Monthly Newsletter – July
Dear Friends,
As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA! Please review the following information on:
School Closings Kungfu Sash Test Kungfu Competition Recap Student of the Month Profile – Brandon Liu Tai Chi Sword Seminar Recap and References Save Money with the CMAA Referral Program!
As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!
School Closings Please note we will be closed and all classes will be canceled Friday and Saturday (July 4th and 5th) for the July, 4th holiday weekend. Otherwise, all classes will be held as regularly scheduled.
Kungfu Competition Recap: Team CMAA Wins Again!
Lead by team leader Scott Beiter, CMAA participated in the The 2st Annual Kungfu Wushu Tournament in Hadley, MA this past month.
With eleven students participating CMAA brought home 10 Gold Medals, 6 Silvers, and 4 Bronze. This is compared to last year when with 10 competitors we took home 6 Gold Medals, 3 Silvers, and 4 Bronze.
Congratulations to all the competitors. It takes a lot of courage to get out there. Win or lose I hope everyone drew inspiration from the experience. Just like sash tests, the true value of competition is still self-improvement. All the fun and team bonding is just a nice extra!
A special thank you to Benoit for helping Team CMAA prepare and do their best!
If you are interested in competing, we will have another opportunity to compete in Boston at the International Chinese Martial Arts Championships (ICMAC) on October 11th.
Kungfu Sash Test Please note that we will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, July 13th at 10am.
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
Student of the Month Profile – Brandon "Ninja" Liu I’d like to introduce you to Brandon. You might not have had the chance to speak with him since he’s usually in a rush. Brandon is typically racing in to class after wrestling practice, and rushing out afterwards on his way to a soccer game. In addition to his athletic pursuits, academics and music also play a major role in his life (Bradon plays the viola, trumpet and piano). However, while Brandon’s time is limited he has managed to make great strides in his Kungfu! With about 6 months of practice, Brandon just completed in his first tournament and took home two gold medals and one silver. “Shifu: Why did you start Kungfu? Brandon: I started kungfu, because one day I went to see the class and I liked it so I signed up with my dad to get exercise and have fun!
Shifu: What is your favorite thing about Kungfu? Brandon: My favorite thing is that I can learn cool new forms. Also I get to practice with my dad anywhere. We were on a hike and found some long sticks and practiced our staff form! We also practice in the backyard. We sometimes stay up late practicing when I should be sleeping.
Shifu: Who is your favorite martial artist? Brandon: You! Lucas Geller is my favorite. I also like Jet Li and Donny Yen.
Shifu: I know you are a Kungfu movie fan (as am I). What’s your favorite movie (s)? Brandon: Dragon Tiger Gate and Ip Man. Also, Thomas The Tank Train when I was younger. Haha.
Shifu: What is your favorite food? Brandon: Potstickers or any Chinese food.
Shifu: What are your goals in Kungfu for this coming year? Brandon: Get more flexible and stronger and be able to do a split. Also lower my shoulders when I punch.
Shifu: What was your first competition experience like? Did you learn anything from it? Brandon: My first competition was nervous because everyone was watching the one person that performs but it was also fun because I got to learn how a wushu tournament works. Other Shifu masters performed and they were really good. When it was my turn, I focused on my form and blocked everything out. I had to bow to the 4 judges and they will score you on your performance. I also learned to bring snacks because it was a long drive and long day.
Shifu: Anything else you’d like to share with everyone? Brandon: I was in the movie Oz The Great And Powerful along with my whole family. If you look closely, you can find me, my sister and my parents.
I play travel soccer and my teammates call me "Ninja" because of my jumps and Kungfu kicks.
I recently ran track for a little bit and went to a NY State Track meet and I got 3rd place in the 1600 meter(1 mile) and 5th on the standing long jumps and the 100 meter.
I don't like to practice but know I have to!.....if I want to be good at something.
I like all sports, wrestling, lacrosse, soccer, football...etc and especially Kungfu!”
Congratulations on your progress Brandon. Keep up the hard work, I know lots more success awaits you!
Tai Chi Sword Seminar Recap and References Wow, preparing for so long I really hadn’t realized how much I wanted to share. There’s already been a request made, for a second seminar (or series of seminars), to continue practicing the various sword basics and exercises. I will try to include them in our class (if even just for a few minutes). I hope you found the information relevant and that the references prove to be helpful. http://www.martialartsalbany.com/tai-chi-sword/
Save Money with the CMAA Referral Program!
CMAA Referral Program- Easy as 1,2,3!
1. Tell your friend about our program
2. Your friend signs up for one of our programs
3. You get $50 on your account or a free ½ hour private lesson and a T-Shirt!
Summary As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!
Best,
Shifu