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Summer 2021 Martial Arts, Mind-Body/Health, and Life Sciences Classes: Summer and Fall 2021 martial arts, mind-body/health, and life sciences classes have re-opened with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place.

See our 'Classes' page for a calendar summary and for detailed course descriptions. Our offerings are novel and substantive and are especially geared for the discriminating student. So please look us over closely and feel free to contact us by e-mail about our programs and classes and learning environment. As is our policy, we do not require exhorbitant membership fees or pre-paid semester fees for our regular classes. Attend the classes that you can, when you can, and pay class tuitions only when you can attend. This semester, regular ATT classes that are offered are open to all, unless indicated otherwise, or unless contraindicated for you for physical or health reasons.

Inquire about ATT membership in its Internal Martial Arts school, Zong Yin Tang Nei Jia Quan (Hall of the Lineage Seal for Internal Family Boxing). We can also let you know more about private individual or group class topics and tuitions that we offer.

Plans and Activities in Martial Arts Education

Internal Arts Programs (Zong Yin Tang/ZYT): We have expanded our involvement in martial arts educational projects through ATT both locally and elsewhere. Please note that the ATT internal arts school (ZYT) is distinct and separate from our extension programs and collaborations that we have developed with other groups that wish to feature internal arts along with their other martial arts.

In the ATT school (ZYT), students and future instructors of our internal martial arts study the Hebei xingyi and Cheng bagua curriculum from the Taiwan lineages of Master Smith. They also study the Yin Cheng Gong Fa (YCGF) curriculum consisting of Wu style taiji quan, Hebei xingyi, Yin Fu, Cheng, and Liu styles of bagua, and our qigong and weapons. The YCGF material eminates from the lineage of Master Zhang Yun who studied under the late Grandmaster Wang Peisheng of Beijing. Please contact us at ATT if you are interested in study either locally or elsewhere directly under the ATT internal arts school (Zong Yin Tang). We can arrange for regular training sessions in the internal arts for your group.

E-mail link (ZYT Program): Academic Training Traditions (att8@verizon.net)

Internal Arts Extension Programs: We continue our involvement in martial arts educational projects with Kyoshi Troy Price and members of his Shuri-Te group. In 2015, ATT developed a formal Chinese internal martial arts curriculum for them in xingyi and bagua and Paul serves as a Head Instructor (with Kyoshi Price, in photo). However, the idea for the program was actually in place since 2008 and it has been operational with Kyoshi Price since then. Please inquire about ATT extension programs for internal martial arts in your school curriculum.

We share mainly the segment of the ATT internal arts curriculum on xingyi and bagua from the Taiwan lineages of the late Master Robert W. Smith. We augment the Shuri-Te instruction with references to internal principles on xingyi and bagua learned under Master Zhang Yun of the YCGF group. Kyoshi Price introduces additional components and requirements into the program that are based on his experiences with these arts and other martial arts.

Please note that all internal arts student and instructor advancements in Shuri-Te xingyi and bagua remain an extension of the STBK under Kyoshi Price, with input from us at ATT as a Head Instructor. Such advancements are specific to the Shuri-Te group and therefore will require student membership in that group. Advancements usually also require added active participation in one of their main curricula involving Shuri-Te Jujutsu, Shuri-Ryu Karate, and/or Combative Flow.

Please inquire also about extension programs locally in the greater Washington, DC area.

E-mail link (Extension Programs): Academic Training Traditions (att8@verizon.net)

Monthly Karate Club Training Sessions, starting January 2022: Our three local Isshinryu clubs (NOVA, Kent Gardens, Takoma Park) will begin sponsoring seminar visits with ATT in January 2022. Check the 'Classes' page for upcoming dates. These classes are for established and new club members only. Please contact us at ATT if you would like to join any of our local clubs to have opportunity to attend these monthly sessions. We can arrange separately for bi-weekly or monthly open training session in karate for your group.

E-mail link (Isshinryu Karate): Academic Training Traditions (att8@verizon.net)


Upcoming: Special Events 2022

Shuri-Te International Conference, June 16-19, 2022: This conference will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1385 Broadcloth Street, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715 (Exit 85, off I-77). This is a stellar event hosted by Kyoshi Troy Price that I highly recommend. Those interested in widening their martial arts knowledge and skill set will have a broad selection of instructors and seminars from which to choose. There are up to 4 or 5 simultaneous one-hour seminars ongoing during the entire conference. This will be my 13th annual conference. We hope to teach two regular sessions on xing-yi quan and baguazhang at this conference. We will also instruct two extra one-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings on bagua and xing-yi. Please check back for more detailed postings on this event.



ATT Special Events:January 2020 thru March 2020
(before strict pandemic measures were set in place)
and January 2021 thru December 2021
(with observance of appropriate pandemic protocols)

Shorinkan Winter Camp, Hampton, Virginia, March 5-7, 2020: We attended the Winter Shorinkan Camp hosted by Kyoshi Clint Green and Hanshi Doug Perry. We participated in kata and kobudo training and instructed a few seminars with Kyoshi Troy Price. We also participated in an instructor's circle and demonstrated a few techniques from the opening of Isshinryu Seisan kata. The first photo below shows all who participated in the instruction at the camp. In the group photo (next), the sun shined a bit brightly on part of the group.

The next photo below shows the annual 'Camp Alien' group photo; i.e., those at the camp who are from various karate organizations, other than the Shorinkan (well, almost). Yes, we do include Hanshi Perry, Judan (10th Dan) (centered) as one of the 'aliens' from his Kensankai Shorinryu organization. This organization is now recognized thoughout Okinawa. Several years back, Hanshi Perry had been promoted to Hanshi, Judan (9th Dan) in the Shorinkan by its late Master, Hanshi Nakazato Shuguro. Welcome to the 'Alien Group', Hanshi Perry! (above photos by Annie Banh)

During camp free time, Kyoshi Clint Green took some of us on a tour of the USS Battleship Wisconsin. Those are some huge guns in the background, and get a grip on those anchor chains. Thanks, Kyoshi Green, for the memorable tour with some great Shorinkan Instructors (photo taken by Hanshi John Carria, Uechiryu Karate).

Shuri-Te International Conference, October 1-3, 2021: This conference was held at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1385 Broadcloth Street, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715 (Exit 85, off I-77). This was a stellar event hosted by Kyoshi Troy Price. Further details about this event will be posted soon. This was my 12th annual conference. We taught two regular sessions at this conference on xing-yi quan (12-animal set, selected animal applications) and baguazhang (applications using walking steps). We also instructed two extra one-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings on bagua and xing-yi (morning xingyi was team taught with Kyoshi TW Smith).



ATT Special Events This Past Year: January thru December 2019, Year-In-Review

Shorinkan Winter Camp, Hampton, Virginia, March 7-10, 2019: We attended the Winter Shorinkan Camp hosted by Kyoshi Clint Green and Hanshi Doug Perry. We participated in kata and kobudo training and instructed several seminars with Kyoshi Troy Price.

Shuri-Te International Conference, April 12-14, 2019: This year the conference was held at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1385 Broadcloth Street, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715 (Exit 85, off I-77). This was a stellar event hosted by Kyoshi Troy Price. Those interested in widening their martial arts knowledge and skill set had a broad selection of instructors and seminars from which to choose. There were up to 5 simultaneous one-hour seminars ongoing during the entire conference. This was my 11th annual conference. We taught about 'crashing body' applications in baguazhang, and about internal rythyms in xing-yi quan to emphasize 'an jin' development in the art. We also taught extra one-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings on Gao Yisheng bagua striaght line forms, #49 ('ye' to insert or tuck in) and #50 ('ji' to press), with varied applications.

Bagua Workshop with Paul Cote, Dragon Gym, 267 S. Whitford Road, Exton, Pa., April 27-28, 2019: This workshop was sponsored by Sensei Al Tolbert and featured a top-to-bottom thumbnail analysis of methods employed in baguazhang. More details later.

Saturday 2:00–5:00pm: Walking the Bagua Zhang Circle & Circle Changes.
Single & Double Palm Changes w/ Self-Defense Applications
Sunday 9:00am–12:00noon: Bagua Zhang Straight Line Forms & Self-defense Applications. Liu Style Forms 1–8 and Gao Style Forms #1 and #22:
Shared form structures and conversions to the single palm circle change
Sunday 1:00pm–4:00pm: Basic Bagua Zhang Actions:
De-constructing & Re-constructing circle changes and straight line forms and applications.

Yin Cheng Gong Fa Three-City Wu Style Taijiquan Seminar Tour
with Master Zhang Yun and Special Guest Visitor Master Zhao Zeren

This three-city seminar tour featured three seminars on three weekends in May 2019. Master Zhang Yun and his colleague, and special visiting guest, YCGF Master Zhao Zeren, answered questions on empty-hand Taiji form and application, Taiji push hands training, Taijiquan fighting principles, and some Neigong (Qigong) exercises, as passed down from the late Wu Style Taijiquan Grandmaster Wang Peisheng. This special series of seminars represented a unique opportunity for American Taiji practitioners to meet Master Zhao, who is recognized as one of the best Taijiquan Masters in China. More details later.

May 4-5: Capital Aikikai, 923 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, Md 20910
May 11-12: Steel Dragon Kung Fu School, 100 43rd Street, Pittsburgh, Pa 15201
May 18-19: Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540-3036

Advanced Martial Arts Conference: Martial Science, Kobudo, and Internal Arts, Dallas, North Carolina, November 8-10, 2019: We will teach internal arts at this conference and attend other seminars on Martial Science, Kobudo, and Internal Arts.


ATT Special Events This Past Year: January thru December 2018, Year-In-Review

Shuri-Te Xing-Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang, Waga Michi Dojo, Marshville, North Carolina, January 26-28, 2018: Seminars by Kyoshi Cote from the Shurite Xingyi and Bagua Program. This event was sponsored by Sensei Mark Ciprich, Rokudan, of the Waga Michi Dojo in Marshville, NC. This seminar first featured Isshinryu Karate's relationship to Xingyi Quan (Friday evening). Then a busy day (Saturday) with Gao Style Bagua Straight Line 41-48 (Leg Series), and related Gao Bagua circle change (Searching Palm-Twist Body). We also featured two different sets of circling methods (Sunday), showing their respective ding shi and dong shi principles, and their trigram theory with example applications (i.e., bian shi principles). These sets consisted of the Ba Mu Zhang (8 Mother Palms) of Master Zhang Yun, and the Ba Da Zhang (8 Big Palms) of late Grandmaster Wang Shujin.

Shorinkan Winter Camp, Hampton, Virginia, March 8-11, 2018: Attended and taught at the Winter Shorinkan Camp hosted by Kyoshi Clint Green and Hanshi Doug Perry. Taught 2 classes on combative flow with Kyoshi Troy Price. Expanded on my kata and kobudo training via seminars with several Kyoshi and with Hanshi Perry (Rokishu kata). Thank you, gentlemen, for all of the great instruction.

Shuri-Te International Conference, April 13-15, 2018: This year the conference was held at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1385 Broadcloth Street, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715 (Exit 85, off I-77). This was a stellar event hosted by Kyoshi Troy Price for those interested in widening their martial arts knowledge and skill set. There were 4 simultaneous one-hour seminars ongoing during the entire conference. This was my 10th annual conference.

This was the first major expansion of this conference in several years. Smaller versions of the conference have been held each year since under the Shurite Bujutsu Kai sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price. They still attracted a good crowd, often topping off at 135 participants, and often packing a local dojo facility, like that of Shihan Alex Ormaza of Dallas, NC. But this was the successful return of the ‘real deal’, with at least 185 participants, some very senior faculty, and some newer instructors as well (see flyer photo). Congratulations to Kyoshi Troy Price on sponsoring an excellent 2018 conference!

12th Annual Maryland Summer Yin Cheng Gong Fa Seminar: Wu Style Taijiquan with Master Zhang Yun. June 9-10, 2018, Capital Aikikai Dojo, 923 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland: Seminars based on the Taijiquan Classics. Master Zhang is a student of the late GM Wang Peisheng of Beijing. In this seminar, Master Zhang continued to teach and correct in detail the Wu Style Taijiquan 37-posture empty-hand form and applications, examined taiji push hands skills and fighting aspects, and introduced the Wu Style 83-Posture form (movements #1-27). This was an outstanding seminar that was well-received by participants.

CURRICULUM
Saturday, June 9, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Form: 37-Posture Wu Style Form
Details on Xu/Shi relationships for selected form postures with martial applications
Xu and Shi refer to the attributes of being Insubstantial and Substantial


Saturday, June 9, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Push Hands: Development of Zhan-Nian-Lian-Sui and Shen and Yi for martial applications
Examples of Xu/Shi relationships for borrowing force and directing force
Zhan-Nian-Lian-Sui refer to attributes of Sticking, Adhering, Connecting, and Following
Shen [expressing spirit] and Yi [listening mind] refer to where you ‘project eyesight’ and where you ‘listen internally’
Xu and Shi refer (as above) to the attributes of being Insubstantial and Substantial


Sunday, June 10, 9:00am-12:00noon
Form: 83-Posture Wu Style Form
Covering postures #1-27 with emphasis on transitions not present in the standard 37-posture form and with martial applications

Sunday, June 10, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Taiji Fighting Principles: Development of Ting-Yin-Hua-Na-Fa and Fu-Gai-Dui-Tun
Ting-Yin-Hua-Na-Fa refer to Listening, Luring, Dissolving, Seizing, and Discharging in martial applications
Fu-Gai-Dui-Tun refer to Covering, Blanketing, Interception, Swallowing and represent timing for defense & applications


Shorinkan 'Little Okinawa' Summer Camp, Flat Rock, North Carolina, September 20-22, 2018: Attended and taught at the Summer Shorinkan Camp hosted by Hanshi Doug Perry of the Kensankai of the Shorinkan. Taught a class on blocking flow and one on footwork flow with Kyoshi Troy Price. Expanded on my kata and kobudo training via seminars with Hanshi Heilman (Tekko), Kyoshi Mel Meibers (Tanbo), Hanshi Perry and Hanshi Larry Isaac on makiwara, Hanshi John Carria (Uechi-ryu Sanchin), and Hanshi Bill Hayes (Kata Concepts and Applications). Thank you, gentlemen, for all of the great instruction.

Shuri-Te Conference: Advanced Martial Science, Internal Martial Arts and Healing, Classical Kobudo and Contemporay Weaponry; November 2-4, 2018; Dallas, North Carolina: This conference is sponsored by Kyoshi Troy J. Price and Shihan Alex Ormaza featured 3 tracks of martial arts study covering a 3 day period (Friday 6:00pm-10:00pm; Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 10:00am-2:00pm). Participants could choose or mix tracks to include advanced martial science (track 1), internal martial arts and healing (track 2), and classical kobudo and contemporary weaponry (track 3). We taught 3 internal martial arts seminars (60-70 minutes) including: (1) xing-yi quan (development of full body power); (2) baguazhang 2-person random circles patterns (also known as san shou); and (3) baguazhang straight line form #59 (retract the body; 'xi shen') from the Gao Yisheng curriculum. We also participated in seminars given by Shihan Alex Ormaza (palm changes in weapon manipulations), Shihan Lee Richards (Oyata Shin Shu Ho), Renshi Rick White (tactical room clearing), Shihan Joe Pounder (basic-to-advanced kata interpretation), Shifu TW Smith (xing-yi beng quan), among others. This was an outstanding event that I highly recomend for those wanting to extend their knowledge of martial arts.

Wu Style Taijiquan 83-Posture Empty-Hand Form and Push Hands Training. Seminar with Master Zhang Yun. November 17-18, 2018, Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton, Princeton, NJ: Master Zhang is a student of the late GM Wang Peisheng of Beijing. In this seminar, Master Zhang taught and correct in detail the Wu Style Taijiquan 83-posture empty-hand 'long' form and explained the applications of selected postures. Push hand drills and skills were also reviewed. Master Zhang also covered principles and practices of Taijiquan featured in his upcoming book (presently in Chinese) on the 'What, Why, and How of Taijiquan. Once published in China, the book will undergo translation into English in the coming year.


ATT Special Events in Past Years: January thru December 2017, Year-In-Review

Shuri-Te Xing-Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang, Waga Michi Dojo, Marshville, North Carolina, January 27-31, 2017: Seminars by Kyoshi Paul Cote from the Shurite Xingyi and Bagua Program sponsored by Sensei Mark Ciprich, Isshinryu Godan (photo below).

Paul offered seminars on Xingyi Animals and on Gao Style Bagua Straight Line 9-16 and 17-24 and the related Gao Circle Changes. We also taught an Isshinryu karate class for Sensei Ciprich and continued on educational projects being developed with Kyoshi Troy Price.

In the above two photos are some up-and-coming karate and jujutsu practitioners who are currently cross-training in the internal arts of xing-yi and bagua for eventual instructor certification. Pictured with Kyoshi Cote above left (L to R) are Mark Ciprich, Isshinryu Godan, and Marty Elvidge, American Open Karate Yondan, and Shurite Jujutsu Nidan; both Mark and Marty are advanced student level in the Shurite xing-yi/bagua program. Pictured with Kyoshi Cote above right is Derrick Parks, who excels in karate and jujutsu, and is an intermediate student in the Shurite xing-yi/bagua program. Keep up the great work!

Shorinkan Winter Camp, Hampton, Virginia, March 3-5, 2017: Attended and taught at the Winter Shorinkan Camp hosted by Kyoshi Clint Green and Hanshi Doug Perry. Taught 3 classes on joint locking and combative flow with Kyoshi Troy Price. Expanded on my kata and kobudo training via seminars with Kyoshi Pat Haley and Kyoshi Dave Ahrens (kusanku), Kyoshi Estes and Hanshi Perry (Rokishu), and Kyoshi Tom Harris (tekko/techu). Thank you, gentlemen, for all of the great instruction.

Waga Michi Dojo, Marshville, North Carolina, March 6-7, 2017: Continued work on educational projects with Kyoshi Troy Price and Sensei Mark Ciprich. Taught an Isshinryu karate seminar on kata applications sponsored by Sensei Ciprich (photo).

Waga Michi Dojo, Marshville, NC April 6, 2017, 6:30-8:30pm: We taught Shurite Xingyi and Bagua and a bit of Isshinryu karate at the dojo of Sensei Mark Ciprich. We were assisted by Sensei Ciprich and Sensei Jessie Itoh (photo). I had the great pleasure of meeting Isshinryu Master Grismer at this time (centered, same photo), who later conducted an evaluation of Sensei Ciprich for his promotion to Rokudan (6th Dan).

Shurite-Te Bujutsu Kai National Conference, Dallas, North Carolina, April 7-9, 2017: This conference was sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price and Shihan Alex Ormaza. We taught two scheduled classes: 1) Xingyi Quan Combative Flow and 2) Gao Style Bagua Zhang Straight Line Forms 21 thru 24 (ting, fan, zou, zhuan), with emphasis on applications for 'fan'. We also offered a pre-conference testing and teaching session on bagua, and additional morning teaching sessions on bagua and xingyi. We continued our cross-training in other martial arts seminars offered at the conference.

As head instructors for the Shuri-Te Xing-Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang Program, Kyoshi Price and I were pleased to promote several hard working individuals to Advanced Student status, and others to Intermediate Student status (i.e., entering the gate). We also identified a number of senior players with dual skills from other martial arts in either kyusho jutsu, heavy hitting, throwing, and/or locking/seizing (BTW, most have significant skills in all 4 categories!). These individuals were certified with the Chinese title of 'Gu Wen' (Martial Specialist). They now play roles as advisors to the Division going forward.

Lastly, we received recognition with several others from the Shuri-Te Bujutsu Kai as one of the kai's Founding Members for contributions over the years teaching Xing-Yi and Bagua, and for our development and adoption of the Shuri-Te Program in Bagua and Xing-Yi. We gratefully thank Kyoshi Troy Price for this recognition and now stand proudly with the other 'elder brother Founders' of the kai.

Conference Group Picture.

Conference Instructors.

Paul was assisted in pre-conference testing and teaching by Takashi 'Jessie' Itoh, who received his promotion in Zong Yin Tang Chinese Internal Arts to Er Duan (Nidan), with Shenshi (Sensei) teaching title (photos).


Sunday morning Xingyi at the conference (photo). Many thanks to participants attending.

Dragon Society National Conference, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, April 28-30, 2017: We attended the Dragon Society National Conference sponsored by GM Tom Muncy, GM Michael Patrick, and GM Rick Moneymaker (left photo) in Myrtle Beach. This was a stellar event and lineup for networking with experienced instructors in various topics of the martial arts (group photo). Special thanks to Senseis Mike Ciraco and Cole Ricks. Many thanks to Renshi Bob Speed for his hospitality and for training. Great work there by other instructors including Kyoshi Troy Price, Kyoshi Jeff Rhodes, and Shihan Alex Ormaza.

Teaching Internal Arts and Isshinryu Karate, and Continuing Educational Projects, May 1-2, 2017, Marshville, North Carolina: Taught internal martial arts and Isshinryu karate with Sensei Mark Ciprich; continued educational projects with Kyoshi Troy Price.

The above photos show the group picture from the seminar and the presentation by Kyoshi Cote to Heath Stewart of the Intermediate Student certification to 'enter the gate' for the Shurite Xing-Yi and Bagua Program.

Troy Price, Private Seminar, New Market, Maryland, May 7, 2017, 9:30am-12:30pm: We hosted a private seminar with Kyoshi Troy Price on his combative flow methods and bone locking series in relation to baguazhang (no photo available).

Penn State Karate, Promotions and Seminars, West Springfield, Virginia, May 20, 2017, noon-5:00pm: This event was sponsored by Hanshi Dane Sutton, with Kyoshis Jim Miller, Ralph Miller, Paul Cote, and Renshi Mami Gebereegzhaiber in the NoVA Springfield facility. Please see our new Isshinryu Lineage Page for more information.
Isshinryu Karate Club Lineage and Dojos

11th Annual Maryland Summer Yin Cheng Gong Fa Seminar: Wu Style Taiji Quan with Master Zhang Yun, 'Taijiquan Classics Tour', Aikikai Dojo, 923 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, June 17-18, 2017: Master Zhang is a student of the late GM Wang Peisheng of Beijing. This year, Master Zhang Yun presented taijiquan seminars based on some of the chapters from his new book on the Taijiquan Classics. As described below, seminars covered material from classics articles dealing with everything from basic taiji structure, basic taiji push hands, taiji fighting principles, and taiji throwing.

CURRICULUM

June 17, 2017, Saturday
1:00pm-4:00pm
Session 1: The Nine Points

This session detailed taiji’s nine points of body method that are essential for proper form structure, use in push hands, and applications. They are: chenjian, zhuizhou, hanxong, babei, guodan, liutun, songyao, choukua, and tiding. The session started out with the 37-posture form warm-up. Master Zhang then focused on each of the nine components in a very ‘basic’ tree-holding posture to explain why they are important. He then looked to the beginning grasp bird’s tail sequence to practice maintaining the nine points while changing postures. Then he returned to the use the basic posture to show some examples of its use in push hands and applications. Finally, the group tried to maintain the nine points through as much of the 37-posture form that they know. The nine points listed above, as passed down in the Wu family tradition, are based in part on the classical Shen Ba Yao (or Eight Key Points of Taiji) by Wu Yuxiang. Different groups use slightly different words and reference points to arrive at these classical components. During the seminar, Master Zhang explained the evolution from old times to the nine-point system using the images of ‘the ball’ and ‘drawing the bow’. [pp 195, 208]

5:00pm-8:00pm
Session 2: The Four Word Secret Formula

This session began by covering the most basic taiji principle important in form movement, push hands, and applications called xu and shi (or insubstantial and substantial). These were related to yang and yin in general and as specific two-person examples where the designations can vary depending on circumstances. Master Zhang then taught a very basic application of the principle used in push hands involving nian and zou to include several drills so that this principle was experienced. He then detailed the push hands and self-defense components of the Sizi Mijue (or Four-Word Secret Formula) from the classic by Wu Yuxiang. They are: fu, gai, dui, and tun. These four principles relate to the progressive and correct timing in the application of taiji skills used in fighting when detecting force released by the opponent (i.e., before they release, just as they begin to release, as they approach maximal release, and at maximal release). Each requires a refined degree of sensitivity attained through ting (listening) and sui (following). [pp 63-65,112,199,262]

June 18, 2017, Sunday
9:00am-12:00pm
Session 3: The Five Key Points of Taijiquan

In this session, Master Zhang showed examples of taiji principles as used in fighting and as passed down by the Yang family and appearing in a manual passed down by Niu Lianyuan. Niu was a businessman who received instruction from Yang Banhou in the 81-posture big-frame form as a gift for helping the family at a time of great need. Apparently, Niu was given secret transmissions not published in any other Yang family classic. The contents of the manual were kept secret by Niu and by his student, Wu Mengxia, since the 1920’s. Many useful principles can be found in the manual, and in subsequent writings through the 1950’s by Wu Mengxia that are part of, or based on, this manual. The Taijiquan Wuge Yaoling (Five Key Points of Taijiquan [to guide the learner’s skill development]) are structured under the following headings: liu he jin (six-integration jin), shi san fa (thirteen methods), wu fa (five methods), ba yaoling (eight key points), and quan li fa (whole-body-force method). Of these, Master Zhang covered ideas from six integration jin (ninguo, zuanfa, luoxuan, bengzha, jingtan, dousou), several pairs of the thirteen methods, and whole-body-force method. [pp 502-505]

1:00pm-4:00pm
Session 4: The Gathering of Qi

In this session, Master Zhang covered the principles of gathering the qi in the body and its use (qilan). He showed how this gets applied as storing qi [he, xu] and releasing qi [kai, fa] for applications in taiji throwing [tifang]. Such principles are explained in early classics in articles like the The Five-Word Formula (Wuzi Jue) and the Secret Formula for Safang (Safang Mijue) passed down by Li Yiyu. [pp 131-133, 152, 222, 230-232, 236-240, 255]

Shuri-Te Bujutsu Kai Weapons Summit, China Grove, North Carolina, August 5-6, 2017: The camp sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price and Shihan Robert Taylor featured seminars in both traditional oriental weaponry (kobudo) as well as training with modern and improvised weapons along with active shooter situational awareness. Congratulations to the organizers and to the faculty for setting up and delivering such a varied and informative camp over just one weekend.

Group photo above from the 2017 China Grove Weapons Camp.

Pictured above from L to R at the China Grove Camp: Robert Taylor, Jeff Rhodes, Marty Elvidge, Troy Price, Paul Cote, Alex Ormaza, and Matthew Ansari. (Photo by Angela Rae DeMarco)

Renshi Matthew Ansari, who is a retired Army Sargent specialized in firearms training, teaches about active shooter awareness at the China Grove Camp.

Shihan Alex Ormaza taught nunchaku grappling techniques (top) and Balintawak arnis (bottom) at the China Grove Camp.

Internal Martial Arts Gathering, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, August 30-September 4, 2017: Labor Day martial arts gathering for private training with Paul Cote sponsored by Renshi Bob Speed on August 30-September 1. Renshi Speed then held a featured Internal Martial Arts Seminar on September 2, 1:00-6:00pm, with Sifu TW Smith (taiji), Kyoshi Paul Cote (xing-yi), and Kyoshi Troy Price (bagua). We also had a semi-private training session on Sunday morning, September 3 featuring xing-yi (Sifu Smith), bagua (Kyoshi Cote), and mixed applications of each (Kyoshi Price).

Pictured at the Myrtle Beach Retreat from L to R: Jeff White, Paul Cote, visiting guest (back row), T.W. Smith, Alex Ormaza (taking a knee), Bob Speed (back row), Troy Price, Marty Elvidge, and Robert Taylor.

Troy Price Seminars in Combative Flow, September 17, 2017, New Market, Md (9:30-noon) and Hagerstown, Md (2:00-5:00pm): These seminars were sponsored, respectively by Paul Cote (New Market) and Russell Reese (Hagerstown). An eye-opening display of martial arts striking and grappling methods in combative flow from standing to ground work by Kyoshi Troy Price. Thanks for all of the great instruction.

Shorinkan Summer Camp, North Carolina, September 28-30, 2017: The huge Shorinkan Summer Camp ('Little Okinawa Camp') with Hanshi Doug Perry and Kyoshi Jason Perry was was 'back' after a short hiatus since 2013. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this camp this year due to my teaching schedule at the university. Missing all my good friends this camp: Hanshi Perry, his Kyoshi-Kai and Renshi-Kai, the entire Shorinkan Shorin-ryu group, and those from Shobayashi-ryu, Ryu-Te, Uechi-ryu, Goju-ryu, Isshinryu, Okinawan Kempo, Shito-ryu, and Shuri-te. But I want to send a special get well soon to one of my best friends there, Shorinkan Kyoshi Jerry Taylor, Hachidan.

OMS Dojo Seminar Series, Appleton, Wisconsin, October 6-8, 2017: Shihan Joe Pounder of Original Martial Systems (OMS) sponsored a seminar looking at Chinese Internal Martial Arts and Shuri-Te Bujutsu with Kyoshi Paul J. Cote and Kyoshi Troy J. Price. Paul covered whole body power generation in xing-yi quan and then taught the 5-fists creative and destructive cycle. He also taught baguazhang 8 mother palms, and how to adapt mother-and-child kamae posture to the study of Gao straightline form #30 ('lian'). Troy went into further detail on whole body power generation with jujutsu locks and lock-releases and connected them also to various methods used in baguazhang. He then covered selected continuous striking methods from his combative flow system and related them to xing-yi quan and baguazhang. Special thanks to the Shugosha group for making the trip from Kansas City.

Group photo above from the Internal Martial Arts Seminar hosted by Shihan Joe Pounder in Appleton, Wisconsin. A photo below from the seminar shows (L to R) judo/jujutsu Rensei Marcus Ahrens, Kyoshi Paul Cote, Kyoshi Troy Price, and host, Shihan Joe Pounder.

Penn State Karate Club Fall Promotions and Seminar Series, October 28, 2017: This event was sponsored by Kent Gardens and Takoma clubs at the Kent Gardens Elementary School Gymnasium. Please see our new Isshinryu Lineage Page for more information.
Isshinryu Karate Club Lineage and Dojos

Shuri-Te Advanced and Internal Martial Arts and Healing Arts Conference, Dallas, North Carolina, November 3-5, 2017: This conference was sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price and Shihan Alex Ormaza at the new Ormaza dojo in Dallas, NC. We taught two seminars: one on mother-and-child hands in relation to Gao straightline #30 ('lian'), and another on the xing-yi 5-fists as kyusho jutsu and as 5-element theory of attack and defense. We also taught pre-seminar bagua circling classes in the mornings.

There were many other excellent seminars offered at the event featuring several by Special Guest Instructor, Hanshi Doug Perry (kyusho jutsu and 'Rokishu' kata). Kyoshi Price and Shihan Ormaza each offered advanced seminars on combative flow. Sifu TW Smith taught some Hop Gar and Choy Li Fut kung fu methods.

Also featured were Kyoshi Jeff Rhodes (hitting and throwing), Professor Thabiti Sabahive (locking and throwing), Shihan Nate Mohler (tai chi), Shihan Mark Baker (pushing and pulling), Shihan Joe Pounder (elbow methods and kyusho jutsu), and Renshi Kieth Black (qigong and fajin). A number of these instructors also presented on healing methods (Sabahive, Baker, Mohler, and Black).

This event was exceptional and was well attended by martial arts enthusiasts from many styles. Many thanks to Kyoshi Price and Shihan Ormaza for sponsoring this highly recommended event.

Conference Instructors: (L to R) Shihan Nate Mohler, Kyoshi Jeff Rhodes, Professor Thabiti Sabahive, Sifu TW Smith, Kyoshi Troy Price, Hanshi Doug Perry, Shihan Alex Ormaza, Kyoshi Paul Cote, Renshi Keith Black, Shihan Joe Pounder, Shihan Mark Baker

Conference group photo is shown above.

Conference photos above with Hanshi Doug Perry, Kudan, of the Shorinkan Kensankai.

Wu Style Taijiquan 37-Posture Empty-Hand Form, Push Hands Training, and "Classics Tour Continued". Seminar with Master Zhang Yun. December 2-3, 2017, Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton, Princeton, NJ: Master Zhang is a student of the late GM Wang Peisheng of Beijing. In this seminar, Master Zhang continued to teach and correct in detail the Wu Style Taijiquan 37-posture empty-hand form and explained the applications of selected postures. Push hand drills and skills were also reviewed.

Master Zhang also continued to cover the principles and practices of Taijiquan based on some of the chapters from his new book on the Taijiquan Classics. As described below, the seminar curriculum covered material from Classics articles dealing with everything from basic Taijiquan structure, basic Taijiquan push hands, Taijiquan fighting principles, and Taijiquan throwing. We all got to experience what we have been reading in the book.

December 2, 2017, Saturday
10:00am-1:00pm: Wu Style 37-Posture Form Practice, The Foundational Abilities of Taijiquan
One or two postures will be taught in detail including practice method and application ideas.
Discussion of six foundational abilities of Taijiquan upon which all Taijiqun skills are built.
2:00-5:00pm: From Taijiquan Principles to Push Hands Practice
Instruction in push hands concepts and self-defense skills using Taijiquan methods and body structure.
Instruction in two-person drills for improving your push hands practice and self-defense skills; questions and answers.

December 3, 2017. Sunday
9:00am-12:00pm: How to Use "The Taijiquan Classics" Book for Form and Push Hands Practice 1
Explanation: What are the Taijiquan Classics
How to use the book to help your form and push hands practice and applications.
1:00-4:00pm: How to Use "The Taijiquan Classics" book for Form and Push Hands Practice 2
Detailed explanation of some Taijiquan principles from the book and examples for training.


Previous Special Events

Click on Previous Special Events to see some of our other activities from 2016 and before.

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