National Champion and our
the first women 2006 Sifu of the Chinese Kung-fu Club of DeKalb
As
a student, I have learned much from Sifu Berry, much about life,
how to live it and how to value the ancient art of gung fu. I
was a martial arts novice before meeting Sifu, not really interested
in sport or training. All of that changed as soon as Sifu gave
martial arts a new meaning for me. Gave life a new meaning for
me and taught me lessons that I will carry on for the rest of
my life.
Meeting
Sifu and training with him ignited a self discipline inside. I
found myself completely engulfed in my gung fu study, working
day and night to make both my mind and my body strong. In my beginning
years with Sifu, I tried to master every move, every stance so
that when I became an instructor, I could teach others just as
Sifu had taught and continues to teach me.
I've
been training with Sifu for six years now and I feel that I have
barely scratched the surface of my gung fu study. Although I am
a school teacher by trade, I feel like I am an eternal student,
constantly working to master new skills. Gung fu is no exception.
Over the years, I've worked hard to try and make my Sifu proud.
I've been to over 40 tournaments both local and national. The
trophies won were always in honor of my Sifu and my club To me,
a day at tournament did not feel like a winning day unless I had
made my Sifu happy with my performance, even if I did get that
7 foot trophy.
So
now it is my turn carry on a true lineage between our lives and
that of ancient China. I only hope that my future efforts to study
Shaolin Mantis Gung Fu will continue to make my Sifu proud as
well as the masters that have come before him. I look forward
to my years as a sifu for I know that by being a teacher, you
become a greater student.
