Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, Nov 7-9

Lil’ Leopards

In this past week’s Lil Leopards class we got to play with our parachute! Our parachute is always fun for the students, but it serves several other purposes. A high level of individual dynamic control is needed, as well as a strong commitment to team work, to manipulate the parachute into doing what we want. These skills will all be transferrable as the students progress through the ranks.

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Tiny Tigers

In the Tiny Tigers class we utilized scarves to work on our opening bow. Our opening bow is a complicated sequence of techniques that opens and sets the pace for our many hand forms. Although we don’t start to learn the bow in it’s entirety until Young Dragons, it’s important to start working on the movements early, simply because it’s so complicated. The scarves add a colourful visual that make the movements a little more obvious as we learn. Although many students are not aware, our bow is also a unique “signature” to both our school and our lineage.

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Young Dragons Level 1

For our Young Dragons 1 class, we carried on with the breakfalls and shoulder rolls from the previous week. In Kung Fu, there are certain skills that all of our students need to achieve in order to progress. But at the same time, we recognize that we are all unique individuals and we all learn just a little bit differently. When it comes to something like shoulder rolls, many students find them very intimidating, and so confidence is key.

With this in mind, we exposed the kids to a few different options to try and help boost their confidence in their forward shoulder rolls. Once we can get the kids to roll with confidence, then we can start tweaking and perfecting. And after only the one class, we were very pleased to see that all of the students were able to utilize at least one of the options to both improve their skill and increase their confidence.

Young Dragons Level 2

In Young Dragons Level 2 we did something a little different. Over the last couple weeks the students have really impressed us with their skill level with breakfalls, and so we decided to take the opportunity to expose them to some more “real life” situations in a safe and controlled environment. Using our “triangle stepping” application, the students were challenged with performing a proper breakfall after being tripped to the ground. Oftentimes, when practicing breakfalls, it is against our natural instinct to force ourselves to the ground. By having someone else force us to the ground (in this case still safely and controlled by the instructors) the students were able to feel how a breakfall would actually work in a more realistic application. All of the students improved significantly in just the one class. And now that they know how it would “really” feel, they can utilize that in future practice.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

The next Open Training takes place Saturday November 25 from 10-12noon.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, October 31-November 2

Lil’ Leopards

In this week’s Lil Leopards class we celebrated Halloween! In these special classes we try to practice our Kung Fu with different games. Games can be a great way to show the kids how hard work can also be fun! In this particular class, we played our animal racing game, with a twist. Instead of only running like different animals, we challenged the students to run like some of the different costumes that were in the class.

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Tiny Tigers

This week in the Tiny Tigers class we did a favourite of most of the kids and ran an obstacle course. Obstacle courses, like games, are a great way to incorporate many important physical aspects including endurance training, balance and strength training, as well as cognitive skills like following directions and problem solving.

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Young Dragons

As we approach the time of year where slips and falls become increasingly common, it’s important to direct our attention to things like breakfalls and shoulder rolls. Which is why we made this our main focus this past week. As we progress with these things, and become more comfortable, they will also start to become second nature in real life situations. If we know how to fall properly, and if we understand how to minimize impact to certain parts of our bodies, we can often reduce accidental injuries or even avoid them altogether. So not only are these things important in Kung Fu applications like grappling, but they are just as important out on the playground.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

If you fundraised for the Break-a-thon, please submit your sheets, along with the donations, as soon as you can.

There will be no classes during Fall Break, November 13-17.

The “7 Days In The Life Of The I ho Chuan” Challenge starts Monday, November 6!

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, October 24-26

All Classes

In this past weeks classes, we hosted our annual Break-a-thon. It was an amazing success and every single child broke their 10 boards, if not more. For a little more insight into how board breaking helps and supports our Kung Fu, give Master Brinker’s recent article a read.

Article - Breaking Boards

To make this event even better, we have (so far) raised $4724! If you haven’t already submitted your sheet and donations, please make sure to do that.

This week we also held our Halloween classes for our Tiny Tigers and Young Dragons. It was so great to see so many kids dressed up for Halloween! We had lots of fun with various games and activities, all inspired by Kung Fu.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

This Wednesday, November 1 will be the Halloween class for the Lil Leopards. Feel free to wear your costumes!!

Please note there are NO classes on Halloween, October 31.

If you fundraised for the Break-a-thon, please submit your sheets, along with the donations, this week.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, October 17-19

All Classes

In all of our classes this week the focus was on the upcoming Break-a-thon. The Break-a-thon is one of our main events every year for a few different reasons.

First, the physical benefits of the board breaks. Obviously, the skill developed in the preparation and execution of board breaks speaks for itself. Tight fists, straight vectors, solid techniques. It is impossible to leave after a single night of board breaks without an increase of skill and understanding. There is no better way of gauging the effectiveness of a technique or the strengths and flaws of your execution than by putting yourself to work against a board. We understand this can also be a daunting endeavour; your instructors will always be there to provide guidance and insight. We are invested in your success.

This is also a huge opportunity to build confidence in both children and adults alike. Nothing feels quite like breaking a board with your fist. The feeling of accomplishment never fades. Even when a student has a failed attempt, it becomes that much more of an accomplishment and success when they finally do break that board in half. During our break-a-thon every student will break ten boards. We never let a student leave the kwoon feeling defeated; we’ll take the time to ensure every student, three years old or eighty-three years old, successfully completes ten board breaks. 

Last, how our break-a-thon ties into the concept of Wude, or martial morality. 

We encourage our students to engage in the spirit of the Break-a-thon by engaging the people around them and talking about our charities. Spreading awareness of these issues goes further than a dollar donated. Empathy is the key to correcting the wrongs we see in the world. Awareness is the first step towards empathy.

Nothing is for free; our actions as well as our inactions affect our world and those who share it with us. Alternately, the efforts and energy we put into our Kung Fu, especially the mental and social aspects, will return tenfold to us. 

Any student who engages in the Break-a-thon at this level also earns the green stripe, the Wude stripe.

For more information on the organizations we support, or to get a pledge form, please use the following link,

Break-a-thon Pledge Form and Info

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Special Announcements for All Classes

Our Halloween classes will take place Thursday October 26 for Tiny Tigers and Young Dragons and Wednesday November 1 for the Lil Leopards. Feel free to wear your costumes!!

Please note there are NO classes on Halloween, October 31.

The children’s break-a-thon classes will take place Tuesday October 24 and Wednesday October 25!! Please feel free to come in and watch!

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, October 10-12

All Kids Classes

Throughout the kids classes this week, there was a common theme with Lion Dancing.

In Lil’ Leopards we practiced balancing and jumping up onto heavy bags with just one leg. These are beginner skills needed for when we eventually learn how to “stack”.

In Tiny Tigers we practiced hopping from dot to dot while using scarves as our lion heads. This drill imitates a special lion dance that is done while walking and jumping across small platforms atop tall poles.

And in Young Dragons we worked in partners, one head and one tail of a lion, and practiced our cues and starting steps that lead us to the “stack” or “volley” techniques.

As a traditional martial arts school, lion dancing is an integral part of our Kung Fu training, not only for the historical significance, but for the ways it supports and improves all the other areas of our Kung Fu. Stamina, strength and control…speed, agility and power…all things that both good lion dancers, and good martial artists, need. If you want to improve your kicks…lion dance. If you want to improve your sparring…lion dance. If you want faster and more powerful punches…lion dance. If you want to develop your eye for detail…lion dance.

Although the connections may be difficult to see at first, the fundamentals of the lion dance can be found throughout every other aspect of our training and it is an essential component to becoming a successful and well rounded martial artist.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child what they would name their lion if they had one.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

Our next open training is Saturday October 21 from 10-12noon.

Our Break-a-thon is coming up the week of October 23! If you you have any questions about this, please reach out.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, October 3-5

Lil’ Leopards

In the Lil’ Leopards we had the opportunity to learn some new skills! One that we will continue to develop well into our later years is called “power of the instep”. Power of the instep is an exercise that not only strengthens our legs, but also becomes extremely important in things like lion dancing or in defensive situations where we have to avoid a low strike. It is also a technique that teaches us to defy gravity for a brief moment, and “fly”. And a martial artist that can fly is one to be reckoned with.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you what “power of the instep” looks like.

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Tiny Tigers

In Tiny Tigers this week we got to do one of our favourite things and play with our parachute. To the students, the parachute is all kinds of fun. But within it are hidden various skills like hand-eye coordination, quick thinking, self control and listening; all while working together as a team. And all of these things transfer to every other area of our Kung Fu.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you a horse stance.

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Young Dragons Level 1 & 2

This week in the Young Dragons classes we were delighted with a surprise demo by some of the members of the I Ho Chuan Team (pronounced “Eye Hoe Shwaun” or “Ee Hoe Shwaun”). The I Ho Chuan is a team of teen/adult Silent River Kung Fu students that dedicate the year to mastery. They fulfill various requirements throughout the year, including but not limited to pushups, situps, form reps, maintaining a weekly public blog and acting as mentors to all students in the school. Although made up of students from every belt level, it is especially important to those seeking their Black Belt, as it is also a year long grading.

In order to inspire our Young Dragons students, and to show them where all their hard work is headed, we got to see some of team perform live and then had the opportunity to ask questions. Not only was it an amazing show of martial arts skill, it was very very cool to watch!

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child how many pushups and situps an I Ho Chuan team member needs to do in one year.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

Our next open training is Saturday October 21 from 10-12noon.

Our Break-a-thon is coming up the week of October 23! If you you have any questions about this, please reach out.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, September 26-28

Lil’ Leopards and Tiny Tigers

In both the Lil’ Leopard’s and Tiny Tigers classes this week we got to do one of our favourite things. Pool noodle sword fighting! Aside from the fact that pool noodle sword fighting is super fun and exciting, it also help us develop many other skills. One of the main aspects we focus on with this game is our ability to block, and then immediately counter with a strike. This is a skill we need as we progress through the ranks and get into sparring. In addition, and perhaps less noticeable, it helps us hone our reflexes, develop our eye for detail and promotes good sportsmanship and etiquette.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to name one instructor from their class.

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Young Dragons Level 1 & 2

This week in Young Dragons we focused on our Wuxin curriculum and worked on both our wrist escapes and choke defenses. This type of training can sometimes be intimidating. Although we know and trust our partners, having someone grab your arm or put their hands up by your neck (at this stage we only simulate a choke by putting our hands on our partners shoulders) can cause some panic and anxiety. But this is why this practice is so important. By simulating these situations in a safe environment, we not only practice the physical part of the escape, but more importantly, we practice remaining calm and keeping a clear mind. Remaining calm is the first, and most important step, in self defense.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child what animal choke defenses we practiced.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

No announcements at this time.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, September 19-21

Lil’ Leopards

In the Lil’ Leopard’s class this week the students were challenged with races as different animals. Bears, penguins, gorillas…all animals move a little bit differently. By trying to mimic how other animals move, we can learn how to best move our own bodies.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to race you like their favourite animal.

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Tiny Tigers

This week in Tiny Tigers we did a couple different drills for practicing our balance. Balance is a key skill in Kung Fu. With all of our kicks, we need to be able to support ourselves on one leg, while moving the rest of our body as needed. This is not an easy task and requires incredible balance and control. Developing our balance now will be integral as we move towards our black belt.

Kung Fu At Home: Challenge your child to hold a crane stance for 30 seconds!

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Young Dragons Level 1 & 2

This week in Young Dragons we spent much of our time practicing our stick. Stick is the basis of all other weapons. Once we master the stick, we will be able to utilize all of those skills for other weapons such as nunchucks, broadsword and spear. No matter how cool all these different weapons might be, our weapons curriculum isn’t just about learning how to fight with a weapon. More importantly it’s about how to fight against a weapon.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child what weapon they are most interested in learning.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on Saturday, September 30. Please join us for an online discussion about bullying from 11am-12noon. See our events page to register.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, September 12-14

Lil’ Leopards & Tiny Tigers

This week in both the Lil Leopards and Tiny Tigers classes we utilized obstacle courses. Obstacle courses are great ways to not only practice our Kung Fu skills, but also life skills. In addition to break falls, kicks and punches, we also develop things like patience, following instructions and both spacial and self awareness. Not to mention how fun they are!

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Young Dragons 1 & 2

In the Young Dragons classes this week we spent a large portion of our time on combinations. Combinations are how we link, or string, several techniques together so that they flow in such a manner that each technique compliments and supports the other. The Jab/Reverse/Hook/Uppercut is a great example of such a technique and is one we practice frequently. It is also a great example of how when we use our entire body to support a technique (or combination of techniques), we are able to maximize the efficacy.

We challenged the students a little further this week and, starting with Jab/Reverse, asked them to add 1-2 techniques that they thought worked well. We were very impressed with both their creativeness and their ability to apply their knowledge in coming up with some pretty cool combinations.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

Our next Open Training is Saturday September 23 from 10-12noon. All students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity!

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, August 22-24

All Classes

This week brought our Parent Viewing Classes. This is an opportunity for the parents and families of our students to join us inside the Kwoon to see how a typical class is run.

When Covid required us to limit the number of people in the Kwoon, we realized how much more focus our students had without the added distraction of an audience. The difference in their progress was so extremely noticeable, that we made the decision to continue without spectators for the benefit of our students.

Although this decision was one of the best we’ve ever made, we also see the value in still having parents and families be able to engage on occasion, which is why we implemented the Parent Viewing Classes. It’s important that you are able to see for yourselves the positive influence Kung Fu has on our students.

We were so pleased to see so many of you attend these classes and we hope to see you all again at the next one.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

“Back To School Week” starts tomorrow, August 28. Although there will be no formal classes this week, there is always Kung Fu!

The SRKF Annual Potato Bake will be held Thursday August 31 starting at about 5pm. Bring your own toppings, lawn chairs and reusable plates/cutlery. We hope to see you there!

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, August 8-10

Lil’ Leopards

In the Lil’ Leopard’s class, the students were challenged with an obstacle course. Obstacle courses are one of our favourite drills at this level. We are able to incorporate so many essential skills like balance, speed, agility, critical thinking, etc, while having loads of fun. And of course, all of these skills will transfer as the students progress to higher levels.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to tell you their last name.

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Tiny Tigers

This week in Tiny Tigers we worked hard on our Keystone Principles. Our Keystone Principles are our basics of Kung Fu. Kicks, punches, blocks and stances. Although it sounds simple, there are actually many, many different types of these things. Some of which we don’t even know about or learn until after we have earned our blackbelts. However, this week we did get to learn a new kick called the Axe kick!!

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you an Axe kick. If they don’t remember that’s okay too!

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Young Dragons Level 1 & 2

This week in Young Dragons we spent most of our time on Lion Dancing. Lion Dancing is not only a traditional tenet of Kung Fu, but it is an integral method of improving ones skill in the martial arts. Endurance, coordination, rhythm and timing, team work, strength, agility….you name it, it is covered in Lion Dancing. All of these skills transfer to every other area of Kung Fu…our kicks, punches, forms and beyond. Some of the best lion dancers prove to also be the best martial artists. On top of all of these benefits, the students love to lion dance. And this week we had the opportunity to get inside some of our lions and really see what it’s like.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child what stepping pattern we use when we hear the 3-star drumming.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

The next open training is Saturday August 19 from 10am-12noon.

Back to School Week takes place August 28-31. Watch for upcoming announcements and mark your calendars for the traditional potato bake that will be held Thursday August 31.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, August 1-3

Lil’ Leopards

In the Lil’ Leopard’s class we explored our sense of touch using a variety of different balls. By passing them around in a circle, we also worked on developing our control. Being able to control objects like balls, or in future, weapons, as well as always being in control of our bodies and emotions, is vital to becoming a successful martial artist.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to tell you the 3 rules of concentration.

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Tiny Tigers

This week in Tiny Tigers we utilized our parachute. Although it may not seem like it, the parachute is a fantastic tool to develop our hand-eye coordination, team work, reflexes and more. It’s one thing to simply flap the parachute (which we do for fun sometimes) but it’s another to manipulate the parachute to do what you want it to. Using the parachute, we will try to bounce or move different objects, trying to keep them on the parachute as long as possible. This takes quick reflexes, foresight and dynamic control; all important skills that we will utilize when we start to learn about different weapons.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you a “perfect” horse stance.

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Young Dragons Level 1 & 2

Leading into a long weekend, we like to finish our classes with a fun game. But even our games incorporate important aspects of Kung Fu. This time around, we played Tic Tac Toe, but with a twist. The students were challenged to toss their dot from a specific distance, onto the giant Tic Tac Toe board, in an effort to be the first team to get 3 of their dots in a row. Within this game we worked on stamina, quick problem solving, attention to detail and dynamic control…along with a bunch of fun and laughter.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child if they have done their homework (if they have forgotten, it was to practice the opening bow of Stick form). They got an extra week to work on this!

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Special Announcements for All Classes

The next open training is Saturday August 19 from 10am-12noon.

Year Round Opportunities

We strive to ensure our students always excel and enjoy well earned success in all aspects of their lives. When it comes to our youngest students, a very large factor in their success in Kung Fu will be the perspective of you, their parents and guardians. If you do not see the value that we provide your child, you will not be inclined to continue to bring them to classes.

Because we recognize this, we have many opportunities for the parents to get to know us as instructors, and to see first hand what we are providing your children. You always have access to us, either in person when you drop off/pick up your kids, but also through WhatsApp, email, text, phone call. We are available to you.

In addition, we have several yearly events open to you, and specific days set throughout the year for you to connect with us. Every event listed here, plus every other event at our school, can be found on the Our Events page on the website.

January/February- Annual Chinese New Year Banquet and Black Promotion Ceremony; student demonstrations (including your kids!), lion and dragon dances, Benevolent Foundation presentations and much more.

March- Biannual Children’s Class Recitals AND Parent/Instructor Interviews (during spring break)

May- Annual Tiger Challenge; our intraschool tournament

August- Biannial Children’s Class Recitals

October- Annual Break-a-thon

November- Parent/Instructor Interviews (during fall break)

Again, the specific dates for each of the above opportunities can be found on the Our Events page on our website.

Lastly, the most powerful tool that we have for you and your kids would be the One-on-One’s. These can be booked anytime with any instructor through the website. If your child has their heart set on a specific instructor but their schedule does not work with yours, you can reach out and we will do everything in our power to be available when you are.

And parents, the One-on-One’s are for you too. If you ever need to connect with your child’s instructor, you can book for yourself.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, July 25-27

Lil’ Leopards

In Lil’ Lepoard’s we utilized our colourful scarves to work on our balance and hand/eye coordination. By throwing the scarves in the air, catching them with different parts of our bodies, all while trying to stay strong on our feet, we are developing key physical skills that we will carry forward in our Kung Fu.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you a butterfly breath.

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Tiny Tigers

This week in Tiny Tigers, we played a bridge building game. By using a variety of items (dots, a shield, and rubber feet) they found a way to construct a “bridge” that their team could safely cross. We like to use creative games like this to encourage the students to work together as a team, each of them contributing and utilizing their individual strengths. This type of game also encourages problem solving, a corner stone skill that we all need in order to succeed in whatever we might do.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to do 3 sit-ups.

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Young Dragons Level 1 & 2

In our Young Dragons classes this week we focused on our Wuxin curriculum. In chinese, Wuxin translates to “no mind”. When applied to our Kung Fu, it means having the ability to react and apply our lessons, without thought, in a realistic situation. Above and beyond the physical component of self defence, is our ability to remain calm in stressful situations. If we can’t remain calm, our technique will quickly be lost in the panic. To develop this, we will often practice with partners. Working with a real-life partner helps us to become more assertive and more confident in our movements, while in a safe environment. The more realistic our practice, the more likely we will be able to apply these things in a real-life situation.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child if they have done their homework (if they have forgotten, it was to practice the opening bow of Stick form).

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Special Announcements for All Classes

No announcements at this time.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, July 18-20

Lil’ Leopards

One of the biggest things we focus on with the younger students is balance. Balance is an integral component in the martial arts. We need to be solid and strong on our feet and in our stances in order to perform almost any technique competently. This week we used an obstacle course with a variety of obstacles that challenged the students to test their balance in really fun ways.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child if they know the name of the instructor in the picture above.

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Tiny Tigers

In addition to balance drills, we also worked on some of the Keystone Fundamentals of martial arts, such as kicks and punches. These basic techniques not only provide important physical conditioning, but are, of course, very important aspects of self defence. We learn to fight so that we never have to.

And this week was extra special because we got to practice our techniques on Bob!

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child if they know the name of the instructor in the picture above.

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Young Dragons Level 1 & 2

In our Young Dragons classes this week we utilized scarves to practice several parts to various forms. From a technical standpoint, the use of colourful scarves provide a visual for the students to truly see the path their hands take when performing certain techniques. It also gives them something to focus on when we are trying to make our movements really big and exaggerated. From a “fun” standpoint, utilizing the scarves provides an opportunity for the kids to get creative with their movements. We will often perform the techniques different ways. such as with our eyes closed, super slow, super fast, etc. Practicing our Kung Fu in these different ways often provides insight into many things such as what methods make us feel calmer, which make the techniques easier or harder, or which allow us to really feel how how body is moving.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child if they can name one of their instructors.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

No announcements at this time.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, July 11-13

Lil’ Leopards

Because young children learn the best through play, we often utilize games to develop our Kung Fu skills. This week in Lil’ Leopards we played our “shark” game. In an ocean of coloured dots, the students were challenged to find a safe path through the “sharks”. This type of game not only develops our spacial awareness and problem solving, but also our balance and reflexes because we have to react quickly while also being careful not to fall off the dots into the shark infested waters!

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child if they know their last name.

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Tiny Tigers

In all classes, including the Tiny Tigers, we often utilize our warm ups for both static and dynamic stretching. Both types are incredibly important for our overall physical conditioning. Through stretching we increase our flexibility and strengthen our muscles, including all the tiny little ones we don’t use very often, while also learning how to take good care of them so they stay strong and healthy for many, many years. Dynamic stretching, in particular, helps us develop our balance and control. This is vital in mastering many of our Kung Fu techniques, especially kicks, where we need to utilize many muscles, all while standing, or pivoting, on one foot. In the clip above, you will see the students doing one of their favourite dynamic stretches that we call “roll back and splat”!

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to do 3 “roll back and splats”.

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Young Dragons Level 1

A primary focus in Young Dragons Level 1 this week was the Vocabulary of Motion curriculum. This includes “combinations”, where we combine 2, 3, 4 (or more!) techniques into one sequence (or sentence) that flows with speed and precision. This is high level curriculum that will be a staple in the students’ training as they progress up the ranks and is integral as they begin to spar. We specifically worked on an advanced combination called “Jab/Reverse/Roundhouse/SpinningBack-kick”, which you can see them practicing in the clip above.

Kung Fu At Home: Remind your child about the Horse Stance Challenge given to them by Sifu Rybak!

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Young Dragons Level 2

In our Young Dragons level 2 class, we seized an opportunity to work on our forms in small groups, utilizing our many black belt instructors. Some of our students were lucky enough to spend that time 1-on-1! If ever in doubt on what to practice, we will always recommend practicing forms. A single form repetition allows our students to practice a variety of skills and techniques (kicks, punches, blocks and strikes), while also challenging both mind and body in things like balance, flexibility, strength, stamina, intent, flow and harmony. A single form includes an enormous wealth of knowledge and an infinite number of lessons. It doesn’t take long to learn a form, but it will take a lifetime to master. This week’s focus was specifically on 2 of our school forms, Lao Gar and Da Mu Hsing.

Kung Fu At Home: Remind your child about the Horse Stance challenge given to them by Sifu Rybak!

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Special Announcements for All Classes

No announcements at this time.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, July 4-6

Lil’ Leopards

This week in the Lil’ Leopards class we played our “Pit of Doom” game. Using a large space filled with various “stepping stones” such as small coloured dots, large padded shields and long skinny belts, the students are tasked with finding their way from one side to another by stepping on certain objects, and avoiding others. This game incorporates fun and imagination, while also developing important physical skills like balance, speed and agility. It also provides a means for the students to practice problem solving, while testing, and pushing, their physical capabilities and turning “I can’t” into “I can”.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you “red light” and “green light”.

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Tiny Tigers

In Tiny Tigers this week we utilized the same “Pit of Doom” game that we played in Lil’ Leopards, reaping all those same benefits. In addition, we had some animal races where we mimic the movements and physical attributes of different animals. Gorillas, snakes and bears are a few examples. By copying animals, who move very naturally and instinctively, we can learn how our own bodies move and react, eventually learning how to maximize our own speed and strength.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child what the 3 rules of concentration are.

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Young Dragons Level 1&2

In our Young Dragons classes we focused on our Traditional Tenets curriculum, specifically practicing our dragon dancing. Not only is our dragon dancing a traditional, historical aspect of our Kung Fu training, it is used to develop many skills such as stamina (it is 95% running), strength (those poles aren’t light) and agility (we need to be quick and precise to get into those complicated poses). It also provides us with lessons in teamwork and shows us that when we each do our part, we can accomplish some really amazing things. This lesson holds true far beyond Kung Fu, and will impact our ability and desire to contribute to the world outside of the Kwoon.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child who they follow in a dragon dance (the answer is the person in front of them).

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Special Announcements for All Classes

The next Open Training is this Saturday, July 15 from 10am-noon.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, June 27-29

Lil’ Leopards

This week in the Lil’ Leopards class we practiced balancing on the beams and kicking on the heavy bags. We also got to go inside the lions!!

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child what part of the lion you look through when you are inside.

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Tiny Tigers

In Tiny Tigers this week we worked on our balance using bean bags. We also got to do an obstacle course AND go inside the lions!!

Kung Fu At Home: Time your child holding a crane stance and see how long they can hold it!

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Young Dragons Level 1&2

For our Young Dragons classes we focused on our Dynamic Control Curriculum and practiced with our sticks. We also spent a large portion working on our kicks and then finished the week with some bean bag games.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you the opening bow to our Stick form. (If they don’t have a stick at home, a broom or mop works just as well!)

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Special Announcements for All Classes

Silent River Kung Fu’s I Ho Chuan team will be performing at Heritage Park in Stony Plain TOMORROW for July 1, Canada Day. There will be a lion dance, dragon dance and personal demonstrations. We’d love to see you there!

The next Open Training is Saturday, July 15 from 10am-noon.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, June 20-22

Lil’ Leopards

This week in the Lil’ Leopards class we practiced our kicks and punches by doing relays on the heavy bags.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you there favourite animal pose.

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Tiny Tigers

In Tiny Tigers this week we worked on various techniques and skills using our Circle of Dots game and ended the week with relays.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you their favourite kick.

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Young Dragons Level 1&2

For our Young Dragons classes we used our “Gumby Game” to develop our eye for detail. We also worked on one of our main forms, Lao Gar and then finished the week with an obstacle course.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you the proper foot position for a front thrust kick.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

Silent River Kung Fu’s I Ho Chuan team will be performing at Heritage Park in Stony Plain for July 1, Canada Day. There will be a lion dance, dragon dance and personal demonstrations. We’d love to see you there!

The next Open Training is Saturday, July 15 from 10am-noon.

Children's Class Weekly Re-Cap, June 13-15

Lil’ Leopards

This week in the Lil’ Leopards class we utilized colourful scarves to hone our reflexes and hand-eye coordination.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to do 2 kicks with each leg.

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Tiny Tigers

In Tiny Tigers this week we practiced team work and dynamic control with our parachute. We also worked on various techniques like kicks and punches with our relay drill.

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to show you a proper fist (no thumbs tucked in!!).

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Young Dragons Level 1&2

For our Young Dragons classes we continued with our Wuxin curriculum and worked on our takedown situation with partners. We also focussed on our Lion dancing and learned how to “stalk the lettuce” and even did some drumming!

Kung Fu At Home: Ask your child to name one of the drumming patterns.

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Special Announcements for All Classes

Silent River Kung Fu’s I Ho Chuan team will be performing at Heritage Park in Stony Plain for July 1, Canada Day. There will be a lion dance, dragon dance and personal demonstrations. We’d love to see you there!

The next Open Training is Saturday, July 15 from 10am-noon.