RYAN GRAHAM
Observer Reporter
Marc Valois of Valois Kung-Fu has alway had a passion for the sport of martial arts and now shares his love of the sport through teaching. His journey into martial arts began in 1973 in Vancouver when he joined Kempo Karate.
“The big Bruce Lee craze was going on then and I just loved it and I’ve been in martial arts ever since,” Valois said.
A year later he would expand his knowledge of martial arts as he switched over to Sheldon Kung-Fu, which was instructed by Sifu Bruce Currie.
He says the Kung-Fu aspect was a big draw because of the style that’s involved.
“It deals with light contact and then right to full contact,” Valois said.
“I did boxing before and I didn’t like the no contact. In martial arts I’ve dealt with lots of weapons, different forms, fighting and sparing so its really good.”
He adds that martial arts has helped him outside of the sport as well.
“It has helped me with my confidence and being aware of everything in life,” Valois said.
He says that patience in martial arts is the hardest aspect of the sport.
“A lot of adults and kids give up on themselves because they find it too hard,” Valois said.
“Everyone wants to learn it today and it’s a long term process. You don’t learn everything all in one time. In this day and age they want everything done right away and it doesn’t work like that. You have to have time and work on it.”
Although martial arts is not easy, he says people interested in joining should not be afraid of trying something new.
“It’s all about just taking that first step and trying it out,” Valois said.
“Whether you want to make the time and effort to get there, that’s the hardest part.”
He began teaching in Quesnel in 1977 and says he was always interested in become an instructor.
“I love working with people and helping people improve and progress, so it was a natural step for me to open up my own school,” Valois said.
Every year he goes to the Canadian Kararte Kung-Fu Association convention with fellow martial artists Grand Master David Chung and Master Alex Atkinson to learn new aspects of martial arts.
“I focus on trying to make myself a better martial artist, teacher and student,” Valois said.
“I’’m there to learn. It’s all about broadening your horizon.”
