(Chances of storms this evening, so I’m scheduling this one and hoping it’ll post)
Last week, Sifu called for everyone to line up at the end of class, as per routine. Having the rank of Purple Sash, I’m usually the guy at the front for that class, with the Jow-Gows standing off to the side. Han, not seeing the need for tradition of lining up according to rank, stands next to me during this part of the rituals. It’s the Family Class, so we’re a bit relaxed on that bit of protocol.
Sifu went through the end-of-class announcements, remarking on our training and how we can improve. He looked down at my daughter and told the class, “Han here will be testing for her next sash very soon!”
I beamed with pride as she looked over to me as if to confirm. She’s put in a lot of work with her training, and as her next sash involves weapons training, I’ve let Sifu know I’d like to get her a new staff for her birthday. That’s taken some planning; kid grows way too damn fast.
Sifu looked to other students and said that they would also be testing soon. I was content in listening, believing that I would be parked here for a few more months at the least. But then just before we bowed out, Sifu looked over to me.
“Sihing Jacob, you’ll also be testing soon!”
Oh shit.
I looked a bit panicked as we bowed out and asked for a brief audience with Sifu. He has always been obliging with me on this, as I usually have a bunch of questions. But I plainly told him: “Sifu, I don’t think I’m ready.”
Sifu smiled at that. “It’s not your place to judge if you are ready for a test. That’s mine, and I’ve seen you go through your training in the class.”
I’ve been studying this style of Kung Fu for a few years, barring a couple breaks when my responsibilities would call me away. I’ve admired the philosophy behind the practice for a long time and worked to incorporate it into my daily life (after all, that is Kung Fu) since. I’ve even begun learning what to specialize in (Forms, Weapons, or Chi Sao). In doing so, I’ve inherited an assignment along with the weapons training.
I’m now learning the Cern-Do (Double Broadsword), and being the fool that I am, I asked if I could train with something that had a bit of weight to it. To answer my arrogance, I was given these.
“These might be one of the last sets made with this much weight.”
While wushu is awesome, I’m not great with a very light weapon. I feel like I need something there to remind me ‘Hey, you’re using something that can and will hurt you if you mess up’. These blades definitely do that (after two practice rounds, your arms will start feeling limp). What’s more is the history behind them.
What’s the history? That’s my assignment after inheriting the blades. They’ve been wielded by at least one Sifu, if the rumors are true. I’ve been told that they were forged somewhere around the 1950’s in the Henan Province. While I’m getting the equipment to clean and maintain them, I’m also working at restoring their wooden scabbard of the same vintage, and making sure these symbols are always legible.
I was told by Sifu that these would tell me who made the sword and scabbard, not just the company by possibly even the smith. I’m hoping so, as I would love for them and their descendants to know that the sword is in good keeping. I’ll be working at cleaning the weapon thoroughly, and I’ve made sure to keep the scabbard safe from the weather.
I don’t know if I’m actually ready for Bronze Sash, but I will do my best when that time comes. And I will learn the history of this Cern-Do.
Stay safe out there, readers.
-JB Swift
Swift's Corner 