Kungfu Kid

i blogged about Ewan making the school team in wushu in June. Some quick developments since then. In August, he performed a short group routine at the school's Mid Autumn Festival celebration. In September, he was chosen to go for his first belt grading exam in September. Papa brought him to Kampong Ubi CC where the grading exams were held. i would have loved to go and support him but stayed at home as Ethan was preparing for PSLE. Ewan saw for himself the crowd and how highly skilled the other children were. In fact, they met cousin YJ there, who though younger than Ewan, was taking a higher level grading exam. Ewan passed the exam with a silver grade. Then, 2 weeks ago, i spoke with the head coach who thinks that Ewan could be ready for inter-school competition next March, but is concerned about the long break between now and January when school reopens. He requested for Ewan to go for lessons in the community centre where the same coaches will be there to give lessons to the public.

So, this is how our Saturday routine has been changed :) Papa and i take turns to bring him to his 2 hourly lessons. There are only 3 other students for this intermediate class. It's conducted in a dance studio with huge mirrors and AIR CON, lol. i sat there throughout the 2 hours with one other parent but we didn't chat of course as it would be distracting. The other 3 students specialized in different weapons from Ewan so it's interesting to watch them too.

The coach is very honest in his assessment of Ewan. He says that while Ewan shows potential, he has many bad habits to unlearn. The coach told me that he was "surprised" at the existing standard of the school's wushu when his martial school took over this year. He thought that kids could be challenged to go further. i don't know the reason for the change in vendor but i am sure glad of it cos Ewan is now motivated to do better. Ewan himself declared that he will practise on his own to improve. i also hope along the way Ewan grows to love the Chinese language more cos it's simply lovely to hear those martial art strokes in mandarin :)

The coaches are all local by the way which took papa and i by surprise. (The coaches from the previous vendor are all from PRC.) Papa is most impressed by their competence and i must say i felt a sense of pride we have such professional local coaches. i've confidence in the coaches and i'm sure this is going to be an interesting and rewarding journey for Ewan.

加油 Ewan!