standards. In order to maintain the highest standards and quality of instruction, we are all required to test in front of Grandmaster Chan and our peers. Yes, even I have to test! This weekend, my kung fu brothers and I will be testing in front of Grandmaster Chan to ensure that we are teaching in accordance with the high standard of the Wah Lum System. In 1 week, all of the instructors from around the world will be coming to the Temple and will be doing the same. Some instructors will be testing for the first time, while for others it may be there 10th test! For those of you who are good at math, that is at least 30 years in the system as a Sifu! Why would we require someone who has been in the system for 30 years to test? Standards.

Personally, I enjoy the test experience and use it to hold myself accountable. I speak to my kung fu brothers often, and believe we all feel the same. There is no pressure from Grandmaster Chan, but rather for us to hold ourselves accountable, to continue learning, and to be a student first. Each instructor who intends to certify writes Grandmaster Chan a letter of intent. In my letter, I outlined the reasons I intend to test. Beyond being certified to teach, I strive to constantly learn and improve. It keeps me humbled, helps me be a better teacher, and reminds me that I am a student first. As many school owners will tell you, it is a treat to be a student again. As a Sifu, you spend most of your time attending to your students needs, and our own training becomes second priority. Although being a teacher is fulfilling in so many ways, it is important for me to continuously learn and be challenged. Believe me, the Sifu test is a challenge. The test lasts 3 full days, and covers everything in the Wah Lum System. We test forms, weapons, self defense, applications, philosophy, and teaching methods. It is also like a family reunion for us, and a wonderful weekend of camaraderie. I truly look forward to it every 3 years, and wish we could do it more often. Wah Lum is one of the few kung fu systems that has instructor certification every three years, and I feel we are stronger for it. Those that do not renew their certification are no longer licensed or sanctioned to teach Wah Lum. Why? Standards. If an instructor does not maintain the Wah Lum standard, we do not feel they are qualified to continue representing the style. Grandmaster Chan has set high standards, but I feel that we should strive to always improve. (see full listing of qualified instructors here)

How does a Sifu prepare for a test? The same way a student does. Practice! As the test is only every 3 years, we have 3 years to prepare. I am not certain everyone uses the 3 years for test prep, but I can tell you that one year out, they have already begun preparing. Many instructors start coming to the Temple for private training… and to get away from their students ;). Since the instructors come to the Temple to do their reviews, that means the Sifu Tu and I always have to be ready. Although we are ‘ready’ year round, we still value our own training time to

work on our personal training growth and goals. We also teach a seminar during the test weekend. Last year it was an honor for me to teach the seminar. I taught an advanced form to the group (it has my signature move: the butterfly), and although it was a lot of fun, it was exhausting after three 12 hour days of kung fu!

It is challenging for me to get ‘my time’ being a student. So I end up going on a 27 day trip to train! Sometimes it seems like literally leaving the country is the only way I am able to practice my kung fu. I will leave my test prep training tips for a future Kung Fu POD episode, if anyone is interested let me know. In the meantime, I have to go prep for my test. Wish me luck!

The Butterfly, the Hurricane, and the Cow Hands

March 25, 2017January 7, 2025Sifu Mimi ChanKung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Students always love the butterfly kick. It seems to be my signature move. It makes me laugh because the very few films I have worked on always involve this movement. Mulan, Mortal Kombat Conquest, etc.

Growing up I always called the butterfly kick the hurricane kick. Why? My father called it hurricane, so it was the hurricane kick. Fast forward to when I was 16 and trying to learn Cantonese. I started dissecting words and expanding my vocabulary. The Chinese for the movement I was so famous for was Wu-dip-tui, which translates to… Butterfly kick. What!?! For 16 years of my life I called it hurricane and now it’s a butterfly? I was so frustrated! Why would my father call it hurricane? I am not sure really, but the tornado kick in Chinese is a jumping crescent kick, so I am guessing he confused tornado, hurricane, and then the whole thing got jumbled. Either way, it was crazy to have that discovery after so many years. I also have an affinity for the butterfly kick, because it was a move I absolutely could NOT do. I could do gymnastic aerials before I could do the butterfly kick. So what did I do? I practiced and did thousands of them. Maybe 10,000 (DYK: 10,000 is the number of hours for mastery according to Malcolm Galdwell, but before that book came out the number of days for mastery according to the Wah Lum Handbook states… you guessed it, 10,000!)

That’s my short story…

Oh, wait. Cow hands. You are probably wondering why I have cow hands in my title. My mom is the chief tai chi instructor at the Temple. She is a master of tai chi and has been studying extensively for decades. Around the same time of my butterfly epiphany, she also had one of her own. She would teach the students cow hands, because that is what my father taught her. One day she decided to print out all of the moves of the form for everyone and translated the Chinese. The Chinese translation for our ‘cow hands’ was actually cloud hands! My father had been pronouncing it cow hands, but meant cloud hands. Ah, communication. So much fun! I can only imagine how many things have been lost in translation, or pronunciation through the years.

Oh, wait, wait. Did anyone get my title comparison? Hint: any C.S. Lewis fans out there?

Tai Chi at Sea

March 8, 2017March 23, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanSifu Mimi's Blog, Tai Chi

In my previous post I talked about kung fu at sea. Tai Chi at sea is equally as challenging as kung fu, as I need extra balance on a moving ship. Most days are smooth sailing, but there are some windy and rocky sea days that make tai chi really difficult. I admit, when I am at home I rarely practice tai chi. If I do not get my kung fu training in as often as I would like, you can only imagine how frequently I fit in tai chi training. I find tai chi and meditation really challenging because it requires one to move slowly. I try to meditate in the morning to start my day, but my mind is usually racing to ‘get to work’. I’ve been working on reminding myself that in order to ‘get to work’, meditation helps me to reset and gets my brain ready to function properly.

The thing I like most about practicing tai chi at sea is the same things I like about kung fu at sea; the fresh air, the ocean, and the overall atmosphere. I also welcome the challenge of doing chen tai chi and really having to root yourself into the moving ground. Watching my mom do tai chi is inspiring because she really roots herself into the ground despite the moving ship. She is after all the tai chi master. (note: one of the great films of the 90’s: Tai Chi Master with Jet Li)

Our daily routine has been doing kung fu in the morning and tai chi in the afternoon. This might seem odd to those who know tai chi is usually done in the morning, but we meet the needs of our instructors’ schedule. As many of you who frequent the Temple early mornings know, my father is a morning person, so that is when we do kung fu.

Since I have been practicing chen tai chi (the older form of tai chi and the one most like kung fu), it feels good to practice in the afternoon, as I need to be warmed up to tackle it. For me, the biggest challenge with tai chi is the fluidity and pacing. I am so accustomed to kung fu, that learning to slow down and pace myself is not easy for me. However, I know that this is the yin and yang to life, and practicing both kung fu and tai chi will help keep me balanced in the long run.

Which do you prefer?

Kung Fu at Sea

March 7, 2017March 23, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanKung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Kung fu at sea is challenging. Even though we are on a relatively large ship, the movement of the ship can be felt while walking, sleeping, and most notably while training. I have always loved the sound of the ocean. It is calming to me. When we are on cruises, we usually get up in the morning to work out on deck. The sound of the ocean, the endless horizon, and the fresh air make a nice training environment. I’m a pretty private person, so I dislike the gawkers that pass by and watch or even try to take photos like we are an exhibit. I ‘politely’ let them know that it is impolite to do so, and then we resume our training.

One of the biggest physical challenges at sea is doing bai fut sow.
Holding your horse stance and rooting while the ship is moving is a special challenge, but it is fun. O and I mostly get laughed at by my father, who is often on the sidelines stretching or jumping into 360
sweeps as his ‘warm up’. It may seem odd that I get some of my best kung fu training in when I am not at the Temple, but there are no distractions here…. No phone calls to take, no one to ask questions about the ‘karate’ we teach, or even those that still think we are a Chinese restaurant.

We used to bring our weapons on board, before all the strict security measures. Now we aren’t allowed to bring our swords with us, but we did smuggle in a fan and a retractable stick. Since the Sifu test is around the corner, we are using these few weeks to prep for the test while there are no distractions. The Sifu test is always a stressful time for all of the Sifus in the system. Every 3 years it is mandatory for all the instructors to re-certify. It is an extraordinary weekend of kung fu, fellowship, and fun. I enjoy getting together to brainstorm and share ideas, but mainly it is a family reunion. Since most of us live far away we don’t stay in touch as often as we like, and the test is the perfect opportunity to catch up. This year the test is the largest in history. I’ve been preparing the schedules, seminars, and test format while I’ve been away. It’s funny to be on ‘vacation’, but working as much as I do at home. I have to admit, I’ve gotten more kung fu training done in the last week than the last month! So I guess in order for me to get more training in, I will need to go on more 27 day trips 😉

Any suggestions where I should go next?

The Rio Experience

March 5, 2017March 23, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

I wanted to take a moment during my day at sea to recap the weekend that I had in Rio de Janeiro. Being in Rio was an eye opening experience. The entire trip, although only a few days, seemed like a week. Probably because we were awake over 27 hours the first day we were there, and it was nonstop as soon as we landed. Upon our arrival into Rio, we quickly met up with the rest of the Wah Lum group and went to lunch. In classic Grandmaster Chan style, he already started to gather fans at the Chinese restaurant we ate at for lunch. Before we knew it, there was a congregation of people waiting to take photos with him. He is a people magnet. After lunch, we went to the school and taught a kung fu fan seminar. The students worked very hard, and we enjoyed teaching them since they were so full of energy and excitement. I am so happy that we now have a full time school in Rio.

I have heard rumors of the poverty, bad economy, and crime in Rio de Janeiro, but do not usually judge anything until I experience it myself. I have seen many movies that portray the favelas and criminal activity, but I used to think they were exaggerated. Although many of the locals informed us of the tough economy, everyone still seemed so happy. Perhaps it was the fact we were there to celebrate an exciting occasion, but it seemed more like it is a part of who they are. I often write about gratitude and positive attitudes in my blog, but I always find it admirable when people in far more challenging situations are happier than we are in the US. The students there are

grateful for having kung fu in their life, they have positive attitudes, and they try to stay optimistic. As I walked around the streets of Rio de Janeiro, I said to O that many of ‘our kids’ back home would feel uncomfortable. It’s a big crowded city, and our suburban kids would likely feel intimidated there. Since we have traveled the world, we weren’t uncomfortable, but we were cautious. Although the weekend was positive, we did witness crime while we were there. Cell phones are often snatched out of your hand in the streets if you aren’t careful; but this is a small crime compared to what occurs on a daily basis. We were extremely cautious; we stayed in groups and always had a local with us. The students were such gracious hosts, and helped keep an eye on us foreigners. We practically had bodyguards with us wherever we went. I’m always extra wary if I don’t speak the language in a foreign country. One of the positive results of submerging myself in other cultures is the feeling of appreciation for the luxuries I have back home. The first time I went to China on my own and stayed in a local village, I came home really appreciating my toilet! Ah, the ‘little’ things.

The camaraderie over the weekend was overwhelming. I watched the students interact and help each other with every detail of the event. From helping each other prep uniforms, warming up, loading equipment to transporting us everywhere and buying us treats. Seeing them in motion was like watching a familiar dance.

(Random share: Speaking of dance…after an incredible Tipica Dinner (typical local meal) I was snatched up by a senior local and danced Samba with him. This was to the ‘old style’ samba 3-piece band. We saw many different bands that night as we walked around, but naturally I gravitated to the traditional one. Our attraction to that area was because of these seniors who obviously were maintaining and reviving the ‘old’ ways. Check out our Forró dance here: samba (note it’s not the samba it is the Forró!)

For a moment it felt like we were back home at one of our shows. The Wah Lum way is strong, and no matter where you are, the spirit of Wah Lum always comes through. It didn’t matter that just outside the theater there were thousands of people getting ready for Carnival. We were preparing for a show, and it was a great show! I’ve already talked about how overwhelmed with pride I was with the show in my previous post, but it really made me realize that kung fu and our Wah Lum family really stretches across borders. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, Wah Lum is Wah Lum, and we are keeping the tradition alive.

PODCAST: O and I discuss our time in Rio and more in my new podcast on Culture Chat. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Performance Training

March 2, 2017March 23, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Of course it will be an honor to perform at the Grand Opening in Brazil on behalf of the

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Making a list, and checking it twice.

February 16, 2017March 18, 2024Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Sifu Mimi's Blog

I can’t believe my Brazil trip is already around the corner. This is the longest trip I have taken at 27 days in total! 24 of those days will be spent on the cruise ship. Some people think we are crazy for taking such a long cruise, but as I have mentioned before, I love being at sea. Besides, we will be on land every couple of days as we sail from Rio de Janeiro to Florida. Our itinerary includes many cities in Brazil, including sailing the Amazon River. So how do I prepare for such a trip? By making a list of course. I may have mentioned once or several times that I like organization and planning. I make lists for everything. However, I don’t just make lists, I make templates. O always tells me that I could teach an organizational course on efficiency. I don’t know if I’m that efficient, but I thought I would take this opportunity to share a little about my process. (some may call it obsessive, but I think it’s completely normal) Since I’m going to Brazil, I thought I would share my trip planning process for this trip.

I open my the app on my iPhone that contains lists.
I look at my lists and there has already been one created!

Yes, my lists magically appear because of the fairy dust that I sprinkle on my phone every night before going to sleep. Ok, not really. Anytime I go on a trip, I make a ‘list’. If the trip is something that can be duplicated, I make it a template and I reuse the list. I started this process back before I had a computer. I started this on notepads, then when technology was at my disposal, I used Excel. Now, I have moved on to the iPhone App Packing Pro

Each time I go on a trip, if I forget something I make sure to add it to my template. My travel templates include trips for weekends, 1 or 2 week cruises, or work trips. Making the list for this trip is the first time in a while I have had to create a new list. However, I still did not need to start from scratch. I simply used the longest template I had and then added to it any ‘extras’ I needed. For this trip I have made sure to include extra mosquito protection! If you’ve been reading my blogs, you know my relationship with nature, and I am literally going to be in the jungle! Not to worry, I have this to protect me. (left)

This process saves time, and ensures that I have everything I need for my trip. I’m sure many of you are already expert list makers, and are even more advanced packing pros. However, I use this same ‘system’ for everything. Shopping, Wah Lum events or tournaments, kung fu meetings and schedules, etc. I create a master template and then when needed, I update the template.

For groceries, I have recipe lists that upload into the shopping list, so I don’t forget any ingredients. And yes, I often meal plan too, so I have all the food I need for the week. (hey, don’t judge. I get home after 9pm and still cook O a home cooked meal every day!)

I have to dedicate a little extra time in the beginning, but it saves me a lot of time in the long run! I’d love to hear how you plan and prep, so always feel free to leave a comment or suggestions below.

Note: I’ve included links to some of the apps I use. Hope they help!

What’s Next?

February 9, 2017March 18, 2024Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Chinese New Year is almost over, so what is next on the Wah Lum calendar? It turns out 2017 is quite a busy year. I am a planner. I like organization. I like to schedule in advance, because I get so busy throughout the year. I’ve always been this way, even as a child. My parents on the other hand… are very spontaneous. My father is famous for saying, ‘OK, we go now!’. (just ask anyone who’s been around for a day and they’ve probably seen him running around the Temple in fast forward) Last year, I looked at the 2017 calendar and knew what to expect.

1st Quarter: CNY!

2nd Quarter: This year is the big Sifu Test, yes we Sifus also have to test! Wah Lum Sifus have to certify every 3 years to maintain the standard of the system. More on this in the future.

3rd Quarter: This is usually tournament and training season for students.

4th Quarter: Temple anniversary events and holidays…AND I have my big trip to Antarctica planned from 3 years ago! I’m psyched.

We also planned out events for 2018: Brazil and Germany Wah Lum Grand Openings and the next China trip.

However, late last year, my parents decided now is as good a time as any to have Brazil’s grand opening event, so we called Sifu Antonio in Rio de Janeiro and told him the ‘good news’. Surprise! Would you like to have your grand opening in February? Why the change? I told him that Sigung and Simu are adverse to flying now, but they found a cruise from Rio to Orlando, so you can have your event in February if you like. Sounds good? Sifu Antonio graciously accepted and was even excited that his grand opening was imminent, and started scrambling in fast forward. So, the Chan family will be going on a 24 day retreat to study kung fu, vacation, and philosophize together in February.

This past January, my parents were discussing the European cruise they are going on in October. They came up with the idea that since they will already be in Germany, why not have the grand opening for Germany then? So I made a very similar phone call to Sifu Torsten that I made to Antonio. Guess what? Surprise your grand opening might now be in October of 2017 if you agree… Sifu Torsten graciously accepted and is now scrambling in fast forward too.

We sometimes call this the Wah Lum Way. We plan, but ultimately, when my father says, “OK we go now!” Well, we go now. In Wah Lum, moving in fast forward is sometimes a requirement, and learning to be flexible is beyond just the physicality of doing the splits.

Who am I to complain? I’m going to South America, Europe, and Antarctica all in one year! 2017 had a good plan, but now has an even better plan. Being a part of the Wah Lum family means moving in fast forward and sometimes having to drop everything and ‘go now’, but at least we know that we are going places.

Thanks to all of you who have subscribed – please subscribe below if you would like to be updated when a new post comes out! I’d also love to know what else you would like to hear about. Scroll alllllll the way down to subscribe and leave a comment.

Lions and Firecrackers and Kung fu, Oh My!

February 3, 2017February 10, 2017Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Kung Fu, Sifu Mimi's Blog

We are almost finished with the shows for Chinese New Year (CNY). It’s hard to believe in 2 days we did over 30 performances. I’m not sure why I am always surprised, because this has been our tradition… this is our culture. I only know how to celebrate CNY one way: with lion dancing, kung fu shows, and firecrackers. Lots of firecrackers.
When I was younger and the Temple would go out to perform, we had a lot less participants, which meant a lot more kung fu for the few of us that performed. It didn’t matter. We loved it. As much of a ‘mysophobe’ as I am, CNY was one time I didn’t mind the germs or dirt. Rolling in firecracker dust on the parking lot floor was expected. Exciting even! What is CNY without hearing the drums play over and over in your head before you go to sleep, or coming home and finding firecracker remnants in your hair? No cuts or scrapes? That just means you didn’t celebrate properly.
Ask any performer what the shower at the end of CNY day 1 is like, and they will all tell you the same story. You watch the dirt literally go down the drain, you feel the burn from scrapes you didn’t know you had, you feel amazing to be under the warm water, and could probably fall asleep right there in the shower. That is the essence of CNY. The lunar calendar marks the ‘new year’ for us, a new beginning. We wash away the dirt and negativity from the past, recognize the hardships that will soon be in the past, we embrace the warmth of the new beginning, and we feel the challenges of being tired from hard work… But then we get up and do it again.

This is me running into the lion tail this year!

I remember telling my students this year after the floor was wet from the rain, “you don’t need to split and roll on the ground.” Sure enough, they get out there and did the split and rolled around on the ground. At first I wondered why they are doing it, I just told them they didn’t need to do it! Why are they getting all dirty? Then I remember how I was at their age, and what I did as a young performer. The excitement of the shows, the adrenalin, and the fun of just getting messy for CNY. Why would I try to stop it?

It’s part of the tradition, part of the culture.

Photos: Courtesy Karl Simpson and Hao Nguyen

Good fruit comes to those who wait!

January 26, 2017May 20, 2018Sifu Mimi ChanCulture, Sifu Mimi's Blog

Today I did something I never do. I went outside to pick starfruit from the tree outside of my house. I do not consider myself to be overly girly, but I am not what one would consider an ‘outdoor’ person. I have allergies, I don’t like insects, and mosquitos are attracted to me like honey to the bees. I decided to make a fruit basket as a gift, and I thought fresh starfruit from my tree would be a great addition.

When I went outside (ugh), I started using the nifty bamboo stick tool my father made to reach all the high starfruit. I was suddenly reminded of the day the tree was planted. When I was around 9 years old, my father rushed into the house, and told me to come outside to see the tree that would bear fresh starfruit. He said, “You are going to be so happy, this tree will have a lot of fruit. You really likey.” I quickly put my shoes on, as I was ready to eat some fruit! (I loved fruit growing up, and still do) I stepped outside and saw nothing except a little stick in the ground with some branches and a little leaf. I said, “Where’s the fruit?” He said excitedly, “In 10 years you are going to be really happy. You 100% have a lot of fruit.” I grumbled and went back in the house. 10 years? How was I supposed to wait 10 years for a piece of fruit? Why not go to the grocery store and get it NOW? Why wait? I was an impatient child, and had much to learn. 10 years quickly passed, and I had forgotten about the tree. (again, not an outdoors person, so not once had I watered that tree) The tree did bear fruit, and so much in fact, that we always had an abundance of starfruit almost year round. Fast forward 30 years later, and here I am gathering fruit from that same tree today.

My father wakes up before the sun rises and starts his day by going to the Wah Lum Temple to light incense to honor his ancestors. After this ritual, he spends several hours nurturing his plants and tending to his fish. This is all a part of his routine, but it is much more than just simple chores. He is constantly planning for the future, planting seeds today, for the fruit for tomorrow. My father, a true master, has the foresight to know how fruitful and abundant a tree can be with consistent care and hard work. I do not have a green thumb, so I have a lot to learn before attempting to plant a new tree. However, I will continue to nurture the trees that my father has planted, and I will continue the traditions he began. I will also light incense to honor my ancestors, and I will try to practice hard work and patience (foh gee diu jin) every day during every task no matter how big or small.

DISCLAIMER: I was waiting to ‘fix’ this post and improve it, but then I realized I would never post it if I waited for it to be ‘perfect’. I do not consider myself to be a pro blogger or a distinguished writer. I have some fond memories of my Wah Lum journey that I simply would like to share. I came to the realization that I’ve been fortunate to lead an interesting (and unconventional) life to say the least, and I’ve been asked to share. I consider myself to be a private person, but sharing positive energy when there is so much negativity feels right. I hope you are at the very least entertained. So I intend to share my stories either by blog, vlog, or podcast. (all coming soon) Please follow, like, subscribe or whatever the term is!