Chans Martial Arts News
CMA 23-04 24th September 2023
Annual Kung Fu Camp
The camp at Nelson was a great success as expected. The attendance was back to the pre-covid figures, which is remarkable given the present economic climate. We had big contingents attending from both Auckland and Australia, along with those coming from all the other centres.
Last year, we worked on Position, Stability and Feel, to give the feedback needed to improve techniques. At this camp, we highlighted a few very fundamental concepts vital to everything we practice. Firstly, we studied the optimal basic structure to be most comfortable for stability and mobility. We also considered the analysis of the relevant directions and planes in combat. Next, we worked on training the eyes and the mind regarding balancing, angulation, range finding and the fighting mindset. Finally, we discussed timing in the PSF drills to enhance the STD, RPF drills and real self-defence applications.
As usual, we reviewed most of the syllabus over the weekend. Everyone had the opportunity to work with students from other centres as well as almost all the Black Belts present. We like to thank the commander Mr Rowan Findley and his Nelson team organised everything very efficiently and made the camp very comfortable. We also thank Mr David McQueen and his team along with Mr Chris McKenzie who led the potential Black Belt candidates and the rank and file students respectively with the usual enthusiasm. Special thanks to Master Lord, Mr Wai Hoe Chan, Mr Nic Morrison and all the instructors who helped to teach or assist in any way. Last but not least, we thank all the instructors and students who took the trouble to attend camp to make it a success.
It was really good to hear a lot of very positive feedback from the instructors and students at the end of the camp. We are already planning next year's camp so that it can be even bigger.
Black Belt Invitations
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, service, technical performance, and keeping up with the ever-evolving theoretical and practical knowledge of our system. After careful consideration by the master's council, we are pleased to announce that the following are invited to grade for:
1st degree:
Luke Rossiter HQ
Tom Rossiter North Canterbury
Jana McQueen North Shore
Stephanie Hill North Shore
Charlene Wells North Shore
Renato Ribeiro North Shore
Simon Kitchingman Dunedin
2nd degree:
Corrin Vedder Nelson
4th degree:
Rodney Lambert HQ
Tai Chi Chuan Grading & Seminars
Most of the senior students look forward to the Sing Ong Tai Chi seminars with great expectations. Amazingly, we are never disappointed each time. Tai Shi’s essay outlined the fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan as mentioned many times before. The basic explanations should make sense to even the raw beginner and set the framework for learning Tai Chi Chuan. However, when Tai Shi elaborated on the principles and points listed, it went into deeper and deeper levels, for those who can follow it. The secrets of pushing hands are basically in the ten points discussed. We are very fortunate to have Michael ShiYe to break down the information into more easily understandable parts.
It is very encouraging for the instructors to hear that Tai Shi was generally happy with the progress made by those who were graded this time.
Ms Kirsty O’Connell
Kirsty first started training at the Greymouth branch and later transferred to training at HQ when she moved to work in Canterbury. She is very popular with students and instructors and is a good student. Kirsty was graded to 1st degree Black Belt in 2004. Unfortunately, she has been battling cancer for the last few years. Chans Martial Arts has been very moved by her plight and many who know Kirsty have been in touch to send their support and love. Mr Chris McKenzie took the initiative to organise a raffle in Chans Martial Arts for a punching bag to support Kirsty. We raised $2685 with Mr Findley winning the draw last Friday. Thank you all for purchasing the raffle tickets and donations. We are sure every little bit helps with Kirsty’s battle.
Chans Martial Arts in Queenstown
We are delighted to announce that Mr Matthew Nauschutz is starting a Chans Martial Arts branch in Queenstown. He will have support from Mr Daniel Cox (Queenstown), Mr Mike Spekreijse (Clyde) and Mr John Titter (Lumsden). We wish him every success. If you have any friends or family in the area let them know of the branch opening.
CMA HQ’s First Year at Iversen Terrace
We have now been operating our HQ at the new address of 14 Iversen Terrace for one year and our members have thoroughly enjoyed it in our new home. We have hosted several seminars, a tournament and many gradings. We look forward to hosting our annual blackbelt grading and prize-giving night again in November. We have been slowly upgrading and renovating the interior over the last 12 months by lining the walls so we can hang up pictures, installing mirrors and updating the lighting as well as other things. We have upgraded some of our training equipment like our Thai pads and we will soon be laying down new training mats permanently to make training safer and more enjoyable for our students. We look forward to continuously upgrading and making our HQ more homely.
Training at Chans Martial Arts
Training at Chans Martial Arts offers more than just self-defence skills by using the most efficient biomechanics. We also train to improve flexibility, fitness, strength and healthy bodily functions. We practice mental calmness, patience, self-discipline, good manners, confidence, good work ethics, teamwork and leadership skills. Therefore, training should not only continue to improve our martial arts skills but also as human beings.
Enjoy your training with full focus and you should get the maximum benefits. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Black Belt Grading, Awards and Dinner on the 25th of November.
May Qi be with you,
Grandmaster Chan
Chans Martial Arts