Ha Ha Ha! Chinese Kung Fu!

It never fails.

Every time I go out for Tai Chi and Sword Form training, someone comments on my attire.

I wear kung fu clothing: Chinese style, with loose, breathable fabric; it's more comfortable than sweats and a t-shirt, which become waterlogged and heavy.

The journey to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay takes about 45 minutes from my home in the New Territories, and requires both train and bus. At the transfer point for the cross-harbour tunnel bus, from time to time either the bus coordinator or the driver will nod with approval and say:

Ha ha ha! Chinese Kung Fu!

When I exit the bus and make my way toward the opposite end of the park, I pass by old men sitting on the benches that line the path. Now and then, one of them will give me a big grin and say:

Ha ha ha! Chinese Kung Fu!

I swear I'm not making this up.

I practice for three hours; many passers-by often stop to watch as I run through my forms. More often than not, someone will say as they draw within earshot:

Ha ha ha! Chinese Kung Fu!

They're not making fun of me; they enjoy seeing a gwai louh wearing the clothing and learning one of the Chinese martial arts. Even if they don't speak English, they know a few key words. It's enough. They're filled with a goofy pride in being Chinese, and it bubbles up in that turn of phrase.

I'm glad for it. The Chinese should be proud of their culture and their tradition of martial arts. If they can't help expressing themselves when they see me dressed that way, so be it.

I feel a touch of that same goofy pride when I hear it.

← Older Posts · 早前 | →