Sifu Cierra Kerns

I gained my interest in martial arts from a very young age as my father encouraged me to learn self-defense. Years passed and I was never able to find the time to keep up with any steady program; however, my brother, Daniel, found the Northern Shaolin Academy and began taking classes while I watched in admiration.

Soon after my brother joined the Northern Shaolin Academy family, I followed in his footsteps and joined him in the Adult Kung Fu class as I was just entering my teens. Together, as brother and sister we worked in class and at home, training to be the best we each could become.

After receiving years of training I found myself being separated from my big brother as he went off to further his education at college. I continued to work hard and focus on my training to keep my instructors, and most importantly, myself proud and confident in my knowledge of kung fu even though my brother was no longer by my side.

When I entered high school I began to face the challenge of time management between friends, school, kung fu, and personal responsibilities. So I stepped up to the challenge and was able to balance my schedule so that my training would not subside.

Now entering my first year of college, I plan on keeping up with my training at school, maintaining my kung fu ability, and soon be able to come back to classes regularly during off periods. I also plan on extending my knowledge of kung fu to my peers by starting a club at college.

I came to an understanding and found that not only had I gained great knowledge and skill in Tien Shan Pai, but I had also gained a second family that would always be there to help and to listen.

I am very grateful to my instructors Sigung Norman Smith and Sifu Jamal El for all that they have taught me in not only martial arts, but in life lessons. I will use all that I learned from them to hopefully one day start my own martial arts school and keep the art of self-defense strong in those willing to learn.