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.