The History of Chinese Martial Arts – a Demonstration to Music
Sifu David Brown and the Four Winds Martial Arts Academy present a short lecture followed by a stunning visual demonstration of the history of Chinese martial arts to an inspirational musical score.
We recently spoke with Sifu Brown. He and his crew watched the Firefly run on the Science Channel, and have added a Firefly-themed section to their demo using characters from the show! Shiny!
The Four Winds Martial Arts Academy teaches Yang Style T’ai Chi Ch’uan as well as Si Feng Wu Gung Fu. Sifu Brown’s teachings focus on the creation of balance within all human endeavors. The T’ai Chi Ch’uan student will learn to understand the presence, importance and cultivation of Qi (chi) within the body for the purpose of naturopathic holistic health. The combat-oriented T’ai Chi Ch’uan student will develop the ability to generate energy within the human body in ways never before imagined. The Gung Fu student will come to understand human movement in ways that he or she never before thought possible. The Gung Fu student will learn to cultivate both internal and external energy to be used in a multitude of human applications. Students of both disciplines will reach an enlightening dimension of this human experience – the true Tao of the martial arts.
Gung Fu or Kung Fu, as it is commonly referred to, is the process of studying a martial art to its fullest human potential. With Si Feng Wu the students will experience training situations in which they must exercise character strengths that cultivate leadership abilities in personal and group settings. They learn to value and appreciate the abilities and contributions of everyone in class, from the beginner to the most skilled. They are taught to recognize, nurture and support the abilities and limitations in themselves and others. Although the standards of performance are high, we help them learn to be realistic about their personal expectations. For more information regarding the actual curriculum, please see the Kung Fu Overview Page.
Sifu Brown believes that because every child is different, he or she must be taught in a manner that is conducive to his or her learning abilities. For example, a traditional Chinese and Japanese approach to teaching involves the instructor standing at the head of the class, in an almost “cameo” role, executing technique and barking orders. This perspective of the process is so pervasive that it is usually what people expect when they think of the martial arts. This method is fundamentally wrong. This type of teaching only accommodates students who learn in an auditory or visual manner. Every child is different, and each child must be taught in a way that caters to his or her individual learning style. It is vital that who and where each student is, on any given day, be considered in carrying out the teaching process. Students who feel they are not important because their needs are not being met will lose interest and fail.
May your martial arts journey be one of joyous wonder.