Chans Martial Arts News
CMA 19-04 11th Dec 2019
2019
2019 has been a very good year for us. We gained a lot of keen new students at HQ and various other branches. Mr Kirk Maxwell 3rd degree, has returned to active training and established a new branch at Whangaparoa. We also have Mr Brent Drake 4th degree, Mr Rino Adair and Mr Guy Kendall come back to train Tai Chi Chuan in the late classes at HQ. We had a good tournament, great camp and many successful seminars throughout the year. The China trip was also an unforgettable experience for those on the tour.
This year we have clearly defined our training aims: that is changing the habits from practicing hard traditional martial arts to Shao Chi Chuan: a system based on Tai Chi Chuan principles. It is satisfying to see that many of the senior people are able to understand and embrace this.
As for Tai Chi Chuan, with the regular sessions with Prof. Yek and ShiYe Michael, I certainly made a lot of breakthroughs and is more excited than ever about training. The emphasis on teaching Tai Chi Chuan principles and not just the moves have greatly improved how the whole spectrum of our students and instructors are developing. Everyone seems to be more motivated to train regularly.
China Trip
Our pilgrimage to Wudan Shan & Huang Tai Shi’s Memorial Hall was much better than and of us anticipated. We were warmly received by the committee at Huang Tai Shi’s Memorial Hall and had the opportunity to pay homage to the direct source of the knowledge and skill of Yek Tai Shi.
Wudan greeted us with the enchanting clouds that shrouded the rustic old buildings perched on dramatic landscapes that most of us only dreamt about. Tai Shi said that the environment of Wudan Shan definitely contributed to the founding of Tai Chi Chuan. He also followed by saying that New Zealand has an equally good environment to train Tai Chi Chuan and we should make the most of it. It is highly likely that we will revisit Wudan in around five years’ time.
Black Belt Grading
The Black Belt grading was a very successful event even though we had a relatively small number of candidates compared to the last few years. What we lacked in numbers this year was compensated by the spirit and preparation of the candidates. More than half of them had to overcome very challenging odds to reach the level of skill, mental and physical condition required to succeed at the grading. They have not only performed with great courage & endurance, but also validated their responsibility, patience & humility.
We are very happy to promote the following to:
2nd Degree
Ms Amanda Ellis - Parklands, Christchurch
1st Degree:
Zane Thompson - HQ
Lois Bason - HQ
Lexi Clarkson - HQ
Carl Beuke - Kelburn, Wellington
Daegal Hodgson - Nelson
Craig Fisher - North Shore, Auckland
This year we have added to our requirements for the advanced levels; so as to test the candidate’s understanding of the core concepts of our system. This is consistent with our quest for the ongoing improvement towards the highest level of martial arts. All candidates were required to write an essay on specified concepts, principles or techniques relevant to their level before the grading. They also had to pass an oral exam in between the physical parts of the grading.
As usual, there were a good number of Black Belts and students from all over taking part at the event. We would like to thank everyone for their support and help to make the grading run so smoothly. One hundred and twenty of us had a delicious meal at the Jolly Seafood Restaurant. There were probably over one hundred and fifty at the awards party which rocked on till well past midnight. It was great to catch up with everyone, especially those who travelled from far and wide.
Penelope Lake Award
This award was established to commemorate Penelope, one of our bright young Black Belts, who tragically passed away due to meningitis not long after receiving her Black Belt. Her parents set up this award which is administered by Mr Dave Clarke, Mr John O’Toole & Mr Anton O’Brien. This year they have awarded it to Mrs Ann Brussovs, the Parkland Tai Chi Chuan Instructor.
Ann exemplifies the Chans Martial Arts spirit as an inspirational instructor and a person who has had to overcome many difficulties with her health issues and other pressures but also as a student. Ann is an incredibly loyal student and fiercely determined to improve her Tai Chi Chuan. She does not make excuses when she struggles with her performance, she listens to her Laoshi with intent and an open mind at every lesson. Ann is very supportive of the whole Chans Martial Arts family and attends all our big events. She attends classes at HQ every week (even when under immense pain from MS) and instructor class without fail, she attends every Tai Chi seminar, every camp and every grading with a smile and uplifting spirit.
Congratulations to you Ann, and we hope this will inspire others to also achieve against all odds.
2020
2020 is going to be a very special year for us. We are poised to make even greater progress in technical improvement both in Tai Chi Chuan and Shao Chi Chuan and growth in student numbers to celebrate the 45th jubilee year for Chans Martial Arts. We can be optimistic because most of our seniors are very clear about the important concepts plus the improved teaching programmes & structures we have implemented. We will look forward to more progress at the seminars, Tournament & Annual Camp in Invercargill.
Headquarters will have its last Instructors & Black Belt training on the 20th December. We will start up on the 6th of January for the new year.
On behalf of Chans Martial Arts, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.
Do take time to stretch every couple of days and train for a few minutes very day over the holidays. Keep safe and have a good break.
May Chi be with you,
Grandmaster SC Chan
Events
14th December:
Canterbury KF Grading
20th December:
HQ last day training
6th January:
HQ first day training
25th February:
Canterbury TC Ex Grading
29th February:
Canterbury KF Adv Grading
7th March:
Nelson* KF Grading & Seminars
8th March:
Nelson* TC Grading & Seminars
28th & 29th March:
Auckland SOTC Camp
4th April:
Invercargill* KF Grading & Seminars
5th April:
Invercargill* TC Grading & Seminars
18th April:
Canterbury KF Grading
21st April:
Canterbury TC Ex Grading
25th & 26th April:
Christchurch SOTC Seminar
2nd May:
Wellington* KF Grading & Seminars
3rd May:
Wellington* TC Grading & Seminars
30th May:
Annual TC & KF Seminars
31st May:
Annual Tournament