Kung Fu is exploding in popular culture. Like most other martial arts, Kung Fu is as captivating to watch as it is to experience. Kung Fu movies are plentiful these days, and we’re a culture of people who’ve come to idolize Kung Fu and martial arts stars. We know names like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Bruce Lee. We’re fascinated by uberfast punches, mind-bending flips and kicks, and trick stunts. These movies often aren’t for the youngest crowd, as violence is an inherent part of a Kung Fu film. But there are movies about the martial arts for kids!

If you’re looking to inspire your child to consider an education in the martial arts, Kung Fu Panda, The Karate Kid, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are just a few titles to interest the tykes. I can’t speak to the quality of the movies, as I’m not a movie critic, but I can say that these movies provide lessons with a wholesome moral. Kung Fu Panda tackles good versus evil, and power struggle motifs. The Karate Kid encompasses the idea of working hard for your goals, and never giving up. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) speaks to helping others, and again, defeating evil.

One can learn more than martial arts in a Kung Fu academy. In fact one could treat Kung Fu as a way of living. In truth, Kung Fu itself is more than a martial arts practice, and the proof is in the derivation of the term Kung Fu. Let’s try to understand what Kung Fu truly means..

Modern culture often neglects the true definition of Kung Fu - and its universal application across the pursuits of life. Kung Fu is derived from the Chinese compounded word: gōngfu. Gongfu is an amalgam of the words gōng “功” - which translates as “work,” “merit,” or “achievement” - and fu “夫”- which loosely translates to “man” with vast subconnotations and meanings. In this way, Kung Fu - when translated literally - means the achievement of man. And interpreters point out that Kung Fu and gōngfu refer to working with effort over time.

Therefore, the idea of Kung Fu can translate into other skills in our lives. If we think of Kung Fu as one’s achievement, or one’s skill earned through work, we can come to realize that we can apply the idea of Kung Fu to any art or skill. One might harness Kung Fu in their writing. With practice and time a “Kung Fu writer” hones her skills. One might harness Kung Fu in their cooking. A chef may spend a lifetime perfecting his recipes.

Migraines hurt. Between the headache, nausea, and sensitivity, migraines can be overwhelmingly painful. This is why we take preventative measures to avoid migraines. There are plenty of fixes out there, but which solution is the best? There are medicines, surgeries, and relaxation techniques.

Now, instantly I’m drawn towards relaxation techniques. What’s better than feeling relaxed? But let’s take a look at the other two options briefly - for each has its own issues. Medicines are excellent for recovering from a migraine. If you’re in the midst of an attack, there are medicines that can aid a quick recovery. Medicines, however, come with a litany of side effects. There are health risks inherent in taking chemical treatment as a preventative measure. Research on Topiramate, one of the most common migraine-prevention medicines, reveals warnings of side effects including poor body heat regulation, visual impairment, and coordination problems. “Avoid activities requiring mental alertness” may be read on the bottle. Migraine medicines come with built-in risks.

Surgery is an effective prevention option as well, but surgery is invasive, expensive, and I see it as more of a last-resort measure for chronic migraines.

Here at Kam Lee Acupuncture & Martial Arts Center, one of the area's top sources for martial arts for kids, our open, friendly and practical teachings have produced many top gold medalists and helped many students achieve a high level of understanding and performance in their martial skills.

Activities like tae kwon do, kung fu and aikido are a fun way for both boys and girls to achieve fitness and focus. Some parents may think they also promote violence, but that's a myth, according to experts. The martial arts actually help teach self-discipline and socialization skills. In fact, many parents whose children have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report great success with these programs because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills underdeveloped in ADHD kids.

A typical hour-long class begins and ends with a bow to the teacher, or master. After a warm-up, students practice the art's particular skills, which may include kicks, punches and blocks. Each requires concentration and strict attention. Progress is often marked by the belt system, which takes the beginner from a white belt through a variety of colors until black. Testing for each new level, generally every three months, is a good exercise in setting and achieving goals for your child.

Here at the Kam Lee Acupuncture & Martial Arts Center, our classes are challenging, fun and exciting, while learning safety and confidence to meet your daily life’s challenges. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality instruction and training in the martial arts industry. There are many reasons why you might want to learn Kung Fu at our Kung Fu Academy. The benefits of training are not exclusive, meaning that if you are interested in training for one reason you might get some of the other benefits listed as well.

1. It's a great workout! Tired of the same old gym routines or the newest craze in fitness that is just like all the others. Why not try some Kung Fu training? Kung Fu is not new, in fact it is ancient. It strengthens the body and the mind. Originally the goal of training Kung Fu was to become a well conditioned and deadly fighter because back in the day your life might well depend on it.
2. It's great for self defense. As stated previously Kung Fu is originally a fighting art. Each movement in Kung Fu is practical and can be used to defend against an attack. But, Kung Fu training is more than just techniques. As you learn Kung Fu you train your mind and your body, you develop coordination and confidence, and you develop awareness.
3. The training can be great for your health! One of the benefits of a great workout is how it can enhance your health. When people think about Kung Fu they might picture high kicks or acrobatic forms but that is only one aspect of what Kung Fu is. There are many styles of Kung Fu that can be considered low impact. An example would be Tai Chi Chuan whcih is one of the soft or internal styles of Kung Fu.

Established and helping the community since 1994, Kam Lee Acupuncture & Martial Arts specializes in natural pain relief and exercise to help you feel healthier, stronger and more balance in your life. Kam grew up absorbing the nectar of this traditional discipline. His philosophy and approach to wellness is based on educating the patients and planting the seed of knowledge to prevent illnesses and diseases. Knowledge is an invaluable tool in today’s world and we’re here today to debunk some top myths that are associated with Chinese acupuncture.

Unfortunately, the myths associated with this form of medicine are vast and common. A lot of people have false notions about Chinese medicine which may be due to their lack of knowledge of the same. The following are some of the top myths associated with the Chinese medicines debunked.

1. Acupuncture hurts. A lot of people think that acupuncture hurts just because it is associated with needles. In contrast, these needles are thin hair like strands which do not involve taking blood or getting injections.
2. Chinese herbs taste crazy. Most Chinese herbs used commonly include ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, licorice roots and goji berries. But we always invite you to ask about the ingredients before using or trying any such herbs.
3. You have to be Chinese to practice Chinese medicine. This is far from being the truth! This form of medicine is practiced in many nations and has institutes set up to teach the proper course to those who are interested.