I had a fellow student ask me the other day if I have kids in Kung Fu.
As a matter of fact I have three of my four kids in Kung Fu. One is just four and enjoying the Little Leopards class on Saturday mornings. The other two who are now sixteen and seventeen got there black belts back in 2003.
They both started in 1998.The struggle to keep them interested and excited was a constant battle. Depending on their age and how many friends they had at the school was always a big factor. A little competition with each other and fellow students also played a big part in keeping it fun.
Finally it came down to a decision my husband and I had to make.
We decided that Kung Fu not only made them better students and members of the community but it was also a very important life skill.So we made them go to each class. Sometimes kicking and screaming. The final compromise was that when they earned their black belts they could decide for themselves weather to continue or not.
Randy and I never regret that decision. The two kids got their black belts with me. They lasted a few more months at the school and both then put it to rest.
I feel very strongly that they are the people they are today because of their training.It comes into play every day of their lives. It affects how they think and the decisions they make.I still see the spark that talk of Kung Fu brings to their eyes and my fondest hope is that one day sooner rather than later they will pick up their training.
So to all you fellow parents out there struggling with your kids,take a deep breath and stick to your convictions. Yes you are right, it is good for them and you will not regret the battles you are going to face with them.It will be a fight well worth the outcome.
Keep in mind that you are not alone and use Master Brinker and his team of black belts to keep you and your kids motivated. There are not many situations that he has not come across before and if he doesn't have the answer you will always have his support.
Good Luck!
Sifu Linda Shipalesky
2 comments:
Sifu,
I agree with what you said here. I have also seen the benefit of Kung Fu with my two girls. My oldest wouldn't look at the Sifu's let alone get off my lap for the first couple of months. And then within 6 months, she was the loudest one! And both have learned to follow their own path, and while they are only 6 and 7, they are very unique. I am sure that their training will continue to carry them, and I will push them to continue. It is so valuable in so many ways. Well said!
Sihing Wilson
I can shout out to this from the other side of things. I was the bratty kid not wanting to go to class all the time, but eventually if parents keep at it and believe in what kung fu is doing for their children, something will click and it'll become something they are begging you to take them to. My first years of black belt were the hardest because I wasn't old enough to drive and my parents stopped making me want to continue because I was doing it myself. Keep at it! I'm so thankful my parents pushed me.
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