Issue 14 - March 2006
Editorial
Dear friends and students,
Don't you agree that training outside first thing in the morning is a real test of commitment at the moment? Maybe not for our reader Chris in Maui ! But it is for those of us here in the UK that's for sure. I've worked out that those frozen little “spikes” in the ground are worm casts! I've currently stopped practicing break falls, well at least until the ground thaws out. I'd like to offer my congratulations to all of you who haven't let the cold weather put you off your practice. Well done.
Light sabre? Apologies and Pressure Testing
As this picture shows, having fun certainly helps to take the “edge” off the cold weather. Here's Sifu Jordan Francis and myself having a lark after our morning practice! Please note, light sabre is not on the Shaolin Wahnam training syllabus =)
Apologies for the delay in delivering this months Newsletter to your inbox, but once you visit the new 3N web page I'm certain you'll agree that the wait was worth it.
I'd like to lead into this month's newsletter with a taster of what to expect next month. Sifu Darryl Collett from Shaolin Wahnam Scotland will be writing in detail on “pressure testing” and the different approach that Shaolin Wahnam takes.
Shaolin Kung Fu as practiced by the Shaolin Wahnam Institute is sometimes challenged for not having a “reality based pressure testing process”. The usual train of thought is, “how can you know this material works unless it is tested under demanding situations?”. This is commonly translated as someone dribbling snot and spit whilst shouting and swearing at you. I would like to offer the following metaphor (that I've borrowed from Sifu Darryl Collett) as an explanation for why the Shaolin Wahnam Institute doesn't advocate pressure testing.
Pressure testing is like throwing rocks at your house from the outside, then repairing whatever gets broken. The usual result is that you end up with a house that looks like a prison. I prefer to make a beautiful home, strengthened from within.
Be certain to read Sifu Darryl Collett's article in next months Newsletter where he expands on this issue and describes what measure we use and why.
3 Nations Gathering
All of the presenters at the 3 Nations Gathering were recently asked to provide a synopsis of the material they taught. You can read the full details here You'll also find videos and pictures from the event here. Here's an excerpt to give you an idea of what to expect:
SOLIDIFY YOUR FOUNDATION – Presentation by Sifu Tim Franklin
We are fortunate in Shaolin Wahnam to have a generous Sifu who is willing to openly pass on many secrets, secrets that were closely guarded in the past. One of these secrets is how to build internal force.
<Read the rest of this synopsis here>
THE 10 SHAOLIN LAWS – Presented by Sifu Jordan Francis
The main objective was to have an interactive, informal group discussion focused on the 10 Shaolin Laws, what they meant, how others interpreted them and how they can actually be applied to our daily lives. I was keen to avoid standing in front of the students and talking at them for an hour!
<Read the rest of this synopsis here>
ADDING VARIATION TO YOUR PRACTICE – presented by Assistant instructor Simon Brooks.
Every set, sequence or drill works to teach a number of principles. New students, who may only have learnt the first set, can add a great deal of variation and interest to it by keeping the principles but changing the form.
<Read the rest of this synopsis here>
You can read the rest of these “articles”, the other 6 contributions, watch videos of the event and view pictures by clicking here now Myself and the other assistants and instructors look forward to learning with you at the next 3N's Gathering. But remember this is a Shaolin Wahnam student's only event!
Dates for your Diary
26th April 2006 New Shaolin Cosmos Chi Kung classes in London . Contact marcus.santer@shaolinwahnam.co.uk for full details.
27/28 May 2006 Warrior Project with Sifu Kai Uwe Jettkandt, recipient of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame award. Contact Scotland@shaolinwahnam.co.uk for more details (open to Level 2 and upwards Shaolin Wahnam students only)
5th July 2006 Summer Camp 2006 begins! Shaolin Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit will be teaching a variety of courses to the public click here for full details
Finally
My good friend Peter Mills creator of www.martialedge.co.uk has been kind enough to move the interview we did together over to the free section of his site so that you can all have access to it. You can find read it here: http://www.martialedge.co.uk, be sure to check out their other articles as well.
Until next month I wish you success in your practice.
Kind regards,
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Marcus Santer Shaolin Wahnam Institute - UK Helping you to fulfil your physical and emotional potential |
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