The Northern California Chinese Culture and Athletic Federation hosted its first International Kung Fu Day and Carnival Festival on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Memorial Park. The first event ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and featured performances of Chinese martial arts, Chinese dances and music. Enrichment activities for attendees included traditional Chinese wellness demonstrations in tai chi and baduanjin, children’s kung fu classes, authentic food from local vendors, interactive booths and hands-on activities like spin the wheel.
Tharun Arya Mahesh, a junior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, participated in one of the early afternoon performances with his martial arts school, Dragon Rhythm Shaolin Kung Fu. DRSKF participated in two separate performances at the celebration: one simple showcase earlier in the day and another more technically challenging audition for a separate performance program in the afternoon. Mahesh, who has been practicing kung fu for 10 years, says that although his school only had three weeks to prepare, the students’ performances reflected years of dedication and discipline.
Dana Stokesberry, who performed as part of the Cupertino Kung Fu Club and has been practicing Chang-style tai chi under Dr. Daniel Wang since college, says her favorite part of participating in festivals like this one is watching the kids perform. As someone who works with children, she says she enjoys seeing a different side of children and child development than she normally does.
“When you see a bunch of babies running around with weapons, flying through the air, you’re just like, ‘Get it!’ you know?” Stokesberry said. “It’s the best because, I’m not saying I wish I was doing that at that age, but if I was, I’d probably be a really different person. It’s always really impressive watching the kids put their all into it, and whether the parents make them do it or they want to do it themselves, it’s just always a phenomenal show. So watch out for the babies. These babies know how to throw it down.”
Kenny Nacino, who performed alongside Stokesberry, says he enjoys watching the many different cultural aspects and martial arts styles at festivals. He says that although he was nervous before the performance, he hopes to showcase his group’s progress, as well as bring attention to their specific form of tai chi.
“There’s other minor styles underneath the more popular stuff that other people can try out,” Nacino said. “Also, just to show that martial arts can still be for everybody. Filipino people can do this. My white American friend can do this. The fact that it’s a local community event makes it even more special because there’s a lot of people who share that interest in martial arts here.”
