Friday marked the beginning of what I call “Mantis Season” this is a week of a memorial gathering in honor of the late grand Master of the Northern Shaolin Tai Chi Mantis system, Chiu Chuk Kai. This week the USA CCK Federation will host a Tournament, a Banquet and a week long training seminar. This year we wisely started with a board meeting instead of after the Banquet.
The meeting was held at Eng Shifu’s in Campbell, school this year instead of Ling Sisuk’s in Walnut Creek. Which meant some travel , however it worked out that I got to ride with Sisuk, Sibak, and a couple of Sihings in a van. As it was it worked out perfect as I was able to direct them on a side road and bypass a traffic problem in the freeway which would have made them late.
The meeting follow the usual format of such events. We bowed in with incense to a picture of Sigung to pay respect to his memory, then Old minutes, business, new business etc. One of the subject I raised was the need to spend more time on applications at the seminar, Sibak also raised the point of more ground work, as in take downs and falling. All agreed, and proposed this upcoming seminar would also include some rolling and control falls.
Another item I raised was giving the GSA-EcoFlag the support of the Federation. Beside the ideals of Recycling, Reuse & reduce it would give the Federation a starting point for working as a unit on something other than Martial Arts. To grow we need to show another face to the pubic beside our martial side. After some translating into Chinese it was agreed on by all that the Federation would officially s the GSA-EcoFlag group.
Another item was an impromptu election for next years President, as Huy Dieu Chiang Sibak Sibak is ready to step down. It was all agreed that Ling Sisuk would be the next 9th generation Federation President. Sibak was ready to turn over the reins right away but Sisuk asked for Sibak to carry on one more year.
After a bit of other items such as getting Brian Sihing more involved as he is recovering well from his near death accident. He agreed. He is the son of the Late 9th generation Master David Chang from Hawaii, who lives now in the states
After a bit of other misc chat we all departed as the tournament had a early start time on Sat. During on of the Chatting sessions I was pulled aside by the senior student from Eng Sifu’s school. I had told him I would be unable to attend this year’s seminar, due to some unfortunate events with my work status. He offered to cover my entry fee. I was surprised and grateful for the kindness. It really gave me a sense of family.
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