My Wing Chun Story(1)
I will try to make this story as short as possible. And please be assured that my intention is not to bore you with yet another love story, although, this will surly be a story about love = ). Not love for another individual per say but of an art, a scientific system and a way of life. Once this system is installed it can not only save lives from threatening physical situations but can save lives on an emotional level as well = ) This system builds upon the mind, body and soul, three entities which make of a single human being, three entities which I feel need nourishment in order to live life in it’s full potential.
When I write or speak of Wing Chun I have love in my heart and appreciation for any accumulated knowledge I have and will ever gain of this system!!!.
I first leant of Wing Chun about a year and a half ago. I began to get to know a new individual.
This new individual was and is a Wing Chun practitioner. I would see and watch him do some (at that time) foreign movements. He would never utter a word during these movements. His attention and focus would be entirely immersed in his strong thorough formations. I remained curious about his actions for a little while watching him with fascination. He had immense focus and respect for this system. It seemed to give him an inner strength that shown outwards. I was very intrigued for it was something that I did not understand. However understanding was something I wanted indeed.
We became more acquainted and he learnt about situations in my past that could have ended my life. He decided that he wanted to teach me, so that I would walk in consistent confident protection. He wanted to give me something that would always be mine.
And so it began…
He would show me ways I could protect my self if I was ever in a harmful situation again. He taught me many of the ways to show respect for the system, he would teach me other components of Wing Chun aside from fighting. He always said (which I believe to be the words of Grand Master William Cheung) that “the best fight is no fight”!!! The new individual became not so new, and became a friend indeed. And so I called him Roddy Allen. Great teachers stem from great teachers, his SiFu is Steven Ruiz. As my love and passion for Wing Chun began to surface our friendship altered and distance disallowed further knowledge to be gained. I honor and thank him for all that he has showed me!! I honor his SiFu for being such a proficient and dedicated Wing Chun teacher and I am proud to say that I have met and spent time with both of these individuals.
Fate always moves as it should and in this case paved the road to a mirror. This mirror was directed towards my internal self and I was left in a position for me to face myself, by myself. In my life I have been in many situations where I was the victim and because of this I had to face my imbedded victim mentality!!! Woman can choose to be submissive to men in terms of decision-making, or finances, etc but when it comes to external strength the choice is not likely theirs, men are likely to be superior in that area. Women are the more docile of the two sexes, which contributes to their unshakable beauty. I love and embrace every aspect of being a woman and I would not want to encompass the strength of a man, however, I would and do like the ability of being able to protect my docile nature. Both genders are uniquely and wonderfully made and I appreciate what sets us apart. I always thought that the strength of a female was intrinsic, but when I learnt of Wing Chun being female, the possibility of a balance aroused my mind. And the thought of having strength throughout has never left me.
Wing Chun found me, and I now began my journey in search of Wing Chun .
I had a dream of going abroad for many years to teach English. And fate finally cleared a path for my departure. I was offered a job in Foshan China. Fate revealed to me that it was the birth place of Wing Chun. I knew this was the place for me to go. I never felt more certain of a decision. I felt and feel so honored to be able to offer the knowledge of the English language to such a skillful place. To step foot in the birth place of Wing Chun is such an honor in itself as it is the same ground that many Wing Chun practitioners have walked, Yip Man being one among many.
While in Canada, prior to my journey to Foshan I researched to find the place that I would train Wing Chun. One place stood out, so I wrote down that number to carry with me on my journey.
I arrived in Foshan with Wing Chun on my mind and in my heart. I do not speak Chinese (although I make attempts) I had to be patient and wait for one of my friends to call “the number”. She speaks fluent Chinese and would speak with whoever would answer the phone. = ) The phone was answered, a meeting date was scheduled and my friend would accompany me to the meeting place and translate = ) I could feel the brush of fate blowing on my skin and deep within my soul.
I looked forward to this day!!! I arrived at my friends house early and could not wait to be on my way .
We took a taxi to the assigned address and I waited until I seen him get out of his car and direct us to his office. The three of us sat and the two of them spoke. I learnt his name. The man that got out of the car that day is Master Leung. We tried to figure out a set schedule and who would be available to teach me. Amongst our discussion I mentioned my intention of going to Australia to train at Grand Master William Cheung’s school!!. And that is when he told me that Grand Master William Cheung IS HIS MASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!! He invited us into his personal office and he showed me some books written by Grand Master William Cheung (books I read previously ) It seemed that my interest and immense respect for his SiFu pleased him and I could see very clearly his love for Grand Master William Cheung and my respect for him heightened all the more. We continued our discussion a little further and then he told me something that I will forever hold in high regard and appreciation. He told me that he would train me himself.
I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that tears filled my eyes. The chairman of Chin Woo Association of Foshan China would be my SiFu??? A personal student of Grand Master William Cheung would be MY SiFu?? I could not believe it, yet I knew that fate had taken me here!!!
An enormous amount of respect filled my heart that day and a determination and passion filled every vessel in my body, I was overwhelmed indeed!!!
SiFu Leung is a great SiFu and I try to be the best student I can possibly be. I show the utmost amount of respect for him as .a teacher and individual as well!! He is a great man!! I have a vast appreciation and respect for the eternal knowledge that he has given me and continues to give to me.
I have never felt better about being a part of something. SiFu Leung has made me feel a part of a new family, a Wing Chun family . I am so honored words could not define the amount. He has given me memories that I will pass on through generations to come. He has taught me more then I thought possible. I have never been faced with the challenge of body movements. I have never taken dance or anything that would allow me to become aware of my body movements. I have never been put in a position where I have to remember formations or positions or anything of the sort. And now that I am, I love it . He had definitely made a positive impact on my life and I thank you SiFu .
And so it shall continue…
SiFu Leung told me that Grand Master William Cheung will arrive in China sometime later. He told me that I may HAVE THE HONOR AND PRIVILIDGE OF MEETING HIM!!!
I do not know what it is that I have done in this life or the one that possibly came before this to enable such experiences, but I bow my head in a humble state of love, gratitude and appreciation for all that has played a part!!!
Although my intention was not to bore you with yet another love story when the heart writes, the hand may hold the pen but the ink always has its own journey, it’s own agenda This journey I share with you, this journey shall remain…and so it shall continue just as sure as the river flows .
Candice Stoutley