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| Wah Lum Kung Fu Dragon, Knoxville |
I’ve previously posted photographs of dragons in the Dogwood Arts Parade. I didn’t know where the dragons came from and simply became intrigued.
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| Drums for Wah Lum Kung Fu |
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| Happy Buddha tames the Lions – Wah Lum Kung Fu |
I ran into them again at the Children’s Festival of Reading on the World’s Fair Park, which is where these photographs were taken, and learned that they come from the Wah Lum Kung Fu group in Knoxville and that probably some of the characters I’m calling dragons may be lions. There are different performances for each and each feature rhythmic drumming, gongs and cymbals and a Happy Buddha. They are to bring good luck.
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| Wah Lum Kung Fu lion mounts a stand |
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| Wah Lum Kung Fu dragon, World’s Fair Park, Knoxville |
The center also features Kung Fu classes under the direction of “Sifu Leroy Kautz (who) is a 7th generation successor of the Wah Lum Tam Tui Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu System.” He has won numerous awards for his dragon dancing and has studied under the world’s greatest Kung Fu masters. If the dance performance is any indication, his Kung Fu must be amazing.
I’d encourage you to look for an opportunity to catch one of their performances. It’s very impressive
