08/09/09

Strength, vitality, coordination, awareness, self-defense

by Denizo

Looking for one overall word to describe what Nabi Su has done for me, I think VITALITY is the best. In terms of strength, awareness, posture, coordination, confidence, and liveliness, I feel more filled with vitality in every sense of the word. When I just went to the gym, I always left the workout feeling exhausted but still I did not really change my body or my mind. With Nabi Su, I leave every class feeling strong and invigorated. It is a great work out--I am stronger and trimmer and lost weight--but even more important to me is that I am more "in the moment" and more clear in myself and in my dealings with others. It's real-deal martial arts training for transforming the body and the mind. It's fun too and has an aesthetic dimension to boot. And then there's the self-defense dimension! The immense benefit of this practice shows through clear as day.

07/09/09

A truly unique martial arts school

by demianj

I have been to several other martial arts schools in the past and I believe it would be extremely difficult and maybe even impossible to find anything out there that is quite like this. People study martial arts for a variety of reasons; self-defense, physical fitness, mental discipline, all of which are greatly developed here. But the quality I find so unique and endearing about this school is it’s holistic focus on self-development, using martial arts as a transformational tool in becoming a more effective and fulfilled person.

The atmosphere at the school is very friendly and supportive and the training is both methodical and highly tailored to each student’s individual growth, allowing students to learn at their own pace while constantly refining and building upon what they’ve learned. The forms and techniques are fun to learn and they develop your body, and the way you connect with it, in all kinds of fascinating ways. As students progress, they gain a rewarding sense of accomplishment accompanied by a humbling awareness that they can always go deeper into the practice.

I have been with the school for six years now, picking up my black belt along the way, and I continue to find myself growing in increasingly subtle and profound ways. Through this practice I have become stronger and more confident and have noticed improvements in my posture, self-awareness, and overall sense of feeling good in my own skin. The lessons and skills I have acquired have been an invaluable source of strength when facing life’s challenges and adversities.

• Pros: great training, supportive atmosphere
• Cons: none

03/27/09

A rare find

by acorns

Most people assume that I started going to Kung Fu for self-defense. I didn’t. In the beginning, I was just seeking exercise that was meaningful and would keep me motivated. In the last 5 years, I have gotten a lot more from it (in addition to learning how to defend myself). It really is about self-development—it requires that you do your best moment to moment. There is something rarified and beautiful in that in itself, even if I never advanced. But I did advance, and just earned my black belt. And I have found that the practice means more to me than belts.

Outside of class, I find I am stronger, more confident with my improved posture, and can focus on breathing to calm myself (a useful skill in NYC). My fellow students are smart, serious about the practice, and are truly wonderful people. We’re all part of the school to better ourselves; the environment is challenging without being threatening. I visited quite a few martial arts schools and did not encounter another like it. The forms are beautiful to watch and to perform. Through the practice I was surprised to find that it’s paradoxically heartening that you can always be better.

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• Cons: