Master Lu's Health Center

This is Master Lu's Health Center's Guan Dao form. Literally translated as "Spring Autumn Big Guan Knife," it is the 24th form we learn. It is performed here by Gary Whitehead.

Gary is an interesting person. He is often described as a cross between Jack Palance and Clint Eastwood only with kung fu instead of guns. He's hard as nails and trains regardless of injury or illness. In fact, he had open heart surgery in May of 2006, and was back in the studio within about 3 months. His determination and perserverence really is an inspiration to all the students.

A kung fu school is defined by more than its forms and techniques. The people and their stories are what really create the culture of the school. One July 4th, we were doing a performance for a local small town. We were on an uneven stage on the top of two flatbeds - pretty standard. It was hot and sunny as it always is in Utah and July. Gary was performing Guan Dao, as he usually does. When he went to spin it on his hand above his head, he got blinded by the sun and the Gaun Dao slipped off. It then bounced off of his forehead and back into his hand. Gary completed the form without missing a beat.

When asked about the incident later, Gary said, "When that thing slipped off, I wondered, 'Where'd it go?' And when it hit my head, I thought, 'Oh, there it is.'" That pretty much sums up Gary.