The
Martial Arts always interested me as a kid. I was fascinated
by the men who could fly through the air with amazing fighting
skills, and of course, the bad dubbing was amusing as well.
These actors were my heroes, along with The Incredible Hulk
and Superman. After watching Kung-Fu Theater and Samurai Sunday,
my friends and I would attempt to imitate the actors whom
we had watched in awe. We would often hurt each other and
ourselves by jumping from trees and swinging homemade weapons.
It
wasn't until I turned twenty-one that I began to study the
martial arts. I began studying Tae Kwon Do through the Orland
Park District, but it wasn't like the movies. It wasn’t Kung-Fu.
Later, when I left to finish college, I met Sifu Scott Loxley
by chance shortly after moving to DeKalb. After talking to
me, Sifu Scott introduced me to Sifu Berry and I received
my first invitation to watch class.
Before
warm-ups were completed, I was hooked. Like a drug, Kung-Fu
took its hold on me and never let go. Over the years, I listened
to every word said, and I practiced every move shown to me.
In the spring of 2001, I was promoted to the rank of Sifu.
I can't yet fly through the air, but I have learned many of
the skills those fighters possess and now I teach them to
the many brothers and sisters willing to learn as I did. I
am thankful to Sifu Arthur Berry for teaching me the authentic
traditional Kung Fu that is so rare to find. Being taught
by such a great teacher has changed my life.
