Preying Mantis

The first time I saw "American KungFu Academy" in Alexandria, I was impressed. It was neat, and well represented with numerous Kung Fu weapons to be seen clearly through the large glass window. It also had a dummy with the school T-shirt on that was impressive. The outside was brick and glass and a very large Kung Fu sign was displayed at the top of the front of the building. Inside, the area was very spacious with plenty of room for students to stretch while others were working on technique or forms. Others near any of the corners of the large "Kwoon" could be working on Preying Mantis' version of "Chi Sao" which is called "Playing Hands" in the style. The Sifu, Charles or "Chuck" Perry, had his office in the rear of the building suite where a desk, copier, and room for gear and books to be sold existed. In this room, there was also a half-bath which could also be used for private dressing. In the main workout floor area, the walls were adorned with various Kung Fu pictures. One, which was very impressive, was a large picture of the "Wall of China" which caught my eye right away. At just about any time after 4 pm each workday, numerous children and some adults could be seen working on their Kung Fu at the Kwoon. More on the Kwoon next post.