Martial Arts Workshop

On 26th of June we undertook a lively, sweaty, strenuous session of the ancient form of combat known as martial arts in the morning.
Our laoshi (Chinese for teacher), professor Guangbo Yang, trained us in this grace art. We were taught a sequence of moves both defensive and offensive, which when performed looked like a perfectly choreographed dance. But believe me when I say it wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done, because my entire body was in a bit of pain the next day from all the crouching and moving with your body.

 

Finally, after lots of practice and blood, sweat and tears we learnt two sequences of martial art moves, so it was time to put these moves to the taste. Then out of the blue the teacher asked me to demonstrate with him what the moves look like together with each one of us doing a different sequence of moves. We showed each other respect with the traditional Chinese bow and got into our starting stances. I was shocked when I realised that the two sequences of moves we learnt were attacks and blocks that oppose each other and fitted like a jigsaw. We then all paired up and practised with everyone giving 110%.

After all the fighting we followed the teacher through a cool down routine which put all those fighting spirits to peace and eased the mind and soul.

I found this cultural experience exhilarating and I would say everyone else did too, because people were still practising their moves after the session and I would recommend anyone to try it out if they get the opportunity.

Josh ladva