Malinda Ferris

Kung Fu'ing My Kids Part 8 of...

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Ever since my journey began with SRKF in 2019, I've always believed that there was something special about Kung Fu kids. Right from the start I was in awe of all the amazing young people training there. They were (are) so talented, confident, respectful, self-aware and driven, just to name a few things. And what I saw in them is what I want for my own kids.

I recently had a small group of children in my care for Emma's slumber party birthday.  Half were Kung Fu friends.  Half were school friends.  And I have to say, the difference between the two was not lost on me.  I'm not saying that the non-Kung Fu kids were bad, by any means.  Emma has some great friends.  But those that practice Kung Fu not only struck me as more accepting and welcoming with people they didn't know, but also seemed more independent, confident and self-aware.

Perhaps because this was a small group I shouldn't make such conclusions.  Or perhaps with my own kids in Kung Fu, this was a biased observation.  But I really don't think so.  It certainly wasn't something I was looking for or anticipating and I didn't go into the situation looking for differences.  I simply noticed certain things in each of the kids, and found myself making this connection.

And although these Kung Fu kids were not my own, I found myself really proud of them, as if they were.

Malinda Ferris

The Value of 1 On 1's

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Whether you are a parent, a student or an instructor, the 1-on-1 resource is probably the single most valuable tool at our disposal.

As a parent, we want our children to develop essential skills that will aid them to succeed in whatever they decide to pursue.  The majority of kids, at a young age, are not self motivators.  They cannot yet understand the value of hard work…the value of putting in effort today for a goal they won’t reach until tomorrow…or next week…or next year.  By utilizing the 1-on-1's, you can help your child reach their goals, thereby showing them that with a little bit of effort on a consistent basis, anything is possible.  I can guarantee you that once they recognize their hard work breeds results, they will start to take these steps towards success on their own because you have shown them how.

As a student, the 1-on-1's provide a platform to ask questions or cover topics specific to the individual.  Whether it be to improve a skill, or to get ideas of what to focus on, the opportunity for 1-on-1 instruction is incredibly beneficial.  Many students have utilized the 1-on-1's to obtain knowledge above and beyond their current class level.  Some learning entire forms exclusively through 1-on-1's and propelling their personal progress to incredible heights.  Having said that, the need to have a topic or question in mind is not a prerequisite for the 1-on-1 to be successful.  Oftentimes, the meetings that begin without a specific plan end up being the most fun and engaging.  If the student and instructor can connect in a more personal way, the time has been well spent. 

As an instructor, making those connections is the main objective for the 1-on-1's.  If Kung Fu enters the equation, that is simply a bonus.   Everyone learns differently.  Everyone thinks a bit differently.  Everyone has different skills and capabilities.  This type of interaction creates an opportunity to connect with our students on a personal level that is not always possible in a classroom setting.  Once that relationship is established, both teaching and learning become effortless.

Whether you are a parent, or a student, I encourage you to take advantage of this amazing tool.  And I am confident that with regular use, you will see the tremendous value.

Who can utilize the 1-on-1s?

Any student or parent/guardian can utilize the 1-on-1's.

How do I book?

On the main home page of KwoonTalk, you will find a link along the left called “One on One Appointments”.  Simply click on that and follow the instructions to choose and book an appointment.  Should you have any issues with booking, please reach out.

Who should I book with?

Although any of the instructors will be able to answer most questions, you’ll likely want to book with an instructor that you, or your child would be the most familiar with.  If you are unsure, the following indicates which instructors are involved with the various classes.

Lil’ Leopards/Tiny Tigers

  • Sifu Brinker

  • Sifu Rybak

  • Sihing Vantuil

  • Sidai Bjorkquist

  • Todai Ferris

 Young Dragons 1/2

  • Sifu Brinker

  • Sifu Rybak

  • Sihing Vantuil

  • Sihing Ward

  • Sidai Bjorkquist

  • Todai Ferris

 Teen/Adults

  • Sifu Brinker

  • Sifu Rybak

  • Sihing Vantuil

  • Sihing Csillag

  • Sihing Lindstrom

  • Sihing Ward

  • Sidai Bjorkquist


How often should I book?

As a parent with questions regarding the program or your child's progress, feel free to book as needed. For students, we have seen the most success with those that book regular weekly or bi-weekly appointments.  All students are eligible for a 1-on-1 every week as part of their tuition.

What if my child has nothing to ask or talk about?

A predetermined topic is not necessary to book a 1-on-1.  The instructor’s main objective with the 1-on-1's is to make connections with the students, not necessarily to practice Kung Fu.  If talking about Minecraft or having a game of virtual hide-n-seek is how the child wants to connect during this time, the 1-on-1 has been a success.  And although the topics of conversation may differ, this applies to our teen/adult students as well.  The better we know our students, the easier it is to teach them.  Do not let the lack of a question or topic hold you back.

What if I can’t find a day/time that works?

In the event none of the posted days and times work for your schedule, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  Instructors have posted the days and times that are most convenient for them, but that does not mean other arrangements can’t be made. 

If it’s been a while since your last 1-on-1, or if you’ve never had one before, I encourage you to book one today.  I promise it will be one of the most beneficial additions you can make to your (or your child’s) Kung Fu.

Malinda Ferris

This Moves This...That Moves That

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It's truly amazing how our body works.  This moves this....that moves that.  This moves this so that that can move that.  Each part has it's own function, yet they all work together.  Sure it's possible to move just one body part.  For example, you can stand straight and stiff and simply throw a punch straight out.  But we know that throwing a punch like that, without incorporating anything else, does not result in a very good punch.  For any given intentional movement, there are several other supporting movements.  For ideal function, everything needs to work together.

So if we know that we ideally want everything working together to support one specific intent...what happens if we limit one of those supporting movements?  How much impact will that have?

Well, the answer is ALOT.  

I'm struggling right now with a shoulder injury.  I typically have a few ongoing injuries at any given time, but never anything super serious that has really limited me.  It's even often my shoulder.

Currently, however, it's in pretty bad shape.  And it seems to be affecting everything else down the line.  I noticed this morning that because I can't fully extend one arm, my other can't seem to finish what it needs to do either.  Because I can't fully complete the upper body techniques, the lower body movements seem incomplete as well.  I can't seem to fully sink into my stances.  I can't do the opening and closing bow properly and so my start and finish to my forms is pretty pathetic.  My flow is gone.  It's as if everything else is adjusting to suit the injury.  I'm only as good as my weakest link apparently.

As I was writing the above, a thought popped into my head.  Perhaps it's not just the physical injury alone causing the overall problem.  Perhaps the real issue with a more severe injury is that my original intent is no longer pure.  And maybe it simply can't be with the injury.  Although I'm trying to keep my original intent, it has changed anyways.  It is now to avoid further injury, to avoid the pain, and so everything changes to support that intent.

I wonder if that's why injuries can be so frustrating.  We adjust physically, because we have to, while desperately attempting to hold on to our original intent, which may just not be possible under the circumstances.

I'm thinking that in order to train (successfully) with an injury, adjustments will be needed physically, as well as with my intent, in order to find a balance.  Hopefully only temporarily.

Malinda Ferris