Shaolin Chi Kung with Sifu Joan

I flew home via Hong Kong and had ten hours wait for my flight in Hong Kong airport. I was intrigued to find massages and head massages being offered, but I was so relaxed after the 3 day course, I just wanted to sit and sleep. I can’t remember exactly how long I slept but I remember that I just woke on time to get to the gate!

Eileen, my sister met me in Cork city and the sun was shining brightly, even though it was only January. We spent some time shopping and I remember feeling so alive and happy, something had definitely changed inside me. Walking around shopping had been a nightmare for me before, I usually hit the book shops where I could sit and browse but this day I was happy to check out more shops, everything appeared shiny and new. Even Eileen commented on how happy I looked.

That first night I couldn’t settle into my practice, the house was too noisy and even though I was surprised that I could remember the sequence and still hear the Master’s voice, it wasn’t a great session. The next day I want down to my brother’s house nearby and practiced in his spare room. It was better but something wasn’t quite right. So for the next few days I kept trying different places. When I practiced outdoors the dogs kept jumping up on me and I came in more frustrated than when I went out! Finally, I waited until everybody had goneto bed and practiced in our kitchen, it was bliss. For some reason, I found the energy here nicer and more conducive to practice and so began my  nightly practice at 12 midnight. Not because it was the ideal time to practice but because finally everybody was in bed! My morning session was in my room with the window open.
I emailed the Master to thank him for the course and for taking care of me so well. I didn’t expect a reply so when I checked my emails next day, I was so excited to see an email. Not only an email but it was signed ‘Sifu’. Before that all emails had been signed ‘Wong Kiew Kit’. For many people that may not have been a big deal but for me having the Master sign himself ‘Sifu’ meant he had accepted me as a student. People may argue that was the case once I attended the course but well for me, I wasn’t still quite sure. Seeing it before my eyes was such a beautiful moment and one I have never taken for granted.
The connection between a Sifu and a student is very special.  A ‘Sifu’ is much more than a teacher or one who transfers knowledge. He or She is more like a Father/Mother figure transmitting at a very deep level which requires the respect and openness to learn, train and improve by the student. A true Sifu also honours and respects his/her students always leading them on the right path so that they can become the very best person they can be. A true Sifu has a lot of love, kindness and compassion but is strict when the need arises.
I felt very blessed to be able to call this world renowned Shaolin Master my Sifu but it was another year before I could put it into practice!
To be continued.