Issue 17 - June 2006
Editorial
Dear friends and students,
Please accept my apologies for another delayed newsletter. I've recently returned from the outstanding Warrior Project in Edinburgh and it's taken me a while to catch up with all of the outstanding Summer Camp 2006 e-mails (there are a few places left for those of you who haven't booked a place yet).
This issue I'd like to focus on the Warrior Project because it really took my understanding and practice of Shaolin Kung Fu to a whole new level. I find it hard to express in words what an excellent 2 days it was. I learnt and deepened my understanding of so much material that I've already forgotten some of it. You can't get a pint into a half-pint pot! I need to work on my Shen =)
Warrior Project: Important Lessons
One of the key lessons I experienced was how important correct practice is. I was surprised how many small “adjustments” had crept into my own practice. I've always believed that one of the greatest “secrets” to achievement in the martial arts is to practice. Now I know that practice is just the beginning, correct practice is the key. So now I begin a frustrating process of digging out and correcting the bad habits I have deeply entrenched.
As I watched the other students applying techniques they had learnt I realised that one element that made a real difference to the impact of their execution was the level of focus. Some students, for whatever reason were just going through the movements, one followed by another, followed by another. Almost as if they were bored! Then there were those who were really present to what they were doing. This was even more obvious when practicing solo. Observing my fellow students I saw a small number who were clearly sparring with an imaginary opponent. Their form, their application of the technique just had so much more impact than those who just aimlessly kicked and punched. What they did felt alive.
It is obvious to me now that the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu as a Warrior Art promotes the development of Shen. What is Shen? You can see Shen in a persons eyes. Strong Shen gives a person a strong spirit and allows them to articulate their thoughts clearly. It aids memory, promotes intelligence and enhances creativity. Strong Shen brings peace of mind. I have made a simple adjustment, that I learnt at the Warrior Project, to my daily practice and already I am reaping the benefits.
An aspect of the Warrior Project that has had a surprising impact on my practice is the realisation that life is a fight and that we are all fighters. Up until recently I believed that one person going “toe to toe” with another in the ring or on the mat was the only valid test of someone's ability to fight. I now believe differently. How well a person fights disease, fights against mental illness, does what is right when temptation drives them to do what is wrong, fights to do their best at work, at home at play. These are the true measures of a persons ability to fight.
Finally, I was curious to find out how a small number of students took the material taught and really made it their own. I was inspired when I noticed that when others stood around drinking water and talking with sparring partners, they would still be practicing the technique over and over and over again. They worked hard at making it their own. In sparring it was no surprise to see that these people gave a noticeably improved account of themselves.
To sum up:
- There is no substitute for daily correct practice.
- Where possible learn from a competent instructor.
- Strong Shen = Peace of mind
- Life is a fight and we are all fighters
- When it comes to skill and techniques Quality is better than Quantity
This account is a tiny snapshot of the learning's and improvements I gained from my participation at the Warrior Project. To be honest learning so much in such a short space of time made my head hurt (I need more Shen!). I was not alone in my experience. Taisiheng Kai has a gift. His ability to push, encourage and make hard work fun and enjoyable is a real joy to experience. If you haven't taken part in a Warrior Project then I urge you to discover for yourself the benefits of learning from Taisiheng Kai. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to take your practice and understanding of the Shaolin Arts to the next level.
The next Warrior Project is in Canada 22 nd – 25 th July 2006, how I wish I could be there! The next one looks likely to be in Italy sometime in September, you can be certain that I'll find a way to be there, will you?
Please note: The Warrior Project is open to Shaolin Wahnam students only, level 2 and above.
For further information, details can be found here! You can also view the interview conducted with Taisiheng Kai from Issue 5 by clicking here
Dates for your Diary
| 22nd – 25th June 2006 | Warrior Project with Sifu Kai Uwe Jettkandt, recipient of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame award. Unfortunately registration for this event closed on 31st May 06 visit: Click here for full details if you have already registered. |
| 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. There are a few places left and I am prepared to extend the 5th June cut off for a few more weeks if you mention the newsletter in any correspondence. |
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 |
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