Twin Dragon Kung Fu Academy
“The system is what's called the Dragon's Fist system, which encompasses the southern Shaolin style of Hung Gar, and Filipino Stick Fighting or Escrima. There is also basic Wing Chun Techniques, not traditional but very elementary basic versions of it, which is also a Southern Shaolin style. So Southern Chinese is definitely the core center of what we teach here.”
~ Sifu Aaron Robitsch
Top right: The wall of Twin Dragon, lined up with student and teacher names (very top row).
Lower left: A wall art of a Taoist octogram with escrima stick fighters inside. Images of the sifus and founders on the side.
Technique and Training
On technique and training, Sifu Aaron Robitsch from Twin Dragon Kung Fu Academy elaborates on what students will learn and their expectations.
“There are combinations which are shorter and simple techniques that you learn, as well as different weapon techniques. For some weapons, in particular, you have to memorize multiple techniques of our staff and an escrima. And those are the big ones that we tend to focus on a lot during a black belt test,” said Robitsch.
“On top of that, there is conditioning. We want to make sure that physical activity is a big part of what we teach here. And we want to make sure that our black belts have air conditioning, so any high-intensity exercise cardio, they also need to have their kicking technique on top gear as well as punches; all that stuff, ”Robitsch said.
Expectations and Hopes
As the saying goes, a teacher is like a second father or mother.
As a “parent,” Robitsch also has many hopes and expectations for his students.
“I'm looking at this in particular, because I had a black belt, who just went away to college, whom I've had since she was seven. She's been here for all the years I've been teaching, which we're looking at roughly 13 years. And this black belt that I was talking about, she actually used to be one of our instructors for our younger kids or tiger TAs. And definitely one of the first instructors that I trained how to teach and so seeing her come a long way to prep. I would love to see more students especially girls because that definitely does need to be there needs to be more girl leaders in general. ”
“[I would like to see my students]Being able, to not just knowing self-defense and how to defend themselves, physically, but also being able to communicate and stand up for what they think is right, or take on responsibilities on their own as opposed to being told what to do. " Robitsch said.
Top right: Sifu Aaron Robitsch in the office of Twin Dragon, holding an escrima stick.
Bottom right: Maine Bilerdello on the mats of the Academy, waiting for training to start. "Students are taught many disciplines and how to respect those older than them. They are also trained to put forth their best work and exhibit growth throughout their belt ranks. " Bilerdello said.
“I try to teach them the best, with the most responsibility, as a parent would expect the best, the best out of each and every one of them. And it's not always going to be in self-defense, but it's always just going to be on just general attitude and behavior. But that's because I want my students to be strong, not just physically, but mentally, and emotionally. I'm definitely focusing on training, physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Robitsch.
Pedagogy
Student and Parent
Views
“Kung fu is an elaborate demonstration that not only appeals to the artistic aspect of life but also the self-defense aspect. It gives an individual the chance to express themselves, utilizing strength, grace, or both,” said Maine Bilerdello, a sophomore and a brown belt at Twin Dragon Kung Fu Academy.
Kung fu is also evident in the eyes of the parents of students and children.
“Not only does the Twin Dragon Kung Fu academy practice forms, but also Kempos, real-life situations. Intellectual advancement in the perception of one's body allows for the optimal growth in strength and awareness. In short, kung fu is an art that allows for self-expression, growth, and defense. All of which further increase the cognizance of a specific person,” Bilerdello said.
“I've noticed especially in the last year or so where she has gotten moved up to the higher belts and she has to learn a lot more combinations or testing is a lot longer as well. She's also expressed an interest in teaching younger levels and pursuing that to help out with the dojo. She’s made friends from other schools,” said Melissa Bilerdello, Maine’s mother.
"In short, kung fu is an art that allows for self-expression, growth, and defense. All of which further increase the cognizance of a specific person, ” said Bilerdello.
