Mimi Chan poses with kung fu fan

Why women should practice kung fu: my real life application

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!

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

Normandy American Cemetery
Normandy American Cemetery

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.

germany
Grand Opening in Germany

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

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 fullsizerenderhave 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

img_4179
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 img_4149prepped 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.

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Our starfruit tree from my first blog post was a bit shaken, but we img_4235quickly 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.