Monday, June 3, 2013

Kung Fu Black Belt Graduation

A little over three years ago we were advised by Danille's paediatrician to enroll her in some type of martial arts. Niel decided on Kung Fu and enrolled with her at United Martial Arts in Goodyear.

It has been quite a ride, and, exactly as her Chief Instructor warned us, she had wanted to quit at least 3 times. Luckily, Chief Instructor Venable would not let her, and, on May 18, both Danille and her dad earned their black belts in  Kung Fu.

Kung Fu encompasses many different systems.  Each system develops the body and mind differently. They begin their Kung Fu program with 5 Animal Kung Fu, which imparts the roots of martial arts including increased strength, discipline, vitality, respect and leadership.  5 Animal Kung Fu builds a stronger body both physically and mentally. 


Danille with some of the friends she has made along the way.
Each animal represents an element and a certain life skill:

 The first animal is Leopard (wood). Leopard represents focus;
"The path of self mastery requires a focused mind.  A focused mind sees no obstacles."

Danille doing Leopard



 The second animal is Tiger (fire). Tiger represents strength.
" The path of self mastery requires a courageous heart. A courageous heart shows strength in the face of fear."
Niel doing Snake

  The third animal is snake (earth). Snake represents persistent action.
"The path of self mastery requires persistent action .Persistent action achieves the goal without quitting".
The fourth animal is the crane ( metal). The crane represents balanced emotions.
"The path of self mastery requires balanced emotions.Balanced emotions does not yield to negativity."


The last and  fifth animal is the Dragon (water). The dragon represents a creative spirit.
"The Path of Self Mastery requires a creative spirit. A creative spirit has no self doubt."



Niel with the Masters. Chief Instructor Venable (their instructor) is in black and red.



But, like the Masters told them...this is only the beginning. Now they can start teaching them something....
Danille chose to do her second degree black belt in Xing Yi and Niel in Wing Chun.
More on that in a later post. 

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mothers Day 2013

It is Mothers Day and I am in bed trying to fight whatever uninvited bug made itself at home in my chest/lungs.

I can hear the sounds of my family downstairs. Danille's delighted squeals because her brother, De Wet surprised her with some " One Direction " songs he recorded on her iPod . Laughter. Deep voices of my grown up boys having a conversation with their dad. The smell of chicken casserole wafting upstairs. Niel is making it. I can smell he put bacon in, because he knows I love it like that.

I am surrounded by messy reminders of this morning when they were all on my bed , wishing me a happy Mothers Day. It is a safe feeling...having your whole family on the same bed with you.
A single rose, cards with heartfelt messages written inside, a sweet facebook message from the son who never goes on facebook. Homemade gifts from Danille : a bookmark, a bow, a ring and bracelets made out of Hello Kitty duct tape. ("they are adjustable, you know? ")
She writes a long message in her larger than life homemade card, about how she is going to live with me for ever and ever and ever, and although I get annoyed at her brothers sometimes, she promises never to annoy me.


These last couple of years we have had some hard times, frustration, and fears.  99% of which were either directly or indirectly due to green-card and immigration issues. In moments of frustration I have asked myself  why things just won't work out already!


Today I realize that the really important things never needed fixing in the first place. I have three wonderful, caring children and a daughter-in law
who are each individuals in their own right, and whom I love hanging out with. A loving husband who understands me so well and who makes me feel special and desirable. A beautiful home (that might not always be as clean as I would like it), good friends and sisters who love me....




It is Mothers Day and I am wearing a duct tape bow in my hair because  my life is perfect.