Sifu of the year 2006
David Lazzara of the Chinese Kung-fu of DeKalb
I first met Sifu Berry in the summer of 1999. I had been interested
in Asian culture for many years prior to this and had dabbled
in some other martial arts as well as studied Buddhism. When the
student is ready, the teacher will appear. Accordingly, when I
had decided to train martial arts seriously, as an act of pursuing
enlightenment, I happened upon Sifu Berry and his students. I
have met few people that deserve the title of Sifu as much as
Arthur Berry, as he is truly an embodiment of what the word means.
Once deciding to take me as his pupil, he quickly dispelled my
many misconceptions about what it means to practice kung fu, and
has taught me what it means to be a real martial artist.
Over time, I have grown close to my brothers
and sisters in the club, and look to Sifu Berry as a second father.
Since Sifu Berry puts his students before profits, it is no wonder
that our club functions like a family, and has strong, intimate
ties between its members. I received a teacher's rank in 2006
and currently continue to practice and assist teaching with the
club. I also practice Qigong and Taijiquan and occasionally conduct
workshops on weapons and Qigong for club members. It is my desire
to in the future study Chinese Medicine as well in an effort to
benefit the community. I am forever indebted to Sifu Berry and
the love and support of my kung fu family, as without them, my
world would be dark and meaningless.
