Yesterday, we had our very first Kung Fu lesson!
it... went well, but only after our teacher realized just how sllloooowwww she would have to take it, and just how MUCH she would have to stretch us before we learned any of her awesome kung fu routines.
She started by introducing herself, with her broken but very good English. Then she gave us an example of what kung fu is. I have to admit, I was a little scared. I've never seen such a little women make so many loud "hi-ya!'s" or fly all over a room so quickly!
After scaring us all, she taught us the basic stances for our legs and hands. I REALLY wish we had videoed this part of class. She would tell us to spread our legs and squat, but to keep out backs straight. As we squeaked out the words, "our backs ARE straight!" She would come over and actually straighten our backs. Needless to say.. I think we need a new definition of straight! After we tried and failed on this one, she would have us bend one knee and raise our other leg. The raised leg was supposed to be level with the hip.. but i think the highest any of us got was four inches off the ground? Like I said, we needed to stretch. BAD. We couldn't get even the simplest things right. Our fists looked like soft flowers, our duck hands looked like we were showing people our fancy rings, and some of us couldn't straighten our hands worth beans to do the palm punch.. it was quite the experience. :)
anyway, after all the laughing, and falling, and sweating, and slipping, we were FINALLY able to learn a little routine. She comes back next week, where we will surprise her with how little we remember, but how well have been stretching! She said if we are good, she will teach us Tai Chi too!
I'm excited to learn the art of both of these. In fact, I'm excited for everything here in China! I really do love it so very very much. :) But I will admit, it is making me miss Russia VERY badly. A couple nights ago i was reading my posts from Russia and at the same time Jeremy texted me something very sweet.. i started to tear up... but i'm still not sure if it was from his sweet words, or from being Russia home-sick. haha ;)
I love having so many places to love around the world, and so many people. There really is greatness no matter where you are. :)
now if only I can channel some of that greatness into my kung fu stretches we'd have ourselves a party!
oh. our Kung Fu teacher also doesn't shave her armpits.. and looks a little like shmeagel from LOTR.
welcome to China. :)
it... went well, but only after our teacher realized just how sllloooowwww she would have to take it, and just how MUCH she would have to stretch us before we learned any of her awesome kung fu routines.
She started by introducing herself, with her broken but very good English. Then she gave us an example of what kung fu is. I have to admit, I was a little scared. I've never seen such a little women make so many loud "hi-ya!'s" or fly all over a room so quickly!
After scaring us all, she taught us the basic stances for our legs and hands. I REALLY wish we had videoed this part of class. She would tell us to spread our legs and squat, but to keep out backs straight. As we squeaked out the words, "our backs ARE straight!" She would come over and actually straighten our backs. Needless to say.. I think we need a new definition of straight! After we tried and failed on this one, she would have us bend one knee and raise our other leg. The raised leg was supposed to be level with the hip.. but i think the highest any of us got was four inches off the ground? Like I said, we needed to stretch. BAD. We couldn't get even the simplest things right. Our fists looked like soft flowers, our duck hands looked like we were showing people our fancy rings, and some of us couldn't straighten our hands worth beans to do the palm punch.. it was quite the experience. :)
anyway, after all the laughing, and falling, and sweating, and slipping, we were FINALLY able to learn a little routine. She comes back next week, where we will surprise her with how little we remember, but how well have been stretching! She said if we are good, she will teach us Tai Chi too!
I'm excited to learn the art of both of these. In fact, I'm excited for everything here in China! I really do love it so very very much. :) But I will admit, it is making me miss Russia VERY badly. A couple nights ago i was reading my posts from Russia and at the same time Jeremy texted me something very sweet.. i started to tear up... but i'm still not sure if it was from his sweet words, or from being Russia home-sick. haha ;)
I love having so many places to love around the world, and so many people. There really is greatness no matter where you are. :)
now if only I can channel some of that greatness into my kung fu stretches we'd have ourselves a party!
oh. our Kung Fu teacher also doesn't shave her armpits.. and looks a little like shmeagel from LOTR.
welcome to China. :)
