KF Newsletter 2018-3

Chans Martial Arts News

CMA 18- 03 8th June 2018

 

Annual Seminars

The Tai Chi Chuan seminar was attended by about seventy students and instructors. It was basically a summary of Professor Yek’s seminar in Auckland a few weeks ago touching on mental preparation & sustained focus, relaxing the heart, spirit, Yi, body, limbs, muscles & joints, back alignment, stretching, Ren & Du channels, the 5 bows & Jing. We took time to clarify the confusion over substance versus weight, practised the 6 & 5 exercises, 42 form and ‘listening’ in pushing hands.

In the Instructors session, we worked on Yi in the 37 form, revised some moves in the 108 form and the new sword moves for the Level 1 instructors. We also talked about the right attitude in practicing pushing hands drills, particularly when attacking and neutralising. 

The Shao Chi Chuan seminar was also attended by over seventy students and instructors. We talked about mental preparation, focus, feeling, balance, breathing & timing. We practised basic techniques in the standard combinations, some Small Circle techniques & footwork in Chin Na using minimal physical effort. We also talked about the daily five minute supplementary training.   

In the Black Belt session, we discussed what is required for the training of Nei Gong. We practised the Labyrinth form, the Circle form and listening, attacking & neutralising in circling hands.

 

Tournament

In spite of the miserable weather, we had one of the best tournaments in recent times. We had about the same number of entries for fighting in the tournament as last year but there were a good number of Black Belts taking part in the Patterns competition, which made it more interesting. It was very beneficial for those taking part as they could test the new ideas taught at the seminars in their performance. We will probably expand the Patterns competition into three categories for Black Belts next year. It will be: 1) Labyrinth form, 2) Circle form & 3) Weapon form.

The fighting competition was even better than last year as even most of the junior grades were showing good tactical skills. The average technical skills were better again. This is an indication that the general class training drills are working well. It is most pleasing that there were very few injuries and that everyone competed with courage, honour and dignity.

The judging were very consistent and accurate on the whole. The referees did very well with their difficult assignment. The directors, coordinators and other officials again did a very efficient job running the tournament. Those given the unenviable task of judging the patterns for the first time also did well. We will make this easier with better judging guidelines next year.

The awards ceremony was a small event because of the bad weather and most people were very tired from an action packed weekend. Many thanks to Mr Logan for organising everything. Next year we will have a dinner & award afterwards at the same venue so it can be held earlier.

 

Tournament Results

Children Lower Intermediate Patterns:
Champion - Tomas Coberger - HQ
2nd - Maya Ricciardi - Nelson
3rd equal - Anna Coberger - HQ
3rd equal - Rose Chappell - HQ

Children Intermediate Patterns:
Champion - Isla Howell - HQ 
2nd - Alexander Lau - Spreydon

Intermediate Patterns:
Champion - Rudy Rupp - HQ
2nd - Reuben Clarkson - HQ

Advanced Patterns:
Champion - Manu Francois - HQ
2nd - Jeremy Elrick - HQ

Black Belt Patterns:
Champion - David McQueen - Nth Canterbury
2nd - Dave Lane - HQ 

Children < 10yrs < 35kg:
Champion - Rose Chappell - HQ
2nd - Shaoli Williams - Parklands
3rd - Olive Harris - HQ

Children < 12yrs < 40kg:
Champion - Aimee Planner - Nth Canterbury
2nd - Stella Bloomfield - Nelson

Children < 12yrs < 57kg:
Champion - Tomas Coberger - HQ
2nd - Moa Jarrari - HQ

Children < 14yrs < 41kg:
Champion - Braeden Murdoch - Spreydon
2nd - Abbie Haselden - Lincoln
3rd - Oliver Planner - Nth Canterbury

Youth < 15yrs < 47kg:
Champion - Leif McGunniety - Spreydon
2nd - James Day - West Melton
3rd - Michael Planner - Nth Canterbury

Youth < 16yrs < 63kg:
Champion - Jonah Jarvis - HQ
2nd - Max Sinclair - Winton
3rd - Fiach Gahan - Lower Hutt

Intermediate Men < 76kg:
Champion - Ben Francis - HQ
2nd - Kim Neal - Lincoln

Intermediate Men < 90kg:
Champion - Troy Keen - West Melton
2nd - Dougal Gilroy - Papanui
3rd - Zinta McGunniety - West Melton
Plate - Ben Francis HQ

Intermediate Men Heavy Weight:
Champion - Jose Tuhoro - HQ
2nd - Zane Thompson - HQ
3rd - Brad Turner - Hornby

Advanced Men < 75kg:
Champion - Manu Francois - HQ
2nd equal - Nick Scott - Papanui
2nd equal - Clayton Davies - Lincoln

Advanced Men <87kg:
Champion - Ryan Bucknell - HQ
2nd - Jeremy Elrick - HQ

Women < 66kg:
Champion - Lexi Clarkson - HQ
2nd - Rose Neal - Lincoln 

Black Belt < 73kg:
Champion - Victor McCarthy - West Melton
2nd - Daniel Cox - Spreydon
3rd - Nic Weaver - Lincoln

 

Ladies Self Defence

We are having our annual Ladies Self Defence seminar from 2:00pm to 4:30pm on Saturday the 16th June at HQ. We will have the assistance of several instructors and Mr David Joker, a highly trained Police officer. There will be no charge for members (please wear uniform) and their immediate family. It is $20 for the public. Sweat shirt, track pants & sneakers for non-members. 

All attending have to register by the 14th June (e-mail chans@chansmartialarts.com).

 

Sydney Camp

Sydney Camp is 14th & 15th July. Michael Shiye will be teaching Tai Chi Chuan on Saturday the 14th and GM Chan will be teaching Shao Chi Chuan on Sunday the 15th.

All of the training/dining locations are within a 17 minute walk from the Central Station.

Tai Chi Seminar: "The Ambassador's Room", The Embassy Conference Centre, 826 George Street, Chippendale 2008, NSW

Kung Fu Seminar*: "Banksia Room", Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney, 383-389 Bulwara Road, Ultimo 2007, NSW

Contact Suyi Laoshi (Reply to chans@chansmartialarts.com) with any questions or for advice on where to eat and what to see during your stay in Sydney.

There are many instructors and students who have enrolled to attend this camp already. There are a few who attend this event every year. We urge those who are available to consider coming to attend as the whole weekend is most enjoyable. Students and Instructors of all ranks and experience levels are most welcome.

 

Annual Camp

Our annual camp will be organised by Master Marcus Simons and to be held on 24th to 26th August in Dunedin this year. 

This is one of the most important events on our calendar, we aim to standardise our techniques and introduce upgrades. We also assess the senior students to see if they are to be invited for upgrading at the end of the year. Besides it is always a great to catch up and train with old comrades, compare notes and meet new ones.

https://goo.gl/forms/yIuZtVwKToLRj1p52 - Go to this link to find out all the information and to enrol.

http://chansmartialarts.com/news/2018-annual-kf-camp - This link will show the list of camp attendees.

It is very encouraging to see the development of our teaching methods and syllabus showing very noticeable improvement in both the instructors and students. It is obvious that our schedule of grading, seminars and camps is really working well. If we continue to work positively through the rest of this year, we should achieve a few very important goals. 

Good training depends on many factors. One of the most important is the environment in which we train. More important than the suitability of the training hall is atmosphere of the class. It is vital that everyone is happy, positive and respectful of one another. If we have that, then training has a good chance to produce excellent results. Otherwise, even with the best facilities and technical information, training will not produce and sustain anything of substance. I quote Professor Yek: “…you require a very high level of martial art morality before you are able to defeat others without a battle.”

I hope everyone will not only train daily but reflect on being more than just skilful and be a truly humble and respectful martial artist.

 

May Chi be with you,
Grandmaster SC Chan

 

 

 

Events

16th June: Ladies Self Defence at HQ
23rd June: Canterbury & Regional KF Advanced Grading
26th June: Canterbury TC Ex Grading

7th July: Kids Day Out at HQ
14th July: Sydney SOTC Seminar
15th July: Sydney KF Seminar
28th & 29th July: Nelson KF Grading & Seminar

7th August: Canterbury TC Ex Grading
11th August: Canterbury & Regional KF Grading
24th, 25th & 26th August:Dunedin Annual Camp

22nd & 23rd Sept: Canterbury SOTC Grading / Seminar

KF Newsletter 2018-2

Chans Martial Arts News

 

CMA 18-2                                                                                                           28th April 2018

 

We have had about a third of the year of training and things are progressing steadily. Wai Hoe Laoshi and I had the opportunity to pay respect to our ancestors in Malaysia at the traditional Ching Ming festival and also catch up with some relations and my old school friends. We then made short trip to the UK to catch up with Prof. Leon Jay in London and one of our senior members Mr Greg Williams in Cambridge. Naturally we discussed training and made some plans for the future.

 

New Training Centres

We have a new branch in Christchurch! John Avei Laoshi has begun teaching at Ara Institute of Canterbury (formally CPIT). The branch is very central so if you know students at Ara, or someone who lives or works near the CBD that would benefit from training let them know!

Fitness Studio W224
Whareora Block
Cnr of Babadoes and Moorhouse
Christchurch

Monday: Kung Fu: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Contact John Avei Laoshi: Ph. 021 1151 929 E. chanswestmelton@gmail.com

 

Kin Chan Laoshi also started a new Tai Chi Chuan class in Auckland. Let people in Auckland know who may be seeking the health benefits from morning Tai Chi classes!

Amway Business Centre|
6A Pacific Rise
Mt Wellington
Auckland 1060

Saturday: 9:00am - 10:00am
Contact Kin Chan Laoshi: Ph. 027 546 2426 E. skinchan66@gmail.com

 

Timeline in Training

Even though many students ask the question regarding how long it takes to learn a specific martial art to a competent level, or get to black belt, they are often dismissed as having the wrong attitude or given a vague answer like: “It depends,” which is not very helpful. It will generally leave the student to make up their own idea of what is an appropriate timeline which is usually extrapolated from their first year of training. This is not ideal as it leads to frustration or disillusionment when the chief instructor has a different timeline for the student.

Our syllabus is designed to make training very simple for new students so that they only have a few things to learn which can be used in self-defence. These techniques can be learnt to be practical and effective in a few weeks of regular training. The next few ranks adds more techniques and refinement in relatively gentle progression. 

From the middle intermediate levels, the techniques are slightly more demanding; each level needing about twice the time and effort to learn and make functional. From the higher intermediate levels the time and effort between ranks are three or more times than that of the lower intermediate levels to achieve the desired level of control, speed and power. The demands for the higher levels are even more pronounced as at 1st grade and the degree levels. 

Many students often assume that reproducing a technique is adequate. Unless the technique is natural, quick, powerful and free of wobbles; it is not good enough to be effective.

Therefore, students should understand that the timeline to mastery of skills is not linear. It is also important remember that time and effort spent in training is to be enjoyed. Those who complain about the time and effort needed to train, or insist that they are good enough when their Laoshi says otherwise, certainly has the wrong attitude for learning Kung Fu. After all the purpose of training should be for self-defence, fitness, health, personal development and enjoyment of the art rather than for rank and certificates.

 

Supplementary training

Sustaining two classes a week is a great effort for the lower grades but it is really quite inadequate for the middle intermediate levels and higher. As in academics, very few students can do well if they do no homework. Therefore, regular supplementary training is very important.

First you have to understand that your daily self-training is not the same as a class training; so the student should not necessarily think of spending 90 minutes in training. In fact, they should start aiming to train daily for just 5 minutes; beginning with a minute of stretching, followed by one or two techniques that need refinement. It is easy to under-rate these very short training sessions; but the regularity and focus on one or two things can be extremely helpful. It is important to find a time and place where there is little distraction and is sustainable daily. You should ask your Laoshi regarding what to focus on in your daily 5 minute training if you need help.

For the 1st and 2nd grades, the supplementary training will need to be further extended a couple of times a week.

 

Annual Tournament & Seminars

Our annual seminars and tournament is just round the corner (2nd and 3rd of June). It is important that students and instructor will take the opportunity to enjoy training together to compare notes on what we are working on. This year we will concentrate on Chin Na techniques besides our basic strikes. As for the Black Belts we will work on the Labyrinth & Circle Forms / Drills and weapons. For Tai Chi we will work on using Yi in forms and pushing hands. Please enrol through your Laoshi as it is very inconvenient for HQ for everyone to apply individually.

Tournament, is an opportunity for some students to try out their techniques and ability to function under stress. The result of the bouts or form performance are not as important as how they conducted themselves and what valuable lessons they have learnt from it. However, it is not always appropriate for everyone to compete. Your Laoshi will invite you to take part if they think it is beneficial for you.

I hope you will attend classes regularly, follow instructions, be positive yet humble & open minded and make martial arts your way of life by practicing daily.

 

Annual Camp

Our annual camp in Dunedin is also getting closer and closer. The camp will be held at the Kaikorai Valley College Gym (500 Kaikorai Valley Rd, Bradford, Dunedin). The college is about 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Dunedin (The Octagon). There is plenty of accommodation options catering for of all costs in and around Dunedin including camping grounds, backpackers, and a range of hotels.
Please book your accommodation now as well as flights as there are often other sporting events on in Dunedin during August. An online camp application form will be out soon with a super early bird special so keep an eye out and get in quick!

May Chi be with you,
Grandmaster SC Chan

 

 

Events

5th & 6th May:

Southern Zone KF & TC Grading / Seminars

19th & 20th May: 

SOTC Auckland Seminar

 

2nd June:

Annual TC & KF Seminar at HQ

3rd June: 

Annual Tournament

16th June:

Ladies Self Defence at HQ

23rd June:

Canterbury & Regional KF Advanced Grading

26th June: 

Canterbury TC Ex Grading

 

7th July:

Kids Day Out at HQ

14th July:

Sydney SOTC Seminar

15th July:

Sydney KF Seminar

28th & 29th July: 

Nelson KF Grading & Seminar

 

7th August: 

Canterbury TC Ex Grading

11th August:

Canterbury & Regional KF Grading

24th, 25th & 26th August:

Dunedin Annual Camp

 

22nd & 23rd Sept:

Canterbury SOTC Grading / Seminar