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Rediscovering My Martial Arts Journey: From Childhood to Middle Age

Welcome to Retro Kung Fu, where I invite you to join me on a nostalgic journey through the world of martial arts. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and let me share a bit about myself and why I'm here.

I was a typical Gen X-er growing up in California's Bay Area: a latchkey kid, fed with microwaved frozen dinners and watching Saturday morning cartoons on a fuzzy TV with sugary cereal. Adventures with friends meant biking around the neighborhood and coming home when the streetlights flickered on. Karate and Judo classes were more like a babysitting alternative for my parents. I wasn't really dedicated to it and my results were average at best, but those classes helped lay a foundation for my later training. 

As a kid of mixed ethnic heritage, I grew increasingly interested in Chinese martial arts as a way to get in touch with my roots. When I started learning Eagle Claw Kung Fu in the early '90s, I was hooked for life. I was lucky to train under the esteemed guidance of Sifu Billy Wong, Sifu Derek Wong, Sifu Kalman Wong, and Sigung Lily Lau. 

Throughout the years, I remained focused on Eagle Claw while exploring other disciplines to round out my knowledge. This included Contemporary Wushu with Sifu Li Shu Dong, Capoeira with Mestre Faisca and later Mestre Preguica at San Francisco State, and Shuai Jiao under the tutelage of Sifu James Chin. Each experience offered its own unique insights and challenges, enriching my understanding of martial arts and broadening my horizons.

Life, however, has a way of steering us down unexpected paths. Fast forward a decade or two, throw in a long hiatus with zero training, and here I am, a "middle age martial artist" (sounds fancy, doesn't it?) reflecting on the twists and turns of my journey. 

Now, I'll be the first to admit—I'm no martial arts superstar. In fact, I'm just a regular guy who loves to throw a few punches and kicks whenever I can. But you know what? That's okay. Because for me, martial arts is about more than just mastering fancy techniques—it's about the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the endless pursuit of self-improvement. (Okay, some of it is about mastering fancy techniques.)

So, why start a blog now, you might ask? Well, let's just say the pandemic gave me a little nudge in the right direction. With more time on my hands and a longing to reconnect with my roots, I figured, why not dust off the old training gear and see where this journey takes me?

And that's where you come in, dear reader. Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or just someone who appreciates a good roundhouse kick, I invite you to join me on this adventure. Together, we'll dive into the timeless classics of retro martial arts cinema, swap training tips, and maybe even uncover a few hidden gems along the way.

Until next time, keep kicking, punching, and embracing the martial arts spirit!

~T

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Location: San Francisco, CA, USA

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