Chans Martial Arts News
CMA 26-02 16th June 2026
We had a very busy few months with a very informative March Sing Ong Tai Chi Camp in Auckland, and a good follow up at Christchurch seminar in May. Tai Shi was in the best shape he has ever been for the past few years. He was very happy to see the progress in the students at the gradings, even though he pointed out a major weakness in most students.
As for Shao Chi Chuan, we had a special seminar in Chin Na by Mr WaiHoe Chan to improve the development of skills and safety in practicing. This protocol is borrowed from the legendary Professor Dave Castoldi of Small Circle Jujitsu.
Besides the Canterbury gradings at HQ, we had regional seminars in Nelson, Invercargill, Wellington and Auckland. Grandmaster Chan also travelled to Greymouth branch with Master Bruce Lord for their grading.
At the end of May, we had our Annual Seminars at HQ.
Tai Chi Chuan
The Tai Chi seminars reviewed the meaning of ‘Dao’ & ‘Ji’, which in brevity: Mind & Techniques.
I elaborated on five of the ten points of Tai Chi Chuan covered by Tai Shi and ShiYe this year. Hopefully, this will help students understand how to work with these points. This was followed up with the rest of the ten points, so that students will have a heads up, and will be able to follow Tai Shi’s explanations a lot better when they are discussed. I also related the ten points to the problem of ‘Placing Moves’.
We also worked on the 42 Form, Fixed and Free Pushing Hands.
Shao Chi Chuan
We continued with last year's explanation of - Mind, Body & Technique. It is obvious that understanding the theory is not sufficient. Therefore, we will just narrow it down to just focusing on the eyes for the mind, and the legs for the body. We discussed how to train the eyes for the mind and the legs for stability, agility and power. These will be closely scrutinised at all levels this year.
Mr WaiHoe Chan reviewed the protocols for ChinNa training so that every instructor became clear about them.
At the Black Belt seminar we discussed how ‘slow is fast’ and other Tai Chi principles. We worked on the Concept Forms, Labyrinth, Circle Forms and pushing hands with these principles.
Tournament
We were very lucky to have great weather on tournament day. We had a wide range of participants from all over the country and many supporters. Everyone who competed had already shown considerable courage to sign up for it. They demonstrated good Kung Fu spirit and discipline. We should be proud of them and their instructors, who had instilled the right attitude in them. The organisation went like clock-work. We are very proud and grateful for all the officials who contributed to the success of the event. We already have plans to improve the competition for next year.
Children Forms:
Champion: Zlata Tatarchuk Lincoln
Second: Vitalii Smetanin Lincoln
Third: David Tiong HQ
Intermediate Forms:
Champion: Simon Schack HQ
Second: Ed Schuelter Lincoln
Third: Cathie Martin HQ
Advanced Forms:
Champion: Torrin Squires HQ
Second: Lauren Howell HQ
Third: Emily Toase HQ
Back Belt:
Champion: Reuben Clarkson HQ
Second: Scott Goodsir Nth Canterbury
Kids <10yrs <28kg:
Champion: Sebastian Cooper Cashmere
Second: Hunter Culling Greymouth
Kids <10yrs <58kg:
Champion: Jack Cronin Lincoln
Second: Ruby Seinafo HQ
Kids <11yrs <39kg:
Champion: Indiana Chapman Lincoln
Second: Felix Rollinson Lincoln
Third: Paulo Jr Saul Cashmere
Plate: Daniel Colbran Cashmere
Kids <11yrs <46kg:
Champion: Issac Lim Remuera
Second: Mia Straker HQ
Third: Zeppelin Trotter Cashmere
Kids <13yrs <38kg:
Champion: Grace McPherson Lincoln
Second: Sebastian Priestley HQ
Kids <14yrs <41kg:
Champion: Alexandria Saul Cashmere
Second: Mackenzie Montagu Cashmere
Kids <14yrs <45kg:
Champion: Adam Lim Remuera
Second: Dan Tanner Invercargill
Girls <14yrs <66kg:
Champion: Kaitiana Speck Blenheim
Second: Zlata Tatarchuk Lincoln
Youth <15yrs <61kg:
Champion: Noah Dillworth Lincoln
Second: Cody Kingsley Lincoln
Youth <15yrs <74kg:
Champion: Charlie Cronin Lincoln
Second: Henry Wilson Blenheim
Youth <15yrs <61kg:
Champion: Noah Dillworth Lincoln
Second: Cody Kingsley Lincoln
Youth <17yrs <87kg:
Champion: Gabriel McGrody Lincoln
Second: Oliver Seifert Lincoln
Men Int. Middle Wt <84kg:
Champion: Simon Schack HQ
Second: Ed Schuelter Lincoln
Third: Daniel Lavelle Nth Shore
Men Heavy Wt:
Champion: Rio Dobbs Lincoln
Second: Ariel Rodgers West Melton
Men <78kg:
Champion: Lucas Faulkner Lincoln
Second: Torrin Squires HQ
Third: Michael Scoltock Greymouth
Advanced Women <65kg:
Champion: Caitlyn Norriss Lincoln
Second: Anamika Speck Blenheim
Advanced Women <84kg:
Champion: Emily Toase HQ
Second: Barbara Harpur West Melton
Advanced Men <88kg:
Champion: Pierre Broome Hornby
Second: Mike Smith HQ
Black Belt:
Champion: Lance Curtis Lincoln
Second: Rudy Rupp HQ
May Qi be with you,
Grandmaster Chan
Chans Martial Arts
Upcoming events:
Sydney Tai Chi seminar - 27th June
Sydney Kung Fu seminar - 28th June
Ladies Self defense seminar - 18th July
Annual Canterbury Quiz Night - 23rd August
Annual Kung Fu Camp (Blenheim) - 29-30th August
Auckland SOTC Seminar - 26-27th September
Christchurch SOTC Inst. Camp - 7-8th November
Annual Instructor Meeting - 27th November
Annual Blackbelt Grading and Awards - 28th November