Moderate New Year ^^

Happy Chinese New Year 2009, to all readers!

Albeit, with the recession looming above our heads it still hasn't hamper our generosity of giving in this festival season of celebration. Why do I say so? while many are saying that this year would be the worst of economic kind, ang pau's are expected to be 'lighter' too. However, I beg to differ.

Indeed, as every malaysian last week packed thier bags and head north, south, east or even the west to welcome the lunar year of the OX. I had gone down Malacca as every year's tradition to the place I'd call my 'Hometown'.

This year's visiting has been put off, as you know my late grandmother's passing (Dad's side) has reached the limit of a year in following superstitions and respect for the death.

However, it didn't deter my loving, dedicated relatives and long-time neighbours to come visit and give away ang-pau's. Now, surprisingly even with the economic downturn, I was surprised that they didn't limitalize thier generosity as we youngsters found out later when digging the red packets.

Its sufficient to say, they didn't let this hamper the spirit of giving even though they're down financially. I'm touch to say, as I know soon enough I will be put to the test of digging a hole down my own pocket when I reached the stage of leaving my bachelorette-hood soon to master the art of giving the "RED PACKET".

Another surprising factor for this year is the weather, it was mercifully windy this time around making it more pleasant for our long stay down.

Am not looking forward to start work tomorrow, (Yes! am working now. Didn't want to post this up till I've done my 3 months *Smiles*) sigh....would love a month long holiday, LOL!!

Well, will blog more when I have the time. Till next post~!

Chinese Inspiration @>---------

(IPMAN "Donnie Yen praticing Wing Chun on the wooden dunmmy)


It was on the 26th December 2008 that the whole familia, partner and bro's friend and I went to Mid-Valley Megamall to catch a movie. I'd grumble along the way at first as I'd gotten the information that we'd be seeing a Chinese movie called "IP MAN" till my not-so-lil-bro quipped to me "It's about a martial art show-la Jia!" and that shut me up and got yours truly all eager to watch. (Hypocrite! ...yesshh.....I know.... *Ashamed*)

(Who's the Best amongst the Rest?)

So, into the cinema we all got and all geared up as the show on the screen starts to abuzz as "Ip man" was shown on screen practicing the gentle art of Wing-Chun kung fu on the wooden dummy stand especially made for the practitioners of the martial arts.




It amazed me, as the show progressed at how beautiful , graceful and full of integrity kung-fu was all about. This actually made me appreciate my ancestrial background even more so of being a Chinese ever deeper and am proud that theres chinese blood running thru my veins at that very moment.


According to my dad, who was animatedly explaining to my mum about 'IP MAN's history and the art of 'Wing Chun' , it apparently seems the origin of this particular martial arts was created by a nun who define the martial arts for woman back in those days. (If you notice,most kung fu moves are meant for men and none for woman)



As you immersed yourselves into this movie, be quick to note how graceful the movements are, also notice how much strenght was hold back by actor Donnie Yen ( Who I applaud his great acting skills in making this movie!) even though he was swiftly punching like mad.




In a surprising twist, the unusual comic-relief are to be found in this movie at every few intervals, making the recipe for this movie a certain for the gold award standing. This itself makes the movie worthy to be seen at least 3-4 times, I kid you not!




Dad and I appreciate movies such as these, as a kid I'd often hear stories of my dad and his history learning all types of martial arts during his time. I was taught how to split my legs as a young toodler and still have the pic to prove it!



It makes you wonder about the current times, how many people these days actually stop to think before fighthing? Back then, they use the art in its full integrity. In this modern times, fighting is use in every possible method, alas not for its real purpose to which you are supposed to use it as a defence when there's no other way of choice.


This has been a real "INSPIRATIONAL SHOW".


Facts about " GRANDMASTER IP MAN @ YIP MAN" 1893-1972

(Facts taken from http://www.wckfc.com/masters/ipman.htm)

• Went to Hong Kong at the age of 17 to attend High School at Saint Francis College.
  
• Was the only disciple to ever learn from Grandmaster Leung Jan's son, Leung Bik.
  
• Originally called Ip Gai-Man.
  
• Mastered 2 variations of Wing Chun

Origin of Wing Chun :

• The founder of the Wing Chun Kung Fu System, Miss Yim Wing Chun was a native of Canton [Kwangtung Province] in China.
  
• Learned Wing Chun from Ng Mui who taught her Miss Yim Wing Chun to protect herself from the bully who wanted to forced her into marriage with him.
• Wing Chun taught Kung Fu to her husband Leung Bok Chau who in turn taught Leung Lan Kwai and the list goes on till it was passed on to Grandmaster IPMAN's sifu Chan Wah Shan.

For more inf0rmation on the history of its origin, visit http://www.wingchun.co.nz/OriginOfWingChun/tabid/66/Default.aspx