Firstly, let me introduce myself…. I am Liane, a 25 year old, red headed, energetic, enthusiast, who thrives on working towards achieving goals, and who becomes slightly complacent when I don’t have any goals to work towards. I love my family, friends, pets…. And my car, a stunning 2009 Ford Fiesta!
My passion in life is Chinese Martial Arts, Wushu Kung Fu to be exact.
My Kung Fu Teacher, Shifu, feels that one is not born with Martial Arts in them, rather, one works hard to achieve it and implement it into their life. I tend to disagree… I feel that an element of Martial Arts is in you from birth, whether you choose to build on your natural talent is another story though. I didn’t choose to get involved with Wushu – it came to me! This is probably my strongest point to argue with my Shifu.
In 2004, I joined a little private gym called Aquarius. This gym was personal - everyone knew each other. The body builders would join competitions together; the senior ladies who attended the Water Aerobics classes had tea parties after their lunch time classes; the Yoga goers deliberated the positives of practicing their chosen art form; and the Tai Bo junkies fed off one another’s vibrant energy in the Martial Arts induced classes.
It was in this awesomely energetic Tai Bo class that the head instructor, also the owner of the gym and Shifu of the Kung Fu School, approached me. It was in my second class, and I noticed some, ever increasing, curious looks being shot in my direction from the Kung Fu students. Then it happened, Shifu approached me. Apparently intrigued by my ability in the Tai Bo routine, he proceeded to ask me what form of Martial Arts I practice. I, trying ever so hard to concentrate on the fast pace of the Tai Bo class, duly answered that I didn’t. He continued with his questions, “How long have you been doing Tai Bo for?” I honestly responded by saying it was only my second class. Sensing a bit of confusion in his tone, he asked, “Then why is your form so good?” To which I stopped the dramatic kicking and punching routine, and said, “Well, in high school, there was a certain blonde bimbo that threatened to smack me around… so I trained myself in kick boxing, and kicked her ass!” His response: “You’re starting Kung Fu on Monday!”
That was the beginning of a new life for me!
My first Wushu Kung Fu class was rather eventful – there was pointing and laughing…which was mainly being done by me every time the senior student instructed me to do a manoeuvre. I could not comprehend the level of flexibility that was required in order to perform the most basic of movements. My first 2 lessons were painful – I discovered muscles that I never knew existed, let alone could hurt so much! I can’t exactly remember how I felt after my first few lessons though. Was I in love with this Art-form from the very beginning? Did I want to curl up in a little ball wishing the pain away?
Either way, I stuck with Wushu and it duly obliged to my loyalty and dedication. And now, it’s all paid off, as I was selected to represent my country in the sport that I love!
I am the only woman to be selected for the 2009 South African National Sanshou Fighting Team! The magnitude of this achievement is something I have yet to comprehend, but I guess that’s the awesomeness of Martial Arts: Those who succeed are those who are humble in their skills!
Jiayou!!
Liane
