Dear Friends, If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video must be worth ten thousand and this month’s newsletter is full of them. I’ve come across so many interesting things that I wanted to share with you all. Whether you practice Kungfu or Tai Chi, I think you’ll benefit from keeping an open mind and watching a few of these videos. And as always, from seminars, to competitions, demo’s and other activities, you won’t want to miss out on the action at CMAA!
School Closings KungFu Sash Test Tai Chi Seminar Series CMAA Interview on Talk 1300 USA Traditional Kungfu Team Kungfu Competition Chinese New Year Celebrations Recap Incredible Children’s Kungfu Routine Kungfu and Tai Chi in the News Kungfu Classics Extreme Healing Powers of Qi Traditional Chinese Kungfu Wrestling The Secret of Shaolin Kungfu – Belief
School Closings There will be no school closings this month. All classes will be held as regularly scheduled.
KungFu Sash Test We will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, April 2nd at 10:30am. If you are not sash testing you are still encouraged to come participate and support your teammates (no charge of course).
You know exactly what we will be testing but if you have any questions, check the Sash Requirements page on the website and feel free to clarify things with me during class. http://www.martialartsalbany.com/kungfu-sash-requirements/ If you are unsure whether or not you (or your child) are ready to test, please speak with me before or during class, via email at AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com or by phone (518) 755-7512. Remember, you will not “get” your sash at CMAA – you will EARN it! There is a big difference. It’s important you (your child) learns the value of their sash- the value of hard work! Let’s stay focused and step up our training so we’re fully prepared for the test!
White/Yellow/Green/Blue: $25, Red/Purple/Orange: $50, Light Brown/Dark Brown/Gold: $75 Black: $100
Tai Chi Seminar Series
CMAA will be presenting a 6 week course centering on the Wu Dang San Feng 28 Movement Tai Chi form. This short form is based on one of the crown jewels of the Wu Dang Internal Martial Arts – the Wu Dang San Feng 108 Movement Tai Chi form. This traditional long 108 form is taught by Dashi Jianye Jiang here at CMAA on Saturdays at 10:00. This 28 form offers an excellent opportunity, particularly for beginners but for the more advanced practitioner as well, to learn the original movements in a condensed format. The postures will be presented in accordance with the way Dashi performs them so this will provide a strong stepping stone in learning and refining the 108 form ( a lifelong pursuit).
Get all the info here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/tai-chi-seminar-series/
CMAA Interview on Talk 1300 I had a chance to talk with Melody Burns and Tom Nolte on Chamber Chat, Talk 1300 about The Chinese Martial Arts Academy. It was a very informal. I enjoyed just chatting about what we do and why we do it.
USA Traditional Kungfu Team Congrats to CMAA students Zack and Schuyler who qualified for the USA Traditional Wushu Kungfu Team! Requiring an 8.5 Zack qualified with a 9.43 in Pudao, and Schuyler with 9.47 in Eagle and 9.32 in Chainwhip! Athletes selected for the Traditional Wushu Team can represent the United States at the 7th World Kungfu Championships in Emei, Sichuan China!
Kungfu Competition
Coming up in May and July there will be opportunities to challenge yourself. Competition is a great tool to set short term goals, and hold yourself accountable to your training. Read more about these two opportunities below! You can do it, CMAA can help!
What: Kungfu Forms Competition When: Saturday July 15th, Where: Hopkins Academy, 131 Russell St, Hadley, Massachusetts Why: Represent CMAA and showcase your handwork and skills! This well organized, friendly tournament presents a great opportunity for goal setting, and gaining competition experience! Get it on your calendar. More info to come!
What: Kungfu Forms Competition When: Sunday, May 28th Where: Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center, 2 Convention Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ Why: Represent CMAA and showcase your handwork and skills! This tournament is larger and usually more competitive than the one listed above. However, it can also be a bit unorganized as well. This is not one a recommend for a first time competitor but for those who have competed before and want to challenge themselves! Get it on your calendar. More info to come!
Chinese New Year Celebrations Recap For anyone who hasn’t seen CMAA’s performance at the Egg for Chinese New Year, we finally got a high resolution version to share. Please enjoy!
Incredible Children’s Kungfu Routine This is a Shaolin Kungfu Routine known as “Tongzi Gong” or “Child Skills”. It help children develop superior flexibility, mobility and total control of ones body. Very impressive. Enjoy!
Chinese Martial Arts Classics I came across these two classic martial arts movie clips recently and really enjoyed them. Though both are from Tai Chi themed martial arts movies, there is no doubt that the skills are a blend of both Kungfu and Tai Chi. Either way, it makes for some exciting action.
The Secret of Tai Chi
Wudang
Extreme Healing Powers of Qi I came across this video a few years ago. Although it’s outside my scope of practice within Chinese combative and healing arts, I still enjoyed watching. I try to keep an open (and discerning eye), though I do enjoy entertaining the possibly of more than what’s imaginable.
Traditional Chinese Kungfu Wrestling As part of the Kungfu we practice at CMAA, in addition to the forms I also teach Sanshou (also called Sanda). Sanda emphasizes three areas of combat: Da - punch, Ti - kick and Shuai - throw (leaving out the 4th, known as Na – seizing (as in part of QiNa - joint locking). Many people are familiar with the hand and foot strikes but are less aware of Chinese wresting methods. If you are interested in learning more, please watch this 3 part documentary about Shuai Jiao – Traditional Chinese Wrestling.
Interested in learning more about Chinese grappling? Read more about "Shuai" and "Na" here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/kungfu-grappling/
The Secret of Shaolin Kungfu – Belief What is Kungfu? Well, its not simply a kind of martial art. Actually, Kungfu can be applied to anything you work hard at perfecting. Not sure what I'm talking about? Watch the following video. Still interested? Check out this article I wrote: "Why I teach Kungfu".
Summary As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!
Best,
Shifu