Enter the second dragon
Sean Luong, a fifth-grade student at Penn Wynne Elementary School, turned 11 in March. He is a first-degree black belt in Kung Fu, an ancient Chinese martial art. Kung Fu roughly translates from Chinese as “accomplishment through perseverance.” Kung Fu is mostly an open-handed martial art, but the system often includes weapons.
Sean’s parents – T.C. Luong and Jennie Tseng – enrolled Sean in a Chinese after-school program in Havertown for exercise because a doctor thought he might have asthma. Since beginning Kung Fu, Sean no longer has asthma symptoms. He also plays basketball, soccer, and tennis.
Sean was six when his Chinese School instructor, Mark Wilson, impressed with his accelerated progress, suggested Sean study under Mark’s Kung Fu teacher, Dr. Steve Sun.
Dr. Steve L. Sun, a 10th degree black belt said, “Sean is a very special student. In the 26-year history of the Siu Lum Studio, Sean is the first to obtain a first-degree black belt at 10-years-of-age.”
Dr. Sun continued, “When I was 10 years old, I started my Kung Fu training. Sean Luong has already been awarded his first-degree black belt at 10. Sean has the potential to be a second Bruce Lee.”
When asked what he thought of Dr. Sun’s comment, Sean replied, “Well, it makes me excited that I can be as good as Bruce Lee.”
Sean’s proud father, an IT manager for a local foundry, has no martial arts training. He said, “When Sean was very young, he would get upset when he missed Kung Fu class. We had to arrange our schedules around his classes.”
Sean’s sister Jacqueline, who just turned nine, has not martial arts training either. Sean said she doesn’t like kung fu.
When asked how much time and effort it takes to improve at Kung Fu, Sean replied, “Well, it takes a lot of effort. You have to try hard, at least half an hour a day if you can.”
TC and Sean both agree that Kung Fu improved Sean’s concentration and study habits. Sean said, “Yes, it helps me focus my moves and helps me focus in class.”
When asked if he thought Kung Fu training would help other children overcome bad study habits, Sean replied, “It depends; some can’t change it, and some can.” Sean has also been studying the violin for the last year.
When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Sean replied, “Maybe a martial arts teacher.” When asked about Kung Fu, he said, “It helps my allergies and breathing, and I like it.”
Sean studies Kung Fu on Tuesday and Friday nights. He practices every night.
Sean’s most exciting moment was when he won first place in his first international tournament in Washington, D.C. in August of 2006.
To read the rest of the article check out News of Deleware
