Newsletter 2024-3

Chans Martial Arts News

CMA 24-03 9th Dec 2024 

 

Black Belt Grading

It was a very good day with ideal weather and good support from people coming from all over for the event. It was unfortunate that there were a few candidates who could not grade due to various circumstances. However, I am sure they will be good for grading in 2025.

The candidates graded were well-prepared and approached the challenge with a very good spirit. It was visible that there was an overall improvement in the important fundamental skills and strengths. It is a good indication that the change in focus that was put forward strongly in recent years is working. The Black Belts should progress very well along this path in the years to come.

We are grateful to everyone who helped to run the grading so well. It was a great team effort which should be quite inspirational for those aspiring to get to the higher levels.

As usual, we had an enjoyable dinner which was at the Southern Asian restaurant afterwards. The awards are held at HQ with the drinks and music organised by Mr Alan Logan.

We are happy to announce that the following were promoted:

 

1st degree:

Scott Goodsir - North Canterbury

Mackenzie Aitken - Cashmere

Bhavesh Govind - North Shore

 

2nd degree:

Mike Barthelmeh - HQ

James Scott - Parklands

Cora McCauley - Lower Hutt

 

3rd Degree:

Suyi Chan - Sydney

John Avei - West Melton

 

4th degree:

Tony Clarkson - HQ

 

Mr Barthelmeh from HQ was awarded an honorary 2nd degree Black Belt for consistent effort and services to Chans Martial Arts.

Mr Ian Collie from Invercargill was the recipient of the prestigious “Penelope Lake Trophy” for his training spirit and contributions to the Invercargill branch.

Finally, Mr Chris McKenzie was the very deserving winner of the “Alistair Kidd: Instructor of the Year” shield. 

Congratulations to all of the above.

 

Rank & File grades

We continue to see a general improvement in standard in the recent gradings. The instructors are definitely more clear about the requirements of the drills. We will continue to develop the techniques and refine how we teach them.

 

Annual Camp Wellington 

The next annual camp will be in Wellington. We should have a wonderful camp by the account of the ones we had in the last few years. Do book your flights as soon as possible, we will provide information regarding accommodation soon.

 

2025 

Next year will be a special year for us as it is our 50th Jubilee year. Master Kinney, Mr Wai Hoe Chan and Mr Mike Barthelmeh are putting together a book to commemorate this significant passage of time. We would also like to have other ideas to celebrate this. Please relay your thoughts in a message to your instructor or HQ.

 

End-of-year potluck

The last day of training at HQ is 19th December with the last Tai Chi class cancelled. Potluck & BBQ at 7 pm. Please bring a plate or something to cook on the BBQ. Family & friends, all branches invited.

 

Start dates

Classes at HQ start from Monday 6th January. Kids Kung Fu will start on the 21st of January but they are welcome to join in the Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 pm classes from the 7th -16th of January.

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 

If we do not see you at the end of the year potluck, have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Do keep stretching and practising your patterns over the holidays so you can hit the ground running in 2025.

 

May Qi be with you,

 

Grandmaster Chan

Chans Martial Arts

Newsletter 2024-2

Chans Martial Arts News

CMA 24-02 24th August 2024 

 

Sydney Camp

We had a wonderful seminar by ShiYe Michael who followed up on the May seminar on Qi training in Tai Chi Chuan. He clearly explained the difference between sinking Qi to DanTian and Yi guarding DanTian. He went into detail about a couple of fixed-pushing hands exercises and pointed out what to work on in free-pushing hands for each individual.

In the Kung Fu sessions, we introduced the standing meditation training and discussed the use of front, back, side & suspended stance. We also worked on leg-checking for the best outcome. The Black Belts worked on pushing hands, how to lead & follow, neutralise & attack and the Yin/Yang cycle.

 

Annual Kung Fu Camp

The Queenstown camp was attended by one of the largest numbers in recent years. We were lucky with the weather for everyone to get there and leave safely. Commander Matthew Nauschutz did an excellent job organising a wonderful venue, food, and refreshments with his most able wife Chloe. Many people helped to organise accommodation, transport and meals for various groups. Others helped with transporting gear from HQ and back. The seniors helped to teach and assess ‘students of interest.’ It was a very good team effort all around to make camp a success.

As usual, we revised and standardised our regular drills. There were improvements made to how we practice the side & spin side kicks as well as the round kicks. We also introduced the concept of different intent or Yi for different drills.

The more advanced students were asked to change their ideas about the definition of advanced skills in martial arts. How we train to generate power at the higher levels, is not the same as the beginner or intermediate level. Unless we are consciously working to navigate this transition, we will be unable to improve. Mental strength, different techniques, tactics and strategies, as well as immaculate timing, are often neglected in many people’s consideration for advanced training in martial arts besides strength, power and speed.

We are already looking forward to next years camp which will be held in Wellington!

 

Invitation to grade

This is also the time to name the candidates for Black Belt grading at the end of the year. The criteria for selection is based on many aspects, such as: 

1) Theoretical knowledge of our system. This knowledge is essential for progressing to the advanced levels.

2) Competence in specified techniques. They need to be stable, precise, efficient, natural & focused.

3) Regular training, and assistance with teaching the junior grades. 

4) Attendance of major events, (and regular BB classes & seminars for BB).

5) A minimum of 5 years of regular training, (after last grading for BB).

6) Recommendation from the Branch Chief Instructor, regarding attitude, protocols, conduct & the above.

7) Final approval from the Master's Council.

Some people are making solid progress, but have not fulfilled the required time period. Others need more technical development to get up to standard. This is especially so as we have just changed the advanced grading syllabus. We will be monitoring the probable for next year, or the year after. 

 

We are happy to announce that the following are invited to grade:

1st degree:

Lottie Vinson - HQ

Scott Goodsir - North Canterbury

Mackenzie Aitken - Cashmere

Bhavesh Govind - North Shore

2nd degree:

Mike Barthelmeh - HQ

Jeremy Elrick - HQ

James Scott - Parklands

Cora McCauley - Lower Hutt

3rd Degree:

Rowan Findley - Nelson

Suyi Chan - Sydney

John Avei - West Melton

4th degree:

Tony Clarkson - HQ

Formal grading forms will be sent out to the Branch Chief Instructors shortly. Those who are unable to accept will reply through their Instructors.

 

Improvement in rank & file

From the recent gradings, we can generally see an improvement in standard as we progress through the ranks. This shows that the instructors are more clear about the requirements of the drills through BB classes, seminars and camps. We will continue to refine the techniques and improve how we teach them.

 

Changes for Black Belts

This year is a very important one, as we have made some major changes to our advanced syllabus. Through this, we can follow our fundamental principles more closely to train more sophisticated & efficient skills, rather than continuing with the emphasis on speed, power & athletic prowess.  

The senior Black Belts can see the potential of this change. I am very optimistic that it will be well supported so that we can produce a good number of very special, highly skilled senior Black Belts in the near future. Change can be difficult for some. My advice is to be open-minded, positive, and focused but patient in your training for the best results.

May Qi be with you,

Grandmaster Chan

Chans Martial Arts

 

Upcoming Events

Sunday 8th of September - Quiz Night!

              Mr Logan will be testing our trivia knowledge again at the annual Quiz Night.

              Where: HQ

              Cost: $30 a team (6-person teams), or $5 per individual (we can assign you a team)

              Please let us know your teams ahead of time if possible

              Members/friends/family are all welcome

              The social club will be selling drinks

14th – 15th of September – SOTC Auckland Seminar

              Remuera School Hall - 25 Dromorne Road, Remuera, Auckland

https://www.singongtaichi.com/event.html

21st of September – Lumsden KF Grading/Seminar

22nd of September – Invercargill TC Grading/Seminar

12th of October – Wellington KF Grading/Seminar

13th of October – Wellington TC Grading/Seminar

15th of October – Canterbury TC Ex Grading

19th of October – Canterbury KF Grading

2nd-3rd of November – SOTC CHCH Instructor Camp

              Details TBA

29th of November – Annual Instructor/BB Meetings

30th of November – Annual BB Grading

7th of December – Canterbury KF Grading

19th of December – Last Day of training at HQ

 

Merchandise

2025 50th jubilee badges - $15

              https://www.chansmartialarts.com/jubilee-badges

Hoodies - $75 (2nd order, please let us know your size before the end of the month so you don’t miss out again)

              https://www.chansmartialarts.com/hoodie-1

Stickers – FREE (let us know if you would like one and we can send some to you!)