Dan's Story
Daniel Ryman started training in the art of Shaolin Black Tiger Kung Fu in May 2006 at the age of 19. He began training because he had always had an interest in martial arts, particularly the discipline it requires and the way of life it promotes.
Dan’s Kung fu training was initially a private lesson every week with Sifu Paul Burkinshaw. Dan was a very shy student and preferred to have one-on-one tuition. However, once his confidence developed he soon began attending classes in Bedworth with Sifu Paul Burkinshaw and then with Sifu David Forsyth and quickly progressed through the Kung Fu grading system perfecting and enhancing his skills. Within a short space of time, Dan was training most nights of the week doing Kung Fu as well as weapons classes with some grappling and kickboxing to enhance his fitness levels. Besides these classes, Dan regularly attended monthly training days as well as any seminars that became available. Due to his commitment and hard work, Dan steadily progressed through the grades and has achieved his pre-black sash grade in Black Tiger Kung Fu in October 2008.
In April 2008, at the age of 22, Dan joined the RAF as an ICT Technician, because he was again interested in the discipline, the lifestyle, career aspects and because he had always been interested in working for the armed forces. He found that the skills and discipline he had gained from Kung Fu helped to guide him through the 9 weeks of basic training at RAF Halton.
Despite being based at RAF Cosford doing his trade training, Dan continues to train at the academy whenever time allows. Since his career has taken him away from his training, he has become more appreciative of the time he has invested in learning Kung Fu and misses the opportunity to train at the academy in order to further enhance his skills. He considers it a real privilege to have trained under Sifu Paul Burkinshaw and is grateful for the benefits that Kung Fu has brought to his life. Dan says “before doing Kung Fu I would have never imagined having the confidence to be able to teach even just a handful of students. Training has taught me self discipline, motivation and how to deal with every day situations a little better. I found it surprising how fit it can keep you as well. On a deeper level I have experimented with and enjoyed other aspects of the art such as Chi Kung, which I have found to calm the mind, increase intelligence and develop a deeper sense of spirituality”.
Dan is now hooked on the art of Kung Fu and says “it doesn’t really matter where I get posted, because I will always continue Kung Fu, I just can’t bring myself to quit”.
As time allows, Dan stills travels back to the academy for training days, one to one lessons and any classes he can make while here.
If, like Dan, you would like to share your story on how learning the art of Kung Fu has changed or enhanced your outlook on life, please email your details to Sifu Paul Burkinshaw.