Newsletter 2025-2

Chans Martial Arts News

CMA 25-02 8th June 2025

Tai Chi Jian Course 

It was taken up by a good number of students, with a few on zoom. It is a challenging course, but those who are attending classes regularly are enjoying it and continue to make steady progress. 

Christchurch Camp & 30th Anniversary of Sing Ong Tai Chi 

The celebrations were kicked off at the Christchurch Camp in March. We had a very enjoyable dinner at the Jolly Seafood Restaurant in Wigram. Mike Puklowski Laoshi gave a brief history of SOTC’s development, and there was demonstration of pushing hands along with weapon forms by various instructors. The highlight of the demonstrations was the amazing Quick Fist performance by Michael ShiYe, and the rarely seen crystallisation of Tai Chi Chuan in the 72 Form by Yek Tai Shi. 

Many students had their forms graded, and the examiners were generally pleased with the progress. Tai Shi explained the essential characteristics of: softness, completeness, continuity and circularity.

Injury Prevention & Recovery Workshop 

This was presented by Ms Suyi Chan was very well received. People are still talking about the benefits and what they have learnt from it.

Women Self Defence Course 

This was very well attended. It was conducted with the help of our members, Dr Marin Taylor, (Clinical Psychologist), Mr Dave Joker, (BB & Ex Police officer), other instructors & students. I thought that the session was the best we had deliver so far.

Regional seminars

It was good to see the students making progress in Nelson, Blenheim, Southland, Otago, Fiordland, Auckland and Wellington at the regional seminars. Regional seminars are where we standardise our syllabus, and seed the important ideas that I teach at the annual seminars and camp.

Auckland SOTC seminar & 30th Anniversary celebration 

At the seminar in May, Tai Shi talked about not just practicing techniques ‘Ji’, but also cultivating ‘Dao’ or ‘The Way.’ ‘Dao’ can be described as following the principles and philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan, as well as the cultivating good temperament & morality. We discussed the using of ‘Yi’, ‘Slowness’ & ‘Relaxation’ in great detail.    

We also had a sumptuous dinner to celebrate the 30th anniversary of SOTC. Master Mike Kinney was the excellent master of ceremony. Various instructors demonstrated weapons and pushing hands. Tai Shi impressed us with the power of Tai Chi Chuan on the big Willie Laoshi from Sydney. ShiYe Michael showed us his incredible energy and control with the Quick Fist and Walking Stick Form.

Annual Tai Chi Chuan seminars

At the seminars last week, I elaborated on Tai Shi’s message of training ‘Dao’ & ‘Ji’ & ‘Yi’, as well as ‘Training the Body’. We discussed what to get out of ‘Slowness’ and ‘Relaxation’ in training the forms. We also worked on more detail in Fixed and Free Pushing Hands.

Annual Shao Chi Chuan seminars 

We also discussed the training of the Body, Mind & Techniques. The emphasis was to understand what are we specifically training in every activity. We also discussed the need to train technique 100% correctly with every repetition. We also worked on two versions of spinning techniques, specific usage of stances and multi-fighting tactics.

Some Black Belts who had satisfied the required years in training and service, were assessed in their performance in various items to ascertain their progress. We will follow this up at the annual camp, to see if they are up to technical standard, as wells as having the other important attributes that are considered for up-grading at some stage. 

Annual Tournament 

There were participants from all over the country, and the results show a good representation of placings in the competition. We are happy that the students showed good spirit and sportsmanship throughout the day.

I would like to thank the instructors, students, friends & families for officiating and supporting the event. Special thanks to Richard Beddie and team for the very professional cafe service.

We have a history of excellent tournament fighters who were very successful in various kind of open tournaments, locally, nationally and internationally. All of them first developed their experience and skills in our class training and annual tournaments. Our tournaments are still the safest place to test yourself, and learn from mistakes to become a better martial artist. As I said before the start of the tournament, even if you do not win in competition, you are still winning, by learning from it. 

Tournaments Results

Children <8yrs <31kg

Champion: Felix Rollinson - Lincoln

2nd: Kanbir Dillon - Lincoln

Children <9yrs <53kg

Champion: Jack Cronin - Lincoln

2nd: Ruby Seinafo - HQ

Children <10yrs <34kg

Champion: Zeppelin Trotter - Cashmere

2nd: Paolo Alexandre Saul - Cashmere

3rd: Alistair Stone - Greymouth

Plate: Leo De Wet - Lincoln

Children <11yrs <43kg

Champion: Adam Lim - Remuera

2nd: Isaac Lim - Remuera

3rd: Jackson Rodgers - West Melton

Children <12yrs <40kg

Champion: Dan Tanner - Invercargill

2nd: Bonbon Zhong - Remuera

3rd: Grace McPherson - Lincoln

Children <13yrs <58kg

Champion: Adithyan Rohini Abhilash - HQ

2nd: Hafez Safa - Lincoln

3rd: Hayton Gostev - Lincoln

Plate: Divraj Dillon - Lincoln

Girls <14yrs <58kg

Champion: Tiffany Norriss - Lincoln

2nd: Kaitiana Speck - Blenheim

Girls <15yrs <59kg

Champion: Anamika Speck - Blenheim

2nd: Sofia Kyle - Cashmere

Boys <15yrs <69kg

Champion: Oli Seifert - Lincoln

2nd: Charlie Cronin - Lincoln

Men Intermediate <64kg

Champion: Taras Natalenko - Lincoln

2nd: Jean Paolo Saul - Cashmere

Women <87kg

Champion: Marissa Holder - Remuera

2nd: Tinglan Gou - Remuera

3rd: Sophie Chen - Queenstown

Men Intermediate <91kg

Champion: Jackson Allred - HQ

2nd: Simon Schack - HQ

3rd: Lucas Faulkner - Lincoln

Plate: Reggie Gregory-Allen - Remuera

Men <72kg

Champion: Janno Pieterse - North Canterbury

2nd: Reuben Wilson - Blenheim

Men Masters <89kg

Champion: Daniel Reeve - West Melton

2nd: Richard Beddie - HQ

3rd: Brendan Sidwell - Nelson

Plate: Michael Smith - HQ

Men Heavy Weight

Champion: Lance Trotter - Cashmere

2nd: Ariel Rodgers - West Melton

3rd: Aaron Carson - Invercargill

Black Belt

Champion: Matthew Nauschutz - Queenstown

2nd: Lance Curtis - Lincoln

Forms Competition

Children White & Yellow Sash

Champion: Vitalii Smetanin - Lincoln

2nd: Robert Hughes - HQ

3rd: Luke Hughes - HQ

Children Orange Sash

Champion: Bonbon Zhong - Remuera

2nd: Alex Straker - HQ

3rd equal: Adam Lim - Remuera

3rd equal: Ruby Seinafo - HQ

Children Green tip & Green Sash

Champion: Zlata Tatarchuk - Lincoln

2nd: Alistair Stone - Greymouth

3rd: Grace McPherson - Lincoln

Intermediate

Champion: Jackson Allred - HQ

2nd: Joshua Hopkins - Queenstown

3rd: Cathie Martin - HQ

Advanced

Champion: Reuben Clarkson - HQ

2nd equal: Lottie Harris - HQ

2nd equal: Brendan Sidwell - Nelson

3rd: Matt Newby - North Canterbury 

The tournament was very well organised and ran smoothly, except for a minor mix up, with two students having the same first name and initial for surname. We always review the event with the senior officials, and discuss how we can improve processes to make the competition fairer and safer for our students in the future. 

Annual Camp

Annual camp in Wellington is the next important event on our calendar. At camp we standardise how instructors administer of the syllabus, introduce improvements, and occasionally new drills or techniques. We have a good look at our potential candidates for probable higher-level grading. It is also where we catch up with old colleagues, compare notes on training and have a great time. We have long list of attendees already. Do sign up as soon as possible, if you have not done so already.

https://forms.gle/jBhfN2mJg7Bqb4cg6

Chans Martial Arts 50th Anniversary Dinner & Awards

We are having the dinner & award at the same location to celebrate this landmark year. We have many students from way back interested in attending this special event. I hope you will all be there for this historic occasion.

Please register as soon as possible.

https://forms.gle/UutfBoPMUzpcoP4e9

Benefits of regular training

I have written a great deal about the benefits of training over the years. Besides learning how to defend ourselves, training can keep our muscles & bones strong, internal organs, nervous, respiratory, circulatory & lymphatic systems heathy. It also trains us to focus, and exercise our mind to keep it in good shape. 

For the older students, even as we age, it is possible to regain lost muscle mass, flexibility, and improve balance & skill. Therefore, it is very important to keep training regularly. However, you must be very careful to train with correct technique at every repetition, and listen to the body to get the best results. 

Enjoy your training, and see you at the next event.

May Qi be with you, 

Grandmaster Chan

Chans Martial Arts

Newsletter 2025-1

Chans Martial Arts News

CMA 25-01 18th January 2025 

Fresh start

Despite 2024 being another challenging year, we managed to make the most of it. I would like to encourage everyone to lift their spirits and take opportunities to progress in 2025. This year is especially significant with the 50th Jubilee year for Chans Martial Arts and the 30th Anniversary of Sing Ong Tai Chi and is cause to be reminded of how far we have come in our training together.

As with all serious challenges, we must try not to stress out for too long so we can pick ourselves up and tackle the future with positivity. Unrelenting stress can lead to serious psychological and physiological problems, but it can be effectively decreased by meditation and exercise. The results are best achieved, when the activity is enjoyed in a sociable environment. 

Our Shao Chi Chuan training fits the bill very well as we train to stay calm, whilst mentally working towards the objectives of the drills and maintaining focus on our body. The stretching exercises improve our flexibility, and also help with relaxing both physically and mentally. Training the dynamic combinations, speed-distance-timing & reaction-power-focus drills provides both aerobic and anaerobic exercise for combat fitness and boosting mental health.

Tai Chi Chuan not only provides gentle exercise, balance and fine tuning of the nervous system. It specialises in mental calmness to deal with both physical and psychological pressure. Besides being an enjoyable health enhancing exercise, it can be trained to be a peerless martial art. 

Besides the regular events on the calendar this year, we are introducing a special Tai Chi weapons class and a special Kung Fu injury prevention and recovery workshop.

Tai Chi Jian Course

This year we are conducting a Tai Chi Jian course starting on the 21st of January. The course will be conducted at HQ on Tuesday nights from 7:00pm to 8:30pm over 40 sessions. (Some Tuesdays will be reserved for Tai Chi Exercise Gradings) The first two sessions will be on the fundamentals of Tai Chi Jian. A section of the form will be completed in every six sessions, with all six sessions being completed within 38 sessions. The two final sessions will be for reviewing the whole form and the finer points about Tai Chi Jian. 

Training: HQ on Tuesday nights from 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Eligibility: Those who have completed the 1st section of the 42 Form. 

A) Whole Course Fee: $240 

B) Pay per part: $60/part (6 parts in all)

C) Zoom Whole Course fee: $120

Jian: Bring your own jian if you have a suitable one. HQ has a few spare ones you can use. We can help you order one later on, if you wish to acquire a suitable sword.

Please enrol as soon as possible as places are limited. Please send e-mail or text and pay through CMA account 03-0866-0381094-00 stating name and options. 

Christchurch Sing Ong Tai Chi Camp

Grading 1: Friday 7th March  6:00am - 8:30pm and 

Grading 2: Saturday 8th March  9:00am -11:30am.

Students Camp: Saturday 8th March  2:00pm - 9:00pm. ($120)

Instructor Training: Sunday 9th March  9:00am - 11:30am ($150)

Level 1 Instructor Training: March Sunday 9th March  2:00pm -. ($180)

Please mention (Zoom) if you are attending the online training.

Please sign up through your instructor by the 1st of March.

Injury Prevention & Recovery Workshop

Even though our training system is highly safe compared to most other martial arts, there are times when accidents or technical errors can cause injuries. Some of you may also have injuries from other activities or a combination of longstanding physical problems and limitations which affect your training.

Ms Suyi Chan

Registered Physiotherapist New Zealand & Australia

Saturday of 15th March

2:00pm to 3:30pm

Headquarters

$25 before the 14th of March 

$45 on the day

Zoom

Register your interest in this survey (https://forms.gle/sH5w7mCAgReGL1qD8) whether or not you are available to attend as she is collecting some basic injury data.

Women Self Defense Session

We are holding a self defense course for women on the 

Saturday the 22nd of March

2:00 to 4:00pm

Headquarters (14 Iversen Tce, Waltham)

Free for CMA & SOTC students and immediate family

$25 fee for members of the public

Please register for the course by the 14th or March

Reviewing Training Objectives 

It is important that we review our main training objectives besides maintaining good health. 

The first and foremost, is efficient self defence. We are not bound by techniques that are just traditional, or have unnecessary flourishes without worthwhile combat functions.

Secondly, our training must be sustainable without suffering unnecessary repeated stress injuries to our joints, as well as contact injuries, such as brain, bone and soft tissue injuries. Training should also not generate traumatic mental stress to students.

Thirdly, It should be practical for students of all sizes, gender and ages. Techniques should not only work for the young, big and strong students. Older students or those limited by injury are not required to do demanding acrobatics. However, this can be achieved by learning to understand how to modify their drills and techniques to still be effective within the confounds of their varying physical limitations. This in itself is an individual skill set which we can gradually work towards to improve our training.

Fourthly, our training is not just about fighting ability. We work hard on personal development, and cultivating a focused mind that is calm under pressure. We practice determination, patience, self confidence, tolerance and respect.

It is advantageous to develop the habit of training regularly. Regular and focused training will develop ‘the feel’ that is necessary for making gradual adjustments to improve. With regular training, flexibility, health & fitness targets can gradually be achieved.

Your ability to defend yourself when you are under attack depends on how well trained you are physically and mentally to respond to it. To have the appropriate techniques to protect yourself and disable your assailant, you must repeat and refine the moves thousands of times, till it becomes a reflex action.

May Qi be with you, 

Grandmaster Chan

Chans Martial Arts