Academy earns 43 medals during tournament
The JohnWai Kung Fu Academy in Plantation returned victoriously from the recent International Chinese Martial Arts Championship in Orlando.
Members of the academy competed at the 19th annual tournament, putting their skills to the test in forms, weaponry, sparring, grappling, and more.
The school sent 17 participants to the competition, earning a total of 43 medals. Of the 43 medals, 20 were gold, 16 were silver and 7 were bronze. The academy additionally placed in second as the Most Supportive School. Competitor Brandon Chin was recognized as a Grand Champion in the Traditional Teen Boys category, having received four gold medals and one silver.
Wai, head instructor, said although the team was very happy with the results, there’s more to the competition than just winning.
“I think the valuable lesson for our competitors and at least for our school is how they carry themselves at the tournament,” saidWai. “Being humble but at the same time being a fierce competitor.” While they go out to the competition as a team, supporting one another, he said it is very much an individual challenge each competitor must face. Wai added that participants really need to put in the training and dedication or they might otherwise be disappointed with the results.
“To actually get out there in front of all the people with a thousand competitors on the floor and so much going on, it really takes a lot of heart to get out there,” said Wai. “They’re overcoming their challenges or even stepping into the ring for the very first time.”
Rochelle Patten is one of academy’s participants that stepped into the ring for the first time at this year’s championships. The 39-year-old has been training in kickboxing at the school since 2013 but didn’t take on Kung Fu until 2015. It was after her first time attending and supporting her teammates at the tournament that she decided it was her turn to compete.
Patten said she never sawKung Fu as something she would ever do but is happy she gave it a chance. It has given her a sense of accomplishment as she continues to learn new forms.
“Apart from the physical aspect of it, I have really felt a complete change inmy outlook andmy attitude,” said Patten.
TheTamarac residentendedup earning silver in form and weaponry during her first competition.
“I was happy with the silver,” she said. “If I decide to go back next year, which I’m strongly considering going back and competing next year, I’m going to push for the gold.”