George LaiInner harmony, physical health and mental well-being are three things that many Wash U students have learned to live without. But for members of the Kung Fu Club, peace of mind really kicks ass.
“Basically, [Kung Fu] is using relaxed energy in the most efficient way to simultaneously attack and defend yourself,” explained senior David Weingeist, the club’s founder. “That’s the main difference between Kung Fu and some of the other martial arts.”
The tranquility involved in Kung Fu becomes obvious when watching the group practice. The only sounds to be heard are the thuds from the nearby racquetball courts while the club members go through the fluid yet intense motions of the Siu Nim Tau form of Ving Tsun Kung Fu. Some even some keep their eyes closed.
“[Closing your eyes] increases sensitivity,” said freshman Cordula Simon. “You can feel what’s coming next. One of our main principles is relaxation, and being relaxed is what builds sensitivity.”
Although diminutive and soft-spoken, Simon isn’t a girl you would want to mess with. She’s dabbled in various forms of martial arts.
“I was always intrigued by Kung Fu,” said Simon. “It’s different than some of the more flashy stuff, and it really is the most efficient way to defend yourself. But the more I learn, it seems, the more I have left to learn.”
Learning to relax is of utmost importance in Kung Fu. Neglecting to do so can have painful consequences. Case in point: freshman Mark Sorensen’s arm, which sports a large bruise.
“These guys tell you to relax all the time, and sometimes I tend not to do that,” said Sorensen. “When you’re blocking punches with your forearm, that’s bone on bone. Being more relaxed can help to prevent [injury].”
Along with relaxation, Kung Fu emphasizes two other principles-efficiency and centerline. That is, the most efficient way to bring down an attacker and defend yourself is to focus on an imaginary line down the center of the body.
Freshman Lawrence Wiseman demonstrated how these principles could be used to block punches. Using just two basic moves, he effortlessly deflected the punches (albeit weak ones) thrown at him by a certain newcomer. His skills are impressive but not deliberately so, in keeping with the modest environment the club hopes to create.
“I honestly love the dynamic here,” said Wiseman. “People are friendly, and the focus is just on learning the art. It’s not about being flashy or seeing who can be the most macho. In fact, [the club is] mostly girls.”
For one of the club’s female members, sophomore Jessica Pryde, Kung Fu has become an “obsession,” and one that has gotten her a little respect from her peers.
“When I tell people that I do [Kung Fu], they immediately say, ‘Oh, I better not get on your bad side,'” Pryde said.
Freshman Adria Blount has also benefited from her involvement with the Kung Fu club.
“I started out confident in my ability, because I’d taken Karate,” said Blount. “But now I can see how much I’ve progressed in my ability since coming here.”
But although you might learn to do some damage to an attacker, don’t expect Karate Club workouts to be like a Bruce Lee film.
“What you see in the movies is more appealing to the eye with a lot of flashy kicks,” said Weingeist. “What we do here is more efficient. It doesn’t look as flashy, but it’s just as powerful. People come in expecting that they’re going to be all over the place, but it’s really a lot more simplistic than that.”
One of the greatest benefits of Kung Fu lies in its power to take down egos as well as human attackers, said Weingeist.
“When people come here wanting to learn to beat people up, I’d say that’s a good attitude to come in with,” said Weingeist. “Because as they learn Kung Fu, they’ll lose that ego pretty quickly and then gain more confidence in themselves.”