And now for the Medals

Last week, during Blenheim class, Sophia was presented with the medals she won at the Queens Birthday weekend Annual Tournament in Christchurch.
For those who don't know the story:
Sophia won Gold medals in her fighting division and in the intermediate patterns competition. However, Sophia was unable to attend the prize giving so her medals were picked up by Brendan from Nelson. Brendan and his partner stayed at Hanmer for a night, on their way back to Nelson. The next morning (Sophia's birthday) his car was discovered stolen. Medals and all. After more than a month, the medals have been recovered and Sophia finally gets to see them. Well done Sophia. A great effort. The news on Brendans car was not so good. It is still missing, presumed permanently.

Fighting Words?

A belated congratulations to Brendan and Sophia for their gold medals at the CMA International Annual Tournament on Queens Birthday weekend. A great effort for a couple of first time participants. Also, Lance and Dave for their 3rd placings.
The Annual Tournament is not a fighting contest. It is a sport. Participants must abide by strict rules. Any Martial Arts match that involves any rule, at all, cannot be considered a Martial Art (self defence).It is indeed a Martial Sport. As with any sporting contest, the objective is to impress the judges into giving you more points than your opponent, or to be the first to cross the finish line. Part of the skill of crossing the finish line first, is to actually last the distance. If you burn out your tyres 3 laps from the end, then your race plan was flawed. Faltering from Injury or even being disqualified is a failure to have all the skills required to go the distance. Therefore, your technique needs to be assessed. It is not an unfortunate act of God. The All Blacks and their management would do well to remember that.
There is no such thing as a soft win or an unlucky loss.
In the future you will understand that experience will open your eyes to realising that everything can be controlled and that nothing can be taken for granted.
On the whole, a great result. An even better result next year, if you heed these words.

Beginners Tai Chi

Beginners Tai Chi classes will commence at Nelson branch on Monday 11th May, 2009. 5.45pm start at Birchwood School, Durham Street, Stoke.
Beginners Tai Chi classes at Blenheim branch will commence Tuesday 26th May, 2009. 5.45pm start at Bohally School, McLaughlan Street, Blenheim.
Many thanks to Mr Tim Smith, for his help in making these classes available.

Follow up to previous blog entry

Firstly I must opologise to S.W. who sent a question based on my last blog. I was unfortunate enough to have a massive notebook meltdown which cost me my emails and return addresses. My brand new notebook is now up and runnung.
You are quite correct in suggesting that any person, no matter what their rank or age, can contribute useful information to the art of Kung fu. That is indeed how we manage to keep improving the art. However, in order to offer alternatives, one must first understand the original suggestion.
In this particular case, the alternative was offered before even attempting the demonstrated technique even once. It was followed by a rather ridiculous demonstration of his alternative. My experience told me that his suggestion was an attempt to offer an option that he already knew how to perform, in order to avoid having to practice anything.
My mention of this particular student was intended to get students to listen to instruction and trust their instructors. Not to deter the asking of valid questions.
I would also like to add that this particular student is not a current student and that the mentioned incident happened several years ago. I would never place any of my students in a situation where they may be identified and draw ridicule. It is of extreme importance, to our system, that respect and trust is mutual.
Thank you for drawing my attention to the fact that I had not made myself clear enough with that message.

The answer is "No"

A student asks me if it might be 'better' to perform a specific technique another way.

Kung Fu has a history that dates back around 3000 years. Nothing short of Millions of people have learned, practiced and applied the Art in this time. Many many Masters have taught and refined the Art. Wars have been fought by soldiers depending upon the Art to keep them alive.
I then have to ask myself "Should I trust the opinion of 3000 years of expert teaching by Masters of proven ability."
OR
"Should I trust the opinion of a 15 year old beginner Kung Fu student from New Zealand who has difficulty even standing on one leg?"
I tend to lean slightly towards the former.
I trust my life with this Art. In order to do that, I must trust the history. The Teachers and Masters that have gone before me. I cannot teach something that I do not fully believe in.

So.
Back to the question.
The answer is "No". I believe that it wouldn't be better

Thank You Catherine.

Catherine McNamara has moved on from our Blenheim branch. She will continue her Kung Fu and Tai Chi training at Kelburn branch in Wellington. Catherine has been with us for a little over a year after she moved from Dunedin branch. Thank you for your contribution at Blenheim class. It was much appreciated. We are certain that we will see you at CMA events such as Camp and Annual tournament and also when you grade for Black Belt in the not too distant future. Please remember to come and train with us when you return to visit family and friends. We wish you all the best with your career and your Martial Arts. You will do well in both.

Christmas wishes

Now that our training is almost over for the year, I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone all the best for Christmas and the New Year
Please take care. Christmas is a time that draws a lot off idiotic people to public places. Remember that excessive drinking doesn't make you bullet proof and able to fly. It only makes you think so.
Be safe and don't drive if you are drinking. Have fun. See you back in 09.