Matthias Klenk’s two passions in life are kicking ass and filming the whole process as it unfolds.
Vancouverites of a similar constitution can take advantage of Klenk’s decade-plus worth of experience in both fields beginning this weekend through a pair of classes offered via the Vancouver Park Board.
The Moberly Arts Centre hosts Amazing Shaolin Arts, July 9 to Aug. 27, and Acting Kung Fu, July 7 to Aug. 25.
Both classes are led by Klenk and both are for those over the age of 16.
“I can’t do your standard martial arts performing class because I’m not proficient in [mixed martial arts] or Jiu Jitsu,” Klenk told the Courier. “So I want this to focus on good looking, fancy moves you would see in old school kung fu movies.”
Klenk has practised kung fu for 12 years and studied with Shaolin monks in Germany and other martial arts types in Mexico. Outside of offering classes in community centres, Klenk also teaches privately across Metro Vancouver.
While the Shaolin training focuses exclusively on a particular style of martial art, the filming course gives students the basics in the worlds of kung fu, moviemaking and fight choreography.
Klenk describes Acting Kung Fu as being akin to an entry-level position in a corporation — it’s a long way to the top, there are no shortcuts and it could hurt on the way up.
The end goal for students is to understand the basics of fight choreography and pacing, while gleaning an elementary grasp on kung fu. A 10-minute short film at the end of the course would be just gravy, Klenk added.
“It’s very complicated. I’ve trained in kung fu for 12 or more years and I still think I’m no good,” Klenk said. “So to train for three months is a bit ambitious. But what I want them to get out of it is so that they have the tools to be their own choreographers.”
Klenk’s journey with kung fu took root in the early 2000s in his native Germany. He continues training today with a Mexican sifu — a life-long coach and spiritual advisor — named José Guillen.
Klenk explained the sifu designation is earned, rather than given or anointed upon oneself. Someone with that designation only passes it on to others who are at an advanced stage in training their mind, body and spirit.
“In traditional kung fu, your teacher is your teacher for life. I still talk to [Guillen] and still go down to Mexico to train with him. He may not be Chinese, but the training in Mexico is very tough.”
It was while in Mexico training 10 years ago that Klenk got caught up in film. He studied in both Germany and Mexico, eventually earning a master’s degree in cultural studies.
So what’s the difference between choreographing standard fight scenes versus kung fu scenes?
“The movements are entirely different and kung fu moves look way more unrealistic,” Klenk said. “In kung fu, there are many different forms from animals that you can use. There are way more things to add into the scenes than just punching.”
Klenk’s kick-ass courses run Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and the registration cost is $80. For more info, see mysunset.net.
@JohnKurucz
