MOM AND SON TRAINING TOGETHER – PUSHING THEIR LIMITS, ATTAINING GOALS

My son and I joined the Plum Blossom family in September 2006. It was the first year of martial arts training for myself and the 2nd for my son, Howard. We immediately found a niche that we both enjoyed very much. The culture, the atmosphere and the comradeship seemed very inviting, which made Plum Blossom classes much more interesting to make a part of our lifestyle!

The training that we were receiving comes from very experienced and knowledgeable instructors… Tai Sifu Neil, Sifu Peggy, Sifu Les (and the junior instructors). We liked the fact that we had separate classes, myself in the Adult Class and Howard in the Kids Class… because with Howard at 7 years of age, the expectation and atmosphere was accommodated for our age differences. Tai Sifu Neil knew how to appreciate kids for who they were and made sure they had fun, while learning the sport in a disciplined and very respectable environment.

Plum Blossom accepts each person’s individual capacities, but not without an extra “push” to challenge oneself. And I for one, can definitely attest to that! Being in my 4th year, I am about to enter my 3rd tournament… never would I have expected to perform in front of a group once, yet, a 3rd time! I despise being put on the podium! But I have to admit, each time I’ve done it, it gave me a true sense of accomplishment to have faced the fear (I really should not say this too loud because I’m setting myself up)! But I know it’s given Howard great self-esteem/confidence, discipline and attributes that are beyond the sport itself and into outside activities that he’s involved with.

Hopefully, we would never have to use our kung fu in a real life situation, but kung fu has given us strength, physically and mentally to use it, if we are ever are faced with danger! The balance, coordination and flexibility that this sport entails is overall one of the best well-rounded sports I’ve been involved in (and I’ve been actively involved in numerous sports throughout my life) and still continue so! My greatest reward in taking it, are for physical well-being, knowing self defense and retaining memory capabilities! Aside from it, we’ve gained great friendships with our involvement with Plum Blossom!

Effie & Howard M.

THE FOOTBALL STAR

My son, Austin D. has been participating in the Plum Blossom Kung Fu Martial Arts program for about 3 1/2 years now.

He thoroughly enjoys this challenging and cultural sport, and has acquired many encouraging attributes such as self-esteem, confidence, and self-discipline.

In particular, Kung Fu has tremendously impacted Austin’s football skills as a defensive lineman. This became very evident when Austin’s coach noticed his excellent coordination, balancing and maneuvering skills, positive spirited energy and exceptional stamina during football practices and games.

The coach now encourages all potential football players, especially rookies, to seek out a martial arts program, like Kung Fu, to complement and enhance their football skills.

Thank you,
Connie D. (Austin’s Mom, and Plum Blossom’s biggest fan)

THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER – STICKS TOGETHER

Our family has been involved in Choy Li Fut kung fu at the Plum Blossom School since 2005.

Our son has gained confidence, motivation and focus that has spread beyond the “Kwoon” (Kung Fu School) to his home and school life.

Both my wife and I enjoy the family atmosphere, quick pace, aerobic-like aspect of the training, which has made us both physically and entally stronger. Further to this, training has brought our family closer together through a common interest.

Our enjoyment of Choy Li Fut would not be possible without the excellent instruction, facilitation, and support of Tai Sifu Neil and Tai Simo Peggy. Tai Sifu and Tai Simo provide an environment which makes the training challenging and enjoyable. They promote an attitude of “I CAN” through encouragement and by example.

It is a great pleasure for our family to train under such amazing instructors, and in such a rich art as Choy Li Fut Kung Fu.

Chase, Mira and Don S.

NO STRANGE AND MEANINGLESS RITUALS

I’ve been with the school since March 2008. Although I’m well past my teenage years, during over 20 years of participating in different sports activities and teams (including two other kung fu schools) I can honestly say that this is the one I have enjoyed the most.

The experience is challenging yet highly rewarding – not only in a sense of enhanced coordination, flexibility and overall fitness levels but also in a more spiritual sense, that of comaraderie, self-respect, mutual support and – above all – that optimistic positive attitude that both Tai Sifu Neil and Simo Peggy radiate. And that’s worth a lot, folks, trust me on that one! There seems to be this notion that kung fu is a sort of a cult, a highly secretive society of a closed circle of monk-like individuals far removed from normal day-to-day life and governed by strange and meaningless rituals. Tell you what. You’ll never meet a person more upbeat, open-minded and positive than Tai Sifu Neil! And Tai Simo Peggy’s vibrant smile is almost like a trademark of the school. Well, to me anyway.

My gratitude and appreciation are also extended to all the other members of the team, senior belts as well as junior fellow students who make this place a wonderful and uplifting experience.

Love and peace,
Vlad (Vladiator) P.

FINALLY FOUND SOMETHING THAT WORKS… FOR ME.

I have practiced martial arts for approximately 9 years, Kung Fu being 2 of them. Although I do appreciate my previous training, I honestly feel that since joining the Plum Blossom Family, I’ve learnt and done much more.

During my research, I’ve had the opportunity to sit in on many martial arts classes and see what they can offer. Each had great attributes and qualifications which I found interesting. After contacting Tai Simo Peggy, she not only answered all of my questions and concerns but also allowed me to participate in a class. I was immediately hooked.

It has now been 2 years and I have neither regretted my decision, nor have I looked back. This was the atmosphere I was looking for: very knowledgeable teachers, safe and courteous training environment, and many, many opportunities. Even on days when I’m tired, I find myself looking forward coming to class, and end up learning something new and getting a good workout, leaving me feeling completely energized.

After many years, I have finally found something that works… for me. Tai Sifu Neil and Tai Simo Peggy have instilled a confidence in which I can display in demonstrations, tournaments and in real life. They have helped me to push myself in overcoming mental and physical barriers, and to always strive for the best. I cherish the friendships I have made, as well as the confidence and knowledge I have acquired. My hope is that I can give back to others and the school as to what they have given me.

Tammy B.

TRAINING FOR LIFE, HEALTH & SELF PRESERVATION

My life has always been impacted by training martial arts with my mom (Tai Simo) and my stepfather (Tai Sifu). Since I was 7 years old, I have been in incredible shape and have really learned so much living amongst this Kung Fu Family, which includes all of our students!

This testimonial is not only to encourage others to find out how martial arts really impacts your physicaly and emotionally, but also to give an example of just how much it has been such a blessing to have this training and all of the lifelong skills and knowledge I have acquired.

Of course Martial arts has taught me how to defend myself from attackers, which unfortunately has happened to me on a few occasions, and it was because of these skills that I survived each one of these life-threatening events. Most importantly though, my scoliosis (which for those of you who are unaware of what this is, it’s a quite crooked spine!!) is why I have a deep appreciation for Kung Fu Training. I have the Moderate-Severe type – therefore, one side of my back is really rigid with built up and exaggerated muscle, and the other side of my back is extremely weak. This is something I have had to live with my whole life, and training Kung Fu has always kept my back and core strong enough to stand up straight and continue living normally without leaning over to one side all the time (literally!).

For the past 2 years, I took some time off Kung Fu training, and WOW!!! I have never felt so weak! I couldn’t even lie down in bed with my spouse’s arm over my side without feeling extremely uncomfortable / painful pressure. MY CORE MUSCLES were SOOO WEAK! Massive pain in my hips, lower back, upper back, headaches which would cause nausea, joint problems, the list continues. I knew that if I continued to stop training, this crooked spine of mine would only get worse, probably to the point where I would be walking hunched over to one side and in massive amounts of pain all the time!

I am now training again, and I am also seeing a new Chiropractor (but I still miss Neil very very much I also do light weight training, basically starting fresh, and my body seems to be getting stronger every day.

Training Martial Arts in particular is what “wows” me because it uses every muscle in your body in some way, and you don’t realize it until you walk away from training Kung Fu and then FEEL what it’s like to not have that full body strength anymore. I never knew what being “out of shape” felt like until that point in my life, and I can definitely appreciate how Martial Arts has always kept me strong and I thank my Kung Fu Parents for keeping me ” UP ” – literally!!!

Chantal ~ Business Owner
ALIVE CND
GET REAL. GET FIT.
Martial Arts & Fitness
Southwestern Ontario
519-386-4371