5 months attended 2nd Oct 2006—15th March 07

Benny Ng vern Khai

There's a proverb in Chinese, " Time flies like an arrow", I can certainly attest to this saying. It feels like just yesterday that I arrived here at Kunyu Mountain Shaolin Martial Arts Academy with my parents, with the intention to pick up kung fu skills that may prove beneficial for me later in life. Now, it has almost been 6 months from the time of my arrival here and I must say that I have gained and lost indeed.

Let's start with what I have gained. The most significant benefit that I have gained is the improvement of my martial prowess. I have learnt so much about kung fu in 6 months compared to the progress of most other people who take up martial arts classes once or twice a week. I am the most athletic, the most flexible and the most active physically that I have ever been in my life.? I can kick significantly higher, faster and more powerful. I can even feel the increased strength of my hands every time i clench my fists. I feel that the training in the academy is strenuous although the training hours are merely 4, which is much less compared to the training hours that Shaolin Martial monks have to endure.? I had expressed my desire to learn the drunken fist form and extra training was required to be able to perform the acrobatic moves that comprises the drunken form. Although I never really implement his suggestion, he did recognize the hard work that I have put into my training and gave me due credit, which gave me joy of satisfaction.

I have gained social skills that I would have otherwise need a long time to acquire.

Now, I'll talk about what I have lost. First and foremost, I have lost perspectives that are no longer helpful to me and I went from delusional to firmly grounded. I have lost those perspectives and form new, better ones in their place. I have come to terms with reality and the limitations of my body and I have learnt great lessons about the importance of physical activities to my health.

I have lost weight,4kg to be exact. Well, that for me is a pretty impressive achievement because I had never lost more than 2kg before. I have lost a lot of the fat that's been taking residence on top of my abs and I can see my upper abs pretty clearly when I flex them.

To end this testimonial on a good note, I will reveal the biggest achievement that I have attained during my stay here. Are you ready?

I AM OFFICIALLY A SHAOLIN DRUNKEN FIST FORM PRACTITIONER!

For me, that was one of the main reasons that motivated me to come here in the first place. I must say that I am exhilirated and in pain at the same time. I am happy because my goal is achieved and I can move on in life and I am hurting because of the injuries I sustained from practicing the drunken form.

(Benny Ng vern Khai:the right one)