NIU Students Testimony

Karen Mok

UCLA

I met Master Niu when I was 14 - I am now 22 - but I've always known him as "Laoshi," which translates into "teacher".  It's an old Chinese school of thought to call your coach, "teacher" instead of "coach", but after training under several other coaches, I now understand the difference and why Adrian prefers to be called, "teacher".  A coach will teach you how to improve your martial arts; whereas, a teacher will not only instruct you in martial arts but mentor you and guide you through life lessons. I, personally, have learned so much from him.  At his wushu school, I learned how to be a good leader, follower, and teammate.  Firstly, he imbues the duty as older, more experienced students to help the younger, less experienced students.  By coaching the younger students and recognizing that they watch how we train, I understand what a leader is.  In whatever I do, I try to do my best and set a good example.  On the other hand, I know when to follow.  When I'm given constructive criticism, I don't defend myself with excuses;  I acknowledge my shortcomings and try to fix them.  Lastly, Master Niu reminds us what we need to do for each other as teammates.  We are each other's support system, so we need to shamelessly cheer each other on and push each other forward when we're down - on and off the floor.  As a result, we weren't just teammates; we became a family.  I may sound generic or cliché, but these are not things you can learn at any wushu school or in any sport.  You could clearly see the difference come competition time.  Our school showed the most team spirit while ranking high, and we're usually the only school to offer to help clean up at the end of competitions. 

I could not have learned these life skills from any other coach.  Not many coaches care enough to teach more than just wushu movements.  He cared enough to lecture us when we weren't being good teammates because he didn't hear a single cheer of support during class.  He cared enough to yell us at when we were talking too much instead of fixing our mistakes or helping another student with theirs.  He cared enough to ask us about our personal lives and give us advice.  However, this is why he is "Laoshi" and not just a "coach."  Ultimately, he became the dad in our family of competitive wushu, and we have all bettered ourselves as athletes and as people because of his instruction.

In terms of wushu, as an athlete and a UCLA alum, I can testify that wushu has helped me get to where I am today. There have been times when I've wondered if I could've gotten even better grades or gotten an even higher SAT score if I had quit wushu in high school and focused on my studies. Then I remember how much wushu has done for me. Wushu has never dragged me down; it has only empowered me.

My parents told me I could continue to go to wushu as long as I kept my grades up, and although that gave me some incentive to work hard in school, I didn't need to hear those words to keep my grades up.  Wushu taught me focus, discipline, and diligence; all of which gave me the skills to be a good student. In other words, wushu taught me how to not only be a good student in martial arts but also in academics.  It was the same practice of trying to master martial arts that I used to apply to my schoolwork.

Most importantly, wushu gave me a passion that I could share with peers, acquaintances, and college admission boards. While grades and test scores are important, a good college applicant requires more than academics to stand out. College admissions want to know your personal experiences and what you're passionate about. Most of my college application essays had something to do with wushu. Wushu provided me with stories and life-changing events and thus gave the college admission boards a personality to match with the test scores. While most of my peers struggled to find something to write about, I already knew what I was passionate about.
 

我是在14歲時認識 牛老師 的, 現在我已經22歲了。而我總是視他為「Laoshi」, 也就是中文的老師。稱呼武術指導者「老師」而非教練, 源自中國武術學派的傳統思想。在跟隨其他教練們學習過後, 我現在終於知道其中差別, 和為什麼 牛老師 比較喜歡學生們叫他「老師」。教練會教你如何增長武術技藝; 但老師不只教導你武術, 更會在人生的課程中給予你指引。我從他身上就獲益良多。從他的武術學校裡, 我學到如何成為一個好的領袖、跟隨者, 以及團隊成員。第一, 他指導較為年長、有經驗的學生擔任協助年幼、缺乏經驗者的責任。透過指導他人, 及成為其他年幼學生的學習楷模後, 我明白了如何成為一個領袖。我意識到, 無論我做什麼事, 都應該要設法坐到最好, 成為好的榜樣。再者, 我也了解什麼時候該聽從他人指引。當別人給我有建設性的批判時, 我不會找藉口為自己開脫, 而會認識到自己的缺點,並試著修正他們。最後, 牛老師也讓我們知道要如何幫助彼此, 成為好的隊友。我們成為彼此的支助, 也真心的鼓勵他人, 或在有人失意時勉勵對方前進。因此, 我們不只是隊友而已, 更像一個大家庭。這聽起來雖然有點俗套, 但我所說的真的, 你確實無法在其他任何武術學校, 或任何運動中得到。在比賽的時候, 你就可以明顯看出差別。我們武術學校的選手們就是比較有團隊精神, 就是能奪得高分, 而我們也總是唯一一組義務為比賽會場進行賽後整理的團隊。我由其他教練身上學不到這些生活準則。沒有幾個教練會教導你武術技巧以外的東西。而牛老師卻會注意那些, 他教會我們, 當我們在課堂上忘了給予成員支持、讚美的時候,我們就不算好的隊友; 當我們顧著聊天, 而忽略修正自己或其他同學的錯誤時, 他也會適時教誨我們。他甚至會關心我們的日常生活, 給我們建議。我想, 這就是為什麼他是「老師」,而不是「教練」。甚至在最後, 成為了我們武術家庭的大家長, 讓我們在其中因為他的教誨而茁壯、精進, 成為更好的運動員, 更好的人。武術方面, 作為一個UCLA的校友, 我歷身體會武術是如何讓我成為今日的我。過去曾有幾時, 我想過, 如果高中時放棄武術專注學習, 說不定就能考更高分, 或在SAT的表現上更好, 但我旋即又想到武術帶給我的啟示。它不曾拖累過我, 事實上, 它讓我更有能力。我爸媽告訴我, 只要保持成績優異, 我就能繼續學武。這雖然給了我勤學的動機, 但我之所以能維持成績表現, 也不全是因為這些要求。因為武術本身已經告訴我該如何專注、守序、和勤奮。這些著實足以讓我成為好學生。換句話說, 武術給予我的, 不只是在功夫上成為一個好學生而已, 在學業上更是如此。對我來說, 在武藝上的精進, 和在學校課業方面的成長, 彼此是相通的。最重要的是, 武術讓我擁有熱情, 讓我能把經驗和同儕、同學, 和大學招生委員們分享。雖然成績和考試分數是很重要沒錯, 但一個好的申請者需要的不只是學業表現。大招委員們也很關心你的個人經驗, 和你的熱情所在。像我在大學申請文件中, 就有很多是和武術相關。武術使我有了更多更豐富的故事, 以及人生轉折的體驗, 這讓招生委員們有機會了解我的為人, 並能和考試成績比較。所以,當我大部分的同學都為著找不到事蹟可寫所苦時, 我便已經知道自己的熱情所在了。

Andrew Liem

University of Maryland, Baltimore

I first started practicing Wushu in the beginning of high school under Master Niu (Niu Lao Shi). I would continue for the next four years, practicing 3-5 times a week, until I entered college. In culmination of this experience, I did not only developed the endurance and physical strength to successfully commit to a rigorous martial arts curriculum, but also life-long characteristics and skill sets that became invaluable in college.

Niu Lao Shi is an exceptional martial arts coach not because of his extensive knowledge and passion in teaching, but for his meticulously detail he has for his student’s personal growth in Wushu and as an individual. I learned compulsory forms and how to use different weapons along with developing integral communication skills, needed discipline, and strong work ethics.

I developed communication skills practicing in a team, participating in performances, passing examinations in front of audiences and serving as an assistant instructor for some of his classes. Niu Laoshi taught me how to speak clearly and precisely to deliver instructions as well as become a better listener to think critically. I became excellent in accepting and applying constructive criticism. In college and the professional world, I have utilized these communication skills through presentations and poster seminars exhibiting my research work. Wushu gave me the confidence to stand in front of peers and respected individuals to present my achievements. Being in a wushu team, I also learned how to be a team-player. We learned the importance of supporting and encouraging others to succeed and do the right thing. Respect and responsibility was a fundamental concept I learned from Niu Laoshi and it has grown to give me strong work and school ethics. Most importantly, Wushu has embedded discipline into my personality. Committing 3-5 times a week after school for 1-3 hours each session takes mental and physical strength. This discipline has evolved from holding horse stances to being persistent in my studies. As a college student, success lies in dedication and the continuous commitment to study and apply, especially in times that are stressful. I remember telling myself for some exams that if I can physically push my limits in Wushu in stretching and running the extra mile, I can easily push my mental limits in my studies while I sit in a chair.

Overall, I may not be able to do the splits or jump as high anymore, but I still have the discipline, communication skills, confidence and work ethics that I have learned from Wushu. This would not have been possible without an engaging teacher such as Niu Laoshi. His talents and passion, along his dedication, and utmost friendly personality makes him an exceptionally rare role-model that students would not want to miss.

As of right now, I have graduated in Biochemistry B.S with two minors in history and geography and will continue attaining a M.S and Ph.D in Genetic Epidemiology and Translational Sciences. I have been awarded scholarship and fellowships and attained experience working in the science industry. Although Wushu seem irrelevant in the scientific track, it help sets the foundations necessary for a student.

我從中學時開始在牛老師門下習武。在接下來的四年內, 我一直持續練習, 一週練3-5次,直到上大學。在經驗累積中, 我透過紮實的武術課程, 發展的不只是生理上的強健與耐力, 更是終身所長,和學業方面無價的技能。牛老師是個很獨特的武術教練, 這不僅由於他廣闊的知識及教學熱忱,更因為他注重生活細節, 且關心學生個別在武術上的發展。我從他那學習到不少重要的武術功架及運用不同武器的能力, 同時, 也學到完善的溝通技巧、必要的紀律, 及厚實的實踐倫理。我由團隊實作、表演、在眾所矚目下通過測驗, 及擔任課程助教的過程中, 發展出了溝通技巧。牛老師教我如何清楚且精確的指導他人, 同時, 也當個有批判思考的好聆聽者。我由此也就更能接受, 及給予具建設性的批判。在大學和其他專業領域方面, 我甚至也運用了這些溝通能力呈現我的研究, 在課堂發表, 及海報發表上。武術使我在同儕, 及一些重要人物面前展現自我成果時, 能表現得更有自信。另外, 在武術團隊中, 我也學到如何成為一個好的團隊成員。我們從中習得了如何給予他人支持、鼓勵, 及做正確的事。在牛老師身上, 我了解到「尊重」和「負責」這兩大基礎有多重要, 而這些亦成為我在工作/學業倫理方面堅信不移的準則。更重要的是, 武術將紀律內化到我的人格中。每週課後三到五次, 一次一至三小時的鍛鍊讓我身心強度都有所增長。而從匝馬步, 到課業表現, 這些繼續都是貫通的。在讀大學時, 我不管在學習或實踐上都成功的投入精神, 持續堅持下去, 甚至在某些壓力大的時刻也不改變。好比在面對某些考試時, 我就告訴自己, 如果我能在武術上突破生理極限, 多跑個一哩, 那我就該同樣能突破心理極限, 坐在這張椅子上面對挑戰。總的來說, 雖然我沒辦法像別人一樣劈腿, 或跳得夠高, 但我仍在武術中學到了紀律、溝通技巧、自信, 以及工作倫理。要不是有像牛老師這樣的教育者, 這些是絕對不可能的。他的才能、熱情、付出, 及友善的人格特質, 讓他成為了一個罕見的楷模, 我想是沒有學生能夠忘記他的。現在, 我已由生化系獲得大學學位, 並有史地兩門雙副修, 且要繼續攻讀基因工程與轉化科學的碩博士學位。我已榮獲獎學金, 且在科學工業上有了工作經驗。雖然武術乍看和這個領域沒什麼關係, 但它真的提供給所有學生某些必要的學習基礎。

Andrew DeCarlo

I studied Wushu under Master Niu for about 5 years in high school and into college, and I am very grateful for the time I had to learn from him. Wushu is a great sport in general, as it emphasizes flexibility, strength, and coordination, all of which are helpful for everyday life or as a compliment to any other sport. In high school Wushu was a very significant part of my life, and Adrian ensured that I got the most out of it that I could by doing the following. 

1)  Teaching the martial applications of techniques. Contemporary Wushu is made up mostly of forms or choreographed routines of movements which athletes perform. Without a proper understanding of the techniques the forms can look lifeless, lacking power and focus. Master Niu strongly emphasizes the fighting techniques and traditions behind the movements he teaches to ensure that his students understand when and how these techniques would be used in combat. This enables his students forms to be more than simply a rehearsal of movements, but a display of proper technique, strength, and focus. 

2)  Pushing me to do my best. As any good coach should, Master Niu pushed me to be my best. However, unlike many coaches, he is great at learning how to push individual students in the way best for them. While some instructors may be too firm, and others may be too lenient, Master Niu seeks to learn more about his students as individuals. By taking an interest in his students and learning them he is able to understand when to push his students, and when to let off. For me personally this bolstered my respect and trust in him as a coach and helped me learn the most that I could.

3)  Encouraging a strong school community and good relationships between students. Our school was like a second family to me. The respect, friendship, and love that was shared between the students for the sport of Wushu and for one another was one of the things that made this sport such a big part of my life. While I believe that the students would have gotten along fine by themselves, Adrian spent time and energy cultivating the relationship between all of us and made a big impact in many of our lives.

The three aspects mentioned above have impacted my life in many ways that still influence me today. In school and work I am not afraid to do the hard work that it takes to learn the appropriate way to do things. The attention to detail that is so prevalent in Wushu and Adrian's teaching methods have made a big difference in those areas. Wushu also got me in the habit of exercising. Before Wushu I never really did many physical activities, and while I haven't practiced Wushu in about 4 years, the desire for pushing myself physically has not left. Practicing Wushu taught me the satisfaction of working hard to accomplish my goals, physically and mentally, and I would not be person I am today without it. I would strongly suggest this sport for anyone interested in martial arts, and Adrian's school is without a doubt the best choice.


從高中到大學,我在牛老師門下學習武術已經五年了。我很高興自己能有這個機緣能和他學習。總的來說,武術是一種很好的運動, 它重視身體的柔軟度、力量、以及協調性,比起其他運動, 武術在這些每日生活方面所需的訓練更有幫助。高中時, 武術曾在我生活中扮演極為重要的角色,而牛老師則由以下各個方面確切地幫助了我:

1) 教導武術運用的技巧: 現代武術是由許多招式, 亦即精心設計後的循環動作組成的體能表現。如果對於招式的技巧缺乏充足瞭解, 很容易會將一套拳打得毫無生氣、缺乏勁道, 失去重心。因此, 牛老師非常重視對戰技術和這些招式背後的傳統精神, 以確保他的學生們瞭解當真正格鬥時, 什麼時候該用上什麼技巧。這也讓他的學生們在運用招式時能確切展現出技巧、力量和專注力, 而非僅是一些練習過的動作而已。

2) 促使我做到最好: 牛老師就像其他好教練一樣,總是促使我做到最好。不過和別的教練不同的是,他總是因材施教地針對個別學生採用對他們來說最好的方式。不像其他教練會對學生太嚴或太鬆, 牛老師總是試著將學生視為個體, 細心地瞭解他們。由於他對學生有充分的瞭解和關懷, 他總是能拿捏什麼時候該逼促他的學生, 什麼時候該放鬆一點。對我來說, 這點真是讓我對他既尊重, 又信賴。身為教練, 他總能幫助學到最多的東西。

3) 牛老師協助我們建立一個堅固的互助社群, 並藉以維繫學生間良好的關係: 我們的武術學校對我來說就像第二個家。透過武術運動, 學生們分想了尊重、友誼、關愛的精神,這讓這個運動成為我生命中極為重要的一部分。雖然我相信學生都已有自理的能力, 但牛老師仍願意付出時間和精力來培養我們之間的情誼, 這著實對我們的人生起了深遠的影響。以上提及的三個面向在許多層面都對我的人生有很深遠的影響, 其影響持續至今。不論在學業或工作方面, 我都比較不會排斥去學習適當的方式, 以負責擔艱困的工作。由於在武術活動中時常需要重視細節, 牛老師的教學讓我知道那有多麼重要。武術也讓我養成了運動的習慣。在學習武術前,我其實很少做運動, 但在之後, 儘管我四年沒碰武術了, 我對體能訓練的渴求卻絲毫未減。武術訓練讓我瞭解如何勤奮地追求自我目標, 不論是身體的, 或者心靈的, 如果沒有這段經歷, 我恐怕就不是今日的我。因此,我想強烈推薦這個運動給任何對武術有興趣的朋友, 牛老師的武術學校, 毫無疑問地,是你的最佳選擇。

Monica Wong

Parent

"Excellent Wushu and Kung Fu program! The program consists of a nice balance of basics and forms training, weapons (swords, staff and spear), and self-defense/sparring activities. Power and precision are emphasized in the basics and forms training. The sparring and self-defense activities are conducted with protective gear in a safe environment. Master Niu assists each student to achieve their goals of progressing through sash levels. In addition to this class curriculum, Master Niu goes above and beyond to provide training for students that desire to participate in local and international tournaments. We are most impressed with the instructor's level of expertise, dedication, and ability to motivate and inspire the students.

Our son has participated in this program for over two years, and we are thrilled to see the positive impact it has had on him, both physically and mentally. Physically, he has become more fit, strong and precise. We notice this in wushu, but also in his other athletic endeavors and in his daily life. Mentally, he has become more disciplined and aware of his surroundings. We are pleased to see the invaluable confidence and mental focus our son has obtained through participating in the sash tests and tournaments. We also appreciate the exposure the program has brought to our family of the beauty of the Chinese culture. We highly recommend this program to others! "
 

這是個很棒的武術/功夫課程! 課程兼顧了基礎訓練、功架訓練、傳統武器(刀、 槍、劍、棍), 防身術/對打練習。在基礎練習和功架訓練時, 很重視力量和精確度。在對打和防身課程方面則是穿戴護具練習。牛老師協助每個學生設定並達成自我目標, 以促使學生進步。這和一般的快速腰帶升階制不同, 因為它提供了更好的學習經驗。除課程外, 老師他還給予了額外的訓練機會, 讓有意參加地方性、全國性, 甚至國際競賽的學生能夠練習。牛老師總是樂於提供他專業的知識、認真、監督、勤奮和能力來鼓勵學生。我們的兒子參加此課程已經兩年了, 我們很高興能看到他在身心方面都受到正面的影響。生理上, 他變得越來越健康、強壯、精確。我們注意到, 這影響不只是在武術方面而已, 在其他體育項目, 甚至日常生活中也都有助益。心理上, 他也變得更守規矩, 更會注意周遭環境。真的很開心能看到我們的兒子在參加升階考試, 或競賽時表現出的無比信心, 以及心神專注。同時, 我們也很感謝這課程讓我們一家體驗到的中華文化之美。