About the school:
For the past six years my daughter has attended the Wushu Kung Fu Fitness Center (WKFFC). It has consistently been one of her favorite places to be. Through her regular participation she has been able to stay fit, make friends, challenge herself at national and international competitions, and perform at a variety of prominent venues. In addition to the benefits provided by these various opportunities, she has had the constant encouragement and support of instructors and sifus who genuinely care about her development as a person, not just as an athlete. The WKFFC’s approach has always been a stark and relieving contrast to the harsh and occasionally antagonistic approach of some of the other athletic programs in which she has been involved. She always walks out of the door after practice feeling good about herself and ready to return for the next challenge. It is one of the main reasons why I can confidently say that I can see her continuing her training until she goes off to college – (six years from now!). And, I imagine she will, even then, wish to continue her involvement with the WKFFC in some capacity. It has already been such an important part of her life. The school has been an immense gift to our family. We are so thankful for the safe, encouraging environment that has helped our daughter grow into a confident, capable, multi-talented, and caring individual.
About the sport: Wushu, at its highest levels is astounding! It combines exacting precision with crazy aerial feats. For competitors, it seems to require great mental focus from the beginning of a form to its end in addition to a high level of cardiovascular fitness and the muscle development to move vertically and explosively. Also, wushu training seems to cultivate great flexibility and fluidity of movement. Check out some YouTube videos (“world wushu championshipsâ€)! It’s really not surprising that it is gaining great popularity as a competitive sport in the U.S.. I believe last year’s National Team Trials were even covered by Sports Illustrated.
About the Sifus: They are wonderful! They exude joy in every way and possess integrity, kindness, and patience in vast abundance. In addition, they have the very rare ability to simultaneously correct an athlete's mistakes while positively and constructively encouraging high level performance. They have all repeatedly exhibited tireless conscientiousness in their respective teaching styles. Furthermore, the sifus are all internationally recognized champions who are fully capable of demonstrating and teaching all skills from the basics to the most advanced. And, they do it cheerfully!
About the location: The WKFFC recently moved to a new location in East Hanover. It seems very conveniently located – at the crossroads of Whippany, East Hanover, Parsippany, Livingston, and Florham Park. I travel about 30 minutes to get to the school and it has always been worth the commute. The facility is great! They just rolled out a new wushu floor with plenty of bounce and cushioning and the training area is spacious, clean, and bright. They really take pride in the atmosphere of the school and it shows in many ways.
My daughter’s comments: I am a twelve year old who has been attending wushu kung fu fitness center for many years. WKFFC has always been a positive environment where the coaches not only make us laugh, but help us improve greatly. They are always very welcoming to new students. After six years of going to this wushu school I have not gotten tired of the sport because it has challenged me and helped me stay athletic.
Chris Halls
