Monthly Newsletter - May 2017

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 Recap Qigong Warm Up and Practice Kungfu Competition Martial Arts are Arts CMAA Black Belt - SP  What’s Fantasic about Tai Chi? Tai Chi Feel Good Why Tai Chi is as Good For You as CrossFit Incredible Kungfu Forms Traditional Chinese Kungfu Wrestling The Best Self Defense Video You’ll Ever See

School Closings Friday the 19th, and Friday/Saturday 26th/27th and Monday 29th (Memorial Day Weekend)

KungFu Sash Test Recap I was very proud to watch my team at CMAA sash test. Everyone rose to the occasion and truly performed their best.  What an awesome team!

Martial Arts are Arts In a recent speech Meryl Streep announced that without Hollywood, “you’ll have nothing to watch but football and mixed martial arts, which are not the arts.” Although Streep won a well-deserved award for an outstanding acting career, the award did not confer authority to define what “the arts.” are The martial arts are called “martial arts” because they are generally recognized to be arts, even though they are not the particular arts at which Streep and Hollywood excel. Anti-martial hauteur was well-known to the ancient Taoists: In the space of one generation, the cultural and the martial may shift in relative significance, insofar as there are times when each is useful. Nowadays, however, martialists repudiate culture and the cultured repudiate the martial. Adherents of cultural and martial arts reject each other, not knowing their functions according to the time. Read more here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/martial-arts-arts/

CMAA Black Belt - SP It is with great honor that I announce an addition to the CMAA Black Belt roster.  This young man has been with me for almost 5 years now.  Originally he trained at the Chinese Community Center with me before transitioning to a full time student training daily.  He has since moved over an hour away and still travels to the school twice a week for private lessons.  He's cool, he's dedicated and now he's officially a BLACK BELT! Congrats Stav!  He's promised to produce a video by the end of the summer, but until then you can see a trailer and read his essay to learn more about him in his essay! Click My Kung Fu Story to read about my journey! :) 

Why Tai Chi is as Good For You as CrossFit By Markham Heid - TIME Health

"You’ve probably seen groups of people practicing tai chi in a park, so you have some idea what it’s all about. Slow, mindful movements. No weights. Low intensity. The practice combines aspects of ancient Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial arts, and it’s the antithesis of most modern exercise programs that emphasize fast, vigorous activity.

Indeed, certain parts of tai chi are thousands of years old. But while tai chi may look mundane—even boring to some—experts who’ve studied it say its benefits are vast and hard to oversell."  Read more here:  http://www.martialartsalbany.com/tai-chi-good-crossfit/

Qigong Warm Up and Practice As you know I am a huge advocate for home practice. However, I know when first starting it can be quite challenging as we may not feel comfortable practicing independently. Typically, when starting out with Tai Chi I still recommend to practice Qigong at home. Specificially, Ba Duan Jin (Eight Sections Brocade). I do this because it is a static routine that can be performed in a small space and doesn’t change directions which means you can easily do this home following along with a video. In addition, this form repeats each posture several times which allows the new practitioner an opportunity to essentially practice and develop a better understanding of each posture before moving on. This video is Ba Duan Jin exactly as we practice it every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Enjoy! For more information about Ba Duan Jin (8 Sections Brocade) learn more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baduanjin_qigong

What’s Fantastic about Tai Chi?

Tai Chi Feel Good And if you needed any more reasons to practice, here’s something that just might inspire you. There is something about practicing gentle movements that is relaxing and invigorating. You can get a little of that sensation just by watching… Enjoy!

Incredible Kungfu Forms A strong foundation with incredible speed and precision = GOOD KUNGFU! These two routines showcase some pretty spectacular martial prowess.

Spear:

Straight Sword:

The Best Self Defense Video You’ll Ever See The best conflicts are the ones we avoid.  Here's some solid advice from Sifu Tim Tackett. 

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!

Traditional Chinese Kungfu Wrestling

As part of the Kungfu (wushu) we teach at 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/

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

Best,

Shifu

Why Tai Chi Is As Good For You As CrossFit

Markham Heid

 

Apr 28, 2017

 

TIME Health

For more, visit TIME Health.

You’ve probably seen groups of people practicing tai chi in a park, so you have some idea what it's all about. Slow, mindful movements. No weights. Low intensity. The practice combines aspects of ancient Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial arts, and it's the antithesis of most modern exercise programs that emphasize fast, vigorous activity.

Indeed, certain parts of tai chi are thousands of years old. But while tai chi may look mundane—even boring to some—experts who’ve studied it say its benefits are vast and hard to oversell.

Tai chi is a richly researched exercise, with health improvements ranging from better blood pressure scores to a sharper mind. “We’ve seen improved immunity to viruses and improved vaccine response among people who practiced tai chi,” says Dr. Michael Irwin, a professor of behavioral sciences and director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. During the past 15 years, Irwin has published more than a dozen studies linking tai chi to lower rates of insomnia, depression, illness and inflammation.

It holds up when compared to other more strenuous types of exercise. “Over time, we see people who do tai chi achieve similar levels of fitness as those who walk or do other forms of physical therapy,” Irwin says. One study in the American Journal of Epidemiology concluded that tai chi was nearly as effective as jogging at lowering risk of death among men. Another review in PLOS One found that the practice may improve fitness and endurance of the heart and lungs, even for healthy adults.

Part of that is due to tai chi’s soothing effects on the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which tends to activate when a person is under stress. Much like aerobic exercise, tai chi seems to increase hormone and heart-rate measures linked with lower SNS activity, which could partly explain its ties to stronger hearts and lungs, Irwin says.

But how could such low-intensity exercise—something that involves movements with names like “cloud hands” and “lifting a lute”—offer these kinds of fitness perks?

“One of the most striking things we’ve found is that [tai chi’s] physiological impacts can’t be explained by its physical activity component," Irwin says. It’s the mindful, meditative quality of tai chi that makes it so compelling, and that may explain the practice’s broad benefits.

“I think of it as meditation on wheels,” says Dr. Peter Wayne, director of research at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School. (He's the author of The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi, in which he references more than 600 academic papers on the health boons of the practice.) “You’re getting all the cognitive pieces you might get from meditation—mental clarity and focus and positive thoughts and lower stress—but you’re also getting physical exercise.”

Tai chi may also be a more approachable form of mindfulness training for those who struggle with the sit-and-breathe forms of meditation. “Directing attention to the body and pairing hand movements with balance and flexibility is easier for a lot of people than breath focus," Irwin says.

Tai chi may be especially healthful for older or sick adults who can’t perform more vigorous forms of physical activity. Among these groups, the practice is associated with improved balance and mobility, reduced risk of falls and better reaction times, Wayne says. A study in the Journal of Rheumatology tied tai chi to reduced pain and stiffness among people who have arthritis. It may also improve kidney and heart function among people suffering from related health issues, according to another study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science.

But maybe the most compelling reason to give tai chi a shot is its ability to strengthen the connections between your mind and body, which can help you move through life with greater awareness and pleasure. “You might enjoy exercise more than you did before because you’re more mindful of your body,” Wayne says. “Or you may avoid injury or falls because of body awareness.”

It's a rare aspect of exercise. Unlike almost every other form of physical activity, tai chi demands focus, which is central to its meditative benefits. “Even with yoga, you can do it and have your mind be somewhere else,” Irwin says. “It’s very hard to do tai chi and not be present.”

Kicking Seminar Series

 Kicking Seminar Series 

What? Kicking Seminar Series Where? CMAA, your home away from home.  When?  Sundays April 30th-June 11 from 4:00pm-5:30pm (no class May 28th) Who? You!  (CMAA Students). Limited to 12 students. Min 6.    How Much? $65 for 6 x 1.5 hour 

One of the most important and exciting elements of our training is without a doubt the kicks.  From practical sparring style kicks to extreme flips,  as we progress kicks will become one of the primary elements in our practice and separate the best of the best.

CMAA has invited a kick master to teach our students the tips and tricks to developing technically sound kicks for sparring, competition and performance!

A black belt martial artist with over a decade of training, Tom Collins, will be working with our students on the basic jump kicks.  From tornado kicks (right leg landing) and aerials, to butterfly twists and back flips, Master Collins will provide the highest quality instruction and individual coaching to each of the seminars participants.

Meet Master Tom Collins:

Many of the concepts and corrections Master Collins will offer our students are things they will be able to keep in mind and apply to their training for years to come.  Of course I hope everyone will come away with some new jumping skills, but I also hope they each come away with a newer understanding of exactly what they can do to improve whatever aspect of each kick they need particular assistance with.

Master Collins will be working with each student individually so this seminar is limited to 12 people.  Please sign up ASAP to reserve your spot!

Monthly Newsletter - April 2017

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

Monthly Newsletter - March 2017

Dear Friends, From seminars, to competitions, demo’s and other activities, you won’t want to miss out on the action at CMAA!

School Closings KungFuSash Test Tai Chi Seminar Series! China Trip Recap Recap Chinese New Year Celebrations Recap Martial Ethics- Jackie Chan Longfist Kungfu Instructor Life Goal Martial Arts for the Greater Good Kungfu Tea Kungfu and Tai Chi in the News CMAA on Social Media

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/Black: $75

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/ China Trip Recap Recap A little overdue but I wanted to share this with those who hadn’t seen photos yet.  It was purely a family affair, with good company and good eating!

Chinese New Year Celebrations Recap CMAA rocked The Egg for an exciting Chinese New Year performance! Great job you guys. It's an honor to showcase cultural diversity in the capital district, demonstrate high level martial arts that inspire others to begin their journey and demonstrate your own talents developed through hard work and consistency!

Here are a couple of great shots from the events!

Watch the clip below for a too see CMAA's full performance.

Martial Ethics- Jackie Chan Martial arts is more than a hobby. The discipline, commitment and dedication required are developed along with the friendships you form and the bonds you make. Watching this one clip of Jackie Chan, you realize how unique and special he really is. You realize his success is due not only to his martial arts, athletic skills, and unparalleled daring and bravery, but also due to his “Wude” (martial ethics). I wish more politicians and businessman shared this same sense of humanity in their professions. Please click the link below to watch the video clip.  Its worth it. http://www.wimp.com/jackie-chan-reunites-with-his-original-stunt-team/

Longfist Kungfu A strong foundation with incredible speed and precision = GOOD KUNGFU!

Instructor Life Goal This one pretty much sums it up!  When I was 5 I wanted to be a Ninja Turtle.  My dream hasn't changed much except now I get to help other ninjas live thier dream too:)

Martial Arts for Greater Good  

Kungfu Tea

Kungfu and Tai Chi in the News Came across two interesting news clips this past month in CBS and CNN.  Both relate to heath and wellness through the Chinese arts. Enjoy!

Movement is Medicine - Tai Chi for Back Pain http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/first-response-to-back-pain-not-medication-study-says/

Kungfu Granny http://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/02/19/kung-fu-granny-vans-pkg.cnn CMAA Social Media Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get all the news, updates, and exciting info! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChineseMartialArtsAcademy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinesemartialartsacademy/

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

Best,

Shifu

Tai Chi Seminar Series

Wu Dang San Feng 28 Movement Tai Chi Seminar Series

What: 6 Week Wu Dang San Feng 28 Movement Tai Chi Seminar Series

When: Sundays, 10am-11:30am (optional review 9:30-10am). April 23 - June 4, (no class May 28 Memorial Day weekend).

Cost: $65 for 6 x 1.5 -2 hour classes!

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).

About the Instructor:

Shawn Fariss is a current student of Dashi Jianye Jiang and Shifu Lucas Gellar here at CMAA. He has been studying Tai Chi since 2007. In 2011, after a China trip with Dashi to several famous Daoist sites including Wu Dang Mt. , he decided to narrow his focus to Wu dang Internal Martial Arts. He's continued learning the traditional Wu Dang 108 form with Dashi but beginning in 2012 also began traveling to Boston several times a year to train and learn with a foreign ambassador of Wu Dang Mt. , Master Zhong  Xue Chao(aka - Master Bing, http://www.wudangdao.com/) and the ever gracious hosts Paul and Rosalie DiCrescenzo of Shuang Long Dao or Two Dragons Path. Master Bing has provided Shawn with the opportunity to delve deeper into the Wu Dang Internal Martial Arts teaching him several forms within the San Feng Pai system including the Mother Tai Chi 13 form, Xuan Wu, Tai Chi straight sword and a BaguaZhang form called Eight Diagrams Palm plus more. In addition Shawn has been training at Latham CrossFit here at CMAA since 2013 and sees it as the perfect external complement to his health and fitness goals.

Monthly Newsletter - February 2017

  Dear Friends,

Happy Chinese New Year! This year is the Year of the Rooster. In a Rooster Year, all of the Chinese animals can reap great rewards by tapping into Rooster traits. Loyalty, commitment, hard work, family values, and top-notch appearances are just some of the characteristics that will be rewarded this year. From seminars, to competitions, demo’s and other activities, you won’t want to miss out on the action at CMAA!

School Closings Sash Test Recap Master Ching Yin-Lee Seminar Recap Kungfu for the Movies TaiChi’s Science of Softness Beautiful Tai Chi Wushu Kungfu – Until the Day I Die Persistence Junior Instructor Leadership and Teaching Program

School Closings Shifu Lucas and Shimu Zoey will be traveling to China to celebrate the Chinese New Year with family. CMAA Kungfu Classes will be cancelled on Weds 25th, Thurs 26, Fri 27th, Mon 30th, Tuesday 31st, and Wednesday 1st. Kungfu is OPEN Saturday the 28th. Tai Chi and CrossFit will be held as regularly scheduled.

Please note there will be no Chinese School Kungfu class on Sunday the 28th.  Chinese school students are welcome to take a free class any Saturday from 11:15-12:30 at the academy as a makeup.  Please just call in advance to let me know.

Chinese New Year Celebrations and Kungfu Performances Clifton Park Halfmoon Library: Saturday, Jan 28th at 1pm. East Greenbush YMCA: Sunday, Jan 29th at 5 pm. The Egg: Saturday, February 4 at 3pm

Come support your team and enjoy the cultural celebration!

This year’s New Year Celebration at the Egg will include performances by the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts. More info here: https://www.cccalbany.org/2017NewYear

Kungfu Sash Test Recap I was very proud to watch my team at CMAA sash test. Everyone rose to the occasion and truly performed their best.

Chinese School Kungfu This year’s Chinese School Kungfu Class! Lots of new faces. Some students have more natural talent, and some have great interest- however, they all have GREAT POTENTIAL! I wonder who will prove to be a future CMAA black belt!

Master Ching Yin Lee Seminars It was a great day, with a bunch of great people, doing just what we love. What else is there? Thanks so much to Master Ching Yin Lee (Coach Bee) for sharing his knowledge, enthusiasm and genuine love of the arts with us! Can’t wait to see you again next year!

Kungfu for the Movies In addition to individual empty/weapons routines, wushu kungfu also includes group choreographed fighting sets. The trend in competition has seen a transition from practical to spectacular. Here is an example of Wushu sparring routines.

Tai Chi’s Science of Softness by Dan Pasek Weber’s Law of Just Noticeable Differences can help us understand our perceptions of changes in force against an opponent when practicing Taijiquan. Weber’s Law applies to most types of perception, like the perception of different light intensity or duration or wavelength (color), loudness or length or pitch of sounds, and even psychological perceptions like differences in costs for products or services. In Taijiquan, the major sense that we are training is touch.. Read more here: http://slantedflying.com/softness-sensitivity-and-science-in-taijiquan/

Beautiful Tai Chi

Wushu Kungfu – Until the Day I Die Wushu is such an incredible discipline. Its good fun and great exercise. Though the flips and kicks might not be something our students will continue to do forever, the mindset is something they will carry with them long after they leave the gym. Focus and discipline, commitment and dedication are things they will practice for a lifetime.

Persistence Persistence! Never give up. This is one of the most valuable lessons in martial arts!

Junior Instructor Leadership and Teaching Program The Chinese Martial Arts Academy is proud to present the Junior Instructor Leadership and Teaching Program. Developing group management and interpersonal communication skills are the cornerstone of the programs agenda. In addition, the study of learning theory and education play a pivotal role as the students become teachers and take theory to practice.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” – Theodore Roosevelt.

To find out more about this program please come speak with Shifu about how to qualify for this select program!

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

Best,

Shifu

Monthly Newsletter - January 2017

Monthly Newsletter – January Dear Friends,

From seminars, to competitions, demo’s and other activities, you won’t want to miss out on the action!

School Closings Holiday Dinner Party Recap Movie Night Recap Sash Test Master Ching Yin-Lee (2 x USA National Team Member) Seminars Junior Instructor Leadership and Teaching Program The Benefits of Wushu Qigong (Chi Kung) Documentary Incredible Wushu Kungfu Demonstrations! Chinese Community Center Kungfu Performance Life Lessons From a Shaolin Monk CMAA Class Photos

School Closings CMAA Kungfu Classes will be cancelled on Weds 25th, Thurs 26, Fri 27th, Mon 30th, Tuesday 31st, and Wednesday 1st. Kungfu is open Saturday the 28th.  Tai Chi and CrossFit will be held as regularly scheduled.

Additionally, with the winter weather looming, please stay tuned to inclement weather closings. I will post school closings on Facebook and the website’s homepage. However, it might not display on certain mobile devices which automatically default to the mobile site. Please call (518) 755-7512 if you are not sure!

Holiday Dinner Party What a special get-together. With delicious food and good company it was a wonderful evening of eating, drinking and being merry. Although not everyone could make it, it was wonderful to get our long time students together with the new generation just beginning at CMAA. In the spirit of the holiday season, it was very special to spend our time together with our other family – the CMAA family. I look forward to celebrating with you all again next year.

Movie Night Recap In 20 years of martial arts I've learned countless empty hand, and weapons routines from Karate, Kungfu, Tai Chi, Qigong. I've trained BJJ, Judo, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Boxing, Aiki-jujitsu, Kali and JKD. I practice everyday to refine old techniques. I am also fortunate to be able to continue learning from great people on a daily basis. I always share all that I know and to help students better understand techniques and connect the dots.

As a "Shifu" I try and impart as much of my technical knowledge as possible. However, since I began teaching about 6 years ago, I have come to greatly value the non-technical aspects of martial arts training. "Healthier and happier through martial arts" has become my mantra. I love to know CMAA can be a positive force in people’s lives and that students will form friendships that will last a lifetime.

I was legitimately excited to hang out with my kids last night. They are so much fun to be with. It's awesome watching them grow up.

Kungfu Sash Test Please note that we will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, January 8th, at 10:30 am.

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.

Master Ching Yin Lee Seminars

CMAA is proud to announce a weekend full of exciting martial arts action with Master Ching Yin Lee! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to diversify our training experience and enhance our general knowledge of Chinese Martial Arts.

Saturday, Jan. 14th 9:15-10:15 Bagua 10:15-11:15 Xing Yi 11:15-12:15 Kungfu Animal Styles for Kids 12:30-2 Wushu Kungfu Advanced Combos and Jump Kicks 2-3:30 Kungfu Applications (Techniques, theories and drills)

Sunday, Jan. 15th 10-11 Individual Forms Correction/Refinement 11-12 Individual Forms Correction/Refinement 3-4 Individual Forms Correction/Refinement 4-5 Individual Forms Correction/Refinement

Learn more about each of the seminars below!

Baguazhang is an internal martial art rooted in Taoism and these Chinese Classic: "The Book of Changes." The art features body movements and twisting as well as circular footwork that improve the strength of the body, the health of the organs, and brain activity. From a martial arts standpoint, Bagua prefers elusive, sidestepping footwork and usage of different fight angles. Many martial artists consider Bagua to be the most difficult to learn out of the three main internal martial arts: Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang. This seminar will focus on the fundamentals of Baguazhang.

Xingyiquan is an internal martial art that was created as a military style for Chinese officers to end a confrontation as quickly as possible. It is seemingly the most aggressive and direct between the three internal styles: Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan. The art is based around five elements and twelve animals. Each element (metal, water, wood, fire, and earth) strengthens each of the five major internal organs. From a martial arts standpoint, Xingyi was patterned off of spear movements and always aims to move forward and attack (compared to Taiji, which tries to neutralize or redirect, or Bagua, which tries to sidestep or elude). The main fundamentals of Xingyi will be emphasized in this seminar.

Kungfu Animal Styles for Kids! Chinese Martial Artists have a long history of imitating animals in nature to improve their fighting abilities. Both Tai Chi and Wing Chun were purported to have been inspired by a fight between a snake and a crane. This seminar will cover some of the classic animal styles of Chinese Martial Arts, including the monkey, eagle, and praying mantis. The seminar will include animal movements as well as theory and application.

Advance Longfist Kungfu Combos and Jumps! The advanced Longfist seminar will cover advanced combinations and principles including open and closed body movements, vertical transitions, and how to refine postures. Next, advanced jump kicks and combinations will be covered as well.

Kung Fu Applications! This seminar will cover theory and principles universal to most Traditional Chinese Martial Arts. This includes discussion of the root, bridge hand, fighting angles, jing, and developing sensitivity.

Private Small Group Training for all levels. The individual forms small group sessions/private lessons will be geared towards giving students individual feedback based on their body types and will focus on refining movements and improving the expression and power of the forms.

$30 for one seminar, $55 for two, $75 for three, $90 Unlimited (Including Individual Forms/Small Group Session!

(*Classes limited to 6 participants per class. Participants have unlimited access to Saturday’s seminars and 1 Private Group Training or 2 Individual Group Session if not attending any seminars on Saturday! *Preference: Please arrive 15 mins early to warm up!) ____________________________________________________ Ching Yin Lee is a 2 x USA National Wushu Kungfu Team member, Pan-American Games Medalist and head instructor at GOSU Institute of Chinese Martial Arts. With over 20 years in Traditional Kungfu, Modern Wushu, Amateur Kickboxing and Internal training, Master Lee brings a wealth of knowledge to CMAA!

Junior Instructor Leadership and Teaching Program The Chinese Martial Arts Academy is proud to present the Junior Instructor Leadership and Teaching Program. Developing group management and interpersonal communication skills are the cornerstone of the programs agenda. In addition, the study of learning theory and education play a pivotal role as the students become teachers and take theory to practice.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” – Theodore Roosevelt.

To find out more about this program please come speak with Shifu about how to qualify for this select program!

The Benefits of Wushu Kungfu

By Lucas Geller

Why do people practice Wushu (Chinese Martial Arts)? Do martial arts still serve a purpose in contemporary society? As someone who’s life has been so greatly affected by the martial arts it is easy for me to say ‘Yes’. While the purpose of training martial arts has changed, the benefits remain as numerous.

Continue reading here! http://www.martialartsalbany.com/the-benefits-of-wushu/

Qigong (Chi Kung) Documentary Very interesting and informative documentary about Chinese Qigong (Chi Kung) health practices. I feel so lucky to have trained with Master Duan 15 years ago when he visited our school. Enjoy!

Incredible Wushu Kungfu Demonstrations! Two incredible Wushu Kungfu Performances. Here are two examples of the styles we practice at CMAA – Chang Quan (Longfist) and Nan Quan (Southern)! Which style do you like more?

Longfist

Southern Chinese Community Center Kungfu Performance So proud of these kids for volunteering today to showcase Chinese martial arts at their community center! Check out some of these great action shots!

Life Lessons From  a Shaolin Monk 1. Don’t take anything for granted 2. Passions – not possessions – make you happy 3. Don’t fear death, live 4. Stopping will help you go further 5. Meditate every day 6. Don’t be afraid of silence 7. Wake early and embrace the day8. Find your goal, find yourself 9. Give 100% every day 10. Responsibility gives you purpose 11.Find your ‘why’

Get more insight here!

CMAA Class Photos Just a couple of great shots of the CMAA kids in action!

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

Best,

Shifu