National Champion and our
the first women 2006 Sifu of the Chinese Kung-fu Club of DeKalb
As a student, I have learned much from Sifu Berry, much
about life, how to live it and how to value the ancient art of
gung fu. I was a martial arts novice before meeting Sifu, not
really interested in sport or training. All of that changed as
soon as Sifu gave martial arts a new meaning for me. Gave life
a new meaning for me and taught me lessons that I will carry on
for the rest of my life.
Meeting Sifu and training with him ignited a self discipline
inside. I found myself completely engulfed in my gung fu study,
working day and night to make both my mind and my body strong.
In my beginning years with Sifu, I tried to master every move,
every stance so that when I became an instructor, I could teach
others just as Sifu had taught and continues to teach me.
I've been training with Sifu for six years now and I
feel that I have barely scratched the surface of my gung fu study.
Although I am a school teacher by trade, I feel like I am an eternal
student, constantly working to master new skills. Gung fu is no
exception. Over the years, I've worked hard to try and make my
Sifu proud. I've been to over 40 tournaments both local and national.
The trophies won were always in honor of my Sifu and my club To
me, a day at tournament did not feel like a winning day unless
I had made my Sifu happy with my performance, even if I did get
that 7 foot trophy.
So now it is my turn carry on a true lineage between
our lives and that of ancient China. I only hope that my future
efforts to study Shaolin Mantis Gung Fu will continue to make
my Sifu proud as well as the masters that have come before him.
I look forward to my years as a sifu for I know that by being
a teacher, you become a greater student.
