Humans of Wing Chun:
Suhani Bhushan

The green t-shirt!

I am originally from Canada and now live with my husband in The Hague, near WuDae. I met my husband while working in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was truly love at first sight and although we have travelled the world together, we have settled in the Netherlands for the past 8 years.

Forming Deep Connections with Others

I think platonic love is one of the most beautiful things in life. The love we share with other people that doesn’t have to be romantic. It can be sharing the joys of life with friends, or that moment when someone does a thoughtful gesture and you realize they really know you. When friends share something that makes them think of me or when they send me a message wishing me luck with an everyday activity I shared with them: “To be seen is to be loved ”. Meaningful human connection is why and how we make it day after day and find the beauty in life.

Two years ago I was preparing for an important meeting in London when I noticed some problems with my vision. I put it down to stress but when I finally got it checked out I was sent to the emergency room where I was told that I was producing too much spinal fluid and that the pressure was attacking my optic nerves. After draining the fluid with a spinal tap the pressure continued to skyrocket and surgery was required to insert a drain. This process was terrifying for me but I had a strong support system in my husband, my family who flew in from Canada and my family and friends here who were willing to do everything for me. Unfortunately, a few months after the surgery we discovered that there was a problem with the drain and I had to have a second surgery to repair it. Although we were happy that it could be repaired, the fear of it happening again continued to haunt me and I spent another year in and out of hospital.

Working on trust

Due to my condition, I eventually lost confidence in myself and my body. Every time something unusual happened, I thought: what if I lose my sight completely? It was difficult for me to stay positive in life. By starting to train again, I regained my self-confidence. I became more agile and stronger, both physically and mentally. Thanks to the training at Wudae, I have become a completely different person and I feel stronger and in control of my body again.

My sister is the most important person in my life. She is three years older, knows what she wants, is disciplined and always encourages me in everything I do. Last summer I visited her in Canada and it was great to be together again. There I really noticed how much stronger I have become. I could play with my little niece and nephew and had the strength and energy to pick them up again. I ran around with them and enjoyed our time together. Something I might not have been able to do to this extent before.

If there are people who are considering Wing Chun Kung Fu I would say: just do it! The people at WuDae are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is cozy and open, which guarantees that everyone feels at home at this school and with the other members. This is truly a place where you decide when, how hard and how often you train. You follow your own path at your own comfort level, and you are always learning something new. Join a trial lesson and discover how you can start your own adventure here.

The continuation of the interview with Suhani will soon be available here!

Text and photos by: Robine Hillen