Sifu of the year
2006 David Lazzara of the Chinese Kung-fu of DeKalb
I first met Sifu Berry in the summer of 1999. I had been interested
in Asian culture for many years prior to this and had dabbled
in some other martial arts as well as studied Buddhism. When
the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Accordingly,
when I had decided to train martial arts seriously, as an
act of pursuing enlightenment, I happened upon Sifu Berry
and his students. I have met few people that deserve the title
of Sifu as much as Arthur Berry, as he is truly an embodiment
of what the word means. Once deciding to take me as his pupil,
he quickly dispelled my many misconceptions about what it
means to practice kung fu, and has taught me what it means
to be a real martial artist.
Over time, I have grown close to my
brothers and sisters in the club, and look to Sifu Berry as
a second father. Since Sifu Berry puts his students before
profits, it is no wonder that our club functions like a family,
and has strong, intimate ties between its members. I received
a teacher's rank in 2006 and currently continue to practice
and assist teaching with the club. I also practice Qigong
and Taijiquan and occasionally conduct workshops on weapons
and Qigong for club members. It is my desire to in the future
study Chinese Medicine as well in an effort to benefit the
community. I am forever indebted to Sifu Berry and the love
and support of my kung fu family, as without them, my world
would be dark and meaningless.
