Internship At Shaolin Wahnam Kitchener

[Adam Kryder]

July 6th, 2007
I am very pleased to announce that for this summer of 2007 I am acting as the first intern at the Shaolin Wahnam Kitchener Branch. I have made residence at the Kwoon and am under the tutelage of Sifu (Anton ). Here at the kwoon I am learning and implementing the Shaolin Arts on many levels. I am learning how to organize courses, assistant instruct, and apply my kung fu directly into all aspects of my daily life.

So far it has been 3 weeks here at the kwoon, usually spending my weekend time traveling. One of the most obvious changes that has already taken place is the deepening of my practice, my kung fu (ie, fists, foot, felling and QIn-na) is improving in marvelously fruitful ways! I am really getting the time and attention needed to develop.
As I tend to travel quite a bit, one of my purposes of doing this internship is to find a deeper confidence in developing my kung fu while I am abroad and independent. Needless to say, I am getting just what I need. Working in this fashion with Sifu, I have already begun evolving my kung fu quite well. My personal evolution of my Dragon Form Combat Applications and sequences, have come along at quite a nice pace. And since, Sifu is a 5 animal Specialist I am gaining much greater insight into the other specializations, both in Animal essence and characteristics, the universality and incredible depth of each and every kung fu pattern.

Outside of formal practice I am also getting to learn the basics of the concrete trade. I work 6-8 hours a day of Hard Work. And honestly, most of the raw effectiveness of my present kungfu practice has come out of being able to shovel, rake, pick-axe, carry and haul, day after day. Doing such work, loosening my spine, staying relaxed and flowing, fullness of endurance and stamina, are extremely necessary. It has turned out to be a great tool to clear many blockages, and learn how to deal with others should they arise. Jing, qi , shen, and their harmony is most necessary. For example, using a pick-axe = 1000 or more reps per day of “farmer hoes field”. It is a whole body ordeal!

Best Wishes,

Adam

[Adam Kryder]

Continuing in excellence...

July 10th, 2007

Now at the kwoon the summer schedule has changed, one hour 4 nights a week are spent on the 4 basic aspects of kung fu found in our combat sequences 1-20, Monday Striking, Tuesday kicking, Wednesday felling and Thursday qin-na. Going back to the basics and consolidating my practice has been effective not only for kung fu but also implementing our practice into daily life. As I keep on thanking Sifu, all he says is “ It will keep getting better!” And it is, we are also dedicating our summer to learning the 4 Gates Single and Partner sets. In this fashion Sifu has set up chambers for lessons that work quite nicely, even for others who travel to the kwoon from 1 or 2 hours away.

Really, each day I am incredibly thankful for these arts and humbled by Sifu’s dedication to their preservation and evolution.

[Andrew R]

That sounds awesome man, I'm glad to hear of another master in progress. I'm sure you already know what an amazing opportunity that is for you, and I hope to be able to do something similar in the future.
Happy training!
Drew

[Martin Do]

Sihing Adam,

Thank you for your post. I really enjoyed reading it. It sounds really hard work but also alot of fun. I work in the office perching at the end of the desk but whenever my brothers ask me to come round their house to help them with physical work over the weekend ie laying a patio etc I love it.

Its great to hear you are having such a great experience and gaining so much. I look forward to meeting you some day.

Kindest regards

Martin

[precious_Duck]

That's a funny coincedence, because just one or two weeks ago, I was an intern in the TCM clinic of my Sifu, Kai, here in Frankfurt. Sadly, it was only for 2 weeks, though.

Anyway, I know how much fun it is to learn so many things in something your so dedicated and interested in. Hope you keep having a good time.


Dominic

[Charles David]

Dear Adam,

That sounds great. I'm very pleased for you. Enjoy your training!


Still,

[Ray]

Adam that sounds wonderful!

Congratulations!

[George]

Nice!

[Mark A]

Sounds Interesting

Hey Adam,
Sound like you are having an interesting time could you maybe us more about what you are doing etc.

Mark

[Adam Kryder]

summertime be easy...

Participating in this internship / apprenticeship is growing in richness.
So far it has been about a month and a half, and I have grown in confidence, courage, joyfullness and freedom.

I am growing increasingly confident of my own practice and its evolution.

I am growing increasingly courageous to deepen my practice and face new paradigms in daily life.

I am growing increasingly joyful and free, living my life with all the fullness and joy and freedom of a shaolin warrior and scholar.

I couldnt be more grateful to Sifu and his generosity and trust. I am learning and applying directly so much.

In this manner participating in Direct Evolution of our Arts.

As for the actual kung fu techniques, and applications (martial). All of Sifu's lessons continue all the lessons learned at the Special Shaolin Kung Fu Course in April.

For instance, if I show Sifu one of my new combat sequences for the Dragon Form Set, he will watch me and teach me how to evaluate it for myself!

Sifu has taught me to question WHY and HOW do your techniques/sequences etc... work?
And to be free and joyful in my experimentation.

Both in martial and daily application we can see the importance of this manner of analysis!

Thank you all for your interest, responses, and questions, keep them coming.

Best of Wishes

Adam

[Mark A]

Having Fun

Dear Adam,
It sound like to me that you are having a lot fun, more importantly you are learning and experiencing a lot.

I am not sure if you remember me, but we met last year in Malaysia. I have also been lucky to meet your Sifu Anton. Anton is a good Instructor so I know that you are getting good teaching and guidance.

I really wish you well in your journey.

Take Care

Mark

[Jordan]

Thank you for posting your experiences, Adam. We have not met, nor have I met your Sifu (yet) but I know you are in good hands.

Please do keep us posted on your progression and experiences.

[Darryl]

Another wonderful tradition - congratulations to all involved

[Adam Kryder]

Here at the kwoon the intensity continues.

Getting deeper and deeper into the 4 gates and other progressions has really been a great transition. My kung fu is coming more and more alive each time I practice.

Physically, emotionally, and spiritually I am growing more and more harmonious and powerfull. What an incredible journey!

On another note:

I would like to add some more descriptions of the school.
Attatched are two photos of the training hall. In "Photo 28" one can see a cast-iron wood burning stove in the corner.

Sifu has set up a traditional school. There is no heating, air conditioning, or running water. Each day I must carry water in order to drink, or to use to flush the dry toilet, chop wood to burn for fires (mainly in winter), and walk a short way to cook or shower at Sifu's apartment.

I believe in all ways that this style of kwoon and all of the chores included in its upkeep, are an integral testament to the fortitude and endurance of Kung Fu practicioners. We "Do Work" and take joy every step of the way. Without complaints.

I also feel that this type of activity does wonders for our training. Feeling much more grounded, these chores have led me to a different level of training. Each day, I physically apply our training. I feel rooted and powerful in each chore, and sometimes must dig deep inside myself to muster the motivation to continue. Opening the heart more and more.

This reminds me of a story of a great chinese general named Han Xin 韩信 (I think those are the correct characters) who each morning carried 500 bricks from the front to the back of his house, and each night carried all 500 back to the front of the house! WOW!

Those were the days when a general had to fight to earn his position, physically. What determination!

This is the spirit and work ethic, I feel more and more embodied in my training. Relaxing, smiling, and flowing more and more through however many bricks my daily life may put in my way.

Wishing you all much inspiration in practice

Your Brother,

Adam Kryder

[Maxime]

Bravo!