Monthly Newsetter - June

Monthly Newsletter – June

Dear Friends,

As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings Kungfu Competition Kungfu Competition Team Training Seminar Taiji Sword Seminar Student of the Month Profile Kungfu Sash Test New Chen Style Taiji Sword Class Save Money with the CMAA Referral Program!

School Closings All other classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

Kungfu Competition CMAA will be organizing a competition team to participate in the 2nd Annual TCKWA Wushu Kungfu Tournament in Hadley, Mass on Saturday, June 21 at 10am.  Yellow sashes and above are encouraged to compete.   Everyone is welcome to come and support your team!

Just like sash tests, the true value of competition is still self-improvement.  All the fun and team bonding is just a nice extra!

Please find additional registration information here: http://tckwa.vpweb.com/Tournament.html If you have any questions about registration please feel free to ask me during class, by phone (518) 755-7512 or email AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com.

Kungfu Competition Seminar Sunday June 8, 12:00 pm – 2:00pm. Price: $40 (Limited to 15 students, competitors only).

This is THE last chance to train with International Wushu Champion Benoit Denolle!  Please show your support and join us for Benoit’s final seminar before he leaves CMAA and the US!

Benoit will use his critical eye to identify exactly what you will need to focus on to win in Hadley, MA on June 21st. Taiji Sword Seminar June 29th 10:30am-12pm Cost: $25 (Limited to the first 15 people)

Learn the fundamentals of Chinese Jian (Straight Sword). From straight sword philosophy, and martial arts application to basic stationary sword techniques and Taiji sword stepping exercises, we will take the time to better understand Taiji sword basics.  Afterward, we will look at specific movements, postures and combination from the 32, 42 and Chen Sword routines, to better understand their similarities and differences.    

New Chen Style Taiji Sword Class Starting Wednesday evening 7pm-7:30pm, Shifu Jiang Jianye will begin teaching traditional Chen Style Taiji Straight Sword from the beginning of the form.  The regular Chen Sword group will continue with our practice, review and learning of the routine.  

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 – Max “Mad Max” Bruni I’d like to introduce you to Max.  It doesn’t matter if you come to the 5pm or the 8pm classes, he's often in both – on the same day!  In addition Max is also one of our fastest students, often dominating our games of Horse Stance Freeze Tag and Sharks and Minnows.  When training Kungfu it is easy to get caught up in the speed of the moves and forget the quality and clarity of the techniques.  Recently, several students have asked me to let Max help them learn their forms because they feel he does the movements very clearly.  This is an important foundation for higher level training.  Next time you see Max, say “Hi” and try to not get tagged.

Shifu: Why did you start Kungfu? Max: Last summer I was watching Bruce Lee videos on YouTube and I liked his moves, so I thought it would be cool to learn Kungfu.

Shifu: What is your favorite thing about Kungfu? Max: Broadsword is my favorite! Whenever I have time I practice it in my backyard.

Shifu: Who is your favorite martial artist? Max: Bruce Lee, Lucas Geller (Shifu), and Jackie Chan

Shifu: What is your favorite dessert? Max: Chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.

Shifu: What are your goals in Kungfu for 2014? Max: To work on my splits and butterfly kicks.

Shifu: Anything else you'd like to share with everyone? Max: I am so glad I started Kungfu. I have made a lot of friends. Shifu gives everyone a good workout and makes it fun. I also like watching his videos on YouTube. Kungfu has made me stronger and faster. I just ran my timed mile for gym class and got 6 minutes 27 seconds. I beat my record!

Congratulations on your progress Max.  Keep up the hard work, I know lots more success awaits you!

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

Monthly Newsletter - May

Monthly Newsletter - May Dear Friends, As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings Sash Test Recap Kungfu Competition UPDATE Kungfu Competition Seminar Tiger Crane Southern Kungfu Seminar Tai Chi Episode on Kungfu Quest Bruce Lee's Kungfu Jeet Kune Do  now taught at CMAA! Suzanna “The Aerial Princess” Diehl  Tai Chi Gala – With Shifu Jiang Jian Ye

School Closings Please note the following school closings and class cancellations:

CMAA will be closed on Monday, May 26th for Memorial Day. All classes are canceled.

All Kungfu classes will be cancelled on Saturday for the Longfist Kungfu Seminars on May 17th. All other classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

Sash Test Recap As always I wanted to say great job to those of you who participated in April’s Sash Test. Congratulations to those of you who put in the extra work over the spring break!

In addition, I would like to congratulate those who chose NOT to sash test. You too demonstrate self-control. I know you too were excited to get your next sash and move on to something new but with an honest self-assessment, decided to wait until you knew you’d truly mastered your form. Keep up the hard work, we will test again soon and you will be all the better for having waited.

Bruce Lee's Kungfu Jeet Kune Do  now taught at CMAA!

CMAA is the host of a very special new Kungfu program!  Learn more about Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do and the instructor, Shifu Steve Juman, here. http://www.martialartsalbany.com/bruce-lees-jeet-kune-do-at-cmaa/

Kungfu Competition Update/Date Change! CMAA will be organizing a competition team to participate in the 2nd Annual TCKWA Wushu Kungfu Tournament in Hadley, Mass on Saturday, June 21 at 10am.  Yellow sashes and above are encouraged to compete.   Everyone is welcome to come and support your team!

Just like sash tests, the true value of competition is still self-improvement.  All the fun and team bonding is just a nice extra!  Extended the Pre-Registration to May 26th

Please find additional registration information here: http://tckwa.vpweb.com/Tournament.html If you have any questions about registration please feel free to ask me during class, by phone (518) 755-7512 or email AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com.

Please note that if you have already pre-registered and can not make it to the new date then Shifu Binh will gladly give you a full refund.

Kungfu Seminars Last chance to train with International Wushu Champion Benoit Denolle! Please join us for two final seminars with Benoit before he leaves CMAA and the US!

Tiger Crane Southern Kungfu Seminar May 17 with Benoit Denolle and Shifu Lucas Geller

11:15-12:30 white sash-blue sash $25 (Limited to 15 students) 12:30-2 red sash and higher $35 (Limited to 15 students)

There are two major styles in Wushu: Changquan (Long Fist) and Nanquan (Southern Fist).  At CMAA we emphasize Long Fist as our foundation.  However, once you have earned your Orange sash you will have the option to begin learning Nanquan!  What is the difference? Great question! Long Fist emphasizes kicks, high jumps and graceful postures.  Southern, inspired by Tiger and Crane movements, is aggressive and powerful, and emphasizes low stances and fast hand strikes.  That said, there is no better way to decide which style suits your body type and personality, or just diversify your knowledge of kungfu than by taking advantage of this unique opportunity to get hands on training in this system!

Kungfu Competition Seminar Sunday June 8, 12:30 pm - 2:30pm. Price: $35 (Limited to 15 students, competitors only).

Benoit will use his critical eye to identify exactly what you will need to focus on to win in Hadley, MA on June 21st. Suzanna “The Aerial Princess” Diehl - CMAA Kungfu Student Profile

She embodies the spirit of “speak softly and carry a big stick”.  She comes in focused, and always works hard.  She doesn’t always get it on the first try, but she doesn’t quit until she gets it.  You know who she is, Suzy “The Aerial Princess” Diehl.

Shifu- Why did you start Kungfu? Suzy- My mom told me to, and I needed something productive to do over the summer (lame, I know.) My siblings were already at the CMAA, so it was only natural for me to join as well.

Shifu- What is your favorite thing about Kungfu? Suzy- I love how kungfu is a combination of practicality and artistry. It can look fierce, graceful, and epic all at once.

Shifu-Who is your favorite martial artist? Suzy- Bruce Lee (though Jackie Chan's movies are funny, so he's awesome, too.)

Shifu-What is your favorite dessert? Suzy- Apple pie!

Shifu-What are your goals in Kungfu for 2014? Suzy- I would like to-no, I WILL- get my aerial back!

Shifu- Anything else you’d like to share with everyone?"

Keep up the awesomeness, CMAA! If we work hard now, then we will surely perform well at the competition Thanks for sharing Suzy!  Keep up the hard work, you seem to understand the true meaning of Kungfu just right.

Tai Chi Episode on Kungfu Quest Fun and interesting episode of the Chinese television show Kungfu Quest showcasing Tai Chi, its philosophy and martial arts application.   Please enjoy the full episode here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/tai-chi-on-kungfu-quest-tv-show/

Tai Chi Gala- With Shifu Jiang Jian Ye Shifu Jiang will be teaching 3 different seminars at this year’s Tai Chi Gala, including: The 12 Directions of Dan Tian Power/Energy, 9-Dragons Bagua Push-Hands, Tai Chi San Shou 2-Person Application Set!

For May 30th- June 1st.  For more information about these seminars and many more, please visit: http://taichigala.com/

Summary As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best

Shifu

Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do at CMAA!

Bruce Lee's Kungfu Jeet Kune Do  now taught at CMAA!

CMAA is the host of a very special new Kungfu program!  Learn more about Jeet Kun Do and the instructor, Shifu Steve Juman, here.

What is Jeet Kune Do?

Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is an eclectic and hybrid martial art system and philosophy of life founded by the martial artist Bruce Lee in 1960 with simple and direct, or straightforward, movements and non-classical style. Jeet Kune Do practitioners believe in minimal movements with maximum effects and extreme speed. The system works by using different "tools" for different situations, where the situations are divided into ranges, including kicking, punching, trapping, and grappling, with techniques to flow smoothly between them. Unlike more traditional martial arts, Jeet Kune Do is not fixed or patterned. Through his studies Lee came to believe that styles had become too rigid and unrealistic. He called martial art competitions of the day "dry land swimming". He believed that combat was spontaneous, and that a martial artist cannot predict it, only react to it, and that a good martial artist should "be like water" and move fluidly without hesitation.

For more read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeet_Kune_Do And watch this video:

Details: Time: 2-3pm Saturday afternoon.  This is a separate program from CMAA’s Kungfu classes.  Class fees are separate.  However, CMAA students will receive a discount.  For more information, please attend the class, see what it’s all about and get more information straight from the instructor or Shifu Lucas Geller!

About the Instructor:

Steve Juman as a young boy dabbled in Jiu Jitsu Ryu and Tae Kwon Do, his passion and desire for training led him ultimately to the Unlimited Kung Fu Academy under Sifu Pete Miranda of Ft Lauderdale in 1992.

Under Sifu Pete he was exposed to the philosophy and combative training of Jeet Kune Do and Wing Chun.  During his time of training he was heavily influenced by some the systems great leaders of the arts such as Dan Inosanto, Paul Vunak and Francis Fong.  Steve’s training with Sifu Pete ended when he moved to Albany New York.

While attaining a degree in education at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Steve taught martial arts to local police officers, the campus security, and self-defense to college students. Most recently he has worked with an Arizona border patrol officer on close quarter combat.

Steve enjoys teaching and training; he is always finding better ways to help his students effectively express themselves through martial arts.

Newsletter - April

As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on: School Closings Kungfu Sash Test Get a FREE CMAA School Shirt! CMAA Referral Program CMAA Can Jump-Video!

Please continue reading for the details:

School Closings

All classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

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!

Sash Test

Please note that we will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, April 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

Kungfu Competition CMAA will be organizing a competition team to participate in the 2nd Annual TCKWA Wushu Kungfu Tournament in Hadley, Mass on Saturday, May 24th at 10am.  Yellow sashes and above are encouraged to compete.   Everyone is welcome to come and support your team! Just like sash tests, the true value of competition is still self-improvement.  All the fun and team bonding is just a nice extra!

Please find additional registration information here: http://tckwa.vpweb.com/Tournament.html If you have any questions about registration please feel free to ask me during class, by phone (518) 755-7512 or email AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com .

CMAA Can Jump-Video! Please enjoy a short compilation of a few of our students showing off some of their jump kicks!

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best

Shifu

Monthly Newsletter - March

Newsletter – March Dear Students,

As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings Sash Test Seminar Recap Student Profile Get a FREE CMAA School Shirt!   Save Money with our Referral Program

Please continue reading for the details:

School Closings All classes will be held as regularly scheduled. 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!

Sash Test Please note that we will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, April 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

Seminar Recap What an amazing opportunity it was to train with a national champion in the comfort of our own martial arts hall.  What’s even better is that Ben has worked with everyone before and had an idea of everyone needed to work on.  I know he was anxious to share his insights and technical expertise with everyone and I am very pleased that you took advantage of his time, energy and keen eye!

Just as when USA team member Brandon Sugiyama and USA Wushu Team Coach Mario Martinez came to visit, it was a reminder that BASICS ARE EVERYTHING!  What makes Ben stand out is his amazing ability to jump, spin and flip through the air.  However, I was excited to see that that was not the direction he chose to take our group.  Rather in the true fashion of a high level practitioner, he brought us back to really focus on the technical precision of the fundamentals.  Although it’s not always the most exciting part our art, the basics are the foundation of your martial arts training.  

FREE School Shirt! Write an online review at Google, Facebook or Yelp and get a free CMAA Shirt!

Student Profile

I’d like to introduce you to Brenna Paxton.  She’s the young woman at CMAA doing inside crescent kicks that are so loud you might have a ringing in your ears after hearing one.  She is hard working and detail oriented.  What you might not know, is that she is also one of the most positive people I’ve ever met.  No matter how new, young, old, fast or slow another student is, I routinely over hear Brenna genuinely praising them for their success, improvements and accomplishments.

Shifu-Why did you start kungfu? Brenna-I wanted to learn self-defense and gain confidence.

Shifu-What is your favorite thing about kungfu? Brenna-I enjoy forms, we get to work together and have fun, while learning and drilling the movements.

Shifu-Who is your favorite martial artist? Brenna-Definitely Bruce Lee. He is an absolutely amazing martial artist. I hope to someday be as good as he was at kungfu.

Shifu-What is your favorite kind of dessert? Brenna-Two words-frozen yogurt:)

Shifu-What are your goals in kungfu for 2014? Brenna-I NEED to get my aerial and a perfected butterfly kick.

Shifu-What have you learned through your experiences doing competitions, demos, and performances? Brenna-I learned to always try my best, and to practice until I got the form at my expectation level.

Shifu-Anything else you'd like to share with everyone? Brenna-Always try your best, and NEVER give up. The more you practice, the more you improve.

Keep up the hard work Brenna!  I look forward to seeing your continued success. Summary Stay tuned for more information on an upcoming Tai Chi Seminar, and new Jeet Kune Do Kungfu classes at CMAA!

Best,

 

Shifu

Monthly Newsletter - February

Dear Students Welcome to another exciting installment of CMAA’s monthly newsletter and another action packed month of martial arts! I got to say it last month but now I get to say it again: Happy (Chinese) New Year! Please review the following information on:

School Closings Upcoming Chinese New Year Performance Chinese New Year Performance Recaps Kungfu Seminar -Benoit Denolle Student Profile - Ben Delaney

School Closing Please note the following school closings and class cancellations: CMAA will be closed on Monday,February 17th(Presidents Day). All classes are canceled.

All Kungfu classes will be cancelled on Saturday for the Longfist Kungfu Seminars on March 1st. All other classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

Kungfu Seminar What: Individual Longfist Combinations (Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced). When: Saturday, March 1st. Beginner/Intermediate 11:15-12:30, Intermediate/Advanced 12:30-2pm. Why: Take advantage to train with an amazing Martial Artist and International Champion right at our very own school! Learning individual combinations and movements will become increasingly important as we advance in our training and look to earn our black sash which will require you to choreograph your very own individual Longfist and weapons routines! These are the exact movements you will look to include.

Cost: $20 for Beginner/Intermediate, $30 for Intermediate/Advanced with pre-registration by Feb 21st. $25/$35 respectively for registration after the 21st.

*Note: The classes will be limited to the first 15 students who register for each of the seminars. If you’re not sure which seminar you should take (or if you’re interested in both- just ask me and I will clarify what the major differences will be.)

Instructor: Benoit Denolle

As you may have noticed, there has been a new student training at CMAA since September. He’s the one who’s spear movements you miss if you blink, doing jump front kicks to aerial twists, and 720 tornado kicks. He’s the French native, national and international wushu kungfu champion, Benoit Denolle.

Chinese New Year Performance Recap! The word is out- CMAA is THE school associated with authentic Chinese Martial Arts. Not only do we have the most qualified instructors (if I don’t say so myself ;) , we have an impressive young performance group! Based on our previous performances at the Egg , SUNY Albany, RPI, Clifton Park Community Center and Library, Schenectady Gazette Parade and more, we are now inundated with requests by many local organizations and groups to showcase our rising talents! In fact, I have had to turn down several of the requests due to time and scheduling constraints. However, we have officially organized 3 demonstrations for the Chinese New Year (and have unofficially participated in several others)!

Please enjoy CMAA’s performance at this year’s Chinese Community Center New Year Celebration!

Upcoming Chinese New Year Performance at the East Greenbush YMCA!

Both the Clifton Park and SUNY Albany’s Chinese New Year Celebrations were sold out! If you have not gotten a chance to see our group perform live yet, please come celebrate with us in East Greenbush! Date: Sunday, 2/9 Time: 10am-1pm

Come celebrate the Chinese New Year as we perform the traditional Dragon and Lion Dances followed by Kung Fu and Tai Chi Demos. We will also be showing traditional chinese music and be giving the opportunity for kids and families to participate. Afterwards we will invite everyone to learn to do Chinese Calligraphy, Painting and Paper Carving.

Student Profile Ben Delany or as you may know him “King of the Dive Roll” has long been working hard over the past year CMAA. He is currently a blue sash and is working hard to test in advance for his red! Take a minute to learn a little more about you friend!

(Shifu) Why did you start Kungfu? Ben: I Started Kung-Fu because I had nothing to do mostly and It Looked really fun.

(Shifu) What is your favorite thing about Kungfu? Ben: My favorite thing about Kung-fu is Anything that has to do with running or moving like Dive rolls, cartwheels, and Butterfly kicks.

(Shifu) Who is your favorite martial artist? Ben: My favorite martial artist is Bruce Lee :)

(Shifu) What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Ben: My favorite flavor of ice cream is Orange sherbet!

(Shifu) What are your goals in Kungfu for 2014? Ben: My goals in Kung-Fu for 2014 are to finish advanced long-fist, and get a butterfly twist.

(Shifu) Will you please make CMAA a new mix of awesome music for class? Ben: Yes I Will make a Mix For CMAA :)

Thanks for sharing Ben. Keep up the hard work Summary

As always, stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA! Best, Shifu

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