Wing Tsun - A Different Kind Of Workout

Keeping up with our fitness schedule, while juggling our busy work, family and personal lives, is a task unto itself.

We all have our personal preferences--running, yoga or a quick workout at the gym! But if you are looking for a real difference-maker in your ho-hum, been there-done that fitness routine, or just want to have some fun, look no further than Urban Kung Fu. That's where the action is!

Conveniently located at the Broadway Dance Studios in Astoria on 31 St., Urban Kung Fu is where the doors open to the world of Wing Tsun. During a recent visit to his spacious studio, I sat down with Urban Kung Fu's owner/head instructor Kaui and took a close look at the history and philosophies behind the centuries-old practice of Wing Tsun.

Personable and wise beyond his years, the quietly confident Kaui explained that most forms of martial arts emphasize an "attack" mode and mentality. Wing Tsun, however, is reactive, with the emphasis on self-defense. Kaui said that many students, even those with previous martial arts experience, find Wing Tsun to be a totally new experience. No matter how many "Walker Texas Ranger" or Bruce Lee movies you've watched, leave all preconceived notions at the door. With a smile, Kaui told me that an empty cup is easier to fill than a full one!

Wing Tsun is a great way for busy people to relieve stress, and its core philosophy and training methods are suited to men and women of all ages and background.

Kauis' students are diverse, including construction workers, a magician, businessmen and -women as well as college students, real estate entreprenuers. Wing Tsun was, in fact, designed by a woman, back in ancient China, during the age of the Warlords. Kaui recounted the story to me. A young village girl was being forced into an arranged marriage with one of the most powerful warlords in the province. A female monk named Wing Tsun heard about the arranged marriage and intervened with the Warlord.

A bet was then made. The monk would teach the village girl everything about self-defense and the martial arts techniques she had developed. The girl would then engage the Warlord in hand-to-hand combat. If the girl won, then the Warlord would drop his demand that she marry him. The warlord laughed at the two slight women standing before him. But he did agree to the proposal. And guess who had the last laugh! Thus, the legend of Wing Tsun spread all over China and then the world.

Getting back to the present, Kaui filled me in on his background. Originally from the beautiful Island of Jamaica, Kaui moved to New York City and eventually found a home in Astoria. As a teenager, Kaui always loved watching martial arts movies and Chuck Norris TV series, but it wasn't until moving to the United States that Kaui got into serious Kung Fu and Wing Tsun training. He's never looked back.

Always mindful of his health and physical fitness, Kaui has turned a lifestyle into an up-and-coming small business. To relax, Kaui loves Astoria Park and its green spaces and peaceful nature. Kaui is into reggae music, with the Marley family of musicians being particular favorites. And this young teacher loves books, such as ancient history, biology and physics.

Wing Tsun is a martial arts discipline that is also growing in popularity with celebrities! Actor Robert Downey Jr. has been practicing Wing Tsun for several years now. Kaui's classes are small and he emphasizes one-on-one communication between teacher and student.

If you are ready to make a change in your life and have fun while doing so, then Kaui and Urban Kung Fu is the right thing for you.

You may reach Kaui at (347) 778-1553 or on the web at www.urbankungfu.us