One of my favorite parts of our Chinese New Year celebration
is hearing candidates’ tell what Kung Fu has done for them. I always find it interesting to hear just a
small portion of the journey that led these people to this point in their
life. Each of us has come with different
life experiences, circumstances and perspectives and this chance to speak can
be eye opening and inspiring to those who hear it.
The common thread in every speech, every year, by every
candidate is the list of people to thank. I believe by this time everyone realizes that
the accomplishment of earning a black belt is never done completely on one’s
own; there is usually a list of people who have each played an integral part of
why we are where we are. Those we surround ourselves with help
determine our success. As I listened to this
year’s candidates, I was deeply moved by the heart felt appreciation given to
their parents. These notes of thanks
were the perfect example of the effect dedicated, supportive and loving parents
can have on the success of their children.
We cannot underestimate the power we have to influence those around us,
especially our children.
I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes when
listening to the two young people standing up, as I have watched these two grow
from their first days in kung fu. I feel
very privileged to have witnessed their progress and success. Congratulations Sifu Vanderham and Sifu
Csillag. And to the two not so young
people, Sifu Krebs and Sifu Fuhr, a huge congratulations to you guys! And for their promotions to next degree, congrats
to Sifu Vantuil and Sifu Regier!
I stumbled on this picture last week that I haven’t seen for
a while. From the look on Sifu Krebs’
face he has enjoyed putting people in headlocks for quite some time, especially
family members!
Alana Regier
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