Home |
James Lind – Chinese Shao-Lin Center of Raleigh – Black Belt 8.11.21I started T'ai Chi, Shao-Lin, and Wooden Man/Iron Monk as part of my occupational and physical rehabilitation from the second of three spinal surgeries, all of which came about from a vehicle accident. I was in in-patient rehabilitation for about a month after the second surgery. About 7 months after starting the rehabilitation through martial arts, I had third of the spinal surgeries. The third time, my hospital stay was two days. The surgeon, the same one who did the others, and his surgical PA, remarked on the amazing toughness that had developed and the surprisingly and remarkably fast recovery from not only the prior surgery, but also the ability to discharge after only two days following the third. Within limits, I was moving about on my own. The toughness that had developed in those months also precluded the need for vertibreal fusion because the muscle and ligament structure that would remain post surgery would be strong and tough enough to hold the remaining structure together -- something very unusual for most surgical patients my age for the surgery I had. As I began to resume T'ai Chi, Shao-Lin, and Wooden Man/Iron Monk, the post surgical limitations subsided well over time. While not completely gone, they continue to diminish over time and nerve damage continues to heal. As with any endeavor, you get out of it what you put into it. For me, it has been worth all the time and effort not only to learn a rich, beautiful, and engaging art, but to also reap the wellbeing benefits the Chinese monks who created this art intended as one of its great outcomes for its practitioners.
That wellbeing extends beyond the rehab and into superbly managed diabetes without medication, a stellar
physiological state as measured in my periodic physicals, low blood pressure, and a heart rate of about 62 at
rest. Very few others my age as I approach 70 in a little over a year can say as much. I look forward to the
next decade of wellness -+ in large measure an outcome greatly facilitated by this fabulous art.
|
MC BuieWhat an amazing class! First, describing the history and the application of each key strike or block, David took three large groups of students four or five times through each of four sections of the form, leading the taolu himself, for three hours.With some notes and his shrewd teaching methodology, I now can perform Fujian White Tiger Trigram Chopping Fist. EVERY strike was one or multiple pressure points!
Now I just need to keep working to master it one day :)
|
Liz ByrdeI started attending classes here because I wanted to practice Tai Chi. I had no interest in Kung Fu. But after a year of practice and watching the external training, I decided to go ahead and jump in. It has changed my life! When I moved further away from the school, I tried attending classes at a different school for 6 months, and it had nothing on Shao-Lin. Returning to the Shao-Lin school was like coming home. I'll never voluntarily leave again.I am stronger in body, mind, and spirit than I have ever been in my life. I want my children to grow up being taught by Matter David and Master Sharon.
I recently tested to first degree black belt, and I consider that one of the greatest achievements of my life. I would recommend this school to anyone!
|
Mindy ThomasThis is my sanctuary/y where I always come back to. I feel the most grounded and nourished when I am back and practicing the art of Kung Fu . Thank you Sharon Soard and David Soard and all of my Shao-lin brothers and sisters! |
Perry Miles"It was April 19th 2013 when I walked into the Chinese Shao-lin Center in Salt Lake City for the first time. Tomorrow I stand before a panel consisting of black belts, my Sifu, Masters and our Elder Master to demonstrate that I have acquired the martial skill to advance to the 1st degree black belt level.I can honestly say that I haven't had this particular blend of emotions since I took my final PT test in Basic Training. But you know what, I have never been more prepared for anything in my life!!! Its hard to find a more passionate, dedicated and supportive group of people in this day and time than the ones I have met in Shao-lin. I have been supported and encouraged every step of the way and I would not be where I am now had it not been for them. Because of them, my fellow Shao-lin martial artist, I have an indescribable love for the Art of Shao-lin.
And even after all this time...my journey begins tomorrow!"
|