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Previous Special Events
2016 Special Events
Penn State Karate, Promotions, Evaluations, and Seminars, West Springfield, Virginia, November 19, 2016, 1:00-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the NOVA Isshinryu club and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo. This event was not open to the public. We assisted in the teaching by Sensei Sutton of karate kihon and Seisan kata and in the evaluation of brown and black belt ranks for eventual promotion this spring. Sensei Sutton gave a slide presentation on standards and steps to advancement in our school of Isshinryu karate. Congratulations too all of those who received kyu rank promotions, to those brown belts who were being evaluated for Shodan this spring, and to those dan ranks undergoing evaluations for eventual promotion. Please see our new Isshinryu Lineage Page for more information. Isshinryu Karate Club Lineage and Dojos
OMS Dojo, Appleton, Wisconsin, October 21-23, 2016: First trip to Appleton, Wisconsin for a 3-day seminar at the OMS Dojo sponsored by Shihan Joe Pounder. We taught portions of the Shurite Xingyi and Bagua Program on Friday and Saturday (5-Fists Theory, Form, and Applications; Gao Bagua Snake Change and Straight Line 1-8), and then some Taiji Quan Push Hands sets on Sunday.
Martial Arts Science & Application Symposium: Advanced Martial Arts Training, Kyusho-Jutsu, Internal Martial Arts & Healing Arts, October 7-9, 2016, Dallas, NC. This event was sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price and Shihan Alex Ormaza. For this camp, we taught the internal art of baguazhang figure-8 and 9-stake circle walking, and combative applications of Gao straight line forms 17-20 (chuan, ban, jie, lan).
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Promotions and Seminars, University Park, Pa., Saturday, Sept 24, 2016, noon-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo. This event was not open to the public. We assisted in the teaching by Sensei Sutton of Chinto kata and Tokomeni no kun bo kata. Sensei Sutton gave a slide presentation on Chinto kata. Please see our new Isshinryu Lineage Page for more information. Isshinryu Karate Club Lineage and Dojos
Wilmington Dojo, Wilmington, North Carolina, Sept 6, 2016: Taught a class on bagua basic principles and karate cross-training concepts at the Wilmington Dojo of Renshi David Ward, Godan.
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, August 30-Sept 6: Taught Shurite Bagua sponsored by Renshi Bob Speed. Also expanded on my own training with Renshi Speed (Arnis and Shurite JuJutsu), Shihan Alex Ormaza (Okinawan Karate), and Sifu Tim 'TW' Smith (Hop Gar Kung Fu/Lama Pai). Also taught a class earlier in the week for Kyoshi John Ciraco on 8/31 on principles involving use of the forearm for blocking, striking, locking, and throwing in martial arts.
Shown in the photo above are (L to R) TW Smith, Bob Speed, Marty Elvidge, Paul Cote, Deberra Carson, and Alex Ormaza.
Waga Michi Dojo, Marshville, North Carolina, Aug 8-11, 2016: Taught Shurite Bagua at the Waga Michi Dojo of Sensei Mark Ciprich (8/8-8/9). Worked with Kyoshi Troy Price (8/10-8/11) on educational projects and teaching at his school (8/11).
Martial Arts Weapons Training Summit: Traditional Kobudo and Contemporary Weapons, August 6-7, 2016, China Grove, NC. This event was sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price and Shihan Robert Taylor. We attended this highly recommended conference and trained with Kyoshi Clint Green, Master Gat Puno Abon, Shihans Alex Ormaza and Jeff Rhodes, and Senseis Butler and Barret, among others.
Raleigh/Durham Dojo, Durham, North Carolina, August 4-5, 2016: Continued on several educational projects being developed with Kyoshi Troy Price and then teaching Shurite Bagua at Kyoshi Price's class on Thurs, Aug 4.
Yin Cheng Gong Fa Special 3-City Seminar Tour with Master Zhang Yun, 2016: The Wu Style Taiji Quan of Grandmaster Wang Peisheng. This tour featured 3 seminars on 3 consecutive weekends (May 7/8, Princeton, NJ; May 14/15, Pittsburgh, Pa; May 21/22, Washington DC area (Silver Spring, Md). The special seminar tour was hosted and led by YCGF Master Zhang Yun. The seminars covered empty-hand taiji form and application, taiji push hands training, and the fighting principles of taijiquan as passed down from the late Wu Style Taiji Quan Grandmaster Wang Peisheng. During this event, Master Zhang also introduced and narrated invited instruction of Wu style taiji by his visiting life-long friend and colleague, and special guest, YCGF Taiji Quan Master Zhao Zeren (click here for more on Master Zhao). Master Zhang’s tour with the special guest demonstrations and instruction represented a unique opportunity for American taiji practitioners to meet Master Zhao, who is recognized as one of the best Taijiquan Masters in all of China. Aside from sharing his knowledge and experience in taijiquan, Master Zhao greatly enjoyed his visit by touring New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC. His travels and experiences in the USA are captured in a photo log (click here) that was constructed in Chinese by his host, Master Zhang Yun, for Master Zhao's friends in China.
Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai National Conference, April 15-17, 2016, Dallas, North Carolina: This as our seventh year in attendance at this symposium sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai. This year we presented 3 seminars on Level-1 and Level-2 bagua and another on advanced bagua circle walking in figure-8 and 9-gate patterns. We also evaluated students who had been studying Level-1 material over the past year, and awarded these individuals and several dojo heads 'Enter the Gate' certifications to start them on their journey to study these arts or sponsor others from their schools for certifications. This year's conference featured additional seminars by instructors of classical martial arts eminating from China, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the Phillipines, and also in newer contemporay martial arts from special forces training that have roots in the Orient and the Americas.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Promotions and Seminars, University Park, Pa., March 19, 2016, noon-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo. This event was not open to the public. We assisted with Senseis McCandless and Dang on instruction in the bo kata, Tokumeni no Kun. We taught a separate seminar on unarmed applications based on the movements using the bo information. Please see our new Isshinryu Lineage Page for more information. Isshinryu Karate Club Lineage and Dojos
Waga Michi Dojo, Marshville, North Carolina, March 8-10, 2016: Taught classes at the Waga Michi Dojo of Sensei Mark Ciprich in Shurite Xingyi and Bagua. Met Master Mitch Kobylanski (photo) who was there to observe the internal arts training. Thank you, Hanshi, for the visit and great meeting you!
Shorinkan Winter Camp, March 3-6, 2016, Hampton, Va.: This camp is sponsored by Kyoshi Clint Green and the Shorinkan under Sensei's Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, and Pat Haley, Kyoshi, 8th Dan. This was our 10th year attending this camp featuring Okinawan karate and kobudo kata taught by senior Shorinkan instructors. We taught two seminars with Kyoshi Troy Price: one on joint locking and one on elbows.
The Winter Camp is dedicated mainly to the Shorinkan, with sometimes more than 150 Shorinkan attendees. This camp is a bit unlike the larger 'Little Okinawa' Summer Camps held by the Shorinkan, which always attract many other karate stylists. At the Winter Camp of 2015, a few of us initiated a tradition to have a group photo of the very few representative 'aliens' in attendence. 'Aliens' is an affectionate label given by Hanshi Doug Perry to those attendees who are not Shorinkan. In the 2015 photo above left are (L to R) Kyoshi Troy Price (Shuri-te), Kyoshi Paul Cote (Isshin-ryu), Renshi David Ward (Shito-ryu), and Kyoshi John Carria (Uechi-ryu). There was a repeat again in 2016 with (L to R) Renshi Ward and Kyoshi Carria, Price, and Cote.
We were joined the following year at camp (2017) by perennial alien Kyoshi Chuck Harris (Ryu-te, far left). The camp host, Hanshi Perry, was no longer sporting his Shorinkan patch, and so we included him in the photo as being an 'alien' at his own camp. Hanshi Perry (centered) is sporting his newly-designed patch for his Kensankai [Shorinkan] organization. Welcome, Hanshi Perry, to the alien group!
2015 Special Events
Isshinryu Karate and Kobudo with Hanshi Dane Sutton, Saturday, Dec 5, 2016, 1:30-4:30pm, Takoma Park, Maryland. We participated in this seminar sponsored by Senseis Gulik, Kendall, and Woodrum of the Takoma Park club for Hanshi Dane Sutton. Hanshi Sutton taught selected kihon, Seisan kata, and bo kata two person drills for all levels, and was assisted by Senseis Dang and Cote. Thanks also to the crew from the NOVA club of Senseis Jim Miller and Ralph Miller for attending this event. Please see our new Isshinryu Lineage Page for more information. Isshinryu Karate Club Lineage and Dojos
Shuri-Te Bujutsu Kai Advanced Martial Arts Training/Internal Martial Arts & Healing Camp, Dallas, North Carolina, November 6-8, 2015: We participated for our 4th year in this event sponsored by Kyoshi Troy J. Price. We taught 3 seminars consisting of selected portions of our Level-1 Xingyi Quan and Bagua Zhang curricula at this event.
Fall Teaching in the Carolinas, November 2-5, 2015: We taught Level-1 Shuri-Te xingyi and bagua curricula for groups in North Carolina in Asheville (Jujutsu and TKD Shihan Jeff Rhodes, Nov 2), Marshville (Sensei Mark Ciprich, Nov 3-5), and Huntersville (Isshin-ryu Kyoshi Butch McLaughlin, Nov 4). Many thanks to these fine instructors for having their class take a look at the xingyi and bagua program and to those at Sensei Ciprich's Isshin-ryu dojo who also shared in some of our ATT Isshinryu karate connections.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Promotions and Seminars, University Park, Pa., October 17, 2015, noon-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo. This event was not open to the public. We assisted Sensei Sutton in teaching Tokomeni bo kata for all levels.
Koryu Uchinadi Kempo Jutsu Seminar with Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, Ashburn, Va., October 10 & 11, 2015: This was an absolutely stellar event featuring Hanshi McCarthy teaching Tsukinaka kata. It was hosted by Renshi Darrin Johnson at the Ashburn Martial Arts Center. At this event, we received an award of appreciation from Hanshi McCarthy for 11 years of membership in his International Ryukyu Karate Research Society (IRKRS). Many thanks for this thoughtful award, Hanshi.
Yin Cheng Gong Fa Tai Ji Quan and Bagua Saber Seminar with Master Zhang Yun, Wu Style Taiji Quan of Grandmaster Wang Peisheng, Patterson Rec Center, Princeton, New Jersey, August 29 & 30, 2015: This was an outstanding seminar featuring Master Zhang Yun providing opportunities to improve one's Wu style taiji form and applications, and to begin learning the Yin Fu 64 bagua saber sets.
Late Summer 2015 Training and Teaching Internal Martial Arts in the Carolinas: We trained in a session of karate in Asheville, NC with Hanshi Doug Perry and Kyoshi Jason Perry, Shorin-kan (August 18-21). We then trained at the Weapons Camp (see below) that was sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price (August 22-23). We then trained and taught xingyi and bagua in Durham, NC (August 24-27) with Kyoshi Troy Price and completed work on an ATT internal arts educational project. We then traveled to New Jersey for the seminar above with Master Zhang (Aug 28-31). We then returned to Mrytle Beach, SC (September 1-7) sponsored by Renshi Bob Speed where we gave a karate seminar on Naihanchi Shodan for Kyoshi Mike Ciraco, and then taught and trained internal arts daily for the remainder of the week with Renshi Speed and Kyoshi Troy Price and others in his group.
Martial Arts Weapons Training Summit, Traditional Kobudo and Contemporary Weapons, China Grove, North Carlina, August 22 & 23, 2015: This was the second year for this event. It was a truely exceptional event for training in both classical kobudo and modern weaponry sponsored by Kyoshi Troy Price. This year, the featured guest instructor was Master Richard Fike who presented seminars on contemporary weapons and tactics used by US special forces. Many thanks for further insights I was able to gain from all of the instructors. I highly recommend this seminar for everyone and plan to post a list of the instructors, seminar topics, activities so that you can see why. We set up a station at the event to hand out materials and advertise to others about the new Shuri-Te xingyi and bagua program and subsequent Summer tour and upcoming Fall tour to further promote the program (see above).
10th Anniversary Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa Tai Ji Quan Seminar with Master Zhang Yun, Wu Style Taiji Quan and Internal Martial Arts of Grandmaster Wang Peisheng, Capital Aikikai Dojo, 923 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland
June 13-14, 2015: This year was the 10th anniversary (in 11 years) for this special seminar series featuring Master Zhang Yun. We really want to thank and appreciate Master Zhang for his clear and erudite teaching, along with the many participants who came a long distance, and at great expense, to attend this event. We were very pleased and humbled to have participants come to the event from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie, Pa., and from as far away as New York City, Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Wyoming, and one from our US group back from school in China, just for this event!
Thank you all for helping us here in Maryland to celebrate this event. Many thanks to elder brothers, Strider Clark, Clayton Shiu, and Peter Kindfield for attending and adding a great measure of stature to this event. Thanks to sister Mary for arranging travel. And many thanks to brothers Dainis, Loyd, and Bob for their assistance in making this a memorable 10-year anniversary event. Congratulations to Geoff and Jessie on their ceremonies to formally enter the YCGF family. Again, humble thanks to all of you, and to our faithful local contingent for their support.
SEMINAR CURRICULUM:
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 12:30pm-7:00pm
1:00-3:30pm: Wu Style Taiji 37-Posture Form & Selected Applications
37-posture form with emphasis on part horse mane, play pi pa, and fair lady structure and applications
4:00-7:00pm: Push Hands Concepts & Self-Defense using Taiji Methods & Body Structure
two-person drills for improving your push hands practice and self-defense
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 9:30am-4:00pm
10:00am-1:00pm: Wu 37-Posture Form & Qigong
special underlying concepts & mechanics for use in push hands and self-defense
2:00-4:30pm: Comparison of Xing-Yi, Bagua, and Taiji Principles
examples from xing-yi (heng quan, eagle-bear); examples from bagua (Cheng style single palm change/Yin piercing palm change); examples from taiji (7-star posture)
This was an absolutely stellar event for those who attended to see and experience the inner workings of how to use drills specially designed by Master Zhang to develop real taiji skills that improve one's practice and teaching. The added lecture and experience from the final seminar segment on Sunday comparing basic aspects of xing-yi, bagua, and taiji was a real treat for everyone!
Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai National Conference, May 1-3, 2015, Dallas, North Carolina: This was our sixth year in attendance at this symposium sponsored by Shihan Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai. This year we presented a seminar on bagua zhang Gao style straight-line forms 17 (to pierce/'chuan') and 18 (to move/'ban') with extensions to the 3rd circle change (tiger palm). We also presented a seminar on basic circle walking using several of the mother palms alone and in combination for use in qigong and martial applications. We also presented a seminar on the xing-yi quan pounding fist (pao quan) with martial applications relating to combative flow concepts. This year's conference again featured seminars by many nationally and internationally recognized instructors. These instructors featured training in the classical martial arts from China, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the Phillipines, and also in newer contemporay martial arts from special forces training that have roots in the Orient and the Americas.
Post-Conference Training and Teaching in North Carolina, May 4-10, 2015: After the above mentioned conference, we further advanced an ATT educational project at the dojo of Renshi Robert Taylor in Chinia Grove, NC. The ATT educational project was further edited in Morrisville, NC with Kyoshi Price where we also taught xingyi and bagua for his group in Durham, NC.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Promotions and Seminars, March 21, 2015, noon-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo. This event was not open to the public. Sensei Sutton presented a seminar on bo (Tokomeni no kun) assisted by Senseis McCandless, Cote, and Dang. Dr. Paul Cote of ATT and the PSKC received a promotion to Kyoshi, Nanadan (7th Dan) at this event along with several other of his senior colleagues in the club.
Shorin-kan Winter Camp, March 12-15, 2015, Hampton, Va.: This was our 9th year in attendance at this camp sponsored by Kyoshi Clint Green and the Shorin-Kan under Sensei's Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, and Pat Haley, Kyoshi, 8th Dan. This year we participated in numerous sessions featuring Okinawan karate and kobudo kata taught by senior Shorin-kan instructors. We co-instructed 2 sessions with Shihan Troy Price on joint locking and use of the elbows. We thank Hanshi Perry, and Kyoshis Haley and Green, for the opportunities to present at their event this past year, and we wish them continued success with these camps.
Training and Teaching in North Carolina, March 6-11, 2015: Prior to the Hampton Shorin-kan camp (see above), we further advanced an ATT educational project at the dojo of Renshi Robert Taylor in Chinia Grove, NC. The ATT educational project was initially assembled with Kyoshi Price where we then taught xingyi and bagua for his group in Durham, NC.
2014 Special Events
ATT Naihanchi Kata Workshop Intensive: Concepts, Applications, and Adaptations. December 13, 2014, 10:00am-7:00pm, Ashburn, Virginia: ATT was proud to sponsor its first day-long karate workshop intensive featuring Naihanchi kata. The event was held at the Ashburn Martial Arts Center dojo of Sensei Darrin Johnson. This workshop featured 5 consecutive 75-minute seminars on Naihanchi Shodan kata (Tekki kata, Chulgi). The 5 seminars were presented by different instructors from well-established martial arts lineages who each view and teach this kata from varied perspectives. This included its wealth of variation in concepts, applications, and adaptations, with many useful comparative ideas that add to one's study and teaching of this kata.
Renshi Danny Spletter and Sensei Kim Spletter from the Koryu Uchinadi Tradition started off the workshop with selected examples of the classical Motobu drills for the kata showing self-defense applications for use by both men and women. Shihan Alex Ormaza of the Ryu-Te[R] Tradition presented a seminar with further insights into selected tuite and kusho jutsu applications of the kata. We presented a seminar from the perspective of our Isshin-ryu karate and Chinese Internal Arts Traditions on classical and mixed-order technique sequences from the kata. These included combined grappling and impacting concepts derived from our cross-training. We also speculated on the Chinese roots of Naihanchi kata using comparative demonstrations of selected combination techniques in the kata and Chinese forms. Shihan Troy Price (with Renshi Robert Taylor) of the Shuri-ryu Karate Tradition and Shuri-Te Bujutsu Kai presented on combative flow drills for fist and leg impacting into, out of, and within the orthodox kata sequence. He also demonstrated several flow transitions into grappling with locks and takedowns. Lastly, Renshi Darrin Johnson (with visiting Renshi Nicholas DePaolo) of the Koryu Uchinadi Tradition taught an excellent adaptation of the kata as 'Naihanchi 360', with applications and pad work, along with a few selected ground applications derived from the kata.
Special thanks to our ATT student, Jessie Itoh, for serving much of the day as 'uke extraordinaire' for many of the techniques performed by instructors Ormaza, Cote, and Price, and for assisting me during my seminar, and for assisting others with their applications practice. We are indeed grateful to all of those who attended in support of this workshop and hope that the result of the worshop for you was greater than the sum of its parts. From attendee feedback received so far, we are definitely able to say that the workshop indeed met its goals, and we are looking forward to doing this again in the near future with other kata, including revisting Naihanchi.
The DVD that was assembled from the Naihanchi Workshop is now available through ATT and through the website store of the Shuri-Te Bujutsu Kai of Shihan Troy Price (please contact ATT if you would like more information to purchase this collaborative DVD). We note here that for purposes relating to the scheduling of the workshop seminars described above, and the overall 'information flow' for the workshop, during the editing process, the DVD of the workshop was assembled to lead off with the seminar segment by Shihan Alex Ormaza, which was then followed by the segment presented by Senseis Danny and Kim Spletter.
NOVA Isshin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo Seminar, December 6, 2014, 2:00-5:00pm, Springfield, Virginia: We participated in this seminar sponsored by Renshis Jim Miller and Ralph Miller of the NOVA club for Hanshi Dane Sutton. Hanshi Sutton taught bo kata basics for all levels, assisted by Senseis Dang and Cote. We were granted time during the seminar event to present a short segment for Isshin-ryu practitioners on Naihanchi kata as a partial preview for the subsequent ATT workshop on Naihanchi kata (Dec 13, see above).
Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate, Shobayashi-Kan, with Hanshi William Hayes, November 21-23, 2014, Thorndale, Pennsylvania: We have been an affiliate member of the Shobayshi-Kan Kenkyu-Kai for several years. We recently attended the seminars by Hanshi Hayes on Saturday, Nov 22. 'Shinshi' Hayes was assisted through out the day by his senior students, Senseis Tony D'Angelo and Tommy Revel. Many concepts on the old way of Okinawan karate were covered, including examples from Naihanchi and other Okinawan kata. Shinshi Hayes and Senseis' D'Angelo and Revell also provide frequent instruction at the 'Little Okinawa' Summer Camps that have been hosted over the years by Hanshi Doug Perry (see below for more about those summer camps).
Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai Advanced Training and Internal Martial Arts and Healing Conference, November 7-9, 2014, Dallas, North Carolina and Post-Conference Training and Teaching in North Carolina: We participated in this conference sponsored by Shihan Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai. This year we presented seminars on bagua zhang advanced palm training and circle walking with martial applications. We extended our stay in North Carolina following the above Shuri-te Conference for the following week in order to pursue training and teaching opportunities with various martial arts groups in the Charlotte and Raleigh areas. Many thanks to Senseis Butch McLaughlin and Shihan Price for having me over to share some karate and bagua zhang with members of their dojos.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Promotions and Seminars, October 18, 2014, noon-5:00pm, Penn State University, University Park, Pa.: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo. We assisted Sensei Sutton in his seminar presentation on bo kata (Tokomine no Kun). Further details about the seminar will be posted on our Isshin-Ryu Karate web page including the group photo.
Koryu Uchinadi Karate Seminars with Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, October 11-12, 2014, Ashburn, Va.: This event featured Hanshi McCarthy and was sponsored by Sensei Darrin Johnson of the Koryu Uchinadi group in Ashburn, Va. We had not had opportunity to see and train with Sensei McCarthy since his visit locally in 2010, and were very happy to see him again in great form and spirit. Sensei McCarthy showed many universal martial arts applications derived from the Pinan katas as part of his style-independent approach and philosophy of teaching martial arts. He was assisted in this event by several of his senioir student instructors who also shared some of their methods, including Renshis Johnson, Lopresti, Spletter, and DePaolo. Also, it was good to see and train a bit at this event with long-time friend, Sensei Robbie Zinng, and new found friend, Sensei Ken Peterson. My deepest thanks to all who trained with me, and especially to Hanshi McCarthy for the many new insights into the applications of karate kata and what they hold in common with methods used in other martial arts styles. During this event, we were indeed surprised and deeply touched to be awarded a 'Member Shihan' instructor title in International Ryu-Kyu Karate Research Society (IRKRS) by Hanshi McCarthy. I was indeed humbled to accept this honorary title from this prestigious group.
Center for Martial Arts Training and Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai Martial Arts Weapons Training Summit, August 23-24, 2014, Asheville, North Carolina We attended the kobudo camp hosted by Shihan Troy Price and Hanshi Carl Wilcox featuring training in the classical martial arts weapons from Okinawa, Japan, Korea, and the Phillipines. Training also included newer contemporay weapons from special forces training that have roots in the Orient and the Americas. The featured guest instructor was Hanshi Doug Perry of the Shorin-kan assisted by Kyoshi Jerry Taylor. During the conference, we visited for several days with long-time friends, Jerry and Deborah, in Asheville; thanks for the great time and accomodations.
Post-Conference Training and Teaching in the Carolinas: We then conducted a training and teaching trip through much of North Carolina during the week following the summit. We conducted: (1) a seminar in Asheville for Shihan Jeff Rhodes group on selected Gao bagua basics and straight line form for tactical connections; (2) a visit with Shihan Alex Ormaza in Gastonia/Charlotte for some comparative training in xing-yi and Okinawan karate; (3) a seminar in Charlotte for Sensei Butch McLaughlin's group on the first several movements of Isshin-ryu Chinto kata; (4) a seminar in China Grove for Sensei Robert Taylor's group and Shihan Troy Price on selected Gao bagua basics as they relate to straight line and circle walking bagua forms; (5) a seminar in Durham for Shihan Troy Price's group on selected Gao bagua basics and their tactical applications and extension to linear and circular forms; (6) three morning sessions in North Myrtle Beach (SC) for Shihan Troy Price's group hosted by Sensei Bob Speed on xing-yi linking form, tactical extensions of the bagua piercing palm, and bagua circle walking and changing with basic palms and the single palm change; and (7) a seminar in Wilmington (NC) for Sensei David Ward's group on bagua basic circle walking palms and applications. My sincere thanks to all who played host and attended these sessions. Thanks again to all for the kind accomodations you provided, the all around great time, and the opportunity to share my martial arts with your respective groups.
9th Annual Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa Seminar with Master Zhang Yun. The Wu Style Taiji Quan of GM Wang Peisheng, June 14 & 15, 2014: Capital Aikikai Dojo, 923 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, Md.
Yet another stellar seminar by Master Zhang Yun here in Maryland. For those of you who practice taiji and other internal arts and who have never attended one of Master Zhang's seminars, I can only urge you to do so at your next opportunity.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1410:30am-1:30pm: Wu Style Taiji Form and Selected Applications
Opening through Wild Horse Parts Its Mane: This was designed as a special introduction to Wu style taiji form. Master Zhang showed form detail for the above postures for newcomers to Wu style taiji, and provided review for intermediate and veteran practitioners. He continued to develop the practice of beginner and intermediate form applications, including explanations of how, when, and where to direct and project ‘mind components’ into the various applications. This showed the practitioner how to improve their knowledge and use of subtle components that form the basis for higher level taiji applications.
2:30pm-5:30pm: Wu Style Taiji Tui Shou and Advanced Two-Person Sets
This session featured basic tui shou sets (push hands) for intermediate and veteran practitioners. This session also featured how such basic patterns can evolve and be practiced in intermediate to advanced ways with moving steps, including the use of ‘random circles’ practice and selected ‘first touch’ methods.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
10:00am-12:30pm: Wu Style 37-Posture Taiji Form and Selected Applications
37-Posture Form Practice with details on Sit Back and Ride Tiger to Closing: This was designed to do the complete form several times, and then to focus on form detail participants for the ending segment of the taiji form from sit back and ride tiger to closing. He showed applications, including explanations of how, when, and where to direct and project ‘mind components’ into the various applications. This showed the practitioner how to improve their knowledge and use of subtle components that form the basis for higher level taiji applications.
1:30pm-4:00pm: Wu Style Qigong
Basic Qigong for Body Framing and Applications in Push Hands: This session featured how to do the basic macrocosmic orbit to coordinate breathing and direction of qi through the body for health and awareness to the more advanced concepts and derivations that can be used to further develop your taiji form and applications.
Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai National Conference, April 25-27, 2014, Dallas, North Carolina: This was our fifth year in attendance at this symposium sponsored by Shihan Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai. This year we presented 2 seminars on bagua zhang (Gao linear 9-12, level 2; basic circle walking) and one seminar on xing-yi quan (lian huan linking form). This year's conference featured seminars by many nationally and internationally recognized instructors. These instructors featured training in the classical martial arts from China, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the Phillipines, and also in newer contemporay martial arts from special forces training that have roots in the Orient and the Americas. During this event, we were indeed surprised and deeply touched to be awarded a 'Member Shihan' instructor title in the Shuri-Te Bujutsu Kai by Shihan Troy Price. I was indeed humbled to accept this honorary title from this prestigious group.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Promotions and Seminars, March 22, 2014, noon-5:00pm, Penn State University, University Park, Pa.: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo. This event was not open to the public. Sensei Sutton presented on bo kata, Tokomeni No Kun, with assistant instruction by Senseis McCandless, Cote, Dang, and Clark. More details will be posted on our Isshin-Ryu Karate web page including the group photo.
Shorin-kan Winter Camp, March 13-16, 2014, Hampton, Va.: This was our 8th year in attendance at this camp sponsored by Kyoshi Clint Green and the Shorin-Kan under Sensei's Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, and Pat Haley, Kyoshi, 8th Dan. This year we participated in numerous sessions featuring Okinawan karate and kobudo kata taught by senior Shorin-kan instructors. We also had the privilege to teach a short session on Naihanchi kata concepts at Kyoshi Green's dojo, and then a regular session at the camp to Shorin-kan members on the first half of the Isshin-ryu bo kata, Shi Shi no Kun no Dai. This developed a foundation for comparative discussions of different bo kata found in the two styles. We also taught in 3 sessions involving various self-defense and grappling methods (tui-te, ju-jutsu, chin na) with Shihan Troy Price of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai. This year, we also performed a short set of straight line and circular bagua zhang during the evening demonstration session as a tribute to the late Mr. RW Smith. We thank Hanshi Perry, and Kyoshis Haley and Green for the opportunity to present and demonstrate at their event and we wish them continued success with these camps.
2013 Special Events
NOVA/Takoma Isshin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Seminar, December 15, 2013, 3:00am-6:00pm, Burke, Virginia: This seminar was conducted by Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo, Kudan, assisted by Renshigos Que Dang and Paul Cote, for the Northern Virginia (NOVA) and Takoma Park Schools. The seminar was hosted by Renshigos Jim Miller and Ralph Miller of the NOVA Isshin-ryu School. The seminar was attended also by members representing the Takoma Park Isshin-ryu School led by Sensei Mary Kendall and others. Sensei Sutton covered Isshin-ryu kata, Seisan, for all during the first hour, with added instruction for the kyu ranks by Senseis Cote and Dang, which was then supervised further by the attending brown belts. Sensei Sutton focused the next two hours on kobudo bo kata for the black belts (Tokomeni no kun) assisted by Senseis Cote and Dang.
Fleming Park Dedication Site for the Late Mr. Robert W. Smith, November 16, 2013, 11:00am-12:30pm, Bethesda, Maryland: Over 100 students and family friends attended this event, which included Mrs. Alice Smith and her 4 children.
Yin Cheng Gong Fa Taiji Quan and Weapons Seminars with Master Zhang Yun, November 9-10, 2013, Princeton, NJ: This 2-day seminar covered taiji form and push hands, along with the taiji dao (saber), and the tong bei qilibang staff.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Dan Rank Testing and Seminar, October 19, 2013, noon-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo, 9th Dan. We presented selected martial applications of the footwork used in Naihanchi kaka. This event was not open to the public. Further details will appear later on our Isshin-ryu page.
Okinawan Karate/Kobudo Seminar - ATT's Signature Bo & No-Bo Clinic, Saturday, September 21, 2013, 2:00-5:30pm: This was our 8th time for this popular clinic. This year's event was held at Sensei Harold Renner's dojo in Keedysville, Maryland, which is under Grandmaster Ted Hilson's South Central Tae Kwon Do Association. The seminar covered movements and applications from the Okinawan Bo kata, Tokomeni No Kun, first using the bo, and then without the bo. We highlighted specifically how the weapons form and manipulations can be translated into empty hand self-defense. A number of the empty hand translations derive from Okinawan karate and from the Chinese internal arts of bagua and xing-yi.
22nd "Little Okinawa" Summer Camp, August 15-17, 2013, Clarion Inn, 550 Airport Rd., Fletcher, North Carolina, 28732: We attended the 22nd summer karate and kobudo camp sponsored by Sensei J. Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, of the Shorinkan. We have been attending this camp since 2007, and have visited on many occasions in the years before hand. This year we presented a seminar on concepts and applications from Kyan's Seisan kata, as past down via the Isshin-Ryu karate lineage. We also presented a seminar session (with Shihan Troy Price) on cross-training aspects of baguazhang relating to applications in karate kata. I am grateful to Hanshi Perry for the opportunity to share my martial arts experience with the many fine karate-ka and teachers gathered for this prestigious summer camp. I am most grateful also to those other fine instructors who shared their knowledge and experiences with me during their seminars.
Internal Martial Arts and Healing Camp, August 9-11, 2013, Dallas, North Carolina: We participated in this camp, now in its 3rd year, hosted by colleagues, Shihan Troy Price and Shihan Alex Ormaza. We presented a short lecture and seminar session on xing-yi quan 5-fists with applications, and on bagua zhang Gao style straight line set number two (forms 13 through 16; er, hu, duo, huan) with applications. We also presented a session on yoga nidra (wakeful-sleep qigong). This year, the camp was quite extensive and expansive for covering a range of martial and healing techniques relevant to practitioners of any martial arts style. I thank Shihans Ormaza and Price for organizing this camp and for the opportunity to participate in it, and I look forward to the next camp like this one, which I recommend very highly to everyone for its unique scope and approach.
Carolina Visiting and Martial Arts Training and Teaching, 2013: On Aug 11-13 we visted with Shihan Troy Price (and his wife, Annie) in the Chapel Hill area and trained with several of his students on our Gao baguazhang methods (and had a great time overall); on Aug 13-14, we presented a seminar on Isshinryu Seisan kata at the Isshin-ryu dojo of Sensei Butch McLaughlin in the Charlotte area and then followed with some personal cross-training in baguazhang for karate pratitioners; on Aug 18-19 we visited the Asheville area to see Mrs. Smith (for lunch) and then to see Jerry Godfrey and Deborah (Geoghegan) Godfrey for a family gathering; on Aug 20 we presented a basic 'gateway' seminar on xing-yi and bagua for the ju-jutsu and karate students of Sensei Jeff Rhodes in the dojo of Hanshi Carl Wilcox in the Asheville area. Many thanks to all for the fine hospitality and for the opportunity to share time in martial arts and family visits.
8th Annual Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa Seminar with Master Zhang Yun: The Wu Style Taiji Quan of GM Wang Peisheng. June 22 and 23, 2013, Capital Aikikai Dojo, 923 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 10:00am-5:30pm
10:30am –12:00pm: Wu Style Taiji Quan Form 1:
37-Posture Form Practice and Applications, Opening and Grasp Bird’s Tail
Designed as a special introduction to Wu style taiji 37-posture form with an emphasis on form detail through Grasp Bird’s Tail and selected application principles of taiji that can prove relevant to the practice of aikido technique.
12:00pm-1:30pm: Wu Style Taiji Quan Form 2:
37-Posture Form Practice and Applications, Middle Section
This session featured practice of the 37-posture form with an emphasis on detail from the middle portion of the form, including selected applications for Instep Kick, Striking Tiger, Two Fists through Ears, and Press Face with Palm.
2:30pm-5:30pm: Wu Style Taiji Quan Form 3:
37-Posture Form Practice and Applications, Last Section
This session continued practice of the 37-posture form with an emphasis on detail from the selected portions of the form.
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 9:30am-4:00pm
10:00am-12:30pm: Wu Style Taiji Quan Push Hands:
How to Improve Your Push Hands Skills 1
1:30pm-4:00pm: Wu Style Taiji Quan Push Hands:
How to Improve Your Push Hands Skills 2
The above two sessions on push hands featured various body testing exercises and drills used to develop YCGF push hands skills. This includes practices designed by Master Zhang based on Wu Style Taiji Concepts, Principles, and Qigong
Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai National Conference, April 19-21, 2013, Dallas, North Carolina: This was our fourth year in attendance at this symposium sponsored by Shihan Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai. This year we presented on 5-fists linked together and related this pattern to the Si Pi form practiced by the early pioneers of the Shuri-Ryu karate system. We also presented on the Gao style straight line bagua set, numbers 9 through 12 (jie le, cang, kan, xiao). This year's conference featured seminars by 16 nationally and internationally recognized instructors. These instructors featured training in the classical martial arts from China, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the Phillipines, and also in newer contemporay martial arts from special forces training that have roots in the Orient and the Americas. Many thanks to Shihan Price, for the opportunity to present seminars on xing-yi quan and bagua zhang at this event, and we wish him continued success with his growing venue to showcase classical and contemporary martial arts.
Shorin-kan Winter Camp, March 8-10, 2013, Hampton, Va.: This was our 7th year in attendance at this camp sponsored by Kyoshi Clint Green and the Shorin-Kan under Sensei's Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, and Pat Haley, Kyoshi, 8th Dan. This year we presented seminars with Shihan Troy Price on various concepts used for self-defense from various kata and other martial arts systems.
Wu Style Taiji Saber and Taiji Quan Seminars with Master Zhang Yun: The Chinese Internal Martial Arts of GM Wang Peisheng, March 2 and 3, 2013, Princeton, New Jersey: We participated in this excellent seminar series by Master Zhang Yun hosted by the Princeton/New York City Yin Cheng Gong Fa groups. The curriculum included Taiji Dao (saber) form review and explanation of applications and two person application drills. Taiji quan push hands drills were covered along with corrections on 37-postures form with explanation of applications. In addition, YCGF Family member, Tito Bayne, taught introductory Tongbei classes during the weekend.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Dan Rank Testing and Seminar, March 16, 2013, noon-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo, 9th Dan. We presented selected martial applications from Naihanchi kaka. This event was not open to the public. Further details will appear later on our Isshin-ryu page.
2012 Special Events
Internal Martial Arts and Healing Camp, August 10-12, 2012, Dallas, North Carolina: We participated in this camp hosted by colleagues, Shihan Troy Price and Shihan Alex Ormaza, and offered seminar sessions on xing-yi quan and bagua zhang stepping fundamentals, and on Gao style bagua zhang straight line set number one (forms 5 through 8) with reference to the single palm change.
7th Annual Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa Taiji Quan Seminar with Master Zhang Yun, July 21-22, 2012, Frederick, Maryland: This was our 7th year hosting this event. Master Zhang Yun presented three seminars on principles and special training methods used in Wu Style Taiji Quan passed down by his teacher, the late GM Wang Peisheng, and one seminar on baguazhang qigong and applications. Master Zhang is well known for teaching and showing clearly how principles and methods relate to the theory, health aspects, and martial applications of taiji quan and baguazhang.
SEMINAR CURRICULUM:
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Wu Taiji Form (10:00am-1:00pm)
Opening through diagnonal flying with detail on part horse mane through diagonal flying with selected applications
Wu Style Push Hands Concepts (2:30pm-5:30pm)
Details on single and double hand drills (up through tui shou with peng, lu, ji, an)
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Wu Style Qigong, Dong Gong, First Touch Training (9:00am-noon)
Forms and drills with links to applications for taiji fighting skills
Bagua Zhang (1:00pm-3:30pm)
Circle Walking Qigong and 4 Cheng-style Mother Palms (heaven, earth, water, fire)
Yin Fu Style Bagua, 8 Palm Changes of the 7th Set
Taijiquan Retreat and Enthusiasts Event, June 8-10, 2012, Mensch Mill Retreat Center, Alburtis, Pa.: We paricipated for our second year in this event hosted by good friend, CJ Rhoads, and offered workshop sessions on Wu taiji opening and grasp bird's tail sequence and on baguazhang. We participated in a demonstration session performing the Wu style taiji dao (saber) form passed down from GM Wang Peisheng to Master Zhang Yun. This retreat was high caliber in all respects. The scope and depth of the presentations on taiji, qigong, and holistic health were outstanding and I highly recommend this camp for those interested in Chinese internal arts for health and self-defense principles. Congratulations, CJ, on this year's accomplishment.
Wu Style Taijiquan 37-Posture Empty-Hand Form, Push Hands Training, and Yin Style Bagua Seminar with Master Zhang Yun, April 28 and 29, 2012, Princeton, NJ: We attended this seminar where Master Zhang Yun taught and corrected Wu Style Taiji 37-posture empty-hand form and explained the application of selected postures. He provided detailed instruction in Taiji push hands foundation training and also in advanced push hands and fighting skills that emphasize coordinating body integration and internal training. In addition, he taught the second 8 palm-change postures from Yin Style Baguazhang.
Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai Annual Conference, April 20-22, 2012, China Grove, North Carolina: This conference is sponsored by Shihan Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai. This was our third year of participation at this conference. This event featured seminars by several highly skilled instructors in the classical martial arts of Okinawa, Japan, Phillipines, Indonesia, and China. We taught one seminar on xing-yi rooster forms and one seminar on straight-line Gao style bagua elbow series. Many thanks to Shihan Price for hosting this event and for inviting me to be a guest instructor at this conference. I highly recommend this yearly conference for anyone interested in classical martial arts of Asia. I highly recommend this yearly event.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Dan Rank Testing and Seminar, March 24, 2012, noon-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Hanshigo, 9th Dan. This event was not open to the public. We presented a seminar segment on concepts and applications from various katas against frontal attacks. See our Isshin-Ryu Karate web page for group photo and further details and to start your training with us.
Shorin-kan Winter Camp, March 2-4, 2012, Hampton, Va.: This was our 6th year in attendance at this camp sponsored by Kyoshi Clint Green and the Shorin-Kan under Sensei's Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, and Pat Haley, Kyoshi, 8th Dan. This year we presented seminars with Shihan Troy Price on various joint locking methods and escapes used in various martial arts systems.
2011 Special Events
Wu Style Taijiquan 37-Posture Empty-Hand Form, Push Hands Training, and Introduction to Yin Style Bagua Seminar with Master Zhang Yun, October 29 and 30, 2011, Princeton, NJ: Master Zhang Yun taught and corrected Wu Style Taiji 37-posture empty-hand form and explained the application of selected postures. He provided instruction in Taiji push hands foundation training and also in advanced push hands and fighting skills that emphasize coordinating body integration and internal training. He taught methods for combining shen (spirit attention), yi (mind), and qi, and for effectively integrating these internal components with the physical movements used in applications. In addition, he introduced the first 8 palm-change postures from Yin Style Baguazhang, the most famous Baguazhang style from the second generation of the Baguazhang lineage.
Okinawan Karate/Kobudo Seminar - Bo & No-Bo Clinic, Saturday, October 15, 2011, Keedysville Karate, 1:00-4:30pm: This clinic was presented at Keedysville Karate, hosted by Sensei Harold Renner, Nidan (keedysvillekarate@gmail.com) (phone: 240-285-2814). The clinic covered movements and applications from the Okinawan Bo kata, Tokomeni No Kun, first using the bo, and then without the bo. We highlighted specifically how the weapon form and manipulations can be translated into empty hand self-defense. This approach represents a non-orthodox training method involving the bo that is not generally found or taught in karate-kobudo curricula, but it can provide some unique insights into the evolution of martial arts forms and techniques for all stylists. A number of the empty hand translations derive from Okinawan karate and from the Chinese internal arts of bagua and xing-yi.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Dan Rank Testing and Seminar, October 1, 2011, noon-5:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Kyoshi-go, 8th Dan. This event was not open to the public. We presented a seminar segment on concepts and applications from the opening movements of Kusanku kata. See our Isshin-ryu Karate Club page for group photo.
Grand Opening: David C. Chen Memorial Taiji Court, September 17, 2011, Rockville, Maryland: This event took place at Cabin John Regional Park on Tuckerman Lane in Rockville, Maryland from 10:00am-2:00pm. The event was well attended by over 200 people from the mid-Atlantic states. Master Zhang Yun (Pittsburgh) and Master Clayton Shiu (New York) of Yin Cheng Gong Fa attended with me as invited guests. I gave a brief demonstration of bagua zhang. Master Shiu gave a brief demonstration of the Wu style taiji essential form and was able to share in some cordial push hands practice with others after the main demonstrations. After the opening ceremony and demonstrations, we all socialized with other taiji players, and Master Zhang informally shared some of his push hands methods with taiji stylists from other groups.
Grand Opening: Sanuces-Ryu Jujutsu Dojo, September 3, 2011, Hagerstown, Maryland: This event took place at the Hagerstown dojo hosted by Sanuces-Ryu Jujutsu Kyoshi Charles Brown from noon-4:00pm. The event featured many local and visiting senior instructors in karate, jujutsu, and aikido who each gave half-hour interactive seminars on concepts within their respective styles. The event was attended by around 100 participants. I gave a half-hour seminar on clamping technique and angular stepping in bagua zhang with relationships to circle walking and the single palm change.
21st "Little Okinawa" Summer Camp, August 25-28, 2011, Flat Rock, North Carolina:/ We will attended the 21st summer karate and kobudo camp sponsored by Sensei Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, of the Shorinkan, and Sensei Jim Logue, Hanshi, 9th Dan, of Oyata Shin Shu Ho Ryu and Ryu-Te Renmei. We have been attending this camp since 2007, and have visited on many occasions in the years before hand. We presented one seminar on karate kata concepts at this camp (Yara Kusanku), and then another on baguazhang as a unique delivery system for karate methods (with Shihan Troy Price). There was much more and I will update this post in a few weeks with some additional items.
Internal Martial Arts and Healing Camp, August 19-21, 2011, Dallas, North Carolina: This camp was sponsored by Shihans Troy Price and Alex Ormaza of North Carolina. This training camp was especially tailored for all 'external' style martial artists looking to complete their grand circle of knowledge on the classical internal martial arts and healing systems as practiced in China over the ages. It featured selected material on internal martial arts theory, baguazhang, qigong, fa jing, combative flow, and healing arts. We attended this conference and taught seminars on bagua zhang internal and external correlates, as exemplified in the Gao Yisheng straght line set 1-4, and showed various martial applications and how combative flow drills build on one another to produce increasingly higher level fighting skills. All drills were then related to the bagua single palm change and health qigong.
6th Annual Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa Taiji Quan Seminar with Master Zhang Yun, July 16-17, 2011, Frederick, Maryland: This was our 6th annual seminar event featuring Master Zhang Yun of the North American Yin Cheng Gong Fa Association. Master Zhang Yun presented two days of seminars on principles and special training methods used in the Wu Style Taiji Quan curriculum passed down by his teacher, the late GM Wang Peisheng. Master Zhang is well known for teaching and showing clearly how principles and methods relate to the theory, health aspects, and martial applications of taiji quan. Practice of the taiji form for health and martial applications involves much more than just physical movement to derive internal feeling and skills. The principles of ‘shen’ and ‘yi’ translate as 'spirit' and 'mind'. They relate to profound internal processes involving both when and where to 'look and listen' while doing the taiji form and applications. These components help one to achieve a more complete integration of internal and external co-ordinations that develop not only one's form structure and health, but also the higher level martial skills that characterize taiji quan. Practitioners from many taiji styles and other martial traditions attended. Many thanks to each of you for your interest and support.
SEMINAR CURRICULUM:Saturday, July 16, 2011
10:00am-1:00pm (Session 1)
Developing Shen and Yi in Taiji Form Practice: Wu Style Taiji Form - Opening to Crane Spreads Wings
2:30pm-5:30pm (Session 2)
Application of Shen and Yi in Taiji Form Martial Applications: Selected Postures from the Morning Session
Sunday, July 17, 2011
9:00am-12:00noon (Session 3)
Development of Shen and Yi in Push Hands Sets: Selected Interactions from Tui Shou and/or Da Lu
1:30pm-4:00pm (Session 4)
Nei Gong Training of Shen and Yi: Centerline, Ball Holding/Rotation, with Applications for Martial Skills
The Passing of Mr. Robert W. Smith (1926-2011): We are all mourning the recent passing of the great oriental martial arts master, teacher, and historian this past summer in his retirement in Asheville, North Carolina (July 1, 2011). More on this sad news at a later time.
Cultural and Religious Connections to the Oriental Martial Arts, June 12, 2011, Unitarian Church of Frederick, Maryland, 11:00am-12:00noon: We will present a short lecture an demonstration at the church for its course on World Religions.
Taijiquan Enthusiasts Organization, May 18-22, 2011, Alburtis, Pennsylvania: We attended the weekend sessions of this event. We presented a short seminar on bagua zhang on Saturday afternoon, 3:00pm, as part of the program, entitled "Baguazhang: Circles and Straight Lines in Martial Applications". At the Saturday evening banquet, we were pleased to accept (on behalf of Academic Training Traditons) an award for Fitness Center/School of the Year among a field of several other deserving nominees. Many thanks to CJ Rhoads and her organization for the nomination and award this year. We wish you continued success for promoting Chinese martial arts and health practices at this venue.
Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai Symposium, April 8-10, 2011, Dallas, North Carolina: This was our second year in attendance at this symposium sponsored by Tashi Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai. Many thanks to Tashi Price and host, Shihan Alex Ormaza, for the opportunity to present a seminar on Liu Dekuan style straight line bagua zhang set #1-8 and its relationship to the bagua single palm change.
Okinawan Karate/Kobudo Seminar - Bo & No-Bo Clinic, Saturday, February 19, 2011, 2:00-5:30pm: This was our 6th consecutive year for this popular clinic (photo shown is from the event several years back). This event is held at Grandmaster Ted Hilson's South Central Tae Kwon Do Association dojo in Waynesboro, Pa. The 2011 seminar covered movements and applications from the Okinawan Bo kata, Tokomeni No Kun, first using the bo, and then without the bo. We highlighted specifically how the weapons form and manipulations can be translated into empty hand self-defense. A number of the empty hand translations derive from Okinawan karate and from the Chinese internal arts of bagua and xing-yi.
Shorin-Kan Winter Camp, February 25-27, 2011, Hampton, Virginia: This was our 5th year in attendance at this camp sponsored by Kyoshi Clint Green and the Shorin-Kan under Sensei's Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, and Pat Haley, Kyoshi, 8th Dan. This year we presented from a continuing seminar series from last year on Kyan's Chinto kata from the Isshin-ryu karate system that was attended by more than 30 of the camp participants. We also presented a seminar with Tashi Troy Price on various joint locking methods from various martial arts. Later in the weekend, we held an interactive session on bo and on Isshin-ryu kata applications for an interested contingent of several practitioners from Texas who study the Shobayashi-ryu karate system eminating from Grandmaster Eizo Shimabuku (brother of the late GM, Tatsuo Shimabuku).
2010 Special Events
31st Annual International Martial Arts Symposium, October 8-10, 2010, Columbia, South Carolina: This was our second year at this prestigious symposium founded 31 years ago by the late Hanshi Ridgley Abele, 9th Dan, of Shuri-ryu Karate-do. Hanshi Abele passed away shortly after last year's 30th symposium, and this year's 31st was held in memorial. The symposium was organized by Tashi Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai, and Tashi Tommy Hood, 6th Dan, of Shuri-ryu Karate-do and the International Shuri-te Yudansha Kai. This symposium featured numerous concurrent seminars by over 30 senior instructors of various martial arts. We taught a 75-minute seminar on Xing-Yi Quan featuring linked xing-yi tai xing with applications, and our xing-yi version of the 'si pi wu xing' basic for senior Shuri-ryu instructors who practice a rare version of this set passed down by Hanshi Robert Trias. We also taught a 75-minute seminar on Ba Gua Zhang featuring the Gao style straight line 'hitting' set, 9 through 12, with combined applications for a 2-person training set. The presentations also included various cross-training connections for karate and ju-jutsu practitioners. These seminars were well-attended by 20 to 30 particpants. On Sunday morning, we held a short wake-up session for early birds featuring a half-hour of relaxing taiji movements. At this symposium, Dr. Cote was recognized by the Board of Directors with an Instructor's Certificate of Participation. He was also taken by surprise and deeply touched to be included with the last small group of inductees who were added to Hanshi Abele's list of senior 'Meijin' for their contributions to the symposium and to the martial arts. We indeed express our gratitude to the organizers for this recognition and to be able to participate in an event involving so many dedicated and highly skilled martial artists. We extend our best wishes to all for continued success in spreading traditional martial arts through this event.
Koryu Uchinadi Karate and Kobudo Seminar with Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi, 8th Dan, September 4-5, 2010, Ranson, West Virginia: We attended this excellent seminar by world-renouned and distinguished martial arts teacher, reseacher, and author Sensei Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi, 8th Dan, and Founder of Ko-Ryu Uchinadi Kempo Jutsu. The seminar was hosted by Sensei Robbie Zinng, Shihan, 6th Dan, of Shorinji Toraken-ryu Karate, and assisted as well by Sensei Darrin Johnson, Shidoin, 4th Dan, Ko-Ryu Unchinadi of Ashburn, Virginia. Many thanks to Shihan Zinng and his Karate Center for holding this seminar series, and to he and his wife for having a marvelous social on Saturday evening at their home with Hanshi McCarthy to renew old friendships and to make new friends in the martial arts. The last opportunity I had to attend a seminar by Hanshi McCarthy was several years back when his world tour brought him close by to the Frederick, Maryland area. On a personal note, I was so happy to see him again in his highly refreshing, erudite and animated teaching mode. For this year's seminar, he gave a splendid lecture on the origins and evolution of karate, covered Pechin kumi sai sho in great detail, showed numerous Motobu drills and applications for Naihanchi kata, and taught his well designed Quadrant Flow Drill set. If you have never attended a seminar by Hanshi McCarthy, I can only urge you to do so whenever and as frequently as you can. Although centered in the karate tradition, these seminars are quite simply an amazing eye-opening experience regardless of what style of martial arts you practice. Please refer to his website (click on his name above) for more information on his style-independent philosophy and approach to teaching and practicing the martial arts. Group photo below is from the seminar at Shihan Zinng's school. Photo above right is from a seminar in 2007 in Frederick, Maryland. Best wishes to you, Hanshi, and to your organization.
20th Anniversary "Little Okinawa" Summer Camp, August 26-29, 2010, Flat Rock, North Carolina, and visit with Mr. RW Smith: We attended the 20th Anniversary summer karate and kobudo camp sponsored by Sensei Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, of the Shorinkan, and Sensei Jim Logue, Hanshi, 9th Dan, of Oyata Shin Shu Ho Ryu and Ryu-Te Renmei. Congratulations and many thanks to Hanshis Perry and Logue for sponsoring this landmark camp over the many years. We have been attending this camp since 2007, and have visited on many occasions in the years before hand with Mr. RW Smith, who was received as an honored guest at several of those camps. As part of the 20th Anniversary Camp schedule, Dr. Cote presented a one hour seminar on Thursday afternoon on selected applications from Seiunchin kata, and then another on Friday afternoon with Tashi Troy Price on the principles of circle walking in bagua zhang as a delivery vehicle for techniques from various martial arts systems. On Saturday, Dr. Cote attended an early morning Cheng Manching tai chi session with teacher Paul Summey in Asheville, where Mr. RW Smith also makes an occassional planned appearance. Afterwards, I took Mr. Smith to a brunch session hosted by Paul Summey where Mr. Smith and Senior Hanshi Phillip Koeppel (a surprise visitor from the karate camp) had a great time talking about the 'old days'. In the afternoon, one of Mr. Smith's long-time students (Bart) and I took Mr. and Mrs. Smith to a late luncheon, and then returned home with them for some further talk before ending my visit and returning to camp.
Above photo by Ms. Annie Banh for the camp album is used here with permission.
Sanuces-Ryu Ju-Jutsu Taikai, August 21, 2010, Thurmont, Maryland: Dr. Cote participated as a featured instructor in the Annual Sanuces-Ryu Ju-Jutsu Taikai sponsored by Kyoshi Charles Brown at the Thurmont Dojo of Sensei Shawn Ritchie. Also in attendance were a number of senior instructors from his ju-jutsu lineage eminating from the late Dr. Moses Powell, including two of Kyoshi Brown's teachers, Hanshi Darryl W. King (a direct student of Dr. Powell) and Kyoshi Tommy May (also a direct student of Dr. Powell, and senior Isshin-ryu karate instructor of Rochelle, New York, from Sensei Don Nagle's AOKA lineage). Dr. Cote gave a one-hour presentation on the use of bagua zhang circle walking as a delivery system for bagua techniques as they compare with ju-jutsu methods. Many thanks to Kyoshi Brown and his teachers for the opportunity to present at this event. Thanks also to the many other fine instructors at this event for their marvelous insights into ju-jutsu methods.
Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa, Seminar with Master Zhang Yun, GM Wang Peisheng's Wu Style Taiji Quan and Taiji Jian, July 17 and 18, 2010: Our annual seminar event featuring Master Zhang Yun of the North American Yin Cheng Gong Fa Association was well attended by participants from Texas, Wyoming, Ohio, Pennsylvania, DC, Virginia, Canada, and even one person visiting the US from Australia! See our links on this website for Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa and North American Yin Cheng Gong Fa Association. The curriculum is listed below.
Curriculum:
Sat 10:00am-1:00pm: 37-Posture Taiji Form
(opening through diagonal flying with applications)
Sat 2:30-5:30pm: Push Hands
(basic methods, 'random circles', skills training)
Sun 9:00am-noon: 37-Posture Taiji Form
(kick series with applications)
Sun 1:30-3:30pm: Tiaji Jian (Sword)
(form introduction and review, with applications against sword and staff)
Photo taken late Sunday morning so we missed including another dozen participants who could only attend the Saturday session
Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai Symposium, April 16-18, 2010, Asheville, North Carolina: This was our first year in attendance at this symposium sponsored by Tashi Troy Price, 7th Dan, of the Shuri-te Bujutsu Kai and by the International Shuri-te Yudansha Kai under Kyoshi Vitus Bilking, 8th Dan, and Tashi Tommy Hood, 6th Dan. As part of the symposium schedule, Dr. Cote presented a 75 minute seminar on xing-yi quan (heng quan and fighting chicken), and a 75 minute seminar on straight line bagua zhang (Liu style 1-3 and Gao style 1 and relation to single plam change). Many thanks to Sensei's Price, Bilking, and Hood for having me present this seminar at their camp, and to many of the Shuri-te members for attending this seminar as their symposium schedules allowed.
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Dan Rank Testing and Seminar, March 20, 2010, noon-4:00pm: We participated in this event sponsored by the PSKC and Sensei Dane Sutton, Kyoshi-go, 8th Dan. This event was not open to the public. Sensei Sutton presented from his continuing seminar series on Seisan kata; Sensei Cote presented from his continuing seminar series on selected applications from Seiunchin kata; and Sensei Sig Williams, 7th Dan, presented an excellent special seminar on the concept of Chin-Ku-Chi, as it applies to Isshin-ryu basic conditioning and Sanchin kata. See our Isshin-ryu Karate Club page for group photo.
Shorin-Kan Winter Camp, February 26-28, 2010, Hampton, Virginia: This was our fourth year in attendance at this camp sponsored by Sensei Clint Green and the Shorin-Kan under Sensei's Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, and Pat Haley, Kyoshi, 8th Dan. As part of the camp class schedule, Dr. Cote presented a one hour seminar on Saturday morning on selected form sequences and applications from Isshin-ryu Chinto kata. The Isshin-ryu version of Chinto kata derives from Kayn Chotuku and is related in many ways to version of Chinto kata practiced by Shorin-Kan members. Many thanks to Sensei's Green, Haley, and Perry for having me present this seminar at their camp, and to many of the Shorin-Kan members for attending this seminar as their camp schedules allowed.
Okinawan Karate/Kobudo Clinic - Bo & No-Bo Seminar, Saturday, February 20, 2010, 2:00-5:30pm: This was our 5th consecutive year for this popular clinic. This event is held at Grandmaster Ted Hilson's South Central Tae Kwon Do Association dojo in Waynesboro, Pa. The 2010 seminar covered movements and applications from the Okinawan Bo kata, Tokomeni No Kun, first using the bo, and then without the bo. We highlighted specifically how the weapons form and manipulations can be translated into empty hand self-defense. A number of the empty hand translations derive from Okinawan karate and from the Chinese internal arts of bagua and xing-yi.
2009 Special Events
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Dan Rank Testing and Seminar, October 24, 2009, noon-5:30pm: See our Isshin-ryu Karate Club page for group photo and description of the the seminars.
30th Annual International Martial Arts Symposium, October 9-11, 2009, Columbia, South Carolina: We attended this event sponsored by Hanshi Ridgley Abele, 9th Dan, and Tashi Troy Price, 6th Dan, of the International Shuri-te Yudansha Kai for Shuri-ryu Karate-do and Ju-jutsu. This symposium featured numerous concurrent seminars by over 30 senior instructors of various martial arts having more than a millenium of combined experience among them. Dr. Cote taught two, one-hour introductory seminars each on the arts of Xing-Yi Quan and Ba Gua Zhang and their applications, and also included various cross-training connections for karate and ju-jutsu practitioners. Both seminars were well-attended by 20 to 30 particpants. Dr. Cote was recognized by Hanshi Abele and the Board of Directors for the Symposium with an Instructor's Certificate of Participation, and was also presented and award from Hanshi Abele and the International Shuri-te Yudansha Kai for Superior Leadership in Martial Arts. We were indeed pleased and greatly humbled to be able to participate in this event involving so many dedicated and highly skilled martial artists. We extend our best wishes to Hanshi Abele and Tashi Price for their continued success in spreading traditional martial arts through this event.
Universal Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame Seminars, September 4-5, 2009, Chantilly, Virginia: We attended this seminar series and induction banquet sponsored by Kyoshi Frank Williams. Dr. Cote received a Silver Life Achievement award with his induction into the UMAA.
"Little Okinawa" Summer Camp, August 13-16, 2009, Flat Rock, North Carolina, and visit with Mr. RW Smith: We attended the summer karate camp sponsored by Sensei Doug Perry, Hanshi, 9th Dan, of the Shorin-kan, and Sensei Jim Logue, Hanshi, 9th Dan of Oyata Shin Shu Ho Ryu and Ryu-Te Renmei. As part of the camp schedule, Dr. Cote presented a one hour seminar on Friday afternoon on selected applications from Seiunchin kata to a small group of participants. On Thursday evening, he trained classical ju-jutsu with Tashi Troy Price (visiting the camp to teach) and Sensei Jeff Rhoades at the Hendersonville martial arts school of Kyoshi Carl Wilcox. On Saturday, he attended the morning Cheng Man-ching tai chi session with teacher Paul Summey in Asheville, and went to an afternoon luncheon and visited much of the afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. RW Smith and another of Mr. Smith's senior students (Bart). Photo shown is from 2004 when Mr. Smith and a group of his senior students visited the karate camp (Mr. Smith is flanked by Kyoshi's Bill Hayes and Doug Perry).
Yin Cheng Gong Fa Wu Style Taiji Seminar with Master Zhang Yun, Princeton, New Jersey, August 8-9, 2009: Susan Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton, NJ. The Saturday session included tai chi form corrections and push hands. We attended the Sunday portion of the seminar that included push hands methods and a review of taiji dao (saber) form and basics (see recent release of Master Zhang Yun's new book on Complete Taiji Dao, Blue Snake Books).
Tai Chi Chuan Symposium, July 5-10, 2009, Nashville, Tennessee: We attended this symposium featuring representatives of 5 main styles of tai chi from mainland China, and researchers from various universities who do scientific and sociological studies of tai chi.
IWKA World Championship Tournament, June 18-20, 2009, Pittsburgh, Pa: We attended the IWKA World Championships in Pittsburgh, Pa. Master Shimabuku was unable to attend the event this year. The event was sponsored by Sensei William H. Duessel, Hanshi, 9th Dan, of the Pittsburgh Isshin-ryu Karate Academy, who was also honored for his more than 50 years in the martial arts, and for his special dedication to Isshin-ryu karate. On behalf of ATT, we want to congratulate Hanshi Duessel on his many accomplishments. ATT would like to congratulate all of those karate-ka from Penn State and associated clubs who came to compete, and to give special commendations to those who placed and quailified for Grand Championship competitions. We are all grateful to Sensei Sutton for his training and guidance in helping us prepare for the tournament.
Fourth Annual Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa Seminar with Master Zhang Yun. Academic Training Traditions sponsored its yearly workshop by Master Zhang Yun on May 2nd and 3rd, 2009, in Frederick, Maryland, Trinity School Gymnasium. An additional session was held on Friday evening in the Silver Spring Capital dojo.
CURRICULUM:
Friday, May 1, 2009: Special Evening Session
7:00pm-10:00pm: Wu Taiji Quan, form and applications
Saturday, May 2, 2009: Taiji Quan form, applications, and push hands
10:00am-noon: Introduction to Wu style taiji form, ready position to diagonal flying
1:30-3:30pm: Applications of Wu style taiji form, brush knee to diagonal flying
3:30-5:30pm: Wu style peng, lu, ji, an, and some special push hand methods
9:00am-noon: Wu Taiji Jian, review of complete 32 posture form
1:30-3:30pm: Bagua Zhang
Cheng Style Circle Walking 8 Mother Palms
Liu Style Straight Line Ba Gua - form and skill training (Set 8, #'s 57-64)
Okinawan Karate/Kobudo Clinic - Bo & No-Bo Seminar, Saturday, February 21, 2009, 2:00-5:30pm: This was the 4th consecutive year for this clinic. This event is held at Grandmaster Ted Hilson's South Central Tae Kwon Do Association dojo in Waynesboro, Pa. This seminar covered movements and applications from the Okinawan Bo kata, Tokomeni No Kun and Urashi Kun, first using the bo, and then without the bo. We highlighted specifically how the weapons form and manipulations can be translated into empty hand self-defense. A number of the empty hand translations derive from Okinawan karate and from the Chinese internal arts of bagua and xing-yi. As an added feature this year, we also introduced the first two of the basic circle walking set of Chen Panling's bagua staff changes using a similar format.
2008 Special Events
Penn State Karate Club, Isshin-ryu Karate, Dan Rank Testing and Seminar, October 4, 2008, noon-5:00pm: Apologies to all that I had to cancel my participation in this event shortly beforehand. Best wishes to those who received promotions at this event.
Chen Panling International Martial Arts Foundation Seminar featuring Grandmaster Chen Yunching of Taiwan, September 24-28, 2008 (Wednesday-Sunday). Shifu John Scott of the Scott Academy of Martial Arts, and the Chief Instructor of the Maryland Branch of the CPL foundation, hosted this event in Frederick, Maryland. The curriculum included two days of Chen Panling family taiji, one day of Chen Panling family Hebei style xing-yi and Cheng style bagua, one day of Shaolin (Feng Quan - Mountain Top Boxing), and one day of weaponry (Thunderstick). We were able to visit with GM Chen on site to take some photos, and also to attend a marvelous evening party in honor of GM Chen that was put on by Shifu Scott. Apologies to all that I had to limit my participation in the training portions of this event. For further information on Chen Panling's Chinese martial arts taught locally in Frederick, Maryland, and to see some photos from the above event, please see Shifu John Scott's website link on our 'Links' page.
Yin Cheng Gong Fa Fellowship 2008. This event was held August 16 and 17 at Penn State in University Park, Pa. It was conceived and organized by YCGF practitioner, Jeff Raymond, working in collaboration with mentors and student officers of the Penn State Karate Club (PSKC), and with the Club Sports and Intramural Sports Offices of the Penn State University. The PSKC is a student-run university club.
The PSKC, headed by Sensei Dane Sutton, Kiyoshi-go, 8th Dan, played host to the YCGF Internal Martial Arts Family, headed by Grandmaster Zhang Yun, for a series of demonstrations and seminars on taiji quan, taiji push hands methods, san da fighting methods, bagua zhang, and bagua sword (see Curriculum below). The event was free and open to the public as spectators, and to several guest participants invited by the PSKC and YCGF groups.
This event was covered in a live radio interview with Jeff Byers of WRSC/WBLF Sports Radio in order to provide some background for the community, and to describe the weekend activities. The event was covered also by the local media, including the Center Daily Times and Penn State Live.
The group photo below (provided by Sensei Jaeson Koszarsky) was taken toward the end of the Sunday sessions - this photo is absent at least another 15 YCGF participants, and their guests, who were only able to attend the Saturday portion of the program; our dedicated organizer, Jeff Raymond, was off by this time getting things ready for the next activity, a large picnic for our groups, that was hosted by Jeff and his lovely wife at the Shaver's Creek Raptor Center. Master Clayton Shiu gave an interactive presentation at the picnic on Chinese acupuncture and herbal remedies. Check at the YCGF website for a further selection of photos from the seminars and picnic. For other information and photos, please click here.
CURRICULUM:
Saturday, August 16, 2008
9:00am-10:30am Opening Ceremony & Form Demonstrations - MC Master Strider Clark
Lion Dance - Chris Young and Steel Dragon
Gift Exchanges - Grandmaster Zhang Yun of YCFG & Sensei Dane Sutton, Kiyoshigo, of PSKC
Introduction to YCGF Chinese Internal Martial Arts - Master Strider Clark
Form Demonstrations - YCGF & PSKC Practitioners
11:00am-12:00pm
Chinese Martial Arts Free Form Fighting - Master Strider Clark
1:30pm-2:30pm
Taiji Push Hands Tactics and Responses - Master Clayton Shiu
2:30pm-3:30pm Push Hands Training Drills - GM Zhang Yun
3:30pm-5:30pm Push Hands Competition - YCGF Practitioners
3:30pm-5:30pm Wu Style Taiji Form for PSKC and Others - YCGF Instructors
Sunday, August 17, 2008
8:30am-9:30am
Liu and Gao Styles of Linear Bagua Zhang - Master Paul Cote
9:30am-11:30am
Bagua Straight Sword Form and Applications - GM Zhang Yun
11:30am-12:30pm
Question and Answer Period for All Styles - GM Zhang Yun
2:00pm-3:00pm
Overview: Acupuncture and Herbal Remedies - Master Clayton Shiu
Third Annual Maryland Yin Cheng Gong Fa Seminar with Master Zhang Yun. Academic Training Traditions sponsored a workshop by Master Zhang Yun on May 3rd and 4th, 2008, at the Trinity School Gymnasium in Frederick, Maryland.
Master Zhang Yun is heir to the Wu Style Taiji System passed down from the late Grandmaster Wang Peisheng. Master Zhang has authored a book on taiji jian (sword) and recently co-authored a book on principles and practice of internal martial arts with his boxing brother, Master Lu Shengli. The above weekend workshop provided instruction in Wu Style taiji straight sword (jian) and staff/spear methods (sticking staff), as well as in taiji quan form, applications, and push hands sets.
CURRICULUM:
10:00am-1:00pm Complete Taiji Sword Form (Detail postures 19-32; Review postures 1-19)
2:30pm-5:30pm Taiji Spear/Staff (Basic Spear Methods and Sticking Staff Training for Spear)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
10:00am-1:00pm Taiji Quan (Form and Applications)
2:30pm-5:30pm Taiji Quan (Tui Shou and Moving Step Tui Shou)
Friday, May 2, 2008: Special Evening Session
7:00pm-10:00pm Taiji Quan Form, Corrections, and Applications
Sponsors: Paul Cote (ATT) and Robert Galeone
Capital Aikikai Dojo
Silver Spring, Maryland
Karate Clinic: A free clinic on Naihanchi kata was held on Sunday, April 20, 2008, 2:00-5:30pm, at the Frederick Area YMCA. The seminar was presented by Senseis Paul Cote and Charles Radi. Participants at the seminar included practitioners from the respective dojos, along with several ranking practitioners from other styles of karate (see photo). The presentations included a look at the form and bunkai for the classical Shorin version, and then for the common features and modifications that were adapted into the Isshin-ryu version. Emphasis was placed on how to analyze individual hand and foot techniques and the form sequences for combination self-defense skills, and also to see how some of these basics filter through other kata as well. A variety of ideas were presented, some from Sensei Cote's added experience with Chinese internal martial arts methods.
Okinawan Karate Clinic: This clinic was held at Gilbert's Academy of Martial Arts (GAMA) in Damascus, Maryland, on Saturday, June 21, 2008, 1:30-3:30pm. The clinic covered selected fighting skills derived from Jion kata.
Don Bohan/Rick Niemira Memorial Martial Arts Championships, June 27-28, 2008, Fredericksburg, Va: We were in Frederickburg, Va. attending seminars by several recognized karate and kobudo masters and instructors, and competing in the various events. Please visit the website maintained by Sensei Wayne Wayland and his colleagues. Don Bohan's Memorial Website
Penn State Karate Club Dan Testing and Seminars. Academic Training Traditions participated in this spring's event at Penn State Main Campus, University Park, Pennsylvania on March 29, 2008. See our Isshin-ryu Karate Club page for group photo and description of the the seminars.
The Sword and Spear Art of Manipur, India (Thang-Ta, Huyen Lallong) - Stick Fighting Seminar Series with Master Khilton Nongmaithem: Master Nongmaithem is heir to this ancient martial arts system consisting of weaponry and unarmed techniques, and he is the only recognized master from his school in Manipur who is teaching this art form in the West. The symbol associated with this art form is featured on the ATT home page. Shifu Tony Baker sponsored the seminar series on several Sundays throughout the summer in Bethesda, Maryland. The first in the series was held on June 29, 2008; the second was held July 27, 2008; the third was held on August 31, 2008. Please see the link to Master Nongmaithem on our 'Links' page if you would like to join his regular classes.
2006 Special Events
Second Annual Yin Cheng Gong Fa Seminars with Master Zhang Yun: Academic Training Traditions sponsored a workshop by Master Zhang Yun on November 4th and 5th, 2006, at the Doubletree Hotel in Rockville, Maryland. This seminar featured the Wu style Taiji Quan and Taiji Jian passed down via the late Grandmaster Wang Peisheng (Yin Cheng Gong Fa Internal Martial Arts).
Master Zhang Yun is heir to the Wu Style Taiji System passed down from the late Grandmaster Wang Peisheng. Grandmaster Wang authored the standard Wu style taiji instructional text that was one of three translated from Chinese along with those from Yang and Chen style lineages. Master Zhang has authored a book on taiji jian (sword) and recently co-authored a book on principles and practice of internal martial arts with his boxing brother, Master Lu Shengli. The above weekend workshop provided a comprehensive introduction on Wu Style taiji for veterans and interested newcomers, as well as an opportunity for practitioners of other taiji styles to cross-train in authentic Wu style taiji methods.
CURRICULUM:
Saturday, November 4, 2006
10:00am-1:00pm: Wu Style Taijiquan (37-Posture Form I, Tui Shou & Da Lu)
2:00pm-5:00pm: Wu Style Taiji Jian (Sword Form I, Postures 1-10)
Sunday, November 5, 2006
9:00am-noon: Wu Style Taijiquan (37-Posture Form II, Martial Applications)
1:00pm-4:00pm: Wu Style Taiji Jian (Sword Form II, postures 11-19)
Friday, November 2, 2006: Special Evening Session
7:00pm-10:00pm Taiji Quan Applications and Aikido
Sponsor: Paul Cote (ATT) and Robert Galeone
Capital Aikikai Dojo
Silver Spring, Maryland
2005 Special Events
First Annual Yin Cheng Gong Fa Seminars with Master Zhang Yun: Academic Training Traditions sponsored a workshop by Master Zhang Yun (seated 4th from the left) on October 22nd and 23rd, 2005, at the Fraternal Order of Police facility, Lodge #91, in Frederick, Maryland. This seminar featured the Wu style Taiji Quan, Liu Style Bagua, and Yin Fu Style Bagua passed down via the late Grandmaster Wang Peisheng (Yin Cheng Gong Fa Internal Martial Arts).
CURRICULUM:
Saturday, October 22, 2005
9:30 am-10:00 am Arrival and Registration
10:00 am-11:00 am Qigong Warm-up
11:00 am-1:00 pm Wu Style Taiji Quan: Essential Form
1:00 pm-2:00 pm Lunch Buffet at FOP
2:00 pm-3:00 pm Lecture: Taiji Theory & Principles (Form & Push Hands)
3:00 pm-4:00 pm Wu Style Taiji Quan: Essential Form (continued)
4:00 pm-6:00 pm Wu Style Taiji Quan: Push Hands
6:00 pm Adjourn (YCGF Saturday Evening Activity)
Sunday, October 23, 2005
9:30 am-10:00 am Arrival and Registration
10:00 am-11:00 am Brunch Buffet at FOP
11:00 am-12:00 pm Lecture: Bagua Zhang: History, Theory, & Principles
12:00 pm-2:30 pm Liu Dekuan Style Bagua (Section 4)
2:30 pm-3:30 pm Demo/Hands-On: Bai Yuan Tongbei (Shi Fu Clark)
3:30 pm-6:00 pm Yin Fu Style Bagua (Section 2)
6:00 pm Adjourn
Zhang Laoshi lectured on tiaji history and theory at the luncheon on Saturday, and then on bagua history and theory at the brunch on Sunday.
Saturday morning's workshop included a qigong warm-up and Wu style taiji quan (essential form), with important details from taiji theory in relation to form practice. The afternoon featured additional details on form practice, and then moved on to Wu style push hands methods (tui shou). The push hands session included details on the theory and applications from various two-person drills, including peng-lu-ji-an.
Sunday afternoon's workshop included the movements for 8 of the 64 linear Liu style bagua methods (Section #4) and for 8 of the 64 Yin Fu circle changes (Section #2). Zhang Laoshi provided a detailed analysis on the theory and applications for 2 or 3 of the methods from each section taught.
In between the two Sunday bagua sets, Shifu Strider Clark, Zhang Laoshi's senior student in YCGF (seated 3rd from the left), provided a vigorous demonstration and some hands-on practice of several fighting methods from Shi style Bai Yuan Tongbei.