Category Archive

A older student of mine wrote me asking if I knew of such n such person, “G” who teaching Wing Chun, is an accupunturist I said yes, he was younger classmate from the Tai Mantis School in Torrence. She sent me his website, for Turning Point where he works in partnership I guess. I read through it, I was impressed with his growth and that he was also a Zen student now. He is working with another younger classmate who is a Jujitsu master now and has a school in Oakland called Suigetsukan . I had seen them both several years ago at the grand opening of the Jujitsu school. I decided to arrange my schedule to be in Oakland on Friday night and drop by the Dojo.

The last time I was there, some 2 or 3 years a go. My classmate, the Professor was out of town. Today I went by after visiting Shisuk at the Photo studio. It was about 1 hour before class, the dojo looked empty. Knowing that some of the group live there I rang the bell. After a few mintues one of the student answers. I have a bit of a chat with her, because guess what her Sensei, the Professor is out of town. I am told he does not go out of town often, I said I do not come by often and both times he is out of town. Anyway, I was going to leave a note and then find out that the other classmate, “G” is living there as well and is home. I follow her to the upstairs dorm and am announced.

“G” is surprised and please to see me. As I am him. We sit and talk of old times and old mutual friends. It is a nice visit. It is funny the connection that we who trained together hold. I wonder if people who do regular sport have this. This guy was a kid when he started at the school, as was the Dojo Sensei, the Professor, who was one of my students for a while. Now he is all grown up, they are all grown up and we are still at it, different paths but still the focus, same mind as Lady Z would say. Time and the legacies continue. I guess the few who stick with it through time have that same weirdness and once you have you always have it. It is a strange feeling through to be looking at our studies from the other point in the spectrum, and not the beginners level.

The Dojo seems to be an interesting place. If I was younger and single it would be a cool place to hang out, learn some Arts and met some like minded peeps. It was brought up that they do seminars there at the school, would I be interested…If I was, it could be brought up with the Professor. He felt it would be interesting to see another point of view on combat.

They have a mixed of Arts there at the Dojo,  Jujtsu, WIng Chun, Ba Qua, Eskrima. Zen meditation. A serious student coming out of that background, would be a well balanced Martial Artist.

We will met some time in the future for a reuinon lunch or tea.

Hard to believe another month has passed. I arrived early to the school since I was closer to Campbell and not working. After speaking with Shifu and giving him a CD of the school logo for new shirts. I set about warming up.

Soon I was joined by D1 . We chatted about what I was working on. I told him mostly review these days. I have a lot of stuff to do. I did want to learn the two man Bun Bo Mantis set. My problem was, Shifu knew and taught the 7 -Star Praying Mantis version. Shisuk’s school did the Tai Chi Mantis version. The 7-Star version looks more complete we agreed. It is more realistic in the moves, where as the Tai Mantis version looks like somethings is missing. My problem with learning the 7 Star version is I would need to learn both sides. At least re-learn one side and totally new on the other. I had stopped doing the 7 star version. However with the Tai Mantis Version I only needed to learn one side. Hmm Something I need to speak with Shifu about, in my questions about preparations. There is another set I want to learn from Shifu is his two man Tai Chi Drill. Shifu does not have a lot interest in Tai Chi on it’s own. He does I hear, think this Two Man Drill is very good. Very complex I hear. This will be a challenge to learn both sides, plus catch up with everything in 3 years.

D1 asked if I was learning two handed sword from Shifu. I said no, I have plenty of stuff I need to practice and relearn I do not need yet another set to practice. I do want to go over The Mantis Long Staff with you! Ok , He says, let’s go it. For he next 30- 45 min we reviewed the Set. After a bit we were join by D2 who also practiced with us reviewing the set. I practiced until I was pretty sure I had it back. I still need to practice to feel more comfortable with it. But I got the moves again. I also made a short video of it. That way I will have a backup in Japan.

After a while I went inside. Shifu was speaking and demoing about cutting inside of a punch, and following up with several options. One of the differences with Shifu and Shisuk. Shifu is all about combat, how things work and following through. Shisuk is more technical and academic in his approach. They do not always agree on things in the system, practice, training, application. Shisuk usually submits to Shifu his senior. They do have some heated conversations at times. More so when they have both been drinking.

Friday ended with some talk on Jet Lee and Jackie Chan’s new movie. Entertaining , was the final remark by someone who saw it. Cool I’m there!

The Walnut Creek, Tai Mantis School had a BBQ this Sat.

My students and I were invited. As usual unless it is a big event. I am the only one that shows up to these things.

There were not that many people there when I showed up. Even Shisuk ad not arrived yet and I was 1 hour later. No matter. I can hang out…

I went through the school, took some pictures said hello to all. I chatted with the senior student outside for a while it had been awhile since I had seen or spoke to him. I’m sure I will be hearing a lot more from him with the summer events coming.

There was no Chinese food today at the BBQ, just BBQ. I do not know how true but I hear the meat of the day was squirrel. The meat I saw them cutting up into small strips looked different..

I was having veggie burritos & pasta no matter what they ate. We had several nice wines to chose from. Finally Shisuk arrives so we can eat.

As we are into our plates more people show up. The interesting thing about Shisuk’s school is that there are a lot of couples with there kids.

Shisook is very much the parent with all of them… the Shifu. He gives advice, on health, study, business, relationships, not just kung fu. He students are very loyal. He is a firm teacher, but will do anything he can for his students. He truly helps them develop in character not just physically. When questioning him on it he will say, generally, this is how my Shifu taught me.

One of the late comers is a friend of mine from Vietnam. She is one of my favorite people there. For no other reason that we click and are about the same age. She is a vegetarian also, so at the banquet through the years we, her, Shifu’s wife, myself & wife, and another couple share the same table. This past banquet I find out she is a Zen student.

So when she comes today I figure, Oh, great I can hear some of her system. She pulls up a chair at a table with myself and Shisuk. Her and I get to chatting, this is really the first I had gotten to speak with her about her Zen practice. When I found out at the banquet when were just about leaving. This day I find out she holds sessions at her house, and goes to various other meditation centers around the Bay are as well. She is a student of Zen Master Tich Nhat Hanh, recieved her Dharma Name via him. She goes to all his retreats and such and hold her own session around town. She also is the Vietnamese translater for his books for publishing in English. Wow I had no idea, she was up there. We also spoke on Ophra’s new project with he author of “new Earth” I think it is called. She did not know of my studies, other than the motion side of Shaolin. I told her some of Shaolin Chan and she asked for the web address. It was a brief, but interesting talk, she needed to go pickup her husband. That was a good point for me also, there was a new flurry of activity, so I said my goodbyes as well and headed home.

Training/practice takes different shapes, different time. It had been a long day for me, nothing stressful just long, doing misc stuff. I was not up to going out late to Shisuks for practice. This was one those telling moments of what path you take on things, your spirit. I was not up for going , but I did. Part of training is just doing it.

The class had more students attending than cars, in the lot. I was a bit surprised. I bowed and entered. I headed to the back to put up my jacket and stuff then went back on the floor. I was checking out a few picture and getting a bit loosened up when Mae comes up with her orders from Shisuk, we are to practice Chen.

Nice!, I wanted to go over some Chen parts I knew I was missing so this worked out well. I thought Shisuk would have me doing breathing and silk weaving drills. I was pleased it was Chen tonight.

Chen is my favorite of the Tai Chi Chuan sets I have learned. I enjoy the feel of strong yin and yang flow, with the fa jing and the Spiraling chi. As I wrote that I flashed on a thought of trying to send that spiraling chi to the arrow next time I shoot. Maybe I am thinking too liner when I shoot. Just something to test… Away I digress.

I am pleased to be able to learn Chen from Shisuk, who can relate how things work and the crossover with our mantis techniques. He teaches heavy heavy basics, as well as where and how the power travels, the expanding spirals, the expansions and contractions of the body and chi flow. Balance, being centered, rooted, yet flexible. A bamboo in the storm…

I will miss my elders when I go to Nihon. I am blessed to know them and learn from them…Life will provide me with new Elders to learn from. Perhaps I have already met them…

Chen style for me is more like I’m doing Kung Fu and not just ‘motion zen”. This Chen, Shisuk is training me with, will be the advanced level training for my students under the Japanese Program. Yang 24-beginners, Chu 24 Palm-intermediate, Chen 24 - advanced. This will be in addition to other practice training, but these will be the forms for the foundation of the Tai Chi Chaun Path along with some Zazen. I think these give a good balance on training, rather than just a long 106 movement form few would practice. This way even if they picked just one form to learn and practice, and drill and digest and make it theirs… it would be a worthwhile path, for any age, even more so an active, heath wise senior, or middle age seeker!

So how was my practice tonight,　ままをを! Some parts I felt better with because I have been practicing. I try to remember what I was told last time, and watch the girl I am following, with Shisuk watching me. He corrects her in Chinese , I listen, and correct myself. The lady I am following has gotten amazingly better with her Tai Chi in the last few years.

It was a short session, Shisuk needed to leave on time. So when the Lady I was with needed to leave, I left as well. It had been a while since I had trained with the WC school on a regular basis. They all said, WoW so short, you should stay. I thanked them but needed to go. It was their class time, another time for me, if it is in the Tao.

“The correct practice of Zen centers on ellimination of all attachements, including attachment to the correct practice. The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo

A few days ago, maybe a week … or so, I thought about looking into other Kyudo schools in the area. There were several I found all linked to a Federation or Assoc. out of Japan. I figured why not check it out. There were a couple of things I noticed in Japan that were not happening when I attend the current class. I wanted to see where there was a difference.

It was a beautiful Sunday , warm Northern Ca day!! Wow great, Hills are covered with sades of green, and splashes of spring flowers. I have been, I think more grateful for these moments of clearity. Maybe the sitting is changing my mind… I digress

It was a pleasant hour drive in light traffic to meet the instructor. There were parts of the sky that looked like rain. I got a real sense of being back in Hawaii with all the green mountains and clear to dark skies I got to enjoy. I arrived at his house on time and meet his wife. He was playing the flute, and reading the music. I was impressed and for a flash I thought hmmm flute lessons. I did snap back to Kyudo after the flute was put away. They instructer S and the wife, seemed nice. I meet the cats, they were very shy. I was told that if the weather was good, he taught at the park and rec center, if it was not. We would shoot at home.

Since it was questionable on the weather Instructer S (IrS) deciedes we will stay at his place and shoot. Ok,…I’m thinking garage, in the back yard.. nope.. in the living room, Whoa, He has the equipment and, so after a few mintues of assembly we are ready to shoot with the Makawara Straw target. I am intrigued so little space can be use.

IrS is a knowledgable guy, 6 Dan certified in Japan. I pickup some interesting tips and corrections. There was only the two of us. He checked me out to see what how little I know and were my weakness are to be worked on. I do a couple of shots. He gives me some tips. I also ask about how to do the proper entrance to the floor and I am shown. We work mostly on my draw and grip. after some explaining and my identifing some of the same things Shisuk had said about when doing Tai CHi, what I was told sunk in more. I could relate it to something I was doing and was told to practice more of anyway by Shisuk. I also related some of how the bow grip , is similar to a mantis grip in Kung fu. One of the differences in this style, there is not much, is that they start the draw from high in front of the face. Where are thee other style starts more from an angle and tlit. I remember now Onii-san from the tiger school Said about one is the fighting or warrior style the other is the court style. I am more comfortable with the court style. It is the same as a Tai Chi opening. My body already flows to that position.

I was also run through some of the three kneeling positions and explained the sitting one. It was painful and interesting. I will need some losing up, interestingly again in another spot Shisuk tells me I need for my Tai Chi to improve, more horse stance. Hmmm ok, so I really need to work on those drills Shisuk showed me, I get a two win thing happing.I understand how Tai Chi helps my Mantis & Shaolin Fists. I did not expect it with the kyudo. Not only with the flow of the breath and chi but also the expanding end contraction of the body use of the body structure to be totally in the shot as in total in to a push or a punch Having that structure in place to support the push , the punch , the draw, starts in legs, the feet…

So over all, after I relaxed ( I’m nervous, with new people) the lesson was very good. I was shocked when I was told there was no charge!!! Whooa!! With me not working I was not going to insist and ruin his gift. So I just said that you & bowed. He said he enjoys teaching people the art Kyudo. I was impressed with his heart. My Japanese side said I need to do something for him, a gift… Too bad he lived so far, I thought to myself. I could come more often… the gas right now,…och…I was informed there was another dojo, of his style organization in my area I should look him up.

Hmmmm…cool

I was welcome to come back anytime…arigato

So which school do like better? Not a matter of like better. There is clear wisdom in walking a path that is mirrored in Nihon…with Nihon to be your path…ね

…however for now:

The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo

What I did find lacking in this class and I also found in Nihon is there is no meditation in the opening. I had heard this was something the Sensei from the Tiger school added in. No matter. I am glad I found that one first it gave me a direction to go with my Kung Fu Class and training. It really helped my mind focus on adding that part into my class and training. I enjoy doing the meditation before doing activity , Yin before yang. I am also looking forward to the Retreat at the Zen Center, with the Tiger group. Even though the princess will be there and treat me like a invisible person, the style of Zen mediation practiced there is different from the one I practice, the style of Kyudo is different from the one I may end up doing…No matter

The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo

It seems like awhile since I’ve posted here, not really put sort of, During quiet time here I’m generally in Boat mode.

Last night, Friday hence the name was practice night with Shifu

It rained I was not expecting much of a turn out. However I was wrong, it was larger than last month. By more than double triple. The rain had let up for a while so I was able to go outside and practice. That is were we generally practice weapons not just for the room but for safety.

While most of the group was inside practicing and disecting a two man sparing set I work on my Jhian ( gim) out in the parking lot. Shixong spotted me and watch fo ra bit then came out to help me finish the set. Wahhooo. I was much closer to the end than I thought. After about 10 fairly simple moves I was done. Another completed Mantis Sword set. This one was the Tai Chi Mantis Tai Chi Palm Sword. Now I need to refine it and film it. From here I am done with new sets weapons training. Well I should not say that because I know they, the elders will have us do more at the seminars. However as far picking it up outside of them, I’m done.

My focus now will be reviewing all those I have done. I was able to go through part of the Mantis Staff set. However Shixong’s version was a bit different from the one I learned so I did not even try to practice that with him after seeing it. We did do the two man Fire/Water staff from the Northern Shaolin system. I had just finished teaching that to my students so I was pretty fresh with that one.

Meanwhile the group was working on joint locks with Shifu. After Shixong finished with me he went back inside with them. Generally that is what the main focus of Friday nights are, break down of the techniques and applications. The form review/practice is only the smallest part.

Afterward it was pizza time. There was a little other food, rice some pot-stickers Shifu made and some other things. This was the first they ordered pizza with a Veggie one for me, with no Mushrooms, yea!

The talk of the evening, was old moves and Kung Fu TV. As well as some of the guys from the old days, Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace, Jim Kelly and others. We also discussed weapons and the usefulness of some vs others. As the Double Gim is pretty much a show and flowery form, where as single Gim is to watch for deadliness. Double Saber is more about footwork, were single Sable is about not so much the sword but the empty hand. Because of this is it considered more superior to double saber. Shifu and I went into how this was also true with Kali and Arnis the Philippine arts

There were some discussions about as always about Philosophy and our training. Shifu told us about a poem, in Chinsese, that Shigung (grandmaster) had written at the end of one of us books. It was about Ta Mo and the wordless enlightenment of Ch’an. How the Master could only point the way for the student to get enlightenment and not by alot of words it had to be experienced. The same was true for the Physical training side of Ch’an, Kung Fu the student had to realize and experience his enlightenment. Not via the words of the Shifu but from his own experience.

In a simple way of putting it, The Shifu is but the finger pointing to the moon.

Friday Fu with Shifu.

It had been 3 months since I had been down to Shifu’s. I missed all the Holiday gatherings from both schools because of work or travel or family. Now I am re-programing my life pattern again so time to get back into the cycle. I did not remember if I had told anyone I was coming tonight. It did not matter though.

I got off early from work so I had a bit of time to relax before making the 1 hour min. drive. Traffic turned out to be pretty good, although I did leave on the somewhat late side, about 6:45pm. I arrived@ the Campbell studio around 8:00pm. I came in paid my respects and greetings to all, and started to warm up. I was expected. I was told vegetarian fair was added. One of the things we do on the Friday night practice is eat afterwards. The class/ workout is very loose format. We work-on practice whatever we want and ask any questions on anything. We exchange ideas, clear up questions on application.

I first went through my Tai Chi Palm, after some stretching and horse stance practice. Next went into Yang 24 Tai Chi. I had a couple of question on application of a move in Tai Chi palm so I asked, Art Shixong . He was there as usual practicing. He runs a group in S.F. and is a classmate of Shifu’s in Wong Jac Man Shigong’s Shaolin Linage, as well as being senior student to Fong Shibak ( elder uncle) another of the 8th generation Chuk Kai Tai Chi Mantis Linage. We went through a couple of things, and also with the added input from Shifu , my questions where covered. With Shifu’s added comment after a discussion grew from this being; “this is why it is important to explain what the movement is doing, not just how to do the move. This is how the student understands.”

It is interesting seeing the differences in teaching styles with Shifu and Shisuk they are completely different personalities and styles. Shifu taught compact skills to the Rangers in Viet Nam. Shisuk grew up in Hong Kong and Shanghai not from a wealth family. They are like Yin and Yang, Fire and water. Both can kill or be helpful.

My next practice section is with Tai Chi sword. I had been working with Art Shixong on this, however I have not been practicing and needed review badly. That is what we did for the next 30 min, review. The main parts I remembered but there were connections I was missing in the form. It was good to repeat. I declined going further until I was better with what I had.

Around this time dinner was ready. Part of the Friday night gathering is we have food afterward. Either BBQ done there at the school or people bring stuff. It the bonding time, food, beer, Cognac. We talk or do not talk, depends. Shifu tells about some history or we just speak about misc stuff, chat.

Generally afterward it is usually late and I take off. Tonight I stayed later. I got one of my brothers to show me a grappling drill I had missed from the seminar, but had seen them practice. We went through it a bunch. He told me Shifu’s explanations from how it is done in the real world and how it is done in class and flow is maintained. This is something I have been wanting to give my students to work on. Since I do not have any new students, I can give my group more advance things to work on now. The group that I have now, will be the ones who will carry my line when I go to Nihon.

It was a rainy evening as I headed out to the WC , Shaolin Tai Chi Mantis Studio

It has been a long time since I’ve seen Sisuk. Not since before the holidays. I went by his school last night to catch up on things. He was happy to see me. We lightly chated for a bit while his class was still in session. It is always good to see him teach. It is a lesson for me when he points out small things to his students. Also seeing them drill gives me ideas. His students are much more hard core than mine, so I need to adapt some things. There are a couple of my students that would hold up under such training. The others…

Anyway it was good to hear his comments about, the why’s of what they do stuff, balance in their stances, two directional punches. Good stuff, good to hear re-enforcements on what I show , good to get new things.

After the class dismissed. Then we spoke on deeper issues. He was not pleased that I had to go seeking another job. He had a couple of ideas out of my field…but that is maybe the way to go to get some stability. He also spoke of some of the things he is dealing with in his life. As I am not his student but a “nephew” he can speak with me of things he would not say to his students. It is interesting to me the role I take on when I am around him or Shifu. I am just another upcoming student. Even though I have some “rank”, to them it is nothing, I am still a “grasshopper” I always feel humble in their presence, like I am a teenager just getting my feet wet in life.
A s usual beside person stuff and work we spoke of Kung Fu, or Federation, & training. He is still considering and working on bring the Chen system he studies into this country full on. To him this is a big deal, a major comment of some type. Which I have not fully grasp yet. I know it has something to do with him being a deciple of this Chen clan.

He told me I needed to practice more ( as always), this is not the time to back off. Even though busy with life and getting older with the tendency to slow down. I needed to stay on it. More so with my re-location plans. So this leads to that, and I am told to show him, X,Y,Z, gulp. Not ready for a demo, was I , but I rallied and did a bit of a drill he had given me.  One cannot say no. I was told the corrections I needed and reminded this needed to be done daily at least 30 min.

If I followed everything he said about what I needed to do daily for 30 min. I would be up at 4:30 everyday practicing until 7:30 and rushing out the door to work. or get up at 3:30 so I could do Zazen and have breakfast after the a.m. training. If I want to be “a master”…I have no care to be one, to “master” it is another story.

Life is more complex than in the old days living in a temple…

I will go see my Shifu next week, it is time for the monthly training. I have been unable to attend since Nov. I need to review my Gim Sword badly. I will put in some practice time this week, so not to lose too much face. Even through Shixong with working with on on this sword set. I still need to step up my game.  Summer Mantis Events are coming. Back to Training.

Today is rainy rainy rainy and WINDY. There is a big storm settling in for the next few days. It is a good day to be next to a fireplace or in bed or both. I’m feeling a bit sluggish.

I’m on lunch break at work. There is a lot to do the next coupe of weeks before I head off to Nashville (yuk). Anyway we are now into the New Year. So far so good

This is lunar year of the Rat coming in Feb. I have to check on what that means to a Tiger Child:

“Expect a powerful year when people are firm about their goals, passions, and aspirations. Although there may be fluctuations in world economies, it is an excellent time to start a business, buy property, invest in long-term plans, or accumulate wealth. Ventures begun in the Rat year will prosper if well prepared, but it is not a time for foolish risks. Rat loves the pack, so this year is also a time for socializing, entertaining, and enjoying ourselves.”

TIGER Anticipate minimal gains and not too much advancement. Restless Tiger requires action, but money could be tight and compromises must be accepted. Rats think, plan, scheme, and ponder — which are not Tiger (nor Horse) traits. You will start a new fortunate life cycle in Tiger year 2010.”

hmmm ok. Well 2010 is just before we head to Nippon, that should help.

Also I may just for fun throw a I-Ching.

We had a quiet New Years Eve and Day. I spent NY eve day on the boat, since Lady Z had to work. I had a nice lunch, wrote for the Zensekai2 blog, a few misc chores, took pictures, etc. It was a good day.

NY eve night, which is NY day in Japan, we spoke with family in Japan via Skype that was fun.

Otherwise after we hung out. There was traditional food stuff out all day and we had left over for the next 3 days as there is no cooking. So whatever was made at NY or just before is consumed over the next few days…mostly cold.

We are off to Ch’an group practice this Sat. It seems like it has been ages since I’ve been. It has been at least a month for me, since I had that intenseness with the USCG study exam, which I passed!! ( sweet) In case you did not know. I finally got a Zafu ( meditation seat) cushion for Christmas. Even though we do not use them in Ch’an sitting. I got one anyway to help my knees. I would like to avoid that disabling suffering I went through last year. I did come across someone last year from Japan who did his Zen practice standing. We were in agreement that it is about the mind not the body. However… Fine for alone, but makes one standout (heheh) in a sitting group session.

I have a new office mate, no more solo in my office
Oh well he seems ok enough, any rate I can be the Bamboo unless he is a real pain. He does not seem the sort. However if I have to share a room with him whilst traveling to the on site convention jobs, I will not be happy! However I’ll cross that bridge if it happens. One of the things I am doing in my new capacity as Team Captain Concord-CA for the ecoflag/GSA organization, is change all ( ok most) the incandescent bulbs in use here at the office to low emission florescents. Anything we can do, even small things make a difference and with the light bulbs, the reduction in cost and emission is substantial. Do your share, we all pollute, we all can reduce! Reduce, Recycle, Reuse! Reduce waste in 08′

I’m reading a new book I came across called, Thank you and OK. Weird title ne! Is about a guy from the SF Zen center who goes to stay and train in Japan for a while. Interesting reading. Not a whole lot about Zen, but more so about his life in the monstery and the monks. It is an old book, kind of fun to read about his adventures in the land of the Rising sun.

Sisuk is in Tawain or Hong Kong or someplace like that, I have a couple of weeks of break from his intensity. I will need to prepare fro some serious Tai Chi training when he gets back. He is there training and will be all amped up when he gets back, and I have been told I need to make time to get in to the studio and practice with him. Think drill Sargent! It will do me good, but it will not be fun . He says, training is not suppose to be fun. That is a western concept, it should be hard work otherwise he say one can just go to a gym. There was no Holiday party this last year from his school as he had to go oversea earlier than planned. I missed my Shifu’s Christmas party as I was in LA doing the anniversary thing with my classmate. I want to keep my schedule fairly simple this year so I can have some time for training. I maybe heading back to LA to give a couple more seminars. Althouhg I will plan on teaching less stuff and just being more in depth with whatever I am showing, as the class there can not handle too much information at once. I’m thinking maybe a Kali/Arnis seminar would be good. Hmmm, well there is still time to think on it. Another classmate who runs the The South Wind School of Classical Chinese Martial Art gave a combat stick seminar and not sure how that will work with them having learned that it maybe ok, I’ll need to check. It is completely different but maybe not so much, to someone who does not know better. So maybe they will not be interested in learning Kali basics.

A student asked if I was going to do any ceramics this year. I would like to but… That maybe too much for right now, I really need to put in some Kung Fu time even through my heavy nautical studies are over for the moment. Maybe in the second half of the year. That will be in time for some Christmas gifts.

.

Anyway on with 2008, minasan Ganbatte ne! (everyone do your best) & let’s be careful out there!

I had the chance to attend a Kung Fu classmate’s 16th year, anniversary reunion event this weekend past. He runs the Shaolin Temple Lomita - Kung Fu school In Lomita Ca., which is south of LA. It was the first event I had attended in several years. This one was told to me to be different as it was more of a reunion for my schoolmates.

I flew in late Sat. afternoon, wisely into Long Beach this time. It was much nicer experience than going into LAX. it paid off more so on my return as I was able to sit outside the terminal and snack, read and enjoy the sun and great weather. But I’m jumping ahead.

I checked out my rental car and headed over to Lomita. I was running early so I wisely decided to stop at a nice little Chinese Vegetarian restaurant I go to when in town. It is just a few blocks from the Lomita Studio. I had a small meal, figuring since there was suppose to be food there I would not stuff myself.

I pull up to the studio just as my elder brother and another school mate are getting out of the car. I pull along side the car and in jest, blew the horn and grumble about people leaving their car doors open blocking the street while shaking my fist in the air.

After parking I head in the the school. It was already starting to fill up, with a lot of people I did not know & students who I also did not know bowing. A found a couple of my brothers, we talked in the corner as others showed up, along with Kam Shifu. We all did the chit chat thing in the corner next to the main table whist everyone hustled about making ready for the ceremony to start.

Things were ready to begin so we took our spots at the table.

I was next to Shifu, with Manual the school’s Shifu on the other side. I had a good seat for the show, honored I was, but it should have been Rob’s place since he is the eldest…and much closer to Kam Shifu. I was also seated next to Zhong Xuechao aka Master Bing from the WuDang School. He was unfamiliar with the Tai Chi Mantis style so we had a chat on a few subjects later that evening. He is more quiet than me, started by asking where I learned to speak Chinese. At the far end of the table to me & Kam Shifu’s right were all my other classmates.

The events started with a speech from Manual Shidai ( younger brother), and group tea drinking. Then incense and 3 bows for the past Sigungs (Grand masters). Next the Lion Dance.

The Lomita school and the Las Vegas school both have well known lion Dance teams and sometimes work together on shows and events. Tonight it was just the Lomita school preforming, although our brother from the Lohan school of Shaolin was also there.

Following that there were demo from the various schools. There were some 8 -10 different schools from both Northern and Southern Styles present along with some young Shaolin Monks from China and their Shifu.

The demos were excellent. The one that stood out most to me, were the Bua Qua, Wu Dang and the Half drunken from a student of the Lomita School. Most impressive was the Hsing Yi Master bending the 1/2 in thick iron bars , that were shoved into his neck. I got it on film! Impressive, they were thick bars which could not be unbent by hand.

Kam Shifu also gave his healing demos correcting pain from anyone who wanted to come up. Something I learned from him at the basic level of but have no confidence in using. He on the other hand has a large following of people who swear by it, and some who do not, just to be fair, in my statement.

After much To Do, and Ceremony , the last of which was a presentation of black sashes to 4 students of Manual’s it was time to eat.

Things were laid out buffet style with everyone helping themselves. This is were eating before hand paid off. There was next to nothing I could eat, everything for the most part had meat. I ended up with a small portion of rice, like a half a cup with a small amount curry sauce, 1 teaspoon which I could not tell if was pure veggie so I did not take a chance with more than a spoon of plain sauce also some garbanzo beans. It was a wise move for me to look out for myself and eat first.

By now everyone is eating and chatting , chatting and eating. It was worth the trip seeing classmates I had not seen in some 20 yrs and retouching the bond of Shaolin training we share. It was pleasing to see some are doing very well on their paths. Large full time schools with many students, film, TV, etc. Makes me feel like have not really accomplished much, however some have stopped training at all. I am still on the path at least, humble as it is…

A few of us slipped away after the end, when folks were leaving and went to one of the old gang’s house and shot a few rounds of pool. It was like old times, but now with gray hair.

Some left after a few games they had a long drive, shortly after that I crashed in the spare room I had a early trip to Ch’an practice some hour drive away. I left the couple of the regular players still at it. It was a good day of memories and vibes.

We made it! Everyone was fairly out of steam on the last day. It was the hottest day of the week, so that made things a bit more of a challenge. Surprisingly my legs were not as bad as I thought they would be on the last day. Maybe my rest on Thursday helped. I did spend a lot of time taking pictures not as much practicing. I did get some practice in though.

Anyway first off was the group photo as is our tradition. Then some warm-up drills. After that we break into groups. The new first time seminar people have to work on BumBu. Which is the original Praying Mantis form. All the Praying Mantis systems use this form as their foundation. Next the new folks, work on single step drills and the applications. That is pretty much the week for them. The thing about going through the Bumbu form is everyone no matter how long they have been training has to go through this process. It is more than a matter of learning the form it is about seeing how humble one is, and their attitude. When I first attended the seminar I went through it, even through I was already a Sifu and had to learn with people just starting 6 mo before. I did it. There was another teacher from Washington state, would had learned from one of the 8th generation masters. He stayed only for a half day working on Bumbu before saying, I have nothing to learn here got upset and left. The Masters said good BYE! We do not need you. Kind of like that  sitting at the temple gate for a few days.

The second group this year, was from the Walnut Creek, school. Sissok did not want them learning weapons but practicing their applications. So for the week they stayed inside and worked on application & technique drills. They really worked up a sweat!.

The last group, Campbell & Boston we worked outside. Single step drills on Sword & Spear. Then worked on the two person combat form. There were a few close calls, but no blood. A couple of bangs, and pokes, but no blood was shed so it was good.

Finally…the FOOD time!!

Food was ordered from a Chinese restaurant locally. A friend of one of the Sihing’s, so the owner said he would take extra care in the preparation. It was great!, Even a lot of good vegetarian food !! Nice!! I was able to pig out. It is not really good to eat that late, that much, but, it is only once in a while and mostly veggie and tofu so it was light. I had a big plate so did not go back for seconds and thirds like some people. Only 1 glass of wine and I was good. The rest of the evening was social after we handed out the certificate of appreciation to the instructors of the week. Then cake…I took my piece home along with some plates of food for Lady Z as she was not up to making the trip down to the school. The cake was great! Light not too sweet with pineapple. I should have gotten and extra piece, but I need to watch my sugar so it was just as well, I used restraint.

So ended another memorial training seminar. They seem long while in the beginning of it, but short afterward. Now we plan for next year, as it goes rather quickly with life as full as it is. At some point in the not to far future I will be off to Japan, and unable to attend these events as often. It will be a different world. Perhaps through even sweeter to visit and remember the treasures, even at times of the sad visits, due to the passing of time…these are good times.

Shin ni so! I’m dying. We all are really and I’m just being dramatic. My legs are pretty sore this evening of the 3rd day. I fared better than I thought I would today. I had a noticeable limp in the morning for a while and had to move slowly.

After getting everything warmed up I functioned pretty well. Enough so that by the evening class even Sisook said I looked pretty good. Needless to say I was shocked to hear that. I was holding back for most of the day, pacing myself. There were a couple of times I needed to turn up the chi power, to jump or duck from something coming faster than I had planned. Toward the end of the 4 hr of practice, I could feel myself running out of steam I was glad it ended when it did. Anyway it all worked out. I did not get hurt or hurt anyone. The day out on the boat did not affect me much.. I’ll have to write about that later one the water site. (done)

Sisook said to the class, during warm-up, ok, this is the 3 day, you’re getting sore and tired, now is the time to push yourself! So it was reassuring mentally to know others, even the young ones were feeling it. We all pushed on. That is the thing about group training, like group tai chi or group zazen, we feed off each others energy to hang on.

Overall Weds. was just another day of training. Review the old, practice the new, add some more moves.

Day 4-am, I am feeling fairly normal today, being jobless and able to sleep in a bit helped. I do have a bunch of work to do today for Sisook but I do not have to punch a clock on when I start…sweet.

Tonight is the last full night of training. On Friday we start late due to group pictures, filming a record of everything for the schools to have reference copies. Then we review and finish up whatever is missing from the leaders plan, then Eat , drink and be merry !

I am sore

It is morning of day 3, I cannot rest today, that would be nice. I received a call to do a shoot with National Geographic on “Black Men filling their dreams through sailing” I’ll be helping to sail one of the boats. I figure a good contact for later so could not pass it up. We’ll be out all day, then back to Kung Fu for 4 hours in the evening. No resting today.

Three more days of training, my legs are starting to feel it.

Did I mention I’m sore…

I will not write about everyday of our week long training seminar(maybe), I do not need to for me and the few readers may get bored. Today is day 1 of the training. We did review of the 6 single step sword drills and a couple of the six spear single step drills.

Then started on the two person sword and spear form ( kata/set). Fun! I’m glad I get to attend this year there are really alot of things I will be going over and learn that can be shown to my intermediate level students, not just things only an advanced student benefit from the training. I will be sure to put the things down on film this year as well as catalog some of the other things I’ve gone through, so I will not lose it. It is too much to practice all the time but I will need it when teaching in Japan so the students can be part of the same curriculum as here. I hope at some point once there and established I can bring a couple select students over for the tournament and banquet and perhaps testing. The training seminar maybe too much as most Japanese do not get a full week off much less and 1.5

When I came to class tonight Sifu pulled me aside and said “I heard you are going back to Japan”. He looked very concerned, I had not said anything to him as yet. I had mentioned it to his wife at the banquet, but had not made an official notice. Anyway he seems relived when I said it will not be until 3-4 yrs. I still have a lot of training to do.  He said ah, ok you still have time as yet and smiled. I was touched.

There are also things I’ll be learning this year that I need to fill in some gaps in my own Tai Chi mantis Training.  I was able to skip around things from the training list because I had learned them but differently or more advance stuff. I am back tracking on a lot of things from the system as I came in from the side door.

Anyway this seminar will be good, covering things I wanted and also help me to get back on a better personal training pattern. Which will make Sisook happy. I’ll start training more with the Walnut Creek school again. As Sisook says 3 yrs is not that long and I have a lot of things to cover.

This year my eldest student of some 14 - 15 years attended the seminar. This is her first. She is not a very strong type, so I am pleased she is making the effort. This will help her training. It will also being her closer to the rest of the other school student, even though they see her every year helping wiht the tournament there is a different bonding from training together. She will be sore at the end of the week, but will feel proud of herself, I will be as well.

It was a warm evening in Concord as we left for the banquet in Oakland Chinatown. Lady Z who does not do will in heat was hopeful that it was cooler in Oakland, it was.

We arrived close to starting time at the usual resturant and they did start almost on time which was nice, timing this year was better than years past. Maybe because after 17 years of doing this we know how things go .

I took my seat at the veggie table. This year Lady Z sat with the meat eaters. My cousin was to come and did not know anyone so I had them set together was the plan. Lady Z was please as she wanted to try some of the pork and chicken dishes.

We started on time. As is custom we had a ceremony for the late Sigung to start the evening. First his direct students were called up the 8th generation. There were 5 in attendance this year. Next the 9th generation students we called, my group. once we had our places, we were given each a stick of incense, and did the Three Traditional Bows.

Three bows from the 8th and 9th generation on stage

Next up was the overall champions awards from the tournament. Internal, Special Division, and Grand champion.

Afterward a few final announcements then chow time. The veggie dishes were the best we have since coming there. They get better with each year as do the size of vegetarians. What started out as 1 small table is now up to two very full tables.

After A LOT of food and some beers there was general social stuff and toasts, then photos & group pictures. As always a pleasant evening. After the standard farwells to those not to be seen again until next year, we went off into the night stuffed!

Little sister

Sisooks , Sifu, Simo, Sihings, Sibaks

Sihing of S.F.

Concord & Boston, Plus

San Franisco & San Jose, plus

Walnut Creek, plus

I doubt if this kind of stuff is of interest to the few reader than pass this way. However since I do this as a journel for me that I allow others to read, it’s ok whatever I write, it’s my world

Today was day 2 of the week events. I was up fairly early and off to Eng Sifu’s studio for our Federation meeting. This was the first time it was held at his school, it is a bit of a drive about 1 hour. In years pass it was in the WC school only 15 min away nice. Next year who knows???

Anyway got there just before 10:00am I did a little warm up Tai Chi while waiting.  The others showed up shortly before I finished.  We had the 3 main school in attendance. Walnut Creek, Campbell, Boston and Concord which is mine. Although the smallest I am still considered one of the main schools as I am on the board and active in the ways of the operation. After a little ceramony for SiGong, incense and 3 bows, we took our seats. As usual with meeting we went through old stuff. Then new topics. As we have been discussing for the last few years. Testing standards for the upcoming generations who wish to be certified under the Federation.

Hung Sihing presented us with an outline for the novice level student test. Three forms, 10 applications from each of  those forms, Kicks, hands strikes, Falls, power and endurence plus, Tai Chi Mantis basic history.

There have been several Thousand students of the Tai Chi Praying mantis system. We of the USA Federation are setting up a standard format for passing on the teachings of our late Master Chi Chuk Kai. With schools world wide, none have yet taken on this type of task. Not all agree with it as SiGong taught different ways at different time and places in his life.  However we here of this group just hope to set some type of standard for future generations. Rather than have someone learn one Tai Chi Mantis form and say they are teaching true Tai Chi Mantis or worse setup a school and say they are official a least here in the states. Anyway, we as a group are family, that gives us  support, and help nurture. each other. Things that were taught to Sigung’s direct students, the 8th generation that will be lost unless they have faith to pass it on to the 9th generation and so on. Our Federation standards gives them the faith that some of the masters ideals  and some quality will be upheld from generation to generation. It is not just about techniques and physical training it is also about the Sigung’s, philosophy, traditional values and respect.

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7th Annual Chuk Kai Tai Chi Praying Mantis Memorial Martial Arts Tournament, was held in Alameda, Ca.

This event kicks off our Annual Federation event. It generally begins with this tournament and we have a banquet that night. This year the Tourny was held on Sat and the Banquet will be held on Sunday. This had a big impact on our turn out, as many schools from out of city, state and country this throws their plans off. It is hard to be able to attend a function on Sunday even then make it to work on Monday. Many do not want to attend just for the tourny and want the full affair. Understandable, I think this had to do with reservations at the restaurant we annually attend. Anyway, our turn out this year was much smaller. School in attendance were Walnut Creek, San Fransisco, Campbell, San Jose, Concord & Boston. None of the Canada , Southern Ca, or East Coast schools attended this year.

As this was out 7th yr, and smaller things went very smooth, even with the new addition of a Q&A session for the students with the Federation vice-President on whatever they wanted. Forms, technique, applications, whatever.

What was different this year was that the only 8th generation Sifu in attendance was Eng Sifu, my teacher. Sisook was with Simo as she has been sick. The other 8th generation Sifu’s could not attend.

So it was up to us the 9th generation to handle things. It has been in the plan anyway for us to handle more and more of the affairs of the Federation.

They went well it was a good event and the best gym location we have had in a long time. Hopefully we can get it next year as well.

Next up is the board meeting, then Memorial banquet for late Sigung, then a week long training seminar. I was not going to attend this year, do to limited funds. However my students felt I should attend and sponsored me. A surprise treat, I told sisook, he said he was going to do so himself, since he felt I should attend as 9th generation and on the board. He thought it was good my students took the action. Sometimes things just work out. Hopefully my job circumstances will soon also. I do have a feeling something will change soon…

It has been a couple of months since I got to go train with Shrfu. I had to teach sailing

for my new job with the city of Oakland last month. The one before that was my Mum’s 80th birthday, with family in from out of town I had to go to that event.

So today after work and a bite to eat I headed right to the studio from work. The one good thing about working in Dublin is it cuts about a 1/2 hr drive off my trip to the Tai Mantis school in Campbell. With it being a holiday weekend the traffic was light. it was a nice easy trip down. I got there early, only Shrfu and another classmate were there. Shrfu had already started cooking as is the custom for our monthly session we eat afterwards.

After greetings I changed and started my warmups. The weather was perfect not hot, not cold. After some light stretching I started with Tai Chi Palm form, developed by Si-Gong for our system. It is good internal form, really brings up the Chi. So it is a good way to get things going. Generally when I teach class I do some Chi gong first then the form. Since it was just me, I used the form as my Chi Gong.

Next up I went through Yang 24 Tai Chi. My plan was to go through the main 3 of my taichi sets, then work on my Jian (gim) with Shixong, when he showed up. Which he did when I was part way through my Yang style set. I continued, after greeting him, with my routine . Next on my list was Chen style. I had not done Chen in quite a while. I need to get with someone from the Walnut Creek school to review, without letting Sisook know I forgot so much. I went through what I could remember. it was a fair amount, but I am really rusty with parts of it. I like this Chen 24 set, I really need to practice alot more than I do. With things calming down life wise I will put that in to the schedule.

Sihing ( shrxiong) had already started with his practice of sword with Franics so I got out mine, so he could review me and continue with my lesson. He is teaching me Tai Chi Gim from the Tai Chi Mantis System. This is another one of Sigongs forms.

Since I will be carrying these to Japan as part of my teaching platform for the system I have been putting in more timewith this and Tai Chi palm, than my other forms. From what intel I have gathered the Tai Chi program will do better in Japan, so that is where I have been putting more of my training focus these days. However I really need to bring my Chen style up to speed, with my Mantis Tai Chi. Sisook expects me to develop a Chen following as well & It is something I wish to teach my advance Tai Chi students.

Tai Chi Palm, Yang 24, Chen. in that order. There will be some push hands drills, Chi Gong, breathing, stances, self defense break down drills. I want them to have a balanced Tai Chi experience. Understand the health and the combat aspects.

Shortly later another couple of students showed up. Shrfu had us line up and do a short Chinese ceremony for the late SiGong. Which was basically burn incense in front of his picture and bow three times holding the incense as a sign of respect for his memory.

Afterwards we went back to practicing. This time we moved inside and worked on dagger disarms. I had missed the last couple of sessions where they had organized 4 disarms and named techniques into a drill order. So I had to catch up. It was pretty simple to catch up. Already the principles I was familiar with, just a matter of organizing them and some work on the foot work and turning direction. I put them on tape also for future references and will have my students start drilling these once a week or every couple of weeks. That way it will become smoother and give them another level of drills to work on.

So after a rounds of drills, Shrfu says the food is ready. So we all pull out chairs and chow down.Shrfu had made a lot of steamed corn, more so for me, because I do not eat all the chicken he had prepared. So I had several pieces of very sweet corn on the cob and some sushi someone had brought in.

It was a good evening of a long day for me. It is good to be just a student again and just get my practice in. Also be able to hangout with classmates and Shifu. I regret that my students here never had or will have that part of their marital art training. It was near that at my old studio at one time. However none of them, except for a couple never were in it deep enough or long enough to really care. The intentions were there for a while but… They got their tale wet before crossing the river is an old Chinese saying. Out of all the time I have been teaching I have only one student with enough dedication that she will become a instructor. Good students are hard to find… or it could just be me.

It is too bad really the sense of family, of being part of something bigger than oneself, really adds a different experience to ones learning, and Kung Fu exposure. As well as raising your knowledge skill level. There are things that one learns only after being part of the system, part of the family that one never gets just showing up for scheduled class. The closest thing would be a fraternity in the experience.

Anyway we had our casual chatting about Kung Fu, people we knew, and misc topics, as the evening ticked into the cool darkness of late nigh, and we all slip off into the shadows to make our way home.