Today marks my 20th martial arts column. Over the past five months, I’ve talked about a lot of different things. This week, I decided to take a look back at the things we’ve featured, and the things I’ve learned while doing this column.
For one, I’ve learned a great deal about other martial arts besides my own. I take Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, the Mahjong Lawhorn style. But there are many other styles of martial arts.
By featuring some of the martial arts schools in Cleveland County, I’ve learned about the different styles they offer and each of their histories, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Shorin Ryu Karate, and Tang Soo Do.
Another column I enjoyed was on the members of the newsroom and their martial arts stories. Almost everyone has some kind of martial arts experience they remember. One person remembered knocking a 30-year-old man to the ground as a child. Another took Tae Kwon Do at one of Chuck Norris’ schools in Oklahoma.
I’ve also learned a lot about my own history. At the end of our classes, we often have pop quizzes on our history. But I’ve also researched more Kung Fu history through my grandmaster’s website. Asking Sifu questions is another great way to learn about our style. I cannot get enough of our history; it fascinates me that our art is more than 3,000 years old and that the forms we do were created millennia ago.
Covering tournaments and demonstrations has also been exciting. I’ve covered the Foothills Karate Classic, the tournament where I scored three 10s on my form. I’ve also talked about our last demonstration at Lincoln County’s Relay for Life. Performing in front of people sometimes can be nerve-wracking, but is always exciting and rewarding.
In two weeks, I’ll be going to another tournament, the Battle of Atlanta, which will be a very large competition. Since competitors have to wear a formal uniform for this tournament, our Sijeh, Kat, has decided to let me borrow her traditional silk uniform for it. I’m very excited to be able to wear the traditional Chinese uniform to compete.
Other things this column has featured include my yellow belt test, Kung Fu myths, and what’s involved in a typical class. Other times, I’ve written about how my perspective on martial arts has changed over time, or the things I’m learning about myself as I progress.
Overall, taking Kung Fu has been an exhilarating journey so far, and writing about it has made it even better.
In the future, I hope to feature many more martial arts schools. That way we all can learn more about the various styles of martial arts. And maybe more parents will be encouraged to get their kids involved.
If you have or know of a school that would like to be featured, let me know. I’d love to talk to them. Or if you know of an exceptional martial arts student who you think should be recognized, let us know. I’m always glad to recognize great schools and students in the world of martial arts.
Reach Molly Phipps at 704-669-3339 or mphipps@shelbystar.com.
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A diverse look at martial arts
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