Chans Martial Arts News
CMA 22-03 9th Sept 2022
Sydney Camp: Tai Chi Chuan
We had a wonderful seminar in Sydney by ShiYe Michael in July. It was great to be back in Sydney after having to cancel it for the last two years because of Covid-19. ShiYe talked about correct timing, ‘Qi-Jing-Shen’ in relation to the ‘three Dantians’, the moving steps in the 6 exercises and ‘Shao Lu’.
Inspired by what I had heard in Sydney, I have broken down the practice of pushing hands further into six progressive parts. The 1st and 2nd are just rotations without partners. The 3rd is synchronising with a partner without physically engaging. The 4th is the fixed pushing hands drills. The 5th is engaging and following the partner without attacking. The 6th is the free pushing hands with the usual rules of engagement. This should help most students develop more understanding and skills to achieve proper free pushing hands.
Sydney Camp: Shao Chi Chuan
We worked on focusing, visualising, harmonising breathing, leveraging, rounding and stabilising. The reviewed patterns, the level drills and attack and counter drills on body shields for feedback.
The Black Belts worked on feinting, reading and following up. We also worked on the Circle Form and energy revival after the Pressure points attacks.
As usual, we enjoyed the many delectable culinary delights of Sydney that weekend.
Annual Camp - Auckland
We just had another great camp at the super facility at AUT North Campus. About a hundred people came from Sydney, Invercargill, Dunedin, Canterbury, Nelson, Blenheim, Wellington and Auckland. Camp commander, Master Mike Kinney, and his able assistants did a wonderful job organising everything. Our talented Auckland members led by Chef Renato prepared and served a very yummy lunch.
We also like to thank Master Bruce Lord, Mr Wai Hoe Chan, Mr David McQueen, Mr Nic Morrison, Mr Chris McKenzie, Mr Anthony Pyers and Miss Kirsty Petersen, Mr Rowan Findley & Mr Theuns Verwoerd as well as all the others who helped to run it. Finally, we thank everyone who took the time and effort to attend the camp and made it such a special event.
One of the highlights of the camp was the introduction of the new PSF drills. This is a slightly different way of looking at our training. Some drills are new and others are old ones reclassified under this group. PSF represents Position, Stability & Feel. These drills are to be performed with the best control possible. Therefore speed, power and competition are not the objectives, unlike STD & RPF Drills. However, training in PSF should lead to improvement in STD and RPF Drills.
The Black Belts worked on Qi circulation, energy revival after pressure points knock-outs, hand trapping drills, the Circle Form and the six progressive pushing hands drills.
We also talked about protocols in drills to enhance mental focus and the need to be vigilant against the possibility of bullying and any kind of abuse in our organisation.
Everyone participated with enthusiasm and seem to have enjoyed all aspects of the training. The nominated candidates for Black Belt grading were put through their paces as per usual, to assess whether they are worthy to be confirmed as candidates. We are happy to report that they proved to have an excellent attitude and were well prepared.
The camp dinner was a happy event with some family members and Mr Neil Dwight joining us for it. It was great for everyone to relax and catch up with old colleagues and acquaint themselves with new ones.
Candidates for Black Belt Grading
We are happy to invite the following candidates to grade this year after considering their attitude, technical knowledge & ability, participation and service. We wish them the best at the Black Belt Grading.
Candidates for 1st Degree:
Brendan Paris - HQ
David Joker - HQ
George Tsingos - Sydney
Michele Trott - Lincoln
Poppy Cuthbert - Lincoln
Mandy Simpson - Lower Hutt
James Day - West Melton
Zahra Shahtahmabesi - North Shore, Auckland
Candidates for 2nd Degree:
Mr Joseph Van Zoomeran - North Shore, Auckland
Mr Steven Taylor - Invercargill
Mr Keith Van Niekerk - Lower Hutt
Mr Scott Connelly - University of Canterbury
Ms Kirsty Petersen - Parklands
Candidates for 4th Degree:
Mr Kirk Maxwell - Whangaparoa
Mr Craig Allan - North Shore, Auckland
Mr Alan Logan - HQ
Farewell to Mr Alistair Kidd
Sadly, we had to bid farewell to Mr Alistair Kidd on the 7th of September who passed away suddenly. A good number of Chans people were at the funeral with Mr John Avei giving a very good eulogy to Alistair on our behalf.
In his younger days, Alistair was a very talented professional golfer and had played with some of the greats in the game. He was a very hardworking and astute businessman which made him quite wealthy.
When Alistair was introduced by Mr John Avei to Chan's Martial Arts, he immediately took to the biomechanics we were teaching and felt that it could be beneficial to golf. From then on he never stopped promoting Chan's Martial Arts. Alistair was awarded an honorary Black Belt for his services to Chans Martial Arts in 2013.
Even though he had a fiery temper when he felt he was wronged, he was always extremely kind and helpful to those in need. He was always friendly to everyone at training and we will remember his iconic “Helloooo!,” funny jokes and crushing handshakes fondly. We have indeed lost a true friend and patron.
Alexandra & North Canterbury
Mr Mike Spekreijse has just started a Tai Chi Chuan class in Alexandra and has enrolled a handful of students already. The class should have great potential.
Mr Anthony Pyers has taken over the steadily growing North Canterbury branch from Mr David McQueen. Mr McQueen is stepping aside to spend more time with his young family and to run his own new electrical service business. Mr Jimmy Lawson will assist Mr Pyers as he has with Mr McQueen.
We wish Mr Spekreijse and Mr Pyers the very best of success.
Best wishes for your training and hope to see you at the regional seminars and Black Belt Grading in November.
Keep safe, train well & may Qi be with you,
Grandmaster SC Chan