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Nonprofit Organization Volume 9 Issue 4 December 2006 GUANG PING YANG T’AI CHI ASSOCIATION The Universal Post A Success!! A Success!! A Success!!
Nonprofit Organization Volume 9 Issue 4 December 2006 GUANG PING YANG T’AI CHI ASSOCIATION
The
Uni
vers
al P
ost
A Success!!A Success!!A Success!!
Page 2 The Universal Post
WHAT’S INSIDE From Within . . . 3
Ju Ming’s Tai chi Square 3
Membership Renewal 4
AAU For Chinese Martial Arts 4
Tournament News 5
!0th Annual Conference Recap 6
Out of Nick’s Library 13
help that we can make our organization even better in the future. In closing, for the beginning students, advanced stu-dents, and teachers alike, we must all know how to "empty our cup" and embrace new ideas, remaining eager to learn at every stage. It's refreshing⎯and also a valuable lesson⎯to be a student and "let go" in order to find another path to the same destination, whether it's for healing or martial arts. Once again I want to personally thank all of you who continually support our cause to keep Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi alive. We truly appreciate having such talented teachers and members representing our organization. Sincerely, Your President Randy Elia
FROM THE PRESIDENT
☯ ☯ ☯
It was certainly a pleas-ure to meet all of you and share our experi-ences with each other at our GPYTCA 10-Year Anniversary Conference in San Diego. Thank you all for making this year's conference the most successful one yet. The feedback we have gotten from our many talented presenters indi-cates how impressed they were with such enthusi-astic conference partici-
pants. Our members make the conference⎯we could-n't have done it without you. I would also like to announce the filling of two key volunteer positions for the organization. Beginning with our next newsletter, Tom Carney will assume the role of editor for the Universal Post. Tom's back-ground in both martial arts and also graphic design will serve the organization well as he takes over for Kristina Riddle, who is taking a well-earned retire-ment from many years of dedicated service. I'd also like to announce the appointment of our new webmas-ter, Jon Lazar. With a background in Shaolin Kung Fu and web-based design, Jon is sure to make many improvements to our website in order to make it more appealing and user-friendly. Our thanks go out to our interim webmaster, Lucy Bartimole, who has done an exemplary job helping out until we could permanently fill the position. So, Thank You, Kristina and Lucy, and Welcome, Tom and Jon! Please don't hesitate to contact either Tom ([email protected]) or Jon ([email protected]) with any story ideas or input you'd like to share. It's only with your
Editor’s Corner Editor: Kristina Riddle PO Box 386, Schofield, WI 54476 Email: [email protected]
The editor reserves the right to edit any material or article submitted for publication.
The Universal Post and/or Universal Post, title of the Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association’s newsletter, copyright 2006 by Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association. All rights reserved. Non Profit Organization.
Page 3 The Universal Post
FROM WITHIN . . .
My First T’ai Chi Convention By: Joy Foye
Do you remember what it was like when you attended your first t’ai chi convention? I had all those feelings this year. Because it was the 10th Annual Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association convention I knew there would be great seminars with top-notch speakers. I even convinced my husband to come along (although it did take some coaxing). We trav-eled with my t’ai chi teacher
and his wife (also a student in our school) so we got some “hints” on the proper etiquette, as well as, advice on how to “pace ourselves” to make the most of our experience at the Conference. We certainly weren’t disappointed in the Conference. We enjoyed the warm and sunny weather, met lots of very nice people (they had to be—they do t’ai chi!), ate lots of healthy food, and even learned a thing or two. The overall atmosphere of positive energy, variety of subjects offered, and caliber of presenters was even more than I had hoped for. I had a chance to see some participants (and presenters) I had met before. I also got to meet people I had heard about for a number of years and got to practice with a lot of other practitio-ners. The only difficulty I ran into was that I wasn’t feeling well enough to participate as much as I would have liked. I was, however, able to attend several really great workshops. I was invigorated doing the Wild Goose Qi Gong stretches, enjoyed learning the basics of the fan set, and was able to watch Master Look’s xing yi class and Fu-Tung Cheng’s t’ai chi sword set. Even with my limited energy levels, I still came away with a great deal of information and some new things to think about. As a result, I’m really looking forward to my next conference.
I really appreciated how considerate people were while we were at the conference. Although I wasn’t feeling well and definitely wasn’t looking my best, no one avoided interacting with me.
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JU MING’S TAICHI SQUARE
Pictures from Diane (Hoxmeier) Rabinowitz
In 1999 artist Ju Ming founded the “Ju Ming Art Mu-seum” in Taiwan. One of the highlights of the museum is Taichi Square. Most of the works on display are large-size bronze works made from foam molds. Their sheer size and magnificent shapes put visitors in the state of taichi. In the pictures below, Diane poses with several sculp-tures.
The New Year is on it’s way and that means it’s time to renew your membership.
You don’t have to wait for the renewal form to be sent to you in January. Why not renew now before your membership expires? Enclosed for your convenience is a membership form, you may also renew or sign up via the website at www.guangpingyang.org.
Printed renewal forms and checks should be sent to the membership coordinator at:
Julie Li c/o Peter Kwok’s Kung-Fu Academy
207 Kinderkamack Road Emerson, NJ 07630
Make checks payable to: Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association. Remember, new memberships are welcome anytime during the year. But why wait until later? Encourage your students to sign up now! Membership benefits include a discount on the yearly conference fees, this newsletter, and being part of an organization that loves to share. The 2007 GPYTCA membership dues have increased. This increase in annual dues reflects the rising costs of the Association’s expenses. Membership dues have been adjusted as follows: Individual: $40 Teacher: $65 School or Organization: $95 Patron: $95 Donor: $125 Sustaining: $300 Lifetime Teacher: $750
Page 4 The Universal Post
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AAU FOR CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS
The AAU for Chinese Martial Arts announces the members of the National Executive Board and four of the six members are Guang Ping players! The new National Executive Board consists of: Dug Corpolongo⎯National Chair: Dug Corpolongo was born just outside of LA in Torrance, California, in December of 1954. He lived with his Paternal Grand-parents until he was in the second grade. His Grandfa-ther was an amateur boxer in his youth and taught Dug some basic boxing skills while he was still in grade school. Dug lived with his father and stepmother until junior high school, when he was placed in a series of foster homes. When the boy was 15 years old, his foster parents and case worker gave Dug a chance to enroll in a Kempo Karate class. This was his first introduction to Asian Martial Arts. Dug didn’t study martial arts seriously, taking classes off and on until 1979 when an intense spiritual experience motivated him to study seriously. Sifu Dug has been studying martial arts continuously since 1979 and teaching since 1989. He is a senior stu-dent of Grandmaster Henry Look (Look Moon Hung). Dug was inducted into the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2003. Sifu Dug is an Associate Professor at Southwest Acupuncture College and was Director of the International Institute of Chinese Medicine Tai Chi and Qigong Department. He is also on the faculty of New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics. Dug has previously served on the National Executive Board, as the National Vice Chairman and National Head Coach of the Amateur Athletic Union / Chinese Martial Arts Division. Dave Pickens⎯Board Member: Laoshir David Pickens has been practicing martial arts since 1961, beginning in Shotokan Karate. He started White Crane Kung Fu in 1965 at the age of fourteen, and in 1969 he joined the US Air Force and went to Southeast Asia where he studied Tang Soo Do-Tae Kwon Do and Yang Tai Chi. Master Pickens began teaching in 1973 at Bergstrom AFB, where he became Head Instructor. In 1977 he began studies in Bao Ting Shuai Chiao and has studied under some of the art's greatest masters. He
(Continued on page 14)
Page 5 The Universal Post
IN A JAR
If T’ai Chi were to come in a bottle or a jar.
The directions would read:
“After instruction, Practice and apply
liberally Until understanding
is attained, Rinse,
Repeat daily”
Do Not Refrigerate After Opening
Teacher Lawrence L. Riddle
Wong Fei Hung Northeastern All Kung Fu Championship
September 23, 2006 New Jersey City, New Jersey
Ten students from Peter Kwok's Kung Fu Academy in Emerson, New Jersey participated in the Wong Fei Hung Northeastern All Kung Fu Championship with the following results: Wayne Gates Bronze - Men's Advanced Shaolin Kung Fu Sylvia Gattnig Silver - Mixed Advanced Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Bronze - Mixed Advanced Xing Yi Andrew Hahn Gold - Beginner Teen/16-and-under Xing Yi Bronze - Beginner Teen/16-and-under Shaolin Kung Fu George Hicswa Gold - Men's Beginner Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Silver - Mixed Intermediate T’ai Chi Weapons Asher Krasner Silver - Mixed Beginner Bagua Silver - Mixed Beginner T’ai Chi Weapons Joyce Ledonne Gold - Women's Beginner Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Gold - Mixed Intermediate T’ai Chi Weapons Julie Li Gold - Mixed Advanced Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Silver - Mixed Advanced Xing Yi Hank Schmidt Gold - Men's Advanced T’ai Chi Weapons Bronze - Mixed Advanced Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Henry Schmidt Silver - Heavyweight B Lei Tai Full Contact Brad Schwartzseid Gold - Intermediate Shaolin Kung Fu Weapons Gold - Mixed Beginner Xing Yi
TOURNAMENT NEWS
• Sebastian R. Caramagno • Nicholas J. D'Antoni • Ira Esformes • Kamran Ghassemi • Donald Hediger • Peter Hodges • Thomas Kalber • Steven J. Karpen • Grandmaster Henry
Look
• Jeannie Miller • Joseph R. Noya • Susan J. Payne • Jo A. Presbury-Smith • Gary W. Rosenblum • Thomas A. Roth • Lynn L. Sharp • Mary Sturtevant • Paki Sukwattana • David Tiopan
• Sylvia Gattnig
• Julie Li
• Fred Maltzan • Dominick Ruggieri
DONATIONS Special Thanks
The Association would like to take time to give special thanks to:
Contributors to Marilyn Mathews' Scholarship Fund:
The above contributed donations to the Association or the Scholarship Fund in addition to their
annual membership.
Page 6 The Universal Post
10TH ANNUAL
GUANGPINGYANG taijiquan conference
September 15, 16 , 17 , 2006 Lake San Marcos Resort , Lake San Marcos , CA
Page 7 The Universal Post
PRESENTERS
Grandmaster Henry Look
Master Randy Elia
Master Hui Liu Masters Donald and Cheryl Lynne Rubbo
Master Yang Fu Kui
Sifu Diane Hoxmeier Rabinowitz
Master Fu-Tung Cheng
Teacher Lawrence Riddle
Teacher Paki Sukwattana Teacher Nick D’Antoni
Teacher Lynn Sharp
Page 8 The Universal Post
Page 9 The Universal Post
Page 10 The Universal Post
An inspiration to all!!!
Water anyone?
Page 11 The Universal Post
I’m in the middle of something, can I call you back?
Page 12 The Universal Post
Aahh, moments of reflection. The signs of a great conference!
Dominick—the man behind the video camera
A special thank you to everyone who took pictures and sent them to me.⎯Newsletter Editor
Introducing - Tom Carney
the new Newsletter Editor!
Page 13 The Universal Post
OUT OF NICK’S LIBRARY
A Book Review By Nick D’Antoni
The Xingyi Boxing Manual: Hebei Style’s Five Principles and Seven Words Edited by: Jin Yunting
Translated by: John Groschwitz ©August 2004 Publisher: North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA ISBN: 1-55643-473-1 Hello again! So, here’s another first time translation from Chinese into English. [Do I begin to sense a theme here?] Jin Yuntang was a student of Shang Yunxiang and Sun Lutang (perhaps better known to modern practitioners). It is clear after reading his introduction and the testimo-nials of his students, that Jin’s association with Sun Lutang, “… under whose guidance I traveled for more than ten years” was formative and life changing. First published in 1931, this brief manual is a concise pres-entation of the essentials of xingyi as presented in the five element fists which Jin calls the Five Principles. Jin uses the traditional “song” form, short mnemonic and evocative verses, to produce a manual that is both spare, and eloquent. Mr. Groschwitz, the translator, has chosen to include the Chinese text in parallel throughout the book this will be of help to some. He also includes in each sec-tion sketches illustrating each posture, which appear to be based on the photographs of Jin Yuntang from the original, as well as pages that include reproduction of calligraphic blocks from the publication in Chinese. The inclusion of this traditional brush calligraphy par-ticularly contributes to a pleasant aesthetic and pro-vides relief from the blandness of the longer sections of Chinese text set using modern typographic font. The end result is a book that is also fairly pleasing to the eye in it’s layout and design and thus a comfortable browsing experience. The translation includes the traditional numerous fore-words, or testimonials, that precede the text of the man-ual proper. It is supplemented by a lineage chart illus-trating Jin Yuntang’s placement in the Xingyi family tree, as well as a short section of biographies “… trans-lated from the Encyclopedia of Chinese Martial Arts published in 1998.” The criteria used to select the bi-
ographies presented here is Jin’s Xingyi lineage, and the list includes biographies of: Yue Fei (1103-1142), Ji Jike (1602-1680), Cao Jiwu (1669-?), Dai Longbang (1713-1802), Li Feiyu (1809-1890) “… founder of He-bei-style Xingyi …”, Guo Yunshen (1820-1901), Liu Qilan (1819-1889), Li Cunyi (1847-1921), Sun Fuquan [Lutang] (1860-1933), and Shan Yunxiang (1864-1937). The manual is in two parts. The first part, The Five Principles, begins with the “Preparatory Posture”, and then presents each principle, or fist, in its own section consisting of a three-verse mnemonic “song” accompa-nied by an illustration of the form. This is followed by a longer passage, the “Discussion on the Rising and Falling of …”, that is a more detailed descriptive pas-sage addressing both the basics and stance as well as principles of movement. The order of the five fists as Jin presents them is: pi quan, beng quan, zuan chuan, pao quan,and heng quan. The second part of the man-ual is a chapter of five line “songs” Jin calls The Seven Words and Twenty-One Methods of Xingyi Boxing. This second part ends with a “song” in the longer form, reminiscent of the Song of the Universal Post that is familiar to Guang Pingers, entitled The Essential Points of Xingyi Boxing’s Harmonies and the Extremities. A clear and concise illumination of the traditional three internal and three external harmonies. Though probably not the greatest book, and certainly not the most definitive ever published on Xingyi, this little volume is an easy and enjoyable read. I believe it can be returned to and appreciated many times over as one’s practice develops and evolves. If you don’t really know much about Xingyi but are curious and interested in an accessible basic look, I think this book could be useful. If you’re actively studying the art and are looking for deeper understanding, then I believe there is something in the economic language here that can be helpful as well. All in all, a worthwhile explora-tion. I’d buy it. Heck, I already did! Rating: (3.5 out of 5)
Page 14 The Universal Post
Honorary Chairman: Y. C. Chiang, CA Honorary Chairman: Henry Look, CA [email protected] Honorary Chairman: Donald Pickens Rubbo, CA
Honorary Chairman: Nina Hopkins Sugawara, CA
Board of Directors
President: Nick D’Antoni, WA [email protected]
Vice-President: Dominick Ruggieri, NJ [email protected]
Vice-President Elect & Treasurer: Randy Elia, NJ [email protected] Fu-Tung Cheng. CA Patricia Boucher, CA Paki Sukwattana, OH Lawrence Riddle, WI
National Advisors David Chin*, Fayetteville, NC Bing Gong*, San Francisco, CA Jonathan Shear*, Richmond, VA Valerie Prince, Newport Beach, CA Diane Hoxmeier, Cape Cod, MA Joanna Schoon, Newport Beach, CA Heng Sure, Berkeley, CA Randy Elia, Emerson, NJ George Lakoff, Berkeley, CA Fritjof Capra, Berkeley, CA William Wong Chin, New York, NY Carlan Steward, Sacramento, CA Daniel Lee, Duarte, CA Richard Peck, Plano, TX Timothy Smith, Fayetteville, NC Cheryl-Lynne Rubbo*, CA *Kuo Lien Ying Direct Students
Membership Coordinator Valarie Prince P.O. Box 1528, Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Webmaster Dominick Ruggieri [email protected]
Honorary Chairmen Y. C. Chiang, CA Henry Look, CA
Past Presidents Dominick Ruggieri, NJ October 2003-October 2005
Nick D’Antoni, WA October 2001-October 2003
Nina Sugawara, CA March 2000-October 2001
Donald Rubbo, CA October 1998-March 2000
Henry Look, CA February 1996-October 1998
Board Members President: Randy Elia, NJ [email protected]
Vice-President Elect: To Be Announced [email protected]
Vice-President: Lawrence Riddle, WI [email protected]
Treasurer: Paki Sukwattana, OH [email protected]
Secretary: To Be Announced Patricia Boucher, TX [email protected]
Nick D’Antoni, WA [email protected]
Lucy Bartimole, OH [email protected]
Scott Schneider, NC [email protected]
Dominick Ruggieri, NJ [email protected]
National Advisors Valerie Prince, Newport Beach, CA JoAnna Gee Schoon, Laguna Beach, CA Daniel Lee, Duarte, CA Jonathon Shear, Richmond, VA Paul Taylor, San Francisco, CA
Membership Coordinator Julie Li c/o Peter Kwok’s Kung-Fu Academy 207 Kinderkamack Road Emerson, NJ 07630 [email protected]
Web www.guangpingyang.org
Webmaster: Jon Lazar [email protected]
☯ ☯ ☯
I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who was concerned about my health. A special thank you also goes to Dominick (and Kristina) for the pharmacy run and Masters Donald and Cheryl Lynne Rubbo for the healing work they did on me, as well as to my husband who was even more attentive to me than usual. I firmly believe the healing work and the positive thoughts from eve-ryone at the conference helped me recover well enough to really enjoy the last part of our trip. For our 35th wedding anniversary, we spent Sunday afternoon through Wednesday evening in San Francisco (part of the coaxing I referred to). We had a wonderful time visiting Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39, Berkeley and El Cerrito in the company of our “ tour guides” (Sifu Larry Riddle and Kristina). A great way to spend an anniversary!
(Continued from page 3)
is the Executive Chairman of the World Shuai Chiao Society and was named Kung Fu Instructor of the year in both 1999 and 2000 by the World Karate Hall of Fame. Nina Sugawara⎯Board Member: Loashir Nina Sugawara has a Ph.D. in Homeo-pathic Medicine and is a board certified Naturopathic Physician and has been in practice for over 25 years. She has been teaching Tai Chi and Yoga for over 15 years. She is a leading Chief Referee in the Push-Hands divisions at many of the International Chinese Martial Arts tournaments. She is also the ex-president and honorary Chairperson of the National Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association. Laoshir Sugawara is a frequent contributor to Inside Kungfu magazine. Greg Watson⎯Board Member: Laoshir Greg Watson is the senior student of Grandmaster Wang Jurong and Dr. Wu Chengde. Under Laoshir Wang, he has delved into the comparative systems of Taijiquan, Taiji Jian and Traditional Northern Fist and he studied Qigong under Dr. Wu. Laoshir Watson. He is a widely respected official and coach and has served as a head judge at numerous national and international championships. He has also been responsible for writ-ing the competition rules for many of most prestigious Chinese Martial Arts Championships in North America. Curt Hardison⎯Treasurer: Laoshir Curt Hardison is a kung fu grandson of Grandmaster Henry Look. He has won medals in the internal divisions at several National and International Chinese Martial Arts Championships. He teaches Taijiquan and Qigong at Central New Mexico Community College. Mindy McIntire⎯Secretary: Laoshir Mindy McIntire is a kungfu granddaughter of Grandmaster Henry Look. She teaches Taijiquan and Qigong at Jade Tiger Kung fu and Tai Chi in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
(Continued from page 4)
☯ ☯ ☯
California
Norma Austin [email protected]
David Bernhardt
Fu-Tung Cheng [email protected]
Yun-Chung Chiang
Kathleen Giustino
Larry Giustino
Bing Gong
Henry Look [email protected]
Jo Presbury Smith
Valarie Prince Gabel [email protected]
JoAnna Gee Schoon
Paul Taylor [email protected]
Denmark
Inger Jensen
Japan
Daniel Harrington
Stephanie Morino [email protected]
Minnesota
Dan Murphy
New Hampshire
Peggy Simone [email protected]
Mary Sturtevant, M. Ed.
New Jersey
Thomas Carney
Randy Elia [email protected]
Ira Esformes
Sylvia Gattnig
Richard Kosch
Rosalind Ressner [email protected]
Gary Rosenblum
Dominick Ruggieri
Michael Vassallo [email protected]
North Carolina
David Chin
Scott Schnieder [email protected]
Ohio
Lucy Bartimole
Jeff Burton [email protected]
Paki Sukwattana
Rhode Island
Diane Rabinowitz [email protected]
Texas
Patricia Boucher
Virginia
Jonathan Shear
Washington
Nicholas D’Antoni [email protected]
Lynn Sharp
Wisconsin
Kristina Riddle [email protected]
Wilkes Covey III
Joy Foye
Lawrence Riddle [email protected]
Page 15 The Universal Post
Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association Teachers
Certifie
d
Note: This list only includes those teachers who are certified by the Association and
whose membership is current.
If you have a questions regarding your membership status. Please contact the
Membership Coordinator.
c/o Wisconsin Wen Wu School PO Box 386 Schofield, WI 54476-0386 USA
GUANG PING YANG T’AI CHI ASSOCIATION
stamp
WAVE HANDS LIKE CLOUDS (Yun Shou)
Photo and description taken from: “Tai Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice” By: Kuo Lien Ying
Calendar of Events
2007 Newsletter Deadlines February 1
May 1 August 1
November 1
Disclaimer: The events listed above are provided as a re-source. They are not sponsored or endorsed by the GPYTCA.
Mission Statement Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association
To promote, perpetuate, develop interest in, and preserve the quality of Guang Ping Yang style T’ai Chi Chuan throughout the world, and to provide support for research and education in Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi in honor of the memory of Sifu Kuo Lien Ying, who brought Guang Ping to the United States, and in commemoration of his unselfish sharing of his many skills.
We strive to develop and honor the life-enhancing qualities of respect, humility, integrity, honesty, loyalty, and kindness. We manifest our commitment to this process by honoring our teachers, students, each other, and the practice of Internal Arts.
Upcoming Tournaments
2007 Desert Dragon
Chinese Martial Arts International Championship
January 12⎯14, 2007 Albuquerque, NM
www.desertdragon2007.com
Disclaimer: This list is in no way all inclusive of all tourna-
ments. The above tournaments, even though they may include a Guang Ping division, are listed as a resource. They are not
sponsored or endorsed by the GPYTCA.
