Issue 15 - April 2006

Editorial

Dear Friends and Students,

Well the clocks have been moved forward and suddenly training outside on a regular basis is starting to become a real pleasure, I’m sure I’ve seen the sun on a few occasions. Looks like break falls are going to be back on the practice menu soon.

This month as promised we have an excellent article from Sifu Darryl Collett my Shaolin brother and good friend based in Edinburgh. If you live in that part of Scotland and your not already a student be sure to pay him a visit, you won’t be disappointed.

Back to top

Reality Based Training: High level Pressure Testing within Shaolin Wahnam? by Sifu Darryl Collett

There seems to be a large movement in the martial arts world just now for everything to be Real; real fights, real life, and real danger. While I'm very pleased to see people taking their training seriously, I'm saddened when I see these same people deliberately hurting themselves and others, purely in the spirit of misunderstanding.

For a quick explanation of terms, 'Pressure Testing' refers to a process where someone is put into a stressful situation to see how they react, how they will attempt to defend themselves. 'Reality based training' refers to a more 'no-frills' approach, where unworkable or potentially suicidal techniques are removed, where the only ones practiced are simple, direct and highly effective.

Both of these goals are extremely important and very neccessary, especially in a martial art. The methods used vary greatly, but all focus on the same end - to strip away the false illusions and give people a well grounded, realistic basis for their practice.

The most common methods of teaching Pressure Testing use external stimulus - you may find yourself standing there while the person in front of you starts pushing you, shouting and swearing at you, making threatening gestures or invading your personal space. They may be encouraged to be striking and spitting, resisting your attempts to prevent or avoid the situation. There may be more than one, moving round you and doing all they can to scare or provoke you.

Is a counter to all of this behaviour taught in Shaolin Wahnam? Yes, right from the beginning - stay at your Dan Tian. Stay relaxed, stay open and be ready.

The other missing ingredient is Realistic training - many schools are either social clubs or butcher shops, with no Yin Yang Harmony. A social club has warm and friendly students, who enjoy their practice and share jokes and laughter. A butcher shop has students who concentrate on hurting and being hurt. A much more balanced approach is to have both - students who are there to learn, who can apply their arts in a realistic and highly trained manner, yet still enjoy the training and laugh with their partners.

So where does the Pressure Testing come in? If your partner training is either unthreatening or causing any physical and/or emotional injury, you need to learn how to do it.

If you're doing combat training with a partner, be a good partner. Come in to hit them and don't give up. Don't go away and don't be discouraged. Make them work to be safe and make sure you are both learning. Remember to stay at your own Dan Tian, practicing your techniques with control and understanding. Then comes the second part - don't get so caught up in attacking your partner that you throw defence to the wind. If they can hit you easily, you are no longer a good partner. Pressure testing goes both ways - you learn how to be a threat to them without becoming a liability to yourself.

Shaolin philosophy states that every action you perform should enhance your existing state of health. Pressure Testing is a powerful tool, so please use it responsibly. It doesn't matter if your pressure comes via work, school, family or a hobby - stay at your Dan Tian, keep an Open Heart and respond appropriately.

Darryl Collett
Shaolin Wahnam Scotland

“If the food comes first, we eat then talk. If the food takes time, we talk then eat”

Note: You can find this article on the Shaolin Wahnam Institute Forum here I added it to the forum so that readers can comment on this topic. Check out the link to see what people are saying.

 


Back to top

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)
5 th 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

Back to top

Final Word

I would like to invite all our readers to visit the Shaolin Wahnam Institute Forum at www.wongkiewkit.com/forum . It is an online community of martial artists and chi kung practitioners from all styles. We are fortunate to have many contributions from high ranking and experienced practitioners. I'm certain you will find something of interest, though I should warn you to set aside an hour or two for browsing! With nearly 14 000 views in just 6 weeks A discussion on Yielding has been very controversial and informative at the same time. If you don't have time to wade through 32 pages then you will find Left and Right a very interesting read for all martial artist. The Miscellaneous Discussions section always has something of interest. Take a look for yourself, the forum is a great place to ask questions you may have with your practice. Have fun!


Back to top


Until next month I wish you success in your practice.

Kind regards,

Marcus Santer
Shaolin Wahnam Institute - UK
Helping you to fulfil your physical and emotional potential

Back to top

You received this newsletter because you have indicated during a prior visit to our website that you would like to receive information from Shaolin Wahnam UK. If you have received this e-mail in error, or do not wish to receive newsletters from us in the future, please Follow this link.