| Xiang Hua Chinese Martial Arts |
Rich Palanzi
I have had the privilege of training at Xiang Hua Franklin under Tony Cotillo in the Gu Yi style of Kung Fu
for 1 ½ years and in Tajiquan for three months. I am 54 years old and in moderate physical condition, with a
shoulder limitation. While I excel in low-impact sports such as scuba diving, I am not an accomplished
athlete. Nevertheless, I have progressed well and I enjoy it immensely. My strength, flexibility, coordination
and balance have greatly improved and Tony has patiently devised ways to work around my shoulder
limitation. Because Xiang Hua's teaching style is focused on individual students, I have been able to train at
my own pace while more proficient students have been able to progress at theirs. I particularly appreciate
that personal safety and injury avoidance is a top priority for individual, partner and group exercises.
I benefit from training in Xiang Hua's culture of high moral values, mutual respect, family, camaraderie and
fun. There is no doubt as to who is in charge but there is no rigid hierarchical pretense. Tony coaches
proficiency in all techniques and forms with understanding and allowance for different students' capabilities,
limitations and learning needs. I have experienced no undue competition or one-upmanship between
members, as is common in other schools. It is rather the Xiang Hua norm for stronger students to freely
assist others. There is no fear of pushing personal limitations if and when you are ready because you are
among friends who will encourage you and perhaps have a chuckle with you... but never at you. I know this
for a fact (:>)!!
Xiang Hua balances training in the physical, mental, spiritual and cultural elements of the Chinese Martial
Arts. I had a meditation practice and some cursory martial arts training when I began training under Sifu
Tony and both have been greatly enhanced. I work in very chaotic and stressful business environments
and I have found that my capacity for being grounded focused, aware and self confident has vastly
improved. As a result, in stressful, uncertain or fearsome life and business situations where others are
distracted or "frozen" to inaction, my own mind becomes quite quiet and clear and I can, apparently
intuitively and effortlessly, proceed to do whatever needs to be done.
I am very grateful to Xiang Hua and Tony for the competent instruction, patient personal coaching and
friendship that I am experiencing. For me, this is not about self defense, ego and "belts" or competing with
others. It is instead all about enhancing my own well being and preparedness to enjoy my life to the fullest
and to do so peacefully, with a clear mind, with respect for others, with great joy and with no fear or anxiety
of any kind. I encourage you to contact Tony Cotillo and give it a try.
I have had the privilege of training at Xiang Hua Franklin under Tony Cotillo in the Gu Yi style of Kung Fu
for 1 ½ years and in Tajiquan for three months. I am 54 years old and in moderate physical condition, with a
shoulder limitation. While I excel in low-impact sports such as scuba diving, I am not an accomplished
athlete. Nevertheless, I have progressed well and I enjoy it immensely. My strength, flexibility, coordination
and balance have greatly improved and Tony has patiently devised ways to work around my shoulder
limitation. Because Xiang Hua's teaching style is focused on individual students, I have been able to train at
my own pace while more proficient students have been able to progress at theirs. I particularly appreciate
that personal safety and injury avoidance is a top priority for individual, partner and group exercises.
I benefit from training in Xiang Hua's culture of high moral values, mutual respect, family, camaraderie and
fun. There is no doubt as to who is in charge but there is no rigid hierarchical pretense. Tony coaches
proficiency in all techniques and forms with understanding and allowance for different students' capabilities,
limitations and learning needs. I have experienced no undue competition or one-upmanship between
members, as is common in other schools. It is rather the Xiang Hua norm for stronger students to freely
assist others. There is no fear of pushing personal limitations if and when you are ready because you are
among friends who will encourage you and perhaps have a chuckle with you... but never at you. I know this
for a fact (:>)!!
Xiang Hua balances training in the physical, mental, spiritual and cultural elements of the Chinese Martial
Arts. I had a meditation practice and some cursory martial arts training when I began training under Sifu
Tony and both have been greatly enhanced. I work in very chaotic and stressful business environments
and I have found that my capacity for being grounded focused, aware and self confident has vastly
improved. As a result, in stressful, uncertain or fearsome life and business situations where others are
distracted or "frozen" to inaction, my own mind becomes quite quiet and clear and I can, apparently
intuitively and effortlessly, proceed to do whatever needs to be done.
I am very grateful to Xiang Hua and Tony for the competent instruction, patient personal coaching and
friendship that I am experiencing. For me, this is not about self defense, ego and "belts" or competing with
others. It is instead all about enhancing my own well being and preparedness to enjoy my life to the fullest
and to do so peacefully, with a clear mind, with respect for others, with great joy and with no fear or anxiety
of any kind. I encourage you to contact Tony Cotillo and give it a try.
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