|
|
|
|
ABOUT
ME & MARTIAL ARTS My Experience
I started seriously learning in January 1989, at the age of 19. This was at D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY where I met my "master." I started student teaching in the summer of 1990, and was given the title regional master a year or so later. I have had many groups of public and private students since then, mostly under the Nine Dragons name. I made available community / adult education courses and even had the pleasure of doing a seminar at Orchard Heights retirement home. Over the last two years, I have continuously taught Tai Chi & Chi Kung in the community education programs in such school districts as Clarence Center, Cheektowaga/Sloan, Iroquois (Elma), Williamsville, and especially Frontier (Hamburg). My "School" The Nine Dragon Kung Fu Society (1993 - 1997), was formed to teach the general public basic self-defense and physical fitness using knowledge from the Chinese martial arts and sciences. I ran it from its beginning in November 1993. I insisted it be a not-for-profit organization, with classes being held publically and accepting donations only. The goal of Nine Dragons was to make the self-defense and health/fitness benefits of martial arts available to all people, regardless of sex, ethnicity, physical condition, or socio-economic status. I did not have a "studio", but gave most of our demontration/seminars in public parks and residences. I have held classes in church halls, parks, residences (including my apartment), and even college/university campuses. This was not only because I do not turn people away for financial reasons and therefore have a limited budget, but because I do not want Nine Dragons to look like a "fast-food" martial art where a storefront gives credibility instead of the teaching. I assumed the leadership comletely when my research conclusively proved the "Grandmaster" ("Si-Tai-Gung") to be a fake. As far as I know, he still claims to be a 34th generation Shaolin Priest (at the old age of 26), and may still teach in a school he now calls "Song Mountain Martial Arts." Much of what the self-proclaimed "grandmaster" taught was real -- he intensely studied books, movies, and magazines. He tested and developed these techniques since his adolescence and with students. Unfortunately, he heavily plays with psychology and hypnotism, which enabled him, with the help of my naivete and teaching skills, to develop a following over the years. I officially "closed" the school in March 1998 (see open letter to the left). In other words, I no longer use the name Nine Dragons, and have taken a break from teaching for the most part for a while, giving me more time for training and study. What I Taught I mostly taught beginning students, starting with basic Wing Chun concepts used against a larger backdrop of other various Chinese styles and Tai Chi principles. The southern Chinese, close-in fighting style of Wing Chun (Ving Tsun, etc.) is a clear systematic way of self-defense. Focusing on a simplified variation of its first form (kata), Si lum tao ("small idea" form), it is used to teach basic common-sense principles of fighting. The northern Chinese systems, which use more leg techniques, gave a broader array of martial knowledge to balance with upper body skills. I did not teach any animal, element, or other specific styles, except for the basic concepts, techniques, and essences of such systems. Creativity on the part of the curriculum and student was essential in such a young, eclectic style. As many Chinese styles have their own way of doing Chi Kung and Chin Na, we used both of these in Nine Dragons, even at the beginner levels, along with push hands and Chi Sau. What about Ch'i? In my opinion, no martial artist is complete without a foundation in some internal art or arts. Healthy body posturing and correct movement maximizing internal power is learned best from these systems. I did not teach full sets or styles of Tai Chi, etc., but incorporated their principles into the techniques. Students learned about their breath, their natural body energy, from the start. It was demystified and demonstated by simple exercises, and realized as a usual part of everyday life. It is a basic foundation for my own study and training. My Rank First of all, being a Chinese-based system, I wear a sash, not a belt. I do not have some self-proclaimed title or sash level, except for "Sifu", as I am a teacher by nature and practice and I care for my students as my own children. In the system I teach my family and close friends, I usually wear a blue sash, which has personal meaning. Those I have taught all the basics of my martial art wear black sashes. Beginners did not wear a sash until they decided they would study the arts as a life-long practice, where upon they receive a white satin sash. In other words, I do not have any rank comparable to another system or style. It is a symbol of the martial virtues I am committed to. Besides, I have no direct lineage and therefore have not been confirmed with more than honorary titles. Please understand -- I value the idea of a true lineage (which is rare). It is important to remain honest about these things at all times. This was why Nine Dragons was aimed at the general public for a wide variety of basic needs (self-defense, relaxation, health & fitness, cultural appreciation, etc.) This is also why I can say that I miss the lineage I thought I had, and am always in the process of seeking out those who know more than I. It is difficult and unwise to only have self-accountability. |
|
Most of my training and study was alone and by teaching others. I
studied Eastern philosophy since I was 13 (long before training in martial arts), and
since then have faithfully continued my research of anything and everything related to
Eastern thought, including the arts. I had the opportunity to study briefly some
Aiki-jitsu, Taoist Tai Chi, and with Si-di David Davenport in "Mountain Dragon
Tiger" in Kentucky/Ohio. With such a wide range, I have had the opportunity of
comparative study of different arts and cultures, and how they relate to the individual.