SKZ Kungfu Camp 6/24-6/28/2024

6/24/2024, Summer Camp Day 1

8:45 check-in began and the students signed in to class with a calligraphy brush.

9:00-11:30 the students training Kung Fu basics, focusing on basic movements, best forms. and combat. Despite this being a long time the train, they continued to work hard and give their best throughout the morning.

11:30-12:30 the class stops to eat lunch together and have a well-deserved break.

12:30-1:00 Game time. In order to win, you have to pick up wooden strips without moving any of the other ones. Sounds easy, but this game is surprisingly difficult and competitive.

1:00-1:30 The students began applying their knowledge of music to Kung Fu as they learned a drumming form. This form can be especially difficult as it requires both timing and group coordination.

1:30-2:00 The class practiced calligraphy and practiced the phrase 重如铁, meaning "heavy as iron". This idiom describes a person as serious and strong yet is still controlled.

2:00-2:30 The class either learned or reviewed the nunchaku form. Those that already were familiar with it were eager to help others.

2:00-2:30 The class began work on the emei piercers. This form is very difficult and dangers as it involves a spinning blade attached to a ring the user wears on the middle finger. Originating in the emei mountains this item got its start as a hidden weapon, but has fallen out of popularity with time and is seldom practiced in modern days.

Day two: The students take a break from Kung Fu to partake in paper cutting. By folding the paper, you are able to create ornate designs with far fewer cuts.

After some practice, the students were able to create a flower design to be hung in windows. Looks very complex and beautiful for its simple method of construction.

Game time! The students all folded a square out of two pieces of paper. They then battled, one placed their square and the ground while the other tried to flip it be throwing their own square at it. Some students created large strong squares to flip their opponents, while others crafted small ones so their square could not be hit easily.

Time for lunch, the table was a lot more lively the second day as friendships were deepened and some new ones were made.

Day Three: Todays activity was cat's cradle. This is a very traditional toy that have been enjoyed for many years. Making these designs can be very difficult as it requires precision, coordination, and focus.

After some perseverance the students were able to create a star and learned some patterns that can only be created with two people working together. Finally, a race was held to see who could finish creating the star the fastest.

Headstands!!! One of the main focuses of this camp is acrobatics. Here the students can be seen practicing their headstands against a wall, and eventually by themselves. This section of the class tends to be a favorite, and who can blame them.

The students continued work with the emei piercers. This weapon can be extremely difficult to wield, but the students are already handling them like masters.

Pizza time!! After working hard all week, the students all enjoyed a tasty treat together.

To conclude the week, the students put on a performance for their parents where they showcased everything, they learned this week. They taught their parents how to make a star using cat's cradle, showed their paper cutting and calligraphy projects, and finally performed all the forms they learned this week.

The video below showcases some of the highlights of the week!