East West Kung Fu

#Repost @ibfda_org Today, on International Women’s Day, we honor all of the incredible female martial artists and leaders around the globe. We are proud of the outstanding female role models in Bok Fu Do. When Senior Grandmaster Lee started our organization in 1967, women training in martial arts was a rarity. Furthermore, when Grandmaster Buckley began his training in 1985, there were virtually no women in the school. But through both of their hard work and leadership, ...women were empowered to develop themselves through Bok Fu Do. Neither of these men cared if a student was a man or woman, they simply looked for capability and attitude above all else. The culture they developed and cultivated in our system encouraged the emergence of strong, powerful, capable females. Today, we are proud that many of our organization’s leadership positions are filled by women. Having these female role models has changed the landscape of our organization. As we look to the future, we see many of our young female students following in the footsteps of incredible women, the likes of Norma Futini and Morgan Newman, who are the first two female Masters in Bok Fu Do. Encouraged by Senior Grandmaster Lee and Grandmaster Buckley’s vision for women in martial arts, we watch with pride and joy as the women of today and of the future are excelling with a strong sense of self that has been cultivated and developed through the confidence building aspects of Bok Fu Do. See more

Happy International Women's Day! Senior Grandmaster Lee has always believed that a person's potential and capability has nothing to do with anything except their attitude and willingness to learn. The many outstanding achievements of the women within our organization is a testament to his commitment to empowering each of his students to find the best within themselves and teaching them to seek it within others. The full context of his quote follows: "I am always much more con...cerned with my students' attitudes than their movement. In all aspects of life the most important part of winning or getting, is not the win, or what we get, but to develop within ourselves the habit to always make the effort, to have the spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel. These are the things that endure and are far more important than any event we could ever win. Many of my students are great examples in this area. One group that I feel deserves a special note is that of female martial artists. Over the years my high-ranking female students have shown an indomitable strength and spirit. It used to be, years ago in the martial arts, that women were a rarity. It was a male dominated martial arts world when I was coming up. Today, women in martial arts excel in every area. I have seen my female students take initiative in every area and I have found them to be excellent leaders. They thrive on leadership roles and great challenges. To me there is nothing more rewarding than observing my high-ranking female students motivated by some great purpose working together for the good of the system with great dedication and passion. Their accomplishments are extensive, and I can say that without them, our organization would not be what it is, and I would not have the wisdom I do."

Wishing our students, staff, and family and friends within the martial arts community a happy and prosperous Year of the Ox! #bokfudo #kungfu #martialarts #lunarnewyear #chinesenewyear #yearoftheox #

Today we wish the happiest of birthdays to the founder of the Bok Fu Do system - Senior Grandmaster Lee! We are all beneficiaries of his life's work, his sacrifice, and his dedication. His example and his teaching empower all of us to cultivate wisdom, courage, honesty, and kindness within ourselves and, for our black belts and staff, inspire us to nurture it within our students. Senior Grandmaster Lee, on this special day, we hope that you feel our outpouring of love and appreciation, and we thank you for all you have done to make it always, "Another happy day at East West Kung Fu!" #bokfudo #bokfudobirthday

We would like to thank our East West Alamo student, Bret Hedican, for sharing his story with NBCSports Bay Area. We know your story will inspire many people to work hard to reach their goals. We look forward to helping you reach your goal of earning your black belt one day.

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to the one and only Master Newman! Her list of accomplishments and accolades is long and impressive (see https://bokfudo.com/pages/master-morgan-newman), but as we celebrate her today, we would love to hear how she has encouraged you, inspired you, and otherwise embodied the spirit of Bok Fu Do for you - leave a comment below! Master Newman, thank you for all that you do, for leading by example, and for teaching us to always seek the best within ourselves and inspire the best within others. #bokfudo #bokfudobirthday

Being kind is pretty fun, isn’t it? We hope you made some meaningful memories and brightened the spirits of those around you through your participation in our annual tradition of performing kind acts to finish out the year. For our last day of the 12 days of Bok Fu Do Spirit, take some time to reflect on who has been kind to you and find a way to thank them. A note, a call, a visit - any way is fine, just don’t let 2020 end with out letting the people who helped you make it t...hrough this year know how much you appreciate them and their kindness. Because of them, you understand how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference! Happiest of New Years to you, and may we each be a part of making this world a better place for all. Here’s to carrying the habit of kindness into 2021 and beyond. #12daysofbokfudospirit#bokfudo#eastwestkungfu#kindness#kungfu

Want to help make a real difference in your community? Help a small business (or ten!) so their owners and employees can keep their dreams alive and survive this challenging time. Here are some suggestions for ways you can be supportive of small businesses: - Follow them on social media - Like their posts... - Comment on their posts - Tag friends who would like them - Post photos/videos of their product - Tell a friend about their product - Write reviews and give feedback - Send a message telling them you like what they do - And of course, purchase from them or do business with them! We would love to see some pictures of what you come up with!Tag us @eastwest_kungfu #12daysofbokfudospirit#bokfudo#eastwestkungfu#kindness#kungfu

What do you really want? Ask yourself this question and use the kind, helpful and proactive skills you’ve been building to help yourself create a better life for YOU! It can be something as simple as eating healthier or stretching a little bit more. Or it could be something as big as making the decision to take a new route in your life and taking action on that decision. Today, listen to what your heart has to tell you, and treat yourself to what it is you really want! We would love to see some pictures of what you come up with! Tag us @eastwest_kungfu #12daysofbokfudospirit #bokfudo #eastwestkungfu #kindness #kungfu

Our management team’s end of year celebration looked a little different this year, but it was just as joyous as always! We were able to celebrate safely outdoors thanks to some amazing local businesses we tagged here. Our schools wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding efforts of our management team. We’re so grateful for how they always go above and beyond for our students, and this year they worked harder and cared more fiercely than ever before. Here’s to all the growth in 2020 and a bright new year ahead!

It’s cold outside! But you can warm someone up inside and out with a warm drink. You can make it yourself or order what you think they will like best and surprise someone with a small gesture of kindness in a cup We would love to see some pictures of what you come up with! Tag us @eastwest_kungfu #12daysofbokfudospirit #bokfudo #eastwestkungfu #kindness #kungfu

How do you feel when someone tells you they love you? Yeah, it’s pretty great. So take a moment and find a way to let the person(s) you love know that by telling them, singing it to them, writing it to them... the options are limitless! Just like your love for them We would love to see some pictures of what you come up with! Tag us @eastwest_kungfu #12daysofbokfudospirit #bokfudo #eastwestkungfu #kindness #kungfu

What is one of the best gifts you could give someone (including yourself!)? Your presence! Make a conscious effort today to put the phone down, turn off the TV, or just do your best to not be thinking about or doing anything other than being with the person you are interacting with In each moment today. Giving someone your undivided attention is a kind way to show them you care. We would love to see some pictures of what you come up with! Tag us @eastwest_kungfu #12daysofbokfudospirit #bokfudo #eastwestkungfu #kindness #kungfu

Wishing our students and friends a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with health in mind, body and spirit! - Senior Grandmaster Lee, Grandmaster Buckley, Master Newman and the East West Kung Fu Staff

When is the last time you had a really good laugh? Laughter is known to have health benefits and... it’s fun! Share a joke, a funny audio or video clip, or just ham it up around a friend or family member and bring a little extra joy to the day. We would love to see some pictures of what you come up with! Tag us @eastwest_kungfu #12daysofbokfudospirit #bokfudo #eastwestkungfu #kindness #kungfu

A reminder to our students and their families the the last day to register to vote in California for the upcoming election is TOMORROW - Monday, October 19th! Bok Fu Do teaches us the importance of being able to look at ourselves in the mirror at the end of the day and tell ourselves that we did everything within our power to achieve our goals and live the kind of life we're really interested in. If you are a US citizen that is eligible to vote, then participating in local, ...state, and national elections is a crucial part of being able to honestly say to yourself, "I did everything I could." The outcome of the election is beyond our individual grasps, but each of us can focus on what we CAN do to make our voices heard and to help shape the world into the kind, positive, and compassionate place we want it to be! #bokfudo #vote #doyourpart #dowhatyoucan

Wishing a very happy birthday today to IBFDA Certified 1st Degree Black Belt Instructor, Ms. Mannion! Also, tomorrow is the birthday of IBFDA Certified 2nd Degree Brown Belt Instructor Ms. Fitzsimmons. We hope that you both are showered with love and appreciation on your special day! #bokfudo #bokfudobirthday

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to two IBFDA Certified First Degree Brown Belt Instructors this week! Ms Lee (today) and Ms Lay (13th). If you come to an in-person class in San Ramon this week, be sure to say happy birthday! #bokfudo #bokfudobirthday

From Grandmaster Buckley: I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Master Joe Dunphy. In a word, heartbreaking. I was eighteen years old the first time I met Joe I was traveling to Maryland with three of my classmates to compete in the 1989 U.S. qualifier hosted by Grandmaster Huang. We took the redeye and arrived in Baltimore before sunrise. And who was there to greet us none other than the inestimable Joe Dunphy. You see, we had done our research prior to our ...arrival and knew all about Joe Dunphy. He was the 1986 World Champion who had competed in the 5th ICKF World Kuo shu Championships in the Republic of China, earning the name, Iron Fist for his early round knockouts of his opponents. To us, he was like a living legend and there he was picking up a group of no-names at the crack of dawn. And it was immediately apparent that one of the toughest guys was also one of the nicest. He was truly a gentle giant. Joe then brought us to Grandmaster Huang’s school and stuck around to teach us the rules of lei tai because we were new to this style of full contact. We learned more about Joe during the competition, as he refereed every lei tai match of the tournament. Not a single match produced any controversy under his leadership. But even more impressive, his assured presence simultaneously discouraged hostility and encouraged camaraderie amongst the entire field of competitors. Joe simply radiated calm and control in an environment full of emotionally charged individuals trying like their life depended on it to make the U.S. team, and he made it appear to be the most natural thing in the world. In those early years around Joe, he was the most prominent referee of the time from the United States on the International stage. To me, he was kuo shu. As our relationship grew closer over the years, I came to know Joe as a genuinely nice and soft spoken guy. I will always see him as a trail blazer, a man that represented his teacher, the United States and the kuo shu world with honor. I had the privilege to travel with Joe to China where we had many great moments sharing time and discussing the dynamics of running a martial arts school. It was an honor and a pleasure to coach the United States national team with him in 2009 at the World Championships in Germany. I am deeply appreciative of Master Dunphy for being a powerful and positive influence in my life. He was a dear friend and I will truly miss him. I send my deepest condolences to his family, students and classmates and the entire Kuo Shu family. See more

Today is the birthday of one of the living legends of the Bok Fu Do system - Master Futini! Master Futini began her training in Bok Fu Do in 1988 and earned her Black Belt in 1992. She has the particular honor of being the first woman to be personally certified by Senior Grandmaster Lee as a Bok Fu Do Black Belt. Her example of courage, determination, and discipline continues to inspire countless students. Master Futini, we hope that you have a very special day! #bokfudo #bokfudobirthday #livingexamples #rolemodels #strongwomen

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to two IBFDA Certified Brown Belt Instructors - Ms. Lopez (today) and Mrs. Topacio (25th)! We hope you both have a wonderful time of celebration and know how much you are loved and appreciated. #bokfudo #bokfudobirthday

We are so excited to begin IN PERSON outdoor classes this week! Our Zoom class schedule will continue to run unchanged, but please note that the link you will use to attend classes will be new starting Monday. In person classes will be limited to 12 students, so pre-registration is required. You should have received a link via email to sign up for your desired class times. You can also sign up on our website at https://bokfudo.com/pages/outdoor-training (also linked in profil...e). Registration for each day’s classes will close at 10 AM on that day, so please make sure you sign up for your desired class before that time! After 10 AM, we will open the classes to students on the waitlist who want to attend more than one class that week. We know many of you are concerned about air quality - please rest assured that the health and safety of our students is our top priority. If the air quality at your specific school is unsafe (anything above 100 AQI), class for that time will be cancelled. All students signed up to attend that class will be moved to the following week at the same time. Links to check air quality are on the Outdoor Training page of our website as well. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to seeing you in class soon! #bokfudo #kungfu #staypositive #keeptraining

Check out these BRAND NEW Bok Fu Do hats! Designed by Grandmaster Buckley, these are available by pre-order only on the pro shop. All proceeds go to your member organization. Order here today! https://bokfudo.com/products/cap

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Master Newman's Black Belt presentation! She is an absolute inspiration to those with the privilege of being around her and watching her do what she does best - lead our staff and students by example. She is an excellent role model, teacher, and student. Frankly, we couldn't be luckier to have her around! Scroll for some #tbt pictures from her Black Belt presentation!

There's so much going on in the world these days, and sometimes what’s going on inside of us looks a little like what’s going on outside today. No matter what's going on inside of you or outside in the world, we hope that in each of our schools you will always find a sanctuary of positivity, a spirit of helpfulness, and a challenge to be the best person you can possibly be - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thank you to those in our community that are serving as front l...ine workers to keep us all safe, healthy, and fed. We always look for the positive in any situation, and that perspective helps us to truly appreciate those whose selflessness is like a beacon of light and hope no matter how dark it gets. We hope that all of us can bring that positive light and hope to our households, our communities, and all those we encounter in the midst of these difficult times. #bokfudo #kungfu #bealight #findthepositive #perspective

Please join us today in wishing a very happy birthday to Mr. Hodge! He is a disciple of Senior Grandmaster Lee, IBFDA Certified 2nd Degree Black Belt, Manager of East West Alamo, three-time World Champion, 3rd Tuan through The World Kuo Shu Federation, and much more. Mr. Hodge, your dedication, positivity, and work ethic are among many of the wonderful qualities that make you a living example of what Bok Fu Do means. We hope that you have a fabulous day filled with love, appreciation, and at least a few of your favorite things! #bokfudo #bokfudobirthday

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to Mr. Mates! He is an IBFDA Certified 2nd Degree Brown Belt Instructor and teaches primarily at East West Alamo. Mr. Mates, we hope you have a very special day and look forward to your continued growth in the next year! #bokfudo #bokfudobirthday

Happy Labor Day weekend, students and families! While our schools will be closed on Monday, we're already looking forward to seeing your smiling faces back in class come Tuesday!