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