What Kung Fu Has Done For Me!
By Jackie Kohut
Many years ago, we were looking for something that would assist our children with self confidence and personal growth. On a recommendation, we entered Silent River Kung Fu and immediately signed them up. My husband and I sat on the sidelines for a few years before we decided that was enough. Why not join our kids on the mats. I was 43 years old and at that time it never crossed my mind that I would become a black belt, I was in it for exercise and stress relief. Here is a blog that I wrote when I first joined. It was May 2013.
Well, completed the first step. Signed up for Kung Fu classes. What have I gotten myself into? I am excited and scared at the same time. I am sure everyone can understand the excited part, but why scared? … To simply state it: Old and out of shape. Starting something like this in my 40's is pretty crazy. It was probably self preservation that I did not look at the curriculum before I paid for the first month. The fitness stripe consists of sit-ups, push-ups, squat thrusts, and kicks. WAIT ONE MINUTE! I haven't done a squat thrust (otherwise known as burpees) in 30 years. What have I gotten myself into? I should get through the first class at least. First class is in 5 days. Should I start working out now just to get started? Probably but likely won't happen. Better wish me luck.
Now almost 9 years later, I have found something more than exercise or a stress reliever, I found something that changed my life. I have energy to do activities with my family that I would have missed out on. From back country hiking, to downhill skiing, to sailing, to mud runs. Family has always been important and with Kung Fu, we were able to grow stronger and closer both in the kwoon and out. We have trained together as a family as well as individually. I’ve experienced many opportunities such as going to Alabama and joining in the build-vention, connecting in with other martial artists offering their time to help others. All these things have helped me grow in ways that I never imagined. Kung Fu is always challenging me to be a better person. Reminding me that everyday I need to improve upon who I was yesterday.
I can honestly say that Kung Fu has likely saved my life. I joined Kung Fu with existing chronic health conditions. Crohns, Thyroid cancer and a blood disease called Polycythemia Vera. As a parent and as a mother, we tend to put others first and neglect our own health. In 2016 I joined the I Ho Chuan team for the first time. The I Ho Chuan Program expands our Kung Fu training and teaches us how to work towards mastery. It teaches us that to help others, we must take care of ourselves and then we can be a better child, a better parent, a better spouse, and a better friend. These last few years I made my health a priority. This started as trying to keep my blood work appointments, to mindful eating, meditation and Tai Chi. This year I have also worked through chronic shoulder and knee injuries. You might think these were a result of Kung Fu but you would be wrong. These were a result of aging and being active. Kung Fu gave me the tools to identify and deal with these injuries so they did not limit me.
They did not stop me. Kung Fu has taught me to push past my limits, to give a little bit more each time.
Kung Fu has given me many tools that I use in my daily life at home and at work. It has taught me that small consistent actions are what make progress, to be mindful, to never give up, to embrace each moment, and to take nothing for granted. Many people have been waiting for the pandemic to end but by being mindful I have learnt to embrace each moment every day. I have not lost two years, but rather I have gained two years of growth, and this is a result of the adaptations that Silent River initiated. By learning to be patient and kind to myself, it removed the guilt that used to be the driver of my actions. By working on mindfulness, I try to look at my actions to see what the true intent is. Why am I doing something? Is it for someone else or for me? Am I truly present? This has allowed me to be content even through these trying times.
But how has Kung Fu saved my life? A couple months ago, I was diagnosed with skin cancer and during that treatment it revealed that my previous blood cancer had progressed and shortly after I was put on the bone marrow transplant list. Previously I would have ignored the little warning signs until it was too late, but by being aware and listening to my body, we were able to catch this early. During my meeting with the transplant team, they emphasized how patients that are in good shape and who did Tai Chi or yoga have better recoveries.
So not only has Kung Fu helped with diagnosis, it will be helping me with recovery as well. Kung Fu has laid a foundation to help me through my transplant journey that will start in March. It has given me physical and mental strength to carry on through good times and bad.
I hope through my journey others will realize that it is never too late to start getting in shape, it is never too late to start eating healthy and being mindful, it is never too late to join Kung Fu. Age, injuries or health conditions will not stop you from obtaining a black belt, the only thing that stops you is giving up.
I am so thankful for the series of events that have occured to allow me to be here today. Thank You Sifu Brinker! You have created a school that holds true to traditional Kung Fu and an environment that has allowed me to thrive and grow. To Sifu Rybak who had to deal with me for the majority of my 1-1 meetings. Sifu Lindstrom and Sifu Csillag who continued to push me past my comfort levels. Sifu Denis and Sifu Vantuil who planted the seed of Tai Chi and helped to nourish it. Sifu Hayes who keeps me grounded and striving for more. To Sifu Sharida Csillag who joined and encouraged me through many of my personal goals over the years. From 10K runs (yes, we did it more than once) in Vancouver to the 55K Skyline trail hike in Jasper. To the Bjorquists who got up every Sunday to work on kicks and especially to Kody who I’ve had the pleasure to join on this journey. To Ms Ward who partnered with me doing physio exercises throughout the year. To Ms Malinda Ferris, who agreed to be my partner even though she had no idea what she was getting into. She challenged me, questioned me and let me toss her around over and over and over again. And finally to my family, without their support I would not be here today. To Simon and Nate who gave me feedback when I asked but let me find my own way. To Katie who helped time and record my progress throughout the year (and proof read my speech). And mostly to my husband Mike, who has supported me and helped remove any barriers for my training, It is hard to acknowledge all the individuals who have influenced my journey as every interaction has made an impact so I thank each and every one of you.
Achieving a black belt is only the start of my Kung Fu journey. Kung Fu is part of my life and I can’t wait to see how it will continue to grow this year, and for years to come. Thank you!
