The post event write-up is worth reading:
http://www.martialcamp.org/p/essays.html
Wow, that's what I can say about the 1st MartialCamp event.
Firstly putting on my "Organiser's Hat" a
sincere thank you for all the speakers
& masters that were present, and who whole-heartedly shared the
knowledge and enthusiasm for promoting TCMA. The level of quality
was excellent, what was shown could be considered 'rare' and
unique, styles and techniques that were not normally encountered.
Then with my "participant's hat" the following:
Choy Lay Fatt
First to present, their Master, Lim Chee Hoong, could not attend as
he is in China studying accupuncture. However he sent a very
disciplined team lead by his senior students. They started by
briefing us on their history and the 3 major lineages. They
explained the 3 core forms (5-element stepping, Yin-Yang hands,
12-Striking methods) of the System, that contains all major
defensive and attacking strokes used in their system.
They then demonstrated the basic techniques and drills of their
system, explaining some of the finer points and applications. Choy
Lay Fatt has long and mid-range fighting strokes, developing
full-power strikes by using the waist, stance and legs to generate
the energy. Their performance was impressive, with a group of 15,
all synchronised in motion!
The discipline, high level of training and professionalism of their
relatively young team members, most of whom are students from the
Confucian Chinese High School, shone through.
Futsan Wingchun
As the Wing Chun speaker that was planned for this event could not
turn up, the speaker slot was filled by James Lau, my fellow
organiser who spoke on Futsan Wing Chun which he learned
while studying in Adelaide, Australia. This flavour differs from
the conventional flavour of Wing Chun that spread to the world from
Hong Kong.
James focussed on the differences between both, not only technique
but also the way you practice "chi-sao". He then proceed to talk
about weapons, and how weapons, in Wing Chun's eyes are just
extensions of the arms.
He then showed a pair of Butterfly Knifes commonly available in
Martial Arts supply store, and drew an interesting comparison in
design between a real traditional Wing Chung design and the
'commercial' version, and showed how incorrect these were.
But despite that he demonstrated, quite elegantly, how some common
Wing Chun hand technique could be 'translated' into Butterfly
Knives weapons stroke and movements!
Fujian White Crane
After a brief history of their White Crane, originally from Anhui
they went into the action directly, explaining that the central
focus of White Crane training is the Sanchin form. How this is
central to everything, from being used to perfect the movements,
for developing strength and endurance, as well as for development
of 'yi' (intention) and 'jing' (energy), and to develop the
'fa-jing' explosive power, technique itself.
Master Kow explained the principle of projecting the 'jing' to the
finger-tips. I also appreciated their explanation of the Yin,Yang
principle, where each stroke has both Yin & Yang in it, both
hard and soft.
This was followed by a very impressive demo of the Sanchin form,
complete with breathing techniques, showing all the above, put
together in a form, complete with dynamic tension and explosive
fa-jing. After that came a quick but interesting demonstration of
the application of the techniques from San Chan in combat
situations, showing devastating explosive striking force to the
arms, body and head.
Then Master James Lee, another speaker raised the issue "what about
weapons?". Master Kow then demonstrated some techniques with the
staff (pole), showing how some of those techniques can be applied
to the staff.
Another impressive aspect was: all the White Crane practioner's had
well muscled and built bodies and arms, including older masters
well into their 70's (which they displayed photos of); all achieved
just by practising Sanchin!
Hakka Tiger
Master Lee started by explaining that the martial art-form is
actually based on the "Beggar's Art". He started off by showing a
very unique technique of stick fighting, that uses humility and
non-confrontation as a philosophical concept! Also it moves and
fights very close-in. Very different from the Filipino Kali style
commonly seen. And being a MA and stick-fight practitioner, I fully
appreciate the beauty of his technique! He then followed-up by
showing us the meaning of the 'tiger' in the name of their art.
Like a tiger subduing its prey, they seek to circle round to
the opponents back and gain control of the back of the neck, just
below the skull. From there, they then take the opponent down or
apply chokes and locks to the neck! He finished off by showing the
use of "improvised" weapons, and using common objects to distract
the opponent. His is definitely not a "sport technique or martial
art"!
[In Western eyes, 'beggars' may be seen as a degatory term, but in
feudal China, where abuse of power & human rights was rampant,
'beggars' where a social group that could be considered 'victims of
the system'. As in Europe, up until Victorian times, when someone
could not repay a debt to a landowner/feudal lord, stole a
sheep/goat, or poached wildlife from a landlord's huge estate;
they were considered criminals and they and their families became
indentured labourers, working for the creditors to pay of the debts
or their 'crimes'. This system created a lot of 'criminals',
(which in the case of Victorian England, they shipped off to penal
colonies) or in China, those that decided to escape from the system
became outlaws and could only make a living by begging. The
alternative was to be a 'bandit'.
Five Ancestors Fists (Wuzuquan)
I was the next to present, explaining a bit on the history and its
lineages and then on our lineage, that of Grandmaster Chee Kim
Thong, and the Great Grandmaster, Lim Sean. I then moved to
elaborate on the 5 styles, Monkey, White Crane, TaiZu, LoaHan, Damo
that make up our style, their unique characteristics and how each
of them add their influeneces.
I then showed the opening sequence of our 1st form, with Ken
performing the San Chan form; and explained how each of the 5
styles are represented in the strokes, the breathing, the stance
and the body structure.I finished off by showing the few
applications against an attack using techniques from Shan
Chan.
This explains why the southern Fujian styles, this applies to White
Crane, 5 Ancestors, Southern Mantis etc. usually have short jerky
strokes that appear 'ugly' to the eyes of the uninitiated. In the
words of Grandmaster Chee Kim Thong: "Not nice to look
at, but very practical when applied (in a fight)"
Xingyiquan
Master Goh explained the detailed history of Xingyiquan, (the
northern Chinese Arts are better at documenting their history) He
then proceed to show the principles and techniques. His
descriptions was pretty detailed, unfortunately, I could not
remember all of it! Xingyi can be used to train for health
benefits, as how the different strokes represent the Chinese 5
elements and how that in-turn affects the health of one's
organs in the body. If you focus on traing the 'gold/metal'
element, represented by the lungs, it should give you healthy
lungs, etc.. He also explained its applicaton in combat. Xingyi was
historically the Chinese military standard Martial Art. And then
explained how it would be used in a few scenarios. Unfortunaely,
due to the lack of a partner, he could not actually
demonstrate it.
After the meeting ended, the organisers had a hard time getting the
participants to vacate the venue, as all attendees were still
'highly charged' with interest and enthusiasm, formed 'breakout
groups', to continue discussing various subject matter, in all
different combinations between students, masters, members of the
public, members. We finally managed to 'herd' everyone to the
vegetarian restaurant nearby for lunch, which was 'on the house' by
the organisers of MartialCamp!
All in all a great 1st time event. Sorry for those who missed
it!
Yap Boh Heong
May 23rd, 2010
To kick off this first ever MartialCamp, we present a series of
essays martial arts the camp itself. (Note: these essays are not
directed at senior practitioners the writer has met but for
newcomers who may be unclear on concepts and protocol.)
Because with Traditional Chinese Martial Arts (TCMA) we are
embarking on a journey, we start with the first small step, then
the next and before you know it you are already on that
journey.
Also, your first teacher, the one who guides you on this journey,
becomes very important, for he may guide you down different paths.
And the student reflects the qualities of the teacher… for if the
teacher is aggressive and loves physical encounters, so too will
the student be like him. If the teacher is calm, patient and
philosophical, so too will his student.
And the journey never ends, because learning and mastering TCMA
takes a life-time, if one chooses to. That knowledge has no
end.
We all learn martial arts for various reasons, but after much
contemplation, it boils down to a combination of these 3 reasons:
1) For self-defense 2) For health and fitness 3) As an art
Much like a person takes up pottery, painting and expresses
themselves through creating a tea pot, or paint a canvas, a TCMA
seeks similar joy and fulfillment in studying his art, discovering
new techniques etc… and expressing themselves through movement with
their bodies. It can said that when 2 martial artists are sparing
they are communicating.
Furthermore, TCMA is an art where you can start when very young and
continue practicing and learning until a ripe old age. Compare it
with the more physical martial arts, where by 40, you get
out-kicked or out wrestled by the 'youngsters' in your dojo! Like
fine wine, a TCMA ages gracefully, still maintaining and being able
to utilise their skills.
While on this journey, I faced obstacles, one of which fills every
beginners mind, "What types of TCMA are there out there? What are
they like? Where can I find a master?"
Also, as I embarked further on this journey, I realise that TCMA is
facing a grave risk! Part of our culture, 1 Malaysia and all, and a
heritage that goes back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years are
fast disappearing! Overwhelmed by the modern "MacDonalds culture",
where for the sake of (seemingly) quick results the martial arts
have been simplified, sanitised and has the "goodness" taken out of
it! And the crass promotion and commercialized pop-media doesn't
help either. An alternative channel is needed to create more
awareness, to gather the enthusiasts and to spread this knowledge
around.
Hence it was with these objectives in mind, that a small group of
us came out with the idea of Martial Camp, a place both physical
& virtual, where fellow travellers on this journey may meet,
exchange ideas, or even just have a fine conversation. To make new
friends and perhaps for those who are more energetic, to make other
arrangements for teaching & learning or to have a more 'hands
on' experience.
Remember, we are here to make friends, to learn and exchange. This
cannot happen if your "cup is already too full", or you are not
respectful of others. In this, MartialCamp will strive to uphold
the traditional values of respect, discipline, sincerity and
humility then only can we learn and share as equals.
Hence let this be the first step of our journey….
Yap Boh Heong
May 2010
Respect
For everyone involved. For students to teachers, between teachers,
between students. This is a key ingredient, for martial arts.
Without this, everything becomes a mindless brawl.
Humility and Humbleness
"Knowing what you don't know, is the beginning of learning" You may
not know everything, the other guys might be able to show you
something. Why waste the opportunity to learn? Not a place for
people whose "cup is too full".
Willingness to share
If someone has a sincere approach to ask, why not share? If there
are conditions for the sharing, then state them. IF you do not
choose to share, but others do, then the influence of your art-form
can only deteriorate.
Open minded to learn
This ties in with the Humility and Humbleness part. Be prepared for
new ideas, otherwise what are you doing here? There is no 'best
artform', its dependent on the person, and circumstances for which
it is applied.
Do compare, do try, but with reason not emotion, and with
moderation (of force and aggression).
You're welcomedto compare, ask intelligent questions, not "How to
learn how to kill someone with one punch!". And if someone
challenges your long-held 'truths', experiment, try, find out what
works, what
doesn't and under what circumstances. When you do argue, do so with
reason and logic, not with emotions.
Always be prepared to learn. That's what we are all here for, and
ALWAYS keep it fun!
Always keep your emotions in check
Its not only your negative emotions that lead you astray, but your
passion as well as you become too ingrained and attached to certain
baggage. Of course if that is precious to you, by all means keep
it, but don't fight over it!
We are all trying to grow
One of the major objectives of martial arts is to develop
discipline and control, both in mind and body. One of the
consequences of the above is calmness of thoughts and of mind, and
if we can achieve this, in a
discourse, over a subject matter as potentially violent as martial
arts, then we would really and individually have grown, and the
world would be a better place.
Yap Boh Heong
May 2010
These are the 3 main things that has kept me going for 30+ years at
this hobby! Its far outlasted many other hobbies and recreational
activities I've had, and there has been many of those. Sure a lot
of our target audience are likely to be in their 20's - 30's,
but there are a number of martial artists I have know off and know
personally that meet criteria 1 and 2 who are today in their
80's.
1. Health
Martial arts should enable you to maintain your health and general
well being right up until a ripe old age. Health means not only
freedom from illness, but also being able to give you a better
quality of life. A simple example would be the fact of maintain
healthy muscle tone, allowing you to move about easily, without
being confined to a wheel-chair when you are in your 80's. It also
means you have a good sense of balance and hence less like to fall
and fracture a hip - osteoporosis and all that.
2. Self defense
We live in a more violent world nowadays, what with snatch-thieves,
Mat Rempits, muggings and stabbings by drug addicts, etc...
Learning a martial art doesn't mean that you will take on armed
assailants, in fact most martial arts instructors warn you against
it. But you can at least learn to get yourself out of a violent
confrontation. Or better still avoid such a confrontation in the
first place - by calmly talking your way out of it. Because the
martial arts training will give you that confidence and you know
you have a certain ability to handle violence should it
occur.
Also, there may be occasions when you do need to apply what you
have learnt, when you have no choice or when friends and loved ones
are being threatened. At least you'll learn that a street-fight is
very different from sport-fighting!
3. Its an Art
Like taking up any art, be it painting & drawing, playing a
musical instrument, writing - there is challenge and joy in
learning and then mastering the skills. And once you have acquired
those skills, you also find joy is expressing yourself through
those skills - as in creating a painting, or a piece of music. In
martial arts we tend to express ourselves in movement, either in
the forms we do, or in a sparring exercise. In fact an interesting
comment made by a fellow martial artist: "When 2 martial artists
are sparring, they are communicating".
Yap Boh Heong
May 2010