Wushu Students

Wushu students often have great questions.....sometimes not realizing how finding the answer can lead to understanding how to lead one's life.  Wushu is not something you do but something you live!  Caan one of my younger Taiji students (Only 40's.....!!)............asked why should one compete in tournaments and can they help him to get better.  Too often the focus of students who compete is on winning a medal.......so you try to learn a more difficult form so you can show off more ,compete in a division where there aren't too many other competitors, and constantly worry that the judge might not know what you are doing...........or worse when you don't do well you blame the judging.  One must realize that the one you must beat is yourself, your own self doubts and insecurities, instead you should concentrate on doing your best and dominating the field.  The judge looks at every aspect of your performance, how you walk into the ring, how you salute, how you end and walk off, the uniform you are wearing, the weapon you are using........it's a whole package, you must go out to show you are the best...then do your best.  Anything less will not lead to success.......once you approach wushu this way...so you will in life.  Thus the preparation for competition is important and helps push your technique and ability to it's limits..........you should not be afraid of failure, this way the experience improves you overall......to appreciate winning and accepting defeat gracefully.  Too often, students think just because you paid for the competition that you must bring home a medal or trophy........as the competition gets harder, you may find that is not so easy.......but that is exactly what you always want to do....go against the best so you can improve..........in life one needs to be able to take winning and loosing........and when there aren't too many people in your division you should strive still to do your best and impress the judges.  After some discussion, Caan decided he will work hard to prepare for a future competition.......excellent!!  You may think this is an obvious answer...but Caan is battling cancer..........he and I both hope that working hard at his Taiji and practicing Qigong in addition to his chemo treatments he can overcome cancer.......that's really the most important trophy for him!! 

Speaking of students and their contributions and ideas, I want to thank Shahaub and Jeff for their great job in hosting The UC Martial Arts Banquet........they were hilarious and even cracked a smile on Ken Min, founder of UCMAP,  they did several dance numbers interspersed with sparring sets, and had lots of fun taking pokes at each other.  You guys were the best ever!!  Shahaub also debuted his fight video as part of the Calwushu presentation. I am quite proud of him....as he has decided that he wants to be a film maker.......but also because he has decided to pursue his dreams...........I suggested to him not only to try out for the US Wushu Team but also Iran's( he was selected to their Team!!)...........his wushu has gone on to another level...........and has developed into a very good teacher.  Check out his video if you haven't seen it....

Video: http://ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozoawQzguD

Our staff at UCMAP. Judo-Master Han, Taiji-Sifu Dere, Head of UCMAP-Master Ahn, Yongmudo-Dr.Link, Judo-Dr. Hart.

Shahaub and Jeff strike a pose...they were the Hosts this year for the UCMAP Awards Banquet, James and Alan checking it out.........

Girls from Calwushu A Team, Amanda and Vanessa...both enjoying the great Korean Food at the Banquet.

This year's Calwushu Team....thanks all for a great semester!!