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Previous Special Events
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 concepts and applications from the opening movements of Kusanku kata.
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.
Ko-Ryu 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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.