Chans Martial Arts News
CMA 24-02 24th August 2024
Sydney Camp
We had a wonderful seminar by ShiYe Michael who followed up on the May seminar on Qi training in Tai Chi Chuan. He clearly explained the difference between sinking Qi to DanTian and Yi guarding DanTian. He went into detail about a couple of fixed-pushing hands exercises and pointed out what to work on in free-pushing hands for each individual.
In the Kung Fu sessions, we introduced the standing meditation training and discussed the use of front, back, side & suspended stance. We also worked on leg-checking for the best outcome. The Black Belts worked on pushing hands, how to lead & follow, neutralise & attack and the Yin/Yang cycle.
Annual Kung Fu Camp
The Queenstown camp was attended by one of the largest numbers in recent years. We were lucky with the weather for everyone to get there and leave safely. Commander Matthew Nauschutz did an excellent job organising a wonderful venue, food, and refreshments with his most able wife Chloe. Many people helped to organise accommodation, transport and meals for various groups. Others helped with transporting gear from HQ and back. The seniors helped to teach and assess ‘students of interest.’ It was a very good team effort all around to make camp a success.
As usual, we revised and standardised our regular drills. There were improvements made to how we practice the side & spin side kicks as well as the round kicks. We also introduced the concept of different intent or Yi for different drills.
The more advanced students were asked to change their ideas about the definition of advanced skills in martial arts. How we train to generate power at the higher levels, is not the same as the beginner or intermediate level. Unless we are consciously working to navigate this transition, we will be unable to improve. Mental strength, different techniques, tactics and strategies, as well as immaculate timing, are often neglected in many people’s consideration for advanced training in martial arts besides strength, power and speed.
We are already looking forward to next years camp which will be held in Wellington!
Invitation to grade
This is also the time to name the candidates for Black Belt grading at the end of the year. The criteria for selection is based on many aspects, such as:
1) Theoretical knowledge of our system. This knowledge is essential for progressing to the advanced levels.
2) Competence in specified techniques. They need to be stable, precise, efficient, natural & focused.
3) Regular training, and assistance with teaching the junior grades.
4) Attendance of major events, (and regular BB classes & seminars for BB).
5) A minimum of 5 years of regular training, (after last grading for BB).
6) Recommendation from the Branch Chief Instructor, regarding attitude, protocols, conduct & the above.
7) Final approval from the Master's Council.
Some people are making solid progress, but have not fulfilled the required time period. Others need more technical development to get up to standard. This is especially so as we have just changed the advanced grading syllabus. We will be monitoring the probable for next year, or the year after.
We are happy to announce that the following are invited to grade:
1st degree:
Lottie Vinson - HQ
Scott Goodsir - North Canterbury
Mackenzie Aitken - Cashmere
Bhavesh Govind - North Shore
2nd degree:
Mike Barthelmeh - HQ
Jeremy Elrick - HQ
James Scott - Parklands
Cora McCauley - Lower Hutt
3rd Degree:
Rowan Findley - Nelson
Suyi Chan - Sydney
John Avei - West Melton
4th degree:
Tony Clarkson - HQ
Formal grading forms will be sent out to the Branch Chief Instructors shortly. Those who are unable to accept will reply through their Instructors.
Improvement in rank & file
From the recent gradings, we can generally see an improvement in standard as we progress through the ranks. This shows that the instructors are more clear about the requirements of the drills through BB classes, seminars and camps. We will continue to refine the techniques and improve how we teach them.
Changes for Black Belts
This year is a very important one, as we have made some major changes to our advanced syllabus. Through this, we can follow our fundamental principles more closely to train more sophisticated & efficient skills, rather than continuing with the emphasis on speed, power & athletic prowess.
The senior Black Belts can see the potential of this change. I am very optimistic that it will be well supported so that we can produce a good number of very special, highly skilled senior Black Belts in the near future. Change can be difficult for some. My advice is to be open-minded, positive, and focused but patient in your training for the best results.
May Qi be with you,
Grandmaster Chan
Chans Martial Arts
Upcoming Events
Sunday 8th of September - Quiz Night!
Mr Logan will be testing our trivia knowledge again at the annual Quiz Night.
Where: HQ
Cost: $30 a team (6-person teams), or $5 per individual (we can assign you a team)
Please let us know your teams ahead of time if possible
Members/friends/family are all welcome
The social club will be selling drinks
14th – 15th of September – SOTC Auckland Seminar
Remuera School Hall - 25 Dromorne Road, Remuera, Auckland
https://www.singongtaichi.com/event.html
21st of September – Lumsden KF Grading/Seminar
22nd of September – Invercargill TC Grading/Seminar
12th of October – Wellington KF Grading/Seminar
13th of October – Wellington TC Grading/Seminar
15th of October – Canterbury TC Ex Grading
19th of October – Canterbury KF Grading
2nd-3rd of November – SOTC CHCH Instructor Camp
Details TBA
29th of November – Annual Instructor/BB Meetings
30th of November – Annual BB Grading
7th of December – Canterbury KF Grading
19th of December – Last Day of training at HQ
Merchandise
2025 50th jubilee badges - $15
https://www.chansmartialarts.com/jubilee-badges
Hoodies - $75 (2nd order, please let us know your size before the end of the month so you don’t miss out again)
https://www.chansmartialarts.com/hoodie-1
Stickers – FREE (let us know if you would like one and we can send some to you!)