Among this year's blackbelt class of 2022 was our own Sijeh Daphne! We wanted to take this space to highlight Daphne's kung fu journey. Over her journey from tiger team to blackbelt, Daphne has consistently served as an inspiration to her instructors and fellow classmates. Even through hardship, Daphne has always successfully embodied the guiding principles we advocate for here at One Tribe. After overcoming alopecia and training through the pandemic, Daphne has remained resilient on her kung fu journey. We have posted Daphne's speech from her blackbelt test! Thank you for representing the school, Daphne!
"Hi, my name is Daphne Haury-Pua from One Tribe Martial Arts Academy. I remember how I was giving my speech for the first time at my first Blackbelt Test. It was interesting, to say the least. I would like to give a tremendous thank you to Grandmaster Wong and Master Chow for letting me be here.
My Kung-Fu journey started about 7 years ago when I was a VERY shy 5-year-old. Thankfully, I quickly came around. Flash forward to today, when I’m giving my 2nd speech at a Blackbelt Test. Now, a lot has changed since I gave my first speech, and the past 2 years have been challenging, with Covid restrictions, and starting 6th grade on a computer. I am very grateful, though, to have had my Kung-Fu community help me through it, even if they had to do it virtually for some time.
There have been a lot of good things, too. I remember I was SO happy when I found out I could go back to Kung-Fu in person. Right away, I asked my mom to sign me up for the very first class since the shutdown. Being back was different, and still is, but I was back, and that was more than enough to make me happy. I also started officially teaching, alongside my classmate and old friend, Maddox. I’ve become more comfortable with teaching students of all ages. It is kind of weird being called a Sijeh, but it does make me feel a little proud to be on this level and to be a good role model for the kids.
Shortly after the school re-opened, I was asked to be a part of the Lion Dance Team. I really enjoy having a smaller, closer family inside my bigger family. It’s nice getting to take part in performances and representing my school. I never thought I would love performing so much. I can see that it has become a big part of my Kung-Fu identity.
As I get older and more mature, I can see how much Kung-Fu has affected me, and who I am. It’s given me the confidence and bravery to stand up for my friend when she was being bullied by some 8th-grade boys. It’s given me the discipline and moral integrity to make good choices in school, and in everyday life. It’s given me the wisdom and concentration to strive to be the best of the best. It’s also taught me the kindness and respect towards other people, which can be severely needed.
I would again like to say thank you to Grandmaster Wong, and Master Chow for letting me take my test here, in San Francisco. Thank you to Sifu Mike Lee, Semu Rowena Lee, and their family. Thank you to Sehing Robbie, Sehing Nobu, and Sijeh Denise for teaching me how to be a teacher like them. Thank you to Sehing Kevin, who has left the nest, and gone to college. Thank you to Sifu Luke, and Master Barbosa for giving me a good workout. Thank you to my family, for the love and support. Thank you to my classmates and friends, for always being there when you can, and making my day brighter. Lastly, thank you to all of One Tribe, for being a community I can always count on. It means a lot to me to know that I have such kind and dedicated people to support me."
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