CMA 20-03 15th Sep 2020
Successful Camp
It was unfortunate that there was still community transmission in Auckland and Waikato leading up to camp. As the alert levels were not eased, the Auckland members were unable to attend camp. As all flights were subjected to social distancing rules three of our Black Belts from Wellington missing out on camp as well. Air New Zealand also changed the flights of seven of our camp attendees on the Saturday of camp so they would have missed the Sunday sessions. Fortunately, Mr Scott Martin and Ms Amanda Ellis managed to convince Air New Zealand that we are one big bubble and everyone were able to travel home as scheduled. That is an excellent initiative from Mr Martin and communication skills from Ms Ellis!
I was quite apprehensive about how camp will run under level 2 restrictions, especially when we were over the hundred person limit. However, the plan to separate everyone into groups and the use of masks for all contact drills worked well. Camp commander, Mr Davidson, organised ample sanitisation stations for good hygiene and the use of three gyms to ensure that we were able to keep the adequate social distance.
A number of the sessions were broadcasted on zoom so that the people who were deprived of attending could still have some benefit from this camp.
The main technical item discussed was the further elaboration of the concept of ‘Jing’ and the use of ‘Yi.’ ‘Jing’ is often misunderstood as just explosive power. Even though ‘Jing’ can be explosive, just forceful blasting is not the kind of ‘Jing’ we want. Forceful blasting is to be avoided, as it will eventually damage your body. Your knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, as well as your heart and arterial system, will get damaged by forceful blasting. Our ‘Jing’ should be purely generated with ‘Yi’ alone and not with any physical force. Both Huang Tai Shi and Yek Tai Shi warned against the use of ‘Horizontal Force’ (forceful blasting) versus ‘Vertical Force’ (effortless Jing).
The other major topic was about training the mind for fighting. This is necessary to complement our largely technical programme. We discussed the 1) Determination to train 2) Commitment to fight 3) Calmness under fire & 5) Tactics & Strategies.
We also reviewed all the drills in our syllabus defining how the STD drills should be practised. Clear explanations were given to the Small Circle Principles in the Chin Na techniques.
We held a comprehensive assistant instructors course where we officially certified twenty-eight assistant instructors. The candidates for 1st degree that were nominated by their chief instructors were put through their paces as usual.
Even though it was wet and cold at times, the weather conditions were not unpleasant for most of our activities. The celebration dinner was pretty good, with ample servings of tasty food. We really enjoyed the venison and whitebait on the menu. Overall, we had a very successful camp despite the challenges. Well done Mr Davidson and his crew. It will be remembered for being quite different from the previous ones.
Invitations for Black Belt Grading
The candidates for the annual Black Belt grading are invited after they have had years of regular training and assessed on their attendance of advanced classes, participation in major events, technical performance together with the evolving theoretical knowledge of our system. After careful consideration by the master's council, the following are invited for:
1st Degree:
Nick Scott (Papanui)
Kent Gallagher (Greymouth)
Brendon Russ (Greymouth)
Charlene Wells (Ponsonby)
3rd Degree:
Mr Chris McKenzie (Cashmere)
Mr David McQueen (North Canterbury)
4th Degree:
Mr Philip Marshall (Kelburn)
Mr Nick Haslett (Papanui)
Mr Nic Morrison (HQ)
Training
Both Tai Chi Chuan and Shao Chi Chuan training are great for keeping you fit and healthy and will boost your immune system.
1. If you have a cough, cold or generally unwell, please stay away from classes till you are completely clear of symptoms.
2. We should practice greeting each other with our traditional salutation instead of shaking hands or hugging.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately when you come through the door for training.
4. Scan the QR code and sign the register for contact tracing.
5. We should practice contact drills such as Pushing Hands, Chin Na, Takedowns & Ground Fighting at level 2 with no more than the same two partners a session.
6. We will cancel classes if the situation requires it and you will be informed.
7. If you cannot make classes or classes are not available in your area, set 1 hour aside every day to practice a) breathing & meditation exercises, b) stretching exercises c) patterns & d) bag work if you have one.
Healthy Practices
1. Wear a mask when out and about at level 3 & 4.
2. Do not get closer than 2 metres to anyone.
3. Do not touch your face or mask
4. Do not touch door handles, handrails, countertops with your bare hands in public places, or wear disposable rubber gloves and discard safely afterwards, or use hand sanitiser if you cannot wash your hands.
5. Eat healthily with sufficient Vitamin C.
6. Get some sun every day or supplement with Vitamin D.
7. Prepare to have enough emergency rations for 3 weeks.
8. Try to keep active by taking regular walks, gardening, making things or playing music.
9. Get tested for COVID 19 if you have any of the symptoms.
10. Keep in touch with family & friends, especially those who are by themselves.
Focus In Training
Do continue to work on centre axis control, and on the ‘round’ shape to be more relaxed. Try to enjoy your sequential flow, leverage and delivery.
We must work on training the fighting mentality as soon as you are competent with techniques in the combination and pattern drills. It is always necessary to refine your techniques but this has to be practised with fighting in mind. The sustained mental focus in training will also calm the mind in a way that is similar to our breathing exercises.
We must fully commit to the development of ‘Yi’ - ‘Qi’ - ‘Jing’ to fulfill the full promise of “The Stress-Free Way.”
May Qi be with you,
Grandmaster SC Chan