Welcome to the spring edition of The Academia and The Academy’s final newsletter for 2012. As the end of the year approaches and we begin celebrating the festive season, it is appropriate to talk about the spirit of Christmas and The Academy. Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese sage once wrote; “I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience and compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” Wise words indeed, all too often we become wrapped up in the presentation of Christmas. Worrying over the smallest details, we forget about the bigger picture. Celebrate life, with your friends, your family, and yourself…that is simple; smile, laugh and most importantly breathe deeply. There is a saying; ‘for a child’s first three birthdays just give them an empty box’ their imagination allows it to become a racing car, a spaceship, a castle and a cave to explore all in one afternoon. Allow yourself this Christmas to get back in touch with simplicity. Make this Christmas your ultimate training ground. While others rush around and stress to the point of anger ask yourself ‘what is really important?’ Be humble, kind and harmonious in all of your dealings, remember one of the most important lessons The Academy asks you to learn, whether you train in Kempo or Tai Chi, is to accept change and be flexible not only in body but mind as well. That is one of the keys to patience. Try not to judge friends, family and strangers this Christmas. Accept people as they are. It is easy to love the saint, harder the sinner. Understand that as the commercial advertising machine of Christmas gets into full swing many people lose all sense of common decency in the mad rush. Step back, enjoy the journey and show a little compassion to those unfortunate people who have not yet discovered the benefits of training at The Academy. A merry and safe Christmas to all 0800 34 84 54 [email protected][email protected]Academy Christmas Message Inside this issue: Academy News 2 Training over Christmas 3 Tai Chi Term Four news 4 Shaolin Kempo Term Four news 5 The Dragons of China 6 Finish & start dates for 2012/2013 7 Important dates for Tai Chi 8 Important dates for Shaolin Kempo 9 Business owners who train at The Academy 10 Volume 4 Issue 4 October 2012 The science of Martial Arts The future of fitness
Transcript
Welcome to the spring edition of The Academia and The Academy’s final
newsletter for 2012. As the end of the year approaches and we begin celebrating
the festive season, it is appropriate to talk about the spirit of Christmas and
The Academy. Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese sage once wrote;
“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience and compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.”
Wise words indeed, all too often we become wrapped up in the presentation of
Christmas. Worrying over the smallest details, we forget about the bigger picture.
Celebrate life, with your friends, your family, and yourself…that is simple;
smile, laugh and most importantly breathe deeply.
There is a saying; ‘for a child’s first three birthdays just give them an empty box’
their imagination allows it to become a racing car, a spaceship, a castle and a cave
to explore all in one afternoon. Allow yourself this Christmas to get back in touch
with simplicity.
Make this Christmas your ultimate training ground. While others rush around and
stress to the point of anger ask yourself ‘what is really important?’
Be humble, kind and harmonious in all of your dealings, remember one of the most
important lessons The Academy asks you to learn, whether you train in Kempo or
Tai Chi, is to accept change and be flexible not only in body but mind as well.
That is one of the keys to patience.
Try not to judge friends, family and strangers this Christmas. Accept people as they
are. It is easy to love the saint, harder the sinner. Understand that as the commercial
advertising machine of Christmas gets into full swing many people lose all sense of
common decency in the mad rush. Step back, enjoy the journey and show a little
compassion to those unfortunate people who have not yet discovered the benefits
Painting from Cambridge artist Claire Hughes values at over $300.00 up for raffle.
Last year our unorganized collection yielded five hampers and one super basket.
Page 3 Build your forms by working on
the linking and flow between the
first two moves. Once confident
add a third, then fourth move and
so on.
Often in any art we train we
become overly concerned with
learning new techniques and forms
or perfecting certain advanced
stepping techniques and lose sight
of what is really important.
Which is, for the most of us,
obtaining good health both
physically and mentally and
protecting our independence so we
can enjoy the lifestyle we lead.
Tai Chi students should think of
Set One and Two as your five
s e r v i n g s o f f r u i t a n d
vegetables a day. Not only are
these sets of exercises the
foundation which your Tai Chi is
built upon but within them we find
the keys necessary for good health
and vitality. Every effort should be
made to practice these sets every
day.
The same holds true for the
Kempoist regarding the individual
hand and leg t echniques,
your t hree st ep sparr ing,
four corner sets and Kata’s.
One Thing at a Time
There can be a lot of things to
think about in terms of improving
your Tai Chi or Kempo over the
Christmas break.
The most important criteria is to
do a little practice every day
instead of an hour once a week.
Regular daily practice commits the
exercise into the long-term
memory and develops a habit of
training that can be used in other
areas of your life to great success.
You will find it easier to focus on
one principle of the art you do at a
time.
The best way to train is to repeat
the movement several times.
Each time focusing on a different
aspect of the movement. That way
you’ll see a little improvement
every time you do your practice.
Gradually, as you increase your
awareness of all the different
elements of the technique
or exercise, it will all come
together.
For instance, when practicing
Qi Gong, the first time through
concentrate on the alignment of
the neck and spine. Next focus on
the alignment of your hips,
then the breath, the breath with the
movement, then perhaps flow.
In Kempo correct stance,
hand positions, imagining your
attacker, augmenting the move to
produce power are all important
components vital to the overall
success of a singular technique.
Never lose sight of training your
four corner sets to improve your
stance shifting and flow.
If you are mostly practicing
Qi Gong exercises or singular
Kempo techniques you will find
that the postural and stance
elements are a lot easier to focus
on because each move can be
repeated several t imes in
succession. Another benefit is
that these individual exercises
tend not to involve complex
stepping patterns.
So t he r e is p le n t y o f
opportunit y to focus on
individual improvements in your
basic movements over the
Christmas break that will help
build a solid foundation to
develop from next year.
Your Tai Chi Chuan and Shaolin
Kempo Forms are a different
mat ter – good st ructural
alignment is essential for power
and stability. Ensuring that
balance and stances are correct is
paramount.
“The easiest way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.”
The quality of your training not quantity is the key to a students improvement.
Grandmaster Robert Gemmell
Training over Christmas
‘We are what we
repeatedly do.
Excellence, therefore,
is not an act but a habit.’ Aristotle
Tai Chi-Stay young, fit and healthy for longer
Tai Chi Term Four News in brief
notified shortly. While it is not
compulsory to accept a grading
promotion, the small fee does help
keep The Academy running and
its’ ability to present classes to all
the locations it currently caters to.
CHRISTMAS FUNCTION
The Academy invites all Tai Chi
students from past and present,
from all regions and friends and
family members to join us in
celebrating a wonderful year of
Tai Chi training.
The Academy Tai Chi Christmas
Lunch will be held in Cambridge
at Trinity Saint Paul’s Church on
Saturday, December the 15th.
With a kitchen, plenty of space and
off street parking it is a wonderful
venue for us to come together and
celebrate the end of the year.
Enjoy demonstrations of the
Tai Chi sword and fan, a sneak
preview of upcoming forms for
next year and enter the raffles to be
in to win one of the Christmas
Hampers full of goodies.
The fun will start at 10 am with a
salute to the great effort you have
all put in this year At 11am mix,
meet and mingle with other
students and Instructors from
The Bay of Plenty and Waikato
over lunch.
Advise your Instructor of your
intention to come so we can ensure
t he d a y r u ns s mo o t h ly .
Please a small plate of food for the
lunch. Tea, coffee and juice will be
provided.
Shu shen-see you all there.
FINAL YI JIN JING SEMINAR
This year The Academy students
have been working through the
twelve movements of the famous
Yi Jin Jing (Muscle Tendon
Changing Classic.) This term we
revise the first nine moves and
complete the energizing set by
learning the final three moves.
Join us after the seminar at the
local café for a light lunch and to
met and mingle with students from
other branches.
For more information see the
Tai Chi Calendar on page eight.
NOTE: The Waikato seminar has
been moved back to the Pukete
Sportsdrome.
CHEN SWORD SEMINAR
Exciting times for the Chen Single
Sword Form students this term as
we revise the first three sections
then move on to learn the final
section of the form.
For more information see the
Tai Chi Calendar on page eight.
TAI CHI FAN WORKSHOP
This term all students who are
working with the fan have one
last chance, before the Christmas
break, to revise the sets and areas
of the forms they are currently
working on. This two hour
w o r k s h o p w i l l i n c l u d e
refinements of the first section for
advanced students and look at
moving on newer students
working through the first sets.
For more information see the
Tai Chi Calendar on page eight.
TAI CHI GRADUATION
There are a number of students
who have been nominated for a
new Tai Chi sash level.
Successful applicants will be
This term the dedicated Tai Chi sword team learn the final section of the Chen Sword form as students of the Tai Chi fan revise sections 1-3.
Pukete students take advantage of training outdoors any opportunity they get. We wish to thank to the Pukete Community house for all their help this year.
Shaolin Kempo Term Four News in brief
CHRISTMAS FUNCTION
The Academy invites all Kempo
students from past and present,
friends and family members to join
us in celebrating a wonderful year
of martial arts training.
The Academy Kempo Christmas
Dinner will be held in Gate Pa at
the Saint George Church on
Friday, December the 14th.
With a kitchen and off street
parking it is a wonderful venue for
us to come together and
celebrate the end of the year.
Enjoy demonstrations from the
Black Belts, a sneak preview of
upcoming forms for next year and
presentations.
The fun will start at 7 pm with a
salute to the great effort you have
all put in this year At 8 pm mix,
meet and mingle with other
students and Instructors from
The Bay of Plenty over a pot-luck
dinner.
Advise your Instructor of your
intention to come so we can ensure
the evening runs smoothly.
Please a small plate of food for the
dinner. Tea, coffee and juice will
be provided.
For more information see the
Kempo Calendar on page nine.
OVERVIEW OF TERM FOUR
Well the year certainly has flown
by and with it a number of
milestones achieved.
The growing bond between
T h e A c a d e m y , S e n i o r
Grandmaster Robert Gemmell and
the Shaolin Chuan Fa Association
continues to strengthen.
In August Branch Chief Trevor
Rodber travelled to Wellington
and spent four days training with
Professor Gemmell, advancing his
own technique and helping refocus
and align The Academy syllabus.
The midyear Kempo grading saw
The Academy welcome two new
Black Belts, Chris and Jessica
Van Ekeren, into the family and
saw the deserved promotion of
Trevor Rodgers to 5th degree.
Most importantly these grading
promotions were accepted by
Senior Grandmaster and become
part of his ongoing legacy and
lineage.
IMPROVING YOUR GUNG FU
Professor Gemmell has spent the
last five years revising the training
manuals for the Shaolin Chuan Fa
Association. On his recent trip to
Wellington Mr Rodber was given
an unprecedented insight into the
f u t u r e o f ma r t i a l a r t s
training. Many of these new
training methods have been
implemented with good results.
As we all begin to relax into the
gung fu style of training the flow
of energy and benefits gained will
become more apparent.
BEACH TRAINING
Beach training has a long
tradition in the Shaolin Chuan Fa
system. It is a fun way to round
out the year and a great chance
for all students to practice falls
and take-downs in a safe
environment. All students should
endeavour to get across to
Papamoa for this yearly event.
For more information see the
Kempo Calendar on page nine.
Mr Trevor Rodber (far left) with Jade Courts two full time Instructors, Master Mary Davy (Z’sN first female Shaolin Kempo Black Belt) and Senior Grandmaster Robert.
Beach training adds a new dimension to your training.
The Dragons of China
weapon and in doing so learnt the
power behind focus, control, honest
and humility, developed mental and
physical endurance and respect.
Individual qualities and aspects of the
first four animals collect together
within the Dragon. The focus and
power of the Tiger is increased by the
control of the Crane, the unique
angular attacks of the leopard made
even more deadly with the accuracy
and internal strength of the snake.
It is often said the Dragon is carried
within the martial artist, to the outside
world a peaceful, unassuming
confidence is the only clue to the
awesome power that lies within.
However should there come a time
when the Black belt deems it
necessary they will open the lid and
let the Dragon out. As the spirit of the
Dragon flows all obstacles are
overcome and any threat neutralized
with calm, deadly p in-po int
efficiency.
The Shaolin Temple developed
two mar t ia l ar t syst ems.
Shaolin Chuan Fa, (kempo) as an
effective self defence system and
close quarters fighting method
against singular opponents and
S h a o l i n C h u a n C h a n g ,
the movements of the animals,
using long range techniques to
deal primarily with multiple
attackers. It is the combination of
theses two styles that creates the
complete and impressive fighting
syllabus of a Shaolin martial artist.
In Shaolin martial arts, the Five
Animals are the Tiger, Crane,
Leopard, Snake, and Dragon.
According to legend the original
18 Luohan Hands was expanded
firstly to 72 movements then into
approximately 170 techniques and
organized into the Five Animals.
Last term we looked at the deep
low stances and strong hand
techniques of the Tiger.
The long range kicks and
intricate hand techniques of the
Crane.
The hit and run skills of the
Leopard.
a n d t h e
d e a d l y
c i r c u l a r
p i n - p o i n t
a c c u r a t e
s t r i k i n g
powers of the
Snake.
This term a look at the most
mythical of the five animals.
The Dragon
Representing wisdom and good
fortune in China, the image of the
Dragon in martial arts is seen as
the apex of knowledge and
technical ability.
Years of training and dedication
instills on the diligent student the
five characteristics of mind and
five characteristics of action that
make up Wude (martial virtue.)
The journey to Black Belt
excellence has taught the student
many things. They will have spilt
blood, sweat and tears, learned
how to use their body as a lethal
With great power
comes great
responsibility
Unlock your potential
Finish & Start dates 2012/2013
TAI CHI 2012
Rolling bow outs in the Tai Chi classes throughout the
Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions are as follows:
PAPAMOA: Thursday 13th December
WAIKATO/GATE PA: Friday 14th December
LAURNSTON PARK: Monday 17th December
OMOKOROA/GREERTON: Thursday 20th Dec
ROTORUA: Thursday 20th December
TAI CHI 2013
BAY OF PLENTY
Saturday 5th January 9-10 am Papamoa outdoor beach training. Open to all students,
End of Domain Road. Meet behind Blue Bayou.
Tuesday 8th & Thursday 10th January Omokoroa and Greerton: Normal classes resume
Saturday 12th, 19th, 26th January 10-11 am Papamoa Sports & Recreation Center. Open to all.
Thursday 31st January: All normal classes resume Papamoa and Gate Pa
WAIKATO
Wednesday 9th January Open to all students
Hamilton, 9.30 am: Hamilton Gardens, Gate One
Cambridge, 1 pm: Te Koutu Park, Albert St
Wednesday 16th/23rd/30th January Cambridge 7.30 am: Intermediate class resumes
Hamilton, 9.30 am: Memorial Park, River Road
Netherville, 11 am: Normal classes resume
Cambridge 1 pm: Normal classes resume
Friday 18th/25th January & 1st February Hamilton, 8 am: Intermediate class resumes
Netherville, 11 am: Normal classes resume
Cambridge 1 pm: Normal classes resume
Monday 21st January Laurnston Park, 8.45 am: Normal class resumes
Friday 8th February Hamilton, 9.30 am: Pukete classes resume
ROTORUA To be advised
KEMPO 2012
Tuesday 11th December, 5 pm Last class at Papamoa Sports and Recreation Center
Kempo Beach bow out 2012 Thursday 13th December, 5 pm
Papamoa outdoor beach training. Open to all students,
End of Domain Road. Meet behind Blue Bayou.
Arrive in uniform, bring towel and change of clothes
Friday 14th December, 7 pm Bow out at Saint George Church, Gate Pa
Open to all students
KEMPO 2013
Thursday 10th/ 17th/ 24th January, 5 pm Outdoor training, open to all students
Meet at Papamoa Sports and Recreation Center
Friday 11th/ 18th/ 25th January, 7pm Outdoor training, open to all students
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