By Angela Ellenwood
go is HMSA's campaign to encourage more physical activity and good nutrition for better health. Meet a young HMSA member who found an activity she enjoys and got her whole family involved, too.
Paige Chang - Kung Fu Fun
Nine-year-old Paige Chang and her dad have been studying kung fu at Honolulu's Gee Yung Martial Arts and Lion Dance Association for over four years. And when her younger brother, Parker, is old enough, he and mom, Kathy, will join, too.
"Kung fu can be a fun, family activity," says Paige, who enjoys studying with her father and the sense of family shared among the group. "I love my teachers and the other students. They are all really nice."
Kung fu develops fitness and discipline at any age. Kathy recognizes the qualities kung fu has helped her daughter develop. "Paige is in excellent physical condition, with great coordination and balance," she says. "It's improved her ability to focus and listen, and she comfortably interacts with students beyond her peer group, all the way up to grandmaster Arthur Lee."
Despite her young age, Paige's length of study makes her a veteran in the Saturday morning kids' class. "Because of this," Kathy says, "she needs to help set the example for the newer students by paying attention and training hard."
As Paige's skills increase, new movements and techniques are introduced. "I like to learn new sets," she says, and is currently developing her hu dip jeong open hand set, hung ga kuen stances, and work with the sword and staff.
"I do it for fun," Paige says. "We don't do kung fu in competition because it is self-defense, but I like to do performances during Chinese New Year and other special occasions."
As a traditional extension of kung fu, lion dancing is included in Paige's studies. Her mother says being a part of the lion dance team has helped Paige understand the importance of teamwork. She partners with the players at the head or tail of the lion, and their movements must be synchronized to the music played by the percussion team. "I am learning how to play all of the instruments for lion dance," Paige says, "drum, gong and cymbals."
Along with providing a way to be active, studying this Chinese martial art has allowed Paige to explore and learn about a part of her heritage. "For our family," her mother says, "the cultural history and values of kung fu are just as important as the martial art itself."
