Kendo Tournament – ASEAN 2010

Special Interview with Malaysia’s Kendo Team Manager

Brief introduction from the Author:

It is quite fortunate for me to get a chance to interview Christopher Sensei (5th Dan), I met sensei about a year ago and Chris Sensei is a very serious when it comes to training, a very humble person and at the same time someone who loves to share his experiences.

Although time is limited for this interview, but Chris sensei made full use of the time we had for the interview.














The Interview

MAA (Martial Arts Asia): Sensei, How many years has Malaysia been competing in Kendo Tournaments?

Christopher Sensei: If I remember correctly, Malaysia started competing internationally back in late 1970’s, and Prof. Baginda who is the President of Malaysia Kendo Association was one of the Pioneers back then.

As for Asean, it started around 1980s and back then it was known as a goodwill championship between Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

MAA: Sensei, can you share with us a few memorable from your experience in a tournament

Christopher Sensei: 11th World Kendo Championship in Santa Clara, US. It was the first time for few of us being exposed to international championship, to be there is already something memorable, but the best moment is when we score the first point, that is something that no one can ever forget.

MAA: Sensei, out of curiosity, normally how many players does Malaysia team send out for tournaments?

Christopher Sensei: It really depends, there is not much of a guide in the number of players that we send out, normally it falls back into the budget and the subsidiary we have. Normally, for tournaments in neighboring countries we would be able to send more players. Everything depends on the budget, and of course we would love to send out as much players possible for them to gain experience.

MAA: Sensei, ASEAN Tournament is around the corner, what results are you expecting?

Christopher Sensei: I do hope the team can do well, but this year we don’t have enough time for training and the chances we have to get everyone to train together is quite minimal due to most players are working and some studying.

Plus other team has been training really hard and they have some really youthful players with experiences which is a big threat to us.

MAA: Sensei, how long have the team been in serious training?

Christopher Sensei: Not too long ago, only since early July

MAA: Sensei, which country do you think for this coming ASEAN is the toughest competition? And who will win?

Christopher Sensei: I would say Thailand, they have some promising young and experience players which started training since their teens or early twenties which they are around 30s now. Plus in Kendo Shiai, One Key factor is Stamina.

MAA: Sensei, how do you choose your players? Is Dan is prerequisite?

Christopher Sensei: Haha.. nope, Grades are never a prerequisite to us, we look at the Kendo spirit and the skills that the players have, everyone who have a fair chance. We normally will observe everyone during the classes, and if we think that the player is good enough, we will approach the player.

MAA: Sensei, how long have you been managing the Malaysian Team? And are there any tough moments managing a group of martial artist?

Christopher Sensei: Started around year 2000, and as a team manager, I have to think of ways to build up the team’s spirit. Normally I would coax the players to practice more, and do more. There was never a tough moment because everyone in the team does it for the love in kendo.

We learn from each other, and we respect each other, everyone share and everyone learn that is how we build our relationship. Even as a sensei, I learn from the players a lot and of course I share with the team what I know and that is how we improve.

MAA: Sensei, I am curious, why do you pick up kendo in the first place? There are so many martial arts like judo, karate, but why Kendo?

Christopher Sensei: Haha… I never have any experience from other martial arts, and kendo came into my like when I was in my 30s. Somehow I felt that kendo is easy for myself to pick up and I did my best to train since then. Until now, kendo has been my way of life.

Sometimes I have a rough day at work, tired, lazy, but because of kendo I have become more discipline, no matter what happen, when the time for kendo calls, I will be ready in the Dojo, no matter what. And for myself, In Kendo, I prefer to lose a point during sparing in the class and embrace the failure, because with the failure I know how to progress and become a better Kendoka.

MAA: Thank you sensei for the lovely interview, just a last question, if anyone reading this blog in Malaysia would like to join the Kendo class that you and other sensei’s are teaching, who can they contact?

Christopher Sensei: you can call 60-3-7728 7577 or email tlyap@pop.jaring.my to our Yap Sensei who is also our Secretary General for Malaysia Kendo Association (MKA)

MAA: Thank you very much Sensei for the precious interview

Christopher Sensei: It’s my pleasure to be able to share

Special Interview with Malaysia’s Kendo Team Manager

Brief introduction from the Author:

It is quite fortunate for me to get a chance to interview Christopher Sensei (5th Dan), I met sensei about a year ago and Chris Sensei is a very serious when it comes to training, a very humble person and at the same time someone who loves to share his experiences.

Although time is limited for this interview, but Chris sensei made full use of the time we had for the interview.














The Interview

MAA (Martial Arts Asia): Sensei, How many years has Malaysia been competing in Kendo Tournaments?

Christopher Sensei: If I remember correctly, Malaysia started competing internationally back in late 1970’s, and Prof. Baginda who is the President of Malaysia Kendo Association was one of the Pioneers back then.

As for Asean, it started around 1980s and back then it was known as a goodwill championship between Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

MAA: Sensei, can you share with us a few memorable from your experience in a tournament

Christopher Sensei: 11th World Kendo Championship in Santa Clara, US. It was the first time for few of us being exposed to international championship, to be there is already something memorable, but the best moment is when we score the first point, that is something that no one can ever forget.

MAA: Sensei, out of curiosity, normally how many players does Malaysia team send out for tournaments?

Christopher Sensei: It really depends, there is not much of a guide in the number of players that we send out, normally it falls back into the budget and the subsidiary we have. Normally, for tournaments in neighboring countries we would be able to send more players. Everything depends on the budget, and of course we would love to send out as much players possible for them to gain experience.

MAA: Sensei, ASEAN Tournament is around the corner, what results are you expecting?

Christopher Sensei: I do hope the team can do well, but this year we don’t have enough time for training and the chances we have to get everyone to train together is quite minimal due to most players are working and some studying.

Plus other team has been training really hard and they have some really youthful players with experiences which is a big threat to us.

MAA: Sensei, how long have the team been in serious training?

Christopher Sensei: Not too long ago, only since early July

MAA: Sensei, which country do you think for this coming ASEAN is the toughest competition? And who will win?

Christopher Sensei: I would say Thailand, they have some promising young and experience players which started training since their teens or early twenties which they are around 30s now. Plus in Kendo Shiai, One Key factor is Stamina.

MAA: Sensei, how do you choose your players? Is Dan is prerequisite?

Christopher Sensei: Haha.. nope, Grades are never a prerequisite to us, we look at the Kendo spirit and the skills that the players have, everyone who have a fair chance. We normally will observe everyone during the classes, and if we think that the player is good enough, we will approach the player.

MAA: Sensei, how long have you been managing the Malaysian Team? And are there any tough moments managing a group of martial artist?

Christopher Sensei: Started around year 2000, and as a team manager, I have to think of ways to build up the team’s spirit. Normally I would coax the players to practice more, and do more. There was never a tough moment because everyone in the team does it for the love in kendo.

We learn from each other, and we respect each other, everyone share and everyone learn that is how we build our relationship. Even as a sensei, I learn from the players a lot and of course I share with the team what I know and that is how we improve.

MAA: Sensei, I am curious, why do you pick up kendo in the first place? There are so many martial arts like judo, karate, but why Kendo?

Christopher Sensei: Haha… I never have any experience from other martial arts, and kendo came into my like when I was in my 30s. Somehow I felt that kendo is easy for myself to pick up and I did my best to train since then. Until now, kendo has been my way of life.

Sometimes I have a rough day at work, tired, lazy, but because of kendo I have become more discipline, no matter what happen, when the time for kendo calls, I will be ready in the Dojo, no matter what. And for myself, In Kendo, I prefer to lose a point during sparing in the class and embrace the failure, because with the failure I know how to progress and become a better Kendoka.

MAA: Thank you sensei for the lovely interview, just a last question, if anyone reading this blog in Malaysia would like to join the Kendo class that you and other sensei’s are teaching, who can they contact?

Christopher Sensei: you can call 60-3-7728 7577 or email tlyap@pop.jaring.my to our Yap Sensei who is also our Secretary General for Malaysia Kendo Association (MKA)

MAA: Thank you very much Sensei for the precious interview

Christopher Sensei: It’s my pleasure to be able to share

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

From The Pros - Kendo

Special Interview with my Sensei, Miho Iwamoto

Name: Miho Iwamoto

Country: Japan

Type of Martial Arts: Kendo

Rank / Belt: 5th DanAward /

Achievements:
-Hong Kong Asia open kendo championship '09 champion '10 second place
-'05 Tokyo public offices kendo tournament individual champion
-'05 All Japan public offices Kendo tournament individual Best 8
-'02 Tokyo junior college kendo tournament individual champion

Years of Training: 20years

How / Why you start Kendo?: My grandfather (7dan) has dojo

When was the first time you won a kendo competation?: 11years old

How do you feel at that time?: I was Very happy and I can't stop crying

Why do you think Kendo is a good?: We can become strong not only body but also mind.

What would you advice to Beginners?: Don't think seriously. Please ENJOY first.

Special Interview with my Sensei, Miho Iwamoto

Name: Miho Iwamoto

Country: Japan

Type of Martial Arts: Kendo

Rank / Belt: 5th DanAward /

Achievements:
-Hong Kong Asia open kendo championship '09 champion '10 second place
-'05 Tokyo public offices kendo tournament individual champion
-'05 All Japan public offices Kendo tournament individual Best 8
-'02 Tokyo junior college kendo tournament individual champion

Years of Training: 20years

How / Why you start Kendo?: My grandfather (7dan) has dojo

When was the first time you won a kendo competation?: 11years old

How do you feel at that time?: I was Very happy and I can't stop crying

Why do you think Kendo is a good?: We can become strong not only body but also mind.

What would you advice to Beginners?: Don't think seriously. Please ENJOY first.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

From The Pros - Tai chi

Name: Mark Small

Type of Martial Arts: I practice taijiquan or tai chi chuan as well as hsing I and baguaquan. When combined as in practices of lo he ba fa, the Fu family systems, or Chen Pan Ling's composite forms classical literature refers to them as nei jia ---internal martial arts.
My current teachers, Shou Yu Liang of Vancouver and Chen Yun Ching of the Republic of China have ranked me as a black sash. I'm a 5th generation Yang Family and 1st generation Ling Yun Pai sifu.

Years of Training: over 40 years.

How You Started: I began in the Bruce Lee craze of the 1970's. My first Yang Family style teacher was Master Choy Kam Man of San Francisco who's father, Choy Hok Pang was the first teacher sent by Grandmaster Yang Ching Fu to teach in America. A also trained in Chen Pan Ling's taijiquan in the early 1970's because it had more expressive spiraling energy and martial import. This composite form allowed me a quicker grasp of hsing I and baguaquan. I also practice Sun style and the compulsory 42 forms.

Why this martial art is good: The internal arts of China are well rounded. There is something for everybody. Though popular when practiced for improving health, taiji in particular has a sport application called push hands or tui shou. This amounts to sensitivity training for close range grappling. When used for self-defense or fighting more whole body techniques that include shuai or throwing are used. This is called san shou. Health, sport, and self-defense are graduated plateaus in Chinese philosophy and a well rounded teachers trains and can relate lesson from all three areas.

Advice to Newbies: Beginners who are serious about practice can best learn from a number of teachers and particularly from those that utilize classical principles such as connecting, interpreting, issuing, and returning an opponent or partner's intrinsic energy. Taijiquan, literally known as the "grand ultimate fist", combines straight line with circular movements in sophisticated combinations to respond to the initiative of a partner or opponent, never in a reactive manner. That way you use their weight, balance, and energy to make them feel like they are defeating themselves. Solo form practice compliments partner training. Visualize someone to engage with in front of you during solo form practice. Conversely, when engaging with an opponent move from the empty state known as wuji that comes before the separation of yin and yang in your body. Develop your whole body as your fist (chuan or quan). From Yang Family practices sense a contra-lateral yin and yang separation that links your left side leg with your right side arm and visa versa. Taijiquan always uses two hands and when one part of your body moves subtly and internally, every part of your body moves --- I tung chuan tung. Loosen your joins to do this ---song, as all taiji is gentle or looks effortless to begin with.

Name: Mark Small

Type of Martial Arts: I practice taijiquan or tai chi chuan as well as hsing I and baguaquan. When combined as in practices of lo he ba fa, the Fu family systems, or Chen Pan Ling's composite forms classical literature refers to them as nei jia ---internal martial arts.
My current teachers, Shou Yu Liang of Vancouver and Chen Yun Ching of the Republic of China have ranked me as a black sash. I'm a 5th generation Yang Family and 1st generation Ling Yun Pai sifu.

Years of Training: over 40 years.

How You Started: I began in the Bruce Lee craze of the 1970's. My first Yang Family style teacher was Master Choy Kam Man of San Francisco who's father, Choy Hok Pang was the first teacher sent by Grandmaster Yang Ching Fu to teach in America. A also trained in Chen Pan Ling's taijiquan in the early 1970's because it had more expressive spiraling energy and martial import. This composite form allowed me a quicker grasp of hsing I and baguaquan. I also practice Sun style and the compulsory 42 forms.

Why this martial art is good: The internal arts of China are well rounded. There is something for everybody. Though popular when practiced for improving health, taiji in particular has a sport application called push hands or tui shou. This amounts to sensitivity training for close range grappling. When used for self-defense or fighting more whole body techniques that include shuai or throwing are used. This is called san shou. Health, sport, and self-defense are graduated plateaus in Chinese philosophy and a well rounded teachers trains and can relate lesson from all three areas.

Advice to Newbies: Beginners who are serious about practice can best learn from a number of teachers and particularly from those that utilize classical principles such as connecting, interpreting, issuing, and returning an opponent or partner's intrinsic energy. Taijiquan, literally known as the "grand ultimate fist", combines straight line with circular movements in sophisticated combinations to respond to the initiative of a partner or opponent, never in a reactive manner. That way you use their weight, balance, and energy to make them feel like they are defeating themselves. Solo form practice compliments partner training. Visualize someone to engage with in front of you during solo form practice. Conversely, when engaging with an opponent move from the empty state known as wuji that comes before the separation of yin and yang in your body. Develop your whole body as your fist (chuan or quan). From Yang Family practices sense a contra-lateral yin and yang separation that links your left side leg with your right side arm and visa versa. Taijiquan always uses two hands and when one part of your body moves subtly and internally, every part of your body moves --- I tung chuan tung. Loosen your joins to do this ---song, as all taiji is gentle or looks effortless to begin with.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

From The Pros - Muay Thai

Name: Kongnapa

Type of Martial Arts: Muay Thai

Rank / Belt: 4 times Rajademnern Stadium Champion (Thailand) & 7 times World Champion (USA)

Years of Training: over 23 years experience

How You Started: Its kind a funny how I started, I was 15 and they have a festival in my hometown and they have a competition in muay thai so I enter and won, friends and families told me its natural for me. so I moved to Bangkok and join Phetnoi Gym, I train with them for 11 years. I won my 1st professional fight while i was training with them, that’s where I got my titles Rajademnern Stadium Champion. I got my world titles here in the US. I also fought for Team Chod Thai (amateur Thai Team for the country of Thailand) where we travel around Asia and compete for the country.

Why this martial art is good:
It is use back in the early times, call Muay Boran, it was taught to all the militaries to use it as a weapon without a weapon, where you only use your hands, legs, knees & elbows. Muay Thai have so many techniques, beside using your limb, you also use speed, eye coordination, & mind to defeat your opponent. Muay Thai is a stand up fight, a fair fight. People around the world are adapting Muay Thai more and more, rather for self defense, fighting in the ring or cardio workout. I think its great for self defense.

Name: Kongnapa

Type of Martial Arts: Muay Thai

Rank / Belt: 4 times Rajademnern Stadium Champion (Thailand) & 7 times World Champion (USA)

Years of Training: over 23 years experience

How You Started: Its kind a funny how I started, I was 15 and they have a festival in my hometown and they have a competition in muay thai so I enter and won, friends and families told me its natural for me. so I moved to Bangkok and join Phetnoi Gym, I train with them for 11 years. I won my 1st professional fight while i was training with them, that’s where I got my titles Rajademnern Stadium Champion. I got my world titles here in the US. I also fought for Team Chod Thai (amateur Thai Team for the country of Thailand) where we travel around Asia and compete for the country.

Why this martial art is good:
It is use back in the early times, call Muay Boran, it was taught to all the militaries to use it as a weapon without a weapon, where you only use your hands, legs, knees & elbows. Muay Thai have so many techniques, beside using your limb, you also use speed, eye coordination, & mind to defeat your opponent. Muay Thai is a stand up fight, a fair fight. People around the world are adapting Muay Thai more and more, rather for self defense, fighting in the ring or cardio workout. I think its great for self defense.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

From The Pros - Chi Gung

How many types of Chi Gung are there?

Well, as for styles of chi gung (qigong/ ch'i kung) there are thousands, known and unknown, as it is an ancient and diverse art. Basically they all come down to one of the following, or a combination of the following:

1) Chi gung for health maintenance, regeneration and longevity; I call this "Wellness Chi Gung
2) Martial arts chi gung'- this can be sub-divided into the internal (soft, esoteric) styles and the external (hard, exoteric) styles...which exist on a continuum, not in conflict with each other.....so, Hung Gar Kung Fu uses many external martial chi gung methods, but also soft; tai chi chuan uses mostly soft/ inner martial chi gung methods, but can also use hard methods (fighting/sparring isn't always soft!)
3) Spiritual chi gung - these are inner meditative methods to clarify and raise our spirit; also to embrace and learn to embody higher virtues and principles (compassion, wisdom, harmony, balance, confidence, etc...)....it may or may not be religious, that is up to the practitioner...the art of Usui Reiki Ryoho is one of the best and most effective yet simple forms of spiritual chi gung out there, orginating with the great teacher, O-Sensei Mikao Usui...

So, basically, all chi gung methods fall somewhere within one of these categories; some are very comprehensive and complete systems; some are very narrow (like 'medical chi gung')....chi gung can be simply defined as, 'working with the chi/ life-force' the goal being to achieve whatever the intention of the style/ art is....chi gung must always be practiced with respect for all life, never for selfish or negative purposes- dedicate all to the highest good of all...

Classically, in China, chi gung came from and was influenced by these sources: Taoism, Buddhism, Chinese Martial Arts, Chinese Medicine, ancient Chinese Shamanism.

What types of Chi gung are you teaching?

I teach all of these, 'wellness chi gung,' 'martial chi gung (inner and outer, soft/hard),' and 'spiritual chi gung.' My methods come from my 23 yrs. of experience with a very diverse group of teachers, including 17 yrs. full-time with my teacher, as a lineage disciple.

Why is internal chi good for those who practice martial arts?

well, quite simply, there is no getting away from 'internal chi' so if we can learn good methods which will allow us to be in tune with our life-force/ chi and learn how to work with it- not against it- everything we do in life can be enhanced; including our martial arts practice.

Are there any martial arts that use chi?

As I stated in answer to the previous question, there is no getting away from chi! So, yes, all martial arts use chi- everything that lives, breathes, and exists- all creation- is chi of one form or another, constantly and endlessly transforming....now, some martial art styles and traditions/ lineages realized this long ago and have developed methods to work with the life-force/chi in many, many ways....the names of the styles and their reputations are not the real thing- the student needs to find a teacher who has learned these methods and is willing to share them....in this day and age there is no good reason for secrecy, for the vast majority of chi gung methods....see if the teacher exhibits the qualities he/ she is teaching (and keep in mind we are all human, perfect/ ideal standards are hard to reach!), is she/ he healthy? strong voice, good posture, etc....or, can they fight, if it is a martial chi gung art....are they loving, compassionate, and insightful if it is spiritual chi gung?

How does chi gung work?

Well, the exact answer depends on the type of chi gung method/ style it is...but basically what they all have in common is this: as living beings we have life-force (chi, prana, ki, breath of God, mana, etc...); the Cosmos/ Universe is also a creation of life-force, untold and limitless forms of energy....the life-force of the Cosmos and our life-force interact....so, in chi gung we learn methods which are designed around this simple, natural but often-times overlooked fact....it is like the nose on our face, or the fish in water- so completely natural that we forget about it...with good chi gung training we learn to make use of the natural gifts we have been born with, and to maximize them for our health and longevity, and many other purposes, such as: art, business, harmony in family and community, sports, martial arts, and so many others....

What / Where did chi gung originate?

Chi gung actually pre-dates human civilization, going way back to the beginnings of our race....so, the most ancient lands and cultures: China/ Asia; India; the Middle East; Africa, this is where chi gung originated....the Chinese and Indian cultures, being so old and having an unbroken history, is where chi gung and yogic methods were the most highly developed; they then spread outwards everywhere that people went and are....the situation today is quite interesting as all of these methods are blending and new methods are being created at rates never seen before...it is very important that the essential principles and concepts are preserved as this process unfolds....this way the art of chi gung will stay alive and pure, not be diluted into some fake, cheap, and unwholesome imitation...(like McChi Gung!- stay away!)...

Who can I contact if I wish to know more?

There are links on my website to excellent sources of info, see http://www.reikibutterfly.com/. also, I would recommend the book, 'Harnessing the Power of the Universe' by Dr. Daniel Reid, it is a well written, easy to read, and comprehensive introduction to all of these things I have talked about...

Thank you!

Michael S. Fuchs, Sifu
www.reikibutterfly.com
Facebook: Michael s. Fuchs

How many types of Chi Gung are there?

Well, as for styles of chi gung (qigong/ ch'i kung) there are thousands, known and unknown, as it is an ancient and diverse art. Basically they all come down to one of the following, or a combination of the following:

1) Chi gung for health maintenance, regeneration and longevity; I call this "Wellness Chi Gung
2) Martial arts chi gung'- this can be sub-divided into the internal (soft, esoteric) styles and the external (hard, exoteric) styles...which exist on a continuum, not in conflict with each other.....so, Hung Gar Kung Fu uses many external martial chi gung methods, but also soft; tai chi chuan uses mostly soft/ inner martial chi gung methods, but can also use hard methods (fighting/sparring isn't always soft!)
3) Spiritual chi gung - these are inner meditative methods to clarify and raise our spirit; also to embrace and learn to embody higher virtues and principles (compassion, wisdom, harmony, balance, confidence, etc...)....it may or may not be religious, that is up to the practitioner...the art of Usui Reiki Ryoho is one of the best and most effective yet simple forms of spiritual chi gung out there, orginating with the great teacher, O-Sensei Mikao Usui...

So, basically, all chi gung methods fall somewhere within one of these categories; some are very comprehensive and complete systems; some are very narrow (like 'medical chi gung')....chi gung can be simply defined as, 'working with the chi/ life-force' the goal being to achieve whatever the intention of the style/ art is....chi gung must always be practiced with respect for all life, never for selfish or negative purposes- dedicate all to the highest good of all...

Classically, in China, chi gung came from and was influenced by these sources: Taoism, Buddhism, Chinese Martial Arts, Chinese Medicine, ancient Chinese Shamanism.

What types of Chi gung are you teaching?

I teach all of these, 'wellness chi gung,' 'martial chi gung (inner and outer, soft/hard),' and 'spiritual chi gung.' My methods come from my 23 yrs. of experience with a very diverse group of teachers, including 17 yrs. full-time with my teacher, as a lineage disciple.

Why is internal chi good for those who practice martial arts?

well, quite simply, there is no getting away from 'internal chi' so if we can learn good methods which will allow us to be in tune with our life-force/ chi and learn how to work with it- not against it- everything we do in life can be enhanced; including our martial arts practice.

Are there any martial arts that use chi?

As I stated in answer to the previous question, there is no getting away from chi! So, yes, all martial arts use chi- everything that lives, breathes, and exists- all creation- is chi of one form or another, constantly and endlessly transforming....now, some martial art styles and traditions/ lineages realized this long ago and have developed methods to work with the life-force/chi in many, many ways....the names of the styles and their reputations are not the real thing- the student needs to find a teacher who has learned these methods and is willing to share them....in this day and age there is no good reason for secrecy, for the vast majority of chi gung methods....see if the teacher exhibits the qualities he/ she is teaching (and keep in mind we are all human, perfect/ ideal standards are hard to reach!), is she/ he healthy? strong voice, good posture, etc....or, can they fight, if it is a martial chi gung art....are they loving, compassionate, and insightful if it is spiritual chi gung?

How does chi gung work?

Well, the exact answer depends on the type of chi gung method/ style it is...but basically what they all have in common is this: as living beings we have life-force (chi, prana, ki, breath of God, mana, etc...); the Cosmos/ Universe is also a creation of life-force, untold and limitless forms of energy....the life-force of the Cosmos and our life-force interact....so, in chi gung we learn methods which are designed around this simple, natural but often-times overlooked fact....it is like the nose on our face, or the fish in water- so completely natural that we forget about it...with good chi gung training we learn to make use of the natural gifts we have been born with, and to maximize them for our health and longevity, and many other purposes, such as: art, business, harmony in family and community, sports, martial arts, and so many others....

What / Where did chi gung originate?

Chi gung actually pre-dates human civilization, going way back to the beginnings of our race....so, the most ancient lands and cultures: China/ Asia; India; the Middle East; Africa, this is where chi gung originated....the Chinese and Indian cultures, being so old and having an unbroken history, is where chi gung and yogic methods were the most highly developed; they then spread outwards everywhere that people went and are....the situation today is quite interesting as all of these methods are blending and new methods are being created at rates never seen before...it is very important that the essential principles and concepts are preserved as this process unfolds....this way the art of chi gung will stay alive and pure, not be diluted into some fake, cheap, and unwholesome imitation...(like McChi Gung!- stay away!)...

Who can I contact if I wish to know more?

There are links on my website to excellent sources of info, see http://www.reikibutterfly.com/. also, I would recommend the book, 'Harnessing the Power of the Universe' by Dr. Daniel Reid, it is a well written, easy to read, and comprehensive introduction to all of these things I have talked about...

Thank you!

Michael S. Fuchs, Sifu
www.reikibutterfly.com
Facebook: Michael s. Fuchs

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

From The Pros - Taijutsu

Name: Graham Clunan

Type of martial arts: currently studying Bujinkan Budo Ninpo Taijutsu, (other arts I've played with include, Karate, taekwondo, jujutsu, aiki-jujutsu, muay thai, taichi, etc.....)

Rank: Shidoshi

Years of training: In the Bujinkan 16 years, in total officially 23 years (unofficially its 28.)

How did you start: it started with family members who did Karate teaching and training me at home because i was officially too young to join a Dojo, when i was old enough i joined a Karate Dojo and it went on from there, i tried a few other arts while continuing to train in and progressing very well in Karate until i was invited to the Ninjutsu Dojo my friends had joined. My first lesson changed my outlook on everything i had previously learn't, as i continued to train i had major personal conflicts between the training and naturally began using my newly learn't Taijutsu instead of the drilled and conditioned 'Style' i had been doing all my life. i made a decision and left all my other martial arts.i still cross train now and again, but my outlook is now from a Bujinkan/Budo point of view, so really i guess i don't actually train in anything else anymore! a butterfly can't become a caterpillar once its changed!

Why you think this art is good: This art is so diverse, We use the bodies natural movement, we don't have rules and if we do we usually break them!, if there ever was a box we think out side of it, when you think you've learn't something from this art...another facet emerges!

Advices for newbies: Don't take advice from anybody, Don't trust anybody who says this Martial art is better than that art, do a martial art that works for you and that you enjoy!

I don't claim to be a pro, I'd be very cautious of any instructor who does.

From a Ninjutsu point of view, be careful with what information is being bounced around, especially on the Internet as a lot of it is incorrect and misleading.

Questions are good, question everything, cross reference things from reliable sources, ask your instructor, senior grades from other Dojo, if still in doubt- directly from the Honbu.

Find a good instructor who is also a student, a teacher who never learns shouldn't be teaching. they should "go to the source" (i.e. train in Japan regularly, trains and shares information with people who go to Japan regularly ,etc)

Budo is all martial arts, but not all martial arts are Budo.

Name: Graham Clunan

Type of martial arts: currently studying Bujinkan Budo Ninpo Taijutsu, (other arts I've played with include, Karate, taekwondo, jujutsu, aiki-jujutsu, muay thai, taichi, etc.....)

Rank: Shidoshi

Years of training: In the Bujinkan 16 years, in total officially 23 years (unofficially its 28.)

How did you start: it started with family members who did Karate teaching and training me at home because i was officially too young to join a Dojo, when i was old enough i joined a Karate Dojo and it went on from there, i tried a few other arts while continuing to train in and progressing very well in Karate until i was invited to the Ninjutsu Dojo my friends had joined. My first lesson changed my outlook on everything i had previously learn't, as i continued to train i had major personal conflicts between the training and naturally began using my newly learn't Taijutsu instead of the drilled and conditioned 'Style' i had been doing all my life. i made a decision and left all my other martial arts.i still cross train now and again, but my outlook is now from a Bujinkan/Budo point of view, so really i guess i don't actually train in anything else anymore! a butterfly can't become a caterpillar once its changed!

Why you think this art is good: This art is so diverse, We use the bodies natural movement, we don't have rules and if we do we usually break them!, if there ever was a box we think out side of it, when you think you've learn't something from this art...another facet emerges!

Advices for newbies: Don't take advice from anybody, Don't trust anybody who says this Martial art is better than that art, do a martial art that works for you and that you enjoy!

I don't claim to be a pro, I'd be very cautious of any instructor who does.

From a Ninjutsu point of view, be careful with what information is being bounced around, especially on the Internet as a lot of it is incorrect and misleading.

Questions are good, question everything, cross reference things from reliable sources, ask your instructor, senior grades from other Dojo, if still in doubt- directly from the Honbu.

Find a good instructor who is also a student, a teacher who never learns shouldn't be teaching. they should "go to the source" (i.e. train in Japan regularly, trains and shares information with people who go to Japan regularly ,etc)

Budo is all martial arts, but not all martial arts are Budo.

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From the Pros - Tai Chi

Name: Michael S. Fuchs

Type of Martial Arts: Five Formed Fist Shaolin Chuan Fa, Tai Chi Chuan, Filipino Kali

Rank / Belt: Chief Instructor

Years of Training: 23 Years

How You Started: always interested in martial arts and related arts, since I can remember, read books and stuff as a child about martial arts, wrestling and sports; saw movies, tv about martial arts (Bruce Lee and David Carradine mostly)...by age 20 was very sick (high blood pressure, arthritis, depression), got going to be healthy, but also wanted to learn all sides of it...luckily I chanced upon a great teacher and was with him for 17 yrs. full-time.

Why this martial art is good: This martial art system is wonderful because it is extremely diverse and comprehensive, it contains various sub-systems and styles, if you stay with it you can become a very complete and accomplished martial artist...from internal to external, long-range to short range, striking to grappling, empty hand to all weapons...also the inner healing and meditative arts it has...principles, concepts, traditional philosophy, etc....very well constructed, and well rounded Shaolin traditional system..

Advice to Newbies: find a good teacher, listen well and practice hard, then live the art and try to use it to help you with all things in your life....be a positive force in life, that is what the arts are for...not destruction...:)....the real art is practiced in life, not just the kwoon or dojo...life is the dojo!

Name: Michael S. Fuchs

Type of Martial Arts: Five Formed Fist Shaolin Chuan Fa, Tai Chi Chuan, Filipino Kali

Rank / Belt: Chief Instructor

Years of Training: 23 Years

How You Started: always interested in martial arts and related arts, since I can remember, read books and stuff as a child about martial arts, wrestling and sports; saw movies, tv about martial arts (Bruce Lee and David Carradine mostly)...by age 20 was very sick (high blood pressure, arthritis, depression), got going to be healthy, but also wanted to learn all sides of it...luckily I chanced upon a great teacher and was with him for 17 yrs. full-time.

Why this martial art is good: This martial art system is wonderful because it is extremely diverse and comprehensive, it contains various sub-systems and styles, if you stay with it you can become a very complete and accomplished martial artist...from internal to external, long-range to short range, striking to grappling, empty hand to all weapons...also the inner healing and meditative arts it has...principles, concepts, traditional philosophy, etc....very well constructed, and well rounded Shaolin traditional system..

Advice to Newbies: find a good teacher, listen well and practice hard, then live the art and try to use it to help you with all things in your life....be a positive force in life, that is what the arts are for...not destruction...:)....the real art is practiced in life, not just the kwoon or dojo...life is the dojo!

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From the Pros - Ninjutsu

Name: Ric Hurst

Type of Martial Arts: Bujinkan Budo Taijustu, Ninjutsu, Judo, Tai Chi

Rank / Belt: 3rd Dan Black Belt

Years of Training: 22 years

How You Started: It was a crazy

Why this martial art is good: Ninjutsu, This martial art is beyond most if you understand it!

Advice to Newbies: Dont be easily impressed! Any one who is a public teacher usually has there own reasons for being one! Only a hand full of Martial arts teachers are the real thing. A real teacher will be able to influence you more than you may realise so tread very carefully, Martial arts can be a very dangerous thing in the hands of those that lack wisdom.

Name: Ric Hurst

Type of Martial Arts: Bujinkan Budo Taijustu, Ninjutsu, Judo, Tai Chi

Rank / Belt: 3rd Dan Black Belt

Years of Training: 22 years

How You Started: It was a crazy

Why this martial art is good: Ninjutsu, This martial art is beyond most if you understand it!

Advice to Newbies: Dont be easily impressed! Any one who is a public teacher usually has there own reasons for being one! Only a hand full of Martial arts teachers are the real thing. A real teacher will be able to influence you more than you may realise so tread very carefully, Martial arts can be a very dangerous thing in the hands of those that lack wisdom.

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From The Pros - Taekwondo

Name: Ebony Washington

Type of Martial Arts: Taekwondo

Rank/ Belt: 1st Dan Black Belt

Years of Training: 5 years

How You Started: Well, I have always wanted to do Taekwondo since I was in 1st grade. It looked like fun and it was so cool. I had joined in 1st grade, but for some reason I never went back. I wasn't even a white belt yet though, but I knew I loved it. Years later, when I was 12, my little brother who was in 2nd grade, got a notice from his school that he brought home. It was a pamphlet for children interested in Taekwondo in our area. I was so overwhelmed and grateful. I honestly believe that that was a sign from God. It's like it came to me, like I was meant to do it, and it really was because I'm still in it now. I'm 17 now and I'm planning to stick with Taekwondo as long as I can walk! I love it. It's like no words can describe my passion for it, and honestly...I think I'm obsessed with it. It just means so much to me. Each time I got a different rank I felt so achieving and accomplished. BUT nothing beats the day I got my black belt...that was the happiest feeling on Earth. In Taekwondo when I leave my dojo, I feel so much power inside of me, and so energetic. I feel like I can punch a hole through a wall of break 5 pieces of wood. It's an amazing feeling.

Why this martial art is good: I think this martial art is good because it really teaches you to be focused and how to use your strength the right way. It also makes you very flexible and stronger. Taekwondo is the art of the fist and foot. I think that Taekwondo really focuses on that. Especially in our forms, and free style sparring. It also helps you with self defense.

Advice to Newbies: Take Taekwondoo. I guarantee that you'll fall in love with it just like I did.

Name: Ebony Washington

Type of Martial Arts: Taekwondo

Rank/ Belt: 1st Dan Black Belt

Years of Training: 5 years

How You Started: Well, I have always wanted to do Taekwondo since I was in 1st grade. It looked like fun and it was so cool. I had joined in 1st grade, but for some reason I never went back. I wasn't even a white belt yet though, but I knew I loved it. Years later, when I was 12, my little brother who was in 2nd grade, got a notice from his school that he brought home. It was a pamphlet for children interested in Taekwondo in our area. I was so overwhelmed and grateful. I honestly believe that that was a sign from God. It's like it came to me, like I was meant to do it, and it really was because I'm still in it now. I'm 17 now and I'm planning to stick with Taekwondo as long as I can walk! I love it. It's like no words can describe my passion for it, and honestly...I think I'm obsessed with it. It just means so much to me. Each time I got a different rank I felt so achieving and accomplished. BUT nothing beats the day I got my black belt...that was the happiest feeling on Earth. In Taekwondo when I leave my dojo, I feel so much power inside of me, and so energetic. I feel like I can punch a hole through a wall of break 5 pieces of wood. It's an amazing feeling.

Why this martial art is good: I think this martial art is good because it really teaches you to be focused and how to use your strength the right way. It also makes you very flexible and stronger. Taekwondo is the art of the fist and foot. I think that Taekwondo really focuses on that. Especially in our forms, and free style sparring. It also helps you with self defense.

Advice to Newbies: Take Taekwondoo. I guarantee that you'll fall in love with it just like I did.

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From The Pros - Bokarto

Your Name: Antonio Graceffo

Type of martial arts: Bokarto, Muay Thai Boran, Boxing, Kuntaw

Your Rank / Belt: Black Belt

Years of Training: 31 years

How you started: I started training when I was 11 because I was very small and got beat up at school. So I started training with H. David Collins, he taught American Empty Hand Fighting, which was basically kick boxing with a kung fu background. From there, I went on to work with pro-boxing coaches. I boxed in the military. I had 45 fights and won 44. I went on to train for several professional fights but only had two pro fights, both in Asia. In 2001 I moved to asia and have been training nearly full time ever since, moving from country to country, training with different masters.

I host the web TV show, Martial Arts Odyssey, where I travel from country to country training in martial arts. Unlike the shows on Discovery channel is that my show is about my real life. These are real masters and they are people I really train with. I have lived in about ten countries in my life and we have filmed martial arts odyssey is about six or eight countries.

Why you think this martial art is good: the best martial arts for striking are Khmer boxing, Muay Thai, and western boxing. They are simple, practical martial arts that teach you to strike and to get hit. Kuntaw, Yaw Yan and Bokarto are arts that include some ground fighting and grappling. I am not an expert in ground fighting, MMA or BJJ is better for ground fighting. But it is good, if you like striking, to start with a boxing or kick boxing art and then use something like Kuntaw or Bokarto to transition into ground fighting and then go get real training in either wrestling or BJJ.

Other Advice for the newbies: It doesn’t matter what art you train. Just train hard. Train every day. Don’t drink alcohol, don’t smoke, don’t use drugs. Don’t commit crimes. Train with as many masters as you can, but train seriously with each one to the black belt or brown belt level. We will start the posting this soon and for us Bokarto is an art where not alot of people have heard of it, it would be good if we havecolums like this to intro to the new people

Antonio’s website http://speakingadventure.com/

Your Name: Antonio Graceffo

Type of martial arts: Bokarto, Muay Thai Boran, Boxing, Kuntaw

Your Rank / Belt: Black Belt

Years of Training: 31 years

How you started: I started training when I was 11 because I was very small and got beat up at school. So I started training with H. David Collins, he taught American Empty Hand Fighting, which was basically kick boxing with a kung fu background. From there, I went on to work with pro-boxing coaches. I boxed in the military. I had 45 fights and won 44. I went on to train for several professional fights but only had two pro fights, both in Asia. In 2001 I moved to asia and have been training nearly full time ever since, moving from country to country, training with different masters.

I host the web TV show, Martial Arts Odyssey, where I travel from country to country training in martial arts. Unlike the shows on Discovery channel is that my show is about my real life. These are real masters and they are people I really train with. I have lived in about ten countries in my life and we have filmed martial arts odyssey is about six or eight countries.

Why you think this martial art is good: the best martial arts for striking are Khmer boxing, Muay Thai, and western boxing. They are simple, practical martial arts that teach you to strike and to get hit. Kuntaw, Yaw Yan and Bokarto are arts that include some ground fighting and grappling. I am not an expert in ground fighting, MMA or BJJ is better for ground fighting. But it is good, if you like striking, to start with a boxing or kick boxing art and then use something like Kuntaw or Bokarto to transition into ground fighting and then go get real training in either wrestling or BJJ.

Other Advice for the newbies: It doesn’t matter what art you train. Just train hard. Train every day. Don’t drink alcohol, don’t smoke, don’t use drugs. Don’t commit crimes. Train with as many masters as you can, but train seriously with each one to the black belt or brown belt level. We will start the posting this soon and for us Bokarto is an art where not alot of people have heard of it, it would be good if we havecolums like this to intro to the new people

Antonio’s website http://speakingadventure.com/

reade more... Résuméabuiyad