Posted 12:38 pm Sunday, January 16, 2011
Kung Fu Power: Martial Art Gives Sense Of Awareness
By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer
When Sandra Harper entered the home of a client whose pet she was to sit for, she never imagined she'd be thrown into a combative situation.
Staff Writer
When Sandra Harper entered the home of a client whose pet she was to sit for, she never imagined she'd be thrown into a combative situation.
A person in the home had mistaken her for an intruder and grabbed her from behind. She too thought that the man was a prowler and reacted by using skills learned in a kung fu program. He was flung into a refrigerator.
"I ended up turning him around. My reaction was very quick and surprising," she said. "I never figured I could throw a man twice my size but I can."
It may have been awkward by the time the two strangers smoothed it out, but in the end, Ms. Harper felt she had tapped into newfound confidence.
"It is very empowering," she said.
Ms. Harper has attended classes for nearly six years and now teaches at Tyler Kung Fu & Fitness, a full service center that specializes in martial arts. She's also conducted safety seminars for women around East Texas.
The owner of the center, Brandon Jones, uses the seven-star praying mantis style of kung fu and is a sifu, a degree of expertise that takes several years to earn. He will offer a safety seminar Thursday at East Texas Medical Center's Olympic Center. The program will focus on education and help area residents learn how to defend themselves.
"The number one thing is awareness, being aware of what's out there, how the bad guys think and how to prevent an attack; and you walk away with some skills," Jones said.
Making eye contact, keeping shoulders up, showing confidence and knowing what's going on around you may prevent people from becoming victims, he said.
"If he's not for sure you are an easy victim, most of the time he's not going to mess with you. All you need to know is one or two techniques to save your life, which is the goal. If they walk away with one thing, then I feel I've been successful."
Ms. Harper said women especially can gain a lot from the techniques and education, as many don't always realize what they are physically capable of doing. She has a first degree black belt and is certain she can ward off would-be attackers.
"I know the reality is you can still be hurt because there's always someone faster and stronger than you but it gives you an air of confidence that makes you less likely to be a victim and an awareness of what's going on around you," she said.
A typical eight-week kung fu program is suitable for everyone, Jones said. Students at the center range from 3 ½ to 86 years old.
safe and fit
Kung fu is about more than using the elbow, palms and knees as weapons. Patrons can also reap health benefits. Quick hands and feet provide good cardiovascular training, while other movements work the whole body.
"Kung fu encompasses all four components of health: there's balance, there's flexibility, there's cardio and strength," said Brandon Jones, sifu/owner of Tyler Kung Fu & Fitness. "You've got it all there."
Ms. Harper lost 50 pounds over the last five years and can now run three miles.
"It's important for my health and has improved my stamina and just overall fitness," she said.
Different age groups may be comfortable with a different form. For example, seniors typically chose the slower moving and balance-improving tai chi.
"Even if they wouldn't want to do kung fu -- because it's high impact and faster -- something as simple as tai chi can also be used. That's good for stretching and keeping you flexible. It also helps with stamina a little bit."
From pursuing a degree of black belt to just learning a few techniques for personal safety, Jones said the principles of kung fu are beneficial no matter how long you pursue it.
"It can be as quick as you want it or as long as you want it. I've been doing this for over 30 years and I'm still learning," he said.
IF YOU GO:
What: Free personal safety seminar featuring Kung Fu instructor Brandon Jones
When: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: East Texas Medical Center's Olympic Center, 701 Olympic Plaza Circle
Contact: 903-596-3233 for registration; bring mobile phones for demonstration
