Issue 18 - July 2006
Editorial
Dear Friends and Students,
Do you like Kung Fu movies? I do. I enjoy them so much that I have watched some truly awful films just to enjoy the fight scenes and marvel at the level of physical skill demonstrated by the actors. My wife dreads hearing me say the words “I've got this great film to watch…..” as she knows it means 90 minutes of badly dubbed, subtitled, nonsense plots and mayhem is about to assault her senses.
Martial Arts Movies
I believe martial arts movies are a wonderful source of entertainment and can occasionally offer the motivation to get up off the sofa and practice your own art. Though it is important to remember that there is a large gap between movie make believe and the reality to be found in the class, dojo or Kwoon.
I vividly recall the disappointment of a student who wanted to know when he was going to get to the “cool stuff”. Zhan Zhaung (stance practice) just didn't deliver the goods he was after. I do wonder how many people are drawn to a martial arts class only to experience similar disappointment?
Whilst anyone can “do” martial arts I don't believe that martial arts are for everyone. From my own experience I have noticed that those students who make the best progress exhibit certain characteristics. Discipline, determination and persistence are basic requirements. The Shaolin Arts are wonderful in that you really do get out what you put in. In Shaolin Kung Fu there is a lot of hard work to be done and a lot of the work is repetitive and monotonous. No one can do this work for you. Watching Kung Fu films will not make you a martial arts expert. Regular, correct and progressive practice is the path you must take. I believe it is a small price to pay for good health, increased vitality and combat efficiency. I was in hospital today visiting a friend and I was given many reminders of just how priceless good health is.
One of my favourite video series on Sifu's web page at the moment is of the All Britain Taijiquan Full Contact Sparring Competition 2006 I don't think you'll have much trouble spotting the participant using Taijiquan.
I do find it confusing as to why people practice Taijiquan form and then spar using techniques from boxing and other martial arts. Surely it would be more efficient to just to train boxing or another martial art and spar in those contests. I know that this is a sensitive issue, so please don't interpret what I write as disrespectful. Having recently been on the receiving end of a blow to the face I take nothing away from the effectiveness of boxing (far from it). I just think that Kung Fu sparring contests should have participants using Kung Fu; Taijiquan sparring contests should have participants using Taijiquan. If I stepped into a boxing ring and started kicking and throwing I would rightly be disqualified.
You can find many discussions on this matter on the Shaolin Wahnam Forum and I would direct interested readers there.
Not so long ago one of my London students who is studying film making at college asked if he could make a short film that showed Shaolin combat sequences. Assistant instructors Simon Brooks and Mark Tranter did a fantastic job and our “technical” people are in the process of getting this 3-minute short onto the web for you to watch. I will update you with the link once it becomes available.
Whilst you wait for that you can view this short film commissioned by and featuring Sifu Tim Franklin. The fight scenes are relatively choreographed but it is important to note that many of the moves are based on combat sequences that students learn in regional classes. This is just one aspect that makes me enjoy watching this short movie so much, it is also great fun. If you like it be sure to show it to your friends and family.
Classes in the UK
If you have visited the Shaolin Wahnam UK website recently, you will have noticed that the map of the UK has been replaced with an even better map! Why better? Well, thanks to Sifu Michael Durkin, this new map has 'clickable' zones that take you straight to each location that there is a class. So go and check it out to see what I mean. You can see at a glance where your nearest class is. Where is yours?
New Classes In Bournemouth
There is also the possibility of Shaolin Kung Fu classes starting in Bournemouth, Dorset. But in order to do this, we need an idea of potential interest. No interest, no classes!
To show your interest visit the this thread on the Shaolin Wahnam Discussion Forum or alternatively email Sifu Jordan Francis
This is a great opportunity for those of you unable to reach current classes, but able to make the distance to the coastal town of Bournemouth. More locations, more people to practise our wonderful arts.
Well that's it for this month. Next months newsletter subject will be on highlights from the UK Summer Camp 2006. For all of you attending I look forward to meeting you soon. I also hope to post a few photographs from Canada's first Warrior Project taught by Tai Siheng Kai. From what I've heard it was a great success.
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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