A
while back a good friend of mine, Dave, was telling me
about this family Kung Fu school in Duncan that he, his
son, daughter and wife joined. Being respectful and true
to my friend I listened, smiled and said "that's
nice" while inside I was telling myself is he
kidding? I didn't think much more about it after that.
Months
later he pulled me aside and said "hey Kim, check
this out". He then proceeded to pump out 55 perfect
push ups in under a minute. My jaw dropped. Dave, like me
is a pretty big guy, not overly athletic and is in his
late forty's. I was now all ears as he explained the
virtues of Kung Fu.
Real
Estate sales is one of those sedentary occupations that
finds one spending long hours behind a desk, meeting with
people and driving around in a car; not the physically
challenging job of say a logger or framing carpenter.
Finding the time and inspiration to get that much needed
exercise balanced with quality family time is truly a
challenge. That's where family Kung Fu now comes in. My
wife, two sons and I joined up and it's now part of our
lives and our weekly routine.
Aside
from the general fitness benefits of Kung Fu there's a
focus on developing flexibility, stamina and new motor
memory skills as well as the obvious self defense skills
taught in this age old martial art. The discipline and
structure are refreshing and to my surprise welcomed by my
10 year old boys who now display a new found inner
confidence that grows with each new belt earned.
I
myself enjoy the discipline and structure which I notice
that I had missed from my past career in the military. I
also enjoy the camaraderie of my Kung Fu classmates and
have made many new friends with similar goals. As a family
activity Kung Fu gives us a rare opportunity to do
something fun together where we are all equals working on
a common goal; to earn the coveted black belt.
Kim
Johannsen, 46 - Realtor
I have felt privileged to have found a place of such integrity for my children to study. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, the life skills offered have positively affected my children. The opportunity for my son who has ADHD to succeed with honor I believe is so important. The structure toward belt advancement is a great tool for him to learn cause and effect and is helping us with respect, honesty and acts of kindness at home.
Despite the recession and current financial challenges this is the last thing I would cut from our budget! Many thanks for the high level of personal commitment by the whole staff.
Rebecca Lenz for Fletcher & Madeline Lenz, 9 & 11
I have 3 boys and having just recently moved to the Island, I was searching for a place all 3 children could come and learn confidence, self-defense, discipline and perseverance. Without a doubt, SHAKU Family Martial Arts was the place I was searching for. From the moment I walked in the doors I knew we were in the right place!
Julie Robinson, 39 - Mom
Initially I chose to enroll at SHAKU Family Martial Arts for the fitness. As I attended the sessions I discovered that the mind is trained as much as the body.
Now with one year behind me my balance, flexibility, endurance and strength are all noticeably improved. And I am committing to achieving my Black Belt!
Dan Hager, 44, insurance salesman
SHAKU Family Martial Arts is a great school. It allows parents to train alongside their children. The experience of martial arts can be felt by the entire family. The instructors at SHAKU are very professional and knowledgeable.
Bobbi Rowntree, 37, -Yoga Teacher
I, like many parents at SHAKU Family Martial Arts, enrolled with my son Torren. We have been training together for over a year now and it has really helped us bond. The staff is excellent and I would like to specifically point out the dedication and hard work of Sifu Torrie. He is a great example of someone that truly loves his work and has become a master of what he teaches. I would hot hesitate to recommend SHAKU Family Martial Arts to anyone.
Cal Kaiser, 43 - Realtor
I have learned a lot about self-defense and building confidence. I’m enjoying the classes!
Kasper Bourquin 11 - Student
The benefits that I have gotten from attending SHAKU Family Martial Arts is more confidence in myself and I feel strong and able to accomplish more things in school. I am also being able to practice most of my techniques that I have learned in class with my dad. I would give the training 10 out of 10!
Jared Welch, 15 - Student
I have been attending classes for just over 2 years now and I am enjoying the benefits of better health, better stamina and new friends. I would highly recommend SHAKU Family Martial Arts as a morale and confidence booster. The instructors and staff have made every class fun, enjoyable and a good work-out.
Joe Bailey, 42 - Dispatch Supervisor
My daughter’s confidence and self-assurance have increased enormously since starting attending SHAKU Family Martial Arts, and she is learning just how much she can achieve with hard work! The school has such a positive atmosphere. I am so proud of all that Elsa has accomplished and I will be cheering for her when she earns her Black Belt. Thank You!
Jo Quinlan, 39 - Social Worker & Proud Parent
SHAKU Family Martial Arts arrived in my life in a well timed manner. My oldest daughter was having a baby, my son (my daughters twin) was in a near fatal car accident, In addition, my best friend was also in a car accident and was having some life challenges and was coming to me for help. I was overweight and having some health challenges of my own having been recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Work was slow and I was unclear of the future. What else could be happening in my life?
One day my youngest daughter came home from school and asked if she could join a martial arts after school program for a couple of weeks. We allowed her and after she had completed the after school program she expressed an interest in continuing on with her studies at SHAKU Family Martial Arts. I felt this was a good opportunity to do something for myself and with my youngest daughter and would help get my mind off all the day to day turmoil I was experiencing. We joined SHAKU Family Martial Arts together under Sifu Cathal's direction and began to participate in the basic program.
Within 1 month of joining both my daughter and I expressed an interest in the Black Belt Program and were invited to participate. During the next couple of months things started to settle down in my life and some changes started to happen. I had lost approx 34 pounds in weight, I was re-energized at work, my health issues were diminishing. I was better able to focus and handle the stress of my sons medical recovery, my oldest daughter had her baby, and best of all my youngest daughter and I were participating in martial arts training together and advancing at a good pace.
I owe this rejuvenation in my life to the training and lessons learned and associations acquired through SHAKU Family Martial Arts.
I do not know where I would be without the influence of the quality of people that I have met through my training at the school. It has been over a year in our training now and I am personally better for the experiences and have overcome many challenges. My youngest daughter Dawn, who was always a great kid to begin with, has developed beyond what can be expected by a parent, all due to the influence of SHAKU Family Martial Arts. Thanks again to the staff at the school. I look forward to my further years of training with you.
Charles D. Miller, 44 - Carpenter
