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Story by Josh Smith
In order to attend Jow Ga festivities and training in August 2010 I visited vibrant and bustling Hong Kong with its energetic multi-cultured people, Chinese traditions, great food and busy streets filled with activity and neon signs. As I arrived the high temperatures and humidity of a Hong Kong summer which would persist for the whole of my stay greeted me.
On my first day in Hong Kong I had organised to pay a visit to the Jow Ga School in Kennedy town run by Sifu Ho Kim Hung, Sifu Ho Hing Chung and their brothers. Before I left Sydney my Sifu had organised for me to train there with the Hong Kong students for the week. When I got to the school there was no time wasted and we jumped straight into training. My knowledge of Cantonese doesn’t extend much past greetings and most of the students there don’t speak much English, but during my stay Jow Ga students who speak English came by the school a few times to translate for us. Each day we trained from 8pm to around 11pm. The training area is surrounded by lion dance equipment, weights and benches with just enough room for one or two students to practice at a time. It was hard work in the hot weather but great fun. Everyone would take turns doing their forms, they'd be critiqued and if they had trained well enough they would learn a bit more while the others watched, added input or practiced in the small front area of the kwoon. It was fantastic to be included.
The primary reason for my visit was because the anniversary of our founder Jow Lung was due to take place. Representatives from schools all over Hong Kong, China and Italy attended - along with me representing Australian Jow Ga Kung Fu. We started with introductions, ceremonial offerings to a Jow Lung shrine and group photos. Then lion dancing began followed by kung fu performances from many of us. There were many fantastic demonstrations from young children right through to old masters. Everyone performed their kung fu with skill and spirit and received the applause of all Jow Ga family in attendance. After a few hours the banquet commenced and I had the chance to catch up with old friends met previously in China and Hong Kong and to make new friends. I left with a full belly and in good spirits for again having had the opportunity to experience such a unique celebration of kung fu family and friendship.
When not training during the day I spent time walking the streets and exploring the alleys of Hong Kong Central and Kowloon. One day I watched 4 hours of lion dance and kung fu performances in Kowloon Park’s famous Kung Fu Corner. On another occasion I witnessed our Hong Kong Jow Ga brothers take out first and second places in competition. I soaked up the serenity of Hong Kong Park in the shadow of the Bank of China Building, braved the crowds in the markets, and took time for a moment of reflection surrounded by the winding incense sticks of Man Mo Temple.
I feel privileged to have spent much time with all the amazing and generous people I met at our Jow Ga family school in Kennedy Town. They made my stay so enjoyable - cant wait to go back!
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The first part of 2010 was dominated by Chinese New Year with our participation in various events around Sydney including Lion Dances, Kung Fu Demos and Jow Ga performances and our annual participation in Sydney City's massive Chinese New Year parade - See News for video/clips.
In March we gave our support to The Cancer Council's fundraiser - Relay for Life. We kicked off the Northern Sydney weekend-long event with lion dance throughout the first lap of the relay and later giving free kung fu classes to kids in attendance.
In April Sifu Bennett and Simo were received in Singapore by Master Lee Kum Yuen, Singapore's Zhou Jia Quan Master, and his disciples. It was an honour to visit this great Jow Ga school and meet Master Lee's family and a gathering of Singaporean Jow Ga Sifus. Thanks for the hospitality.
In June we were thrilled to again be part of the Chinese Youth League's fantastic Lionfest in Sydney's Chinatown. We performed a fusion style lion dance with a traditional basis and students and instructors performed a range of dynamic kung fu sets.
In July we were delighted to 'Make a Wish' come true for Juan from China who had spent months in Australia receiving medical treatment. Juan and her Australian FCC Sponsors came to Sydney and visited our kwoon for Juan to receive a personal kung fu lesson from Sifu. We entertained her and her sponsor family with kung fu performances and a personal Lion Dance. Thanks to the Starlight Foundation for putting Juan in touch with us - it was a delight to make her happy.
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At HQ the end of each month is marked by grading day for our kung fu students from our Chatswood school and our Sydney kwoon. By October two students had passed months of testing on everything they had learned at Australian Jow Ga Kung Fu over the years in order to attain their Black Sashes. Congratulations to Li-Shuai who reached his goal in June and to Scott who passed in October. Congratulations are also in order for all the Jow Ga students who moved forward throughout the year. October also saw 10 of the best level one students pass testing along with a number of our more advanced students - thanks to all our fantastic instructors and assistants. Dai Si Heng Josh is well on the way to completion of all requirements for the the highest rank of 'Sifu' - so watch out for that early 2011! Photos below cover some of our gradings over the year.
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