The Master Speaks
Today’s Teaching:
Dear Shaolin Institute Members, Families and Friends:
What a beautiful year we have ridden on our journey of life! More promising is the new year coming—the year of the snake will soon be under way!
The Shaolin Institute has had a wonderful 13-year ride. We are here at this special holiday occasion, and while doing so, we are here for the celebrations to commemorate not only the memories of the past achievements but also our future outlook. To all the sincere teachers and students, I am deeply grateful. I would like to present to all of you my sincere and profound gratitude.
It is here you have found your inspirational, youthful memories; here you have experienced your hardships; here you have unveiled your great endeavors; here you have your true friendship with friends of friends; here you have your sincere and friendly teacher-student care and love.
All together we have done many wonderful things, especially this past year when students and teachers worked together to put on some of the best shows ever produced by our school. We, along with our Shaolin Legacy SWAT leadership team, performed at many shows. Just to name a few:
* Asian Heritage Festival in New Orleans
* International Chinese Martial Arts Championship World Wide Circuit
* LEGENDS of Kung Fu & Taiji Legacy World Martial Arts Championship and Cultural Festival
* America’s Night Out Against Crime
* 17th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
* Suwanee Festivals
* Duluth Fall Festival
* Mobile International Festival.
* Atlanta Hawks Game
* APAS Children’s Christmas Celebration
It is here we have and will continue to guard our core value: self-discipline and self-empowerment for the true freedom of body and of the mind. It is here we are and will shout out loud our Slogan: a healthy body and a healthy mind.
The Shaolin Institute provides all of us the opportunity to constantly learn how to take responsibilities and to be accountable and be reliable instead of playing blaming games. For us, blaming others is not an option. In self-discipline we make no excuses. When we blame others, we feel petty and small, and we deplete the power within ourselves. When we refuse to blame others, we take charge.
We must believe in ourselves, and we must empower ourselves in pursuing the dreams of success in life and finding happiness within. When we find happiness and joy within us, we can and will empower ourselves, and we can and will challenge any mental and physical limits.
Shaolin Institute is and shall always be a problem solver. When we are focusing on finding solutions in life, we see problems and life challenges in different lights. We are happy to see problems that challenge us and make us more capable and more powerful. We become solutions to any problems. We shall see why this sentence is true to the core: If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem. We become problem solvers.
Our institute is a place that is full of positive Qi that helps each individual to achieve his/her life success either in leadership and character training or in healing diabetes, cancer and even back juries. It is here we find our talents and our dreams and see our true self, which is self-nature. We rediscover our inner ability and power within.
It is here that we produce never ending, positive Qi. We motivate and help not only ourselves but also our community to raise living standards. We lead by exemplifying the belief of ancient Shaolin Warriors to echo the positive energy around our community. We indeed have strove to do our ultimate best to promote the indomitable Shaolin spirit and have prevailed the freedom of the body and mind.
In order to achieve our ultimate goal, we present wisdom of the orient to benefit the present generations and carry that wisdom to the future generations to come.
We have started the preparation for Shaolin Chan Foundation to raise not only the community but also bridge the culture of the ancient orient with that of the west to promote future universal harmony around the world.
LIU International Shaolin Institute is here to serve and teach.
Shifu
Recent and Upcoming Events:
* Interschool Competition and Smoker Events: December 8, 2012
* Golden Black Sash Testing: December 9, 2012
* International Banquet and Awards Ceremony at all campus locations: December 22nd
* Atlanta Monthly Testing: January 10th
* Mobile Monthly Testing: January 24th
* New Orleans Monthly Testing: January 26th
* Chinese New Year: February 10, 2013
Each campus location will announce celebration plans shortly.
* Qi Retreat in Pensacola, Florida: February 22nd – 24th
* Oriental Dream – Trip to China with Shifu – June 3rd – 17th
* Summer Camps in Atlanta begin June 17th and run through July 12th
* Shaolin Warrior Intensive Training Camp, hosted in Mobile, Alabama: July 19th – 27th
* American Experience Exchange Summer Camp begins July 29th and ends August 24th
Announcements
Interschool and Smoker Appreciation: We want to thank everyone who came out to the Atlanta campus to participate in the interschool completion and also thank those who came to support competitors. Everyone did a wonderful job. As always, it’s nice to gather together, all campus locations, and spend quality time with our Shaolin brothers and sisters. The evening was finished off with a Legacy Show and several San Shou Smoker matches at Give West High School. It was very exciting and a fun-filled evening. Congratulations also to all the students who participated in the quarterly testing on Sunday as well and received promotions. We give hats off to the first group of Golden Black Sash testers who tested under Shifu’s revised curriculum. Lastly, we give our thanks to coordinators, volunteers, judges and everyone behind the scenes who made this weekend a success.
The Oriental Dream Project: This summer Shifu is putting together a trip to China, which will be cultural as well as training. The training will take place in Beijing and at the Shaolin Temple in the Henan Province. For the cultural experience, there will be trips to the opera, palace, museums, and more. We are limiting this trip to adults and children over the age of 8 only.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy China with our grandmaster. The cost will cover airfare, food, lodging, and entrance fees. An approximate price for the entire trip is $5,000.00 per person; however, this is subject to change at a later date once everything is firmly in place. If you have any interest in going, please start with the passport process now.
American Experience Exchange Summer Camp: This is a summer camp geared toward Exchange students from China, who can come here during their summer break. More details will be available February 2013. If your family is interested in hosting a student during this time, please contact the Atlanta school location.
The weekly breakdown for this is:
Week 1: July 29-Aug 3
Week 2: August 5-10
Week 3: August 12-17
Week 4: August 19-24
Summer Camp in Atlanta: There are four weeks of summer training camps. Residency is available as well as the daily camp. Prices vary and will be available at a later date. However, here is the weekly/daily breakdown for the camps.
Day camps run from 9:00AM through 4:00PM on Monday through Friday.
Resident Camps have a drop off day of Monday at 9:00AM and pick up is Saturday after 4:00PM.
**If a Sunday drop off is needed, please make arrangements with the office.
Week 1: June 17-21
Week 2: June 24-28.
Week 3: July 1-5
Week 4: July 8-12
Something for the Mind
Our school’s slogan is “A Healthy Body and a Healthy Mind.” Don’t you agree that we should not only care for our bodies but our minds as well? When you aren’t participating in our classes and are off campus, how do you— whether a student or not—exercise the mind as well as the body? Please look at the following words, taken from Shifu’s words of the week list, and see how you utilize them in daily life.
Words for Thought
1. Self-confidence
2. Courage
3. Compassion
4. Determination
5. Perseverance
Sanshou Can Thrive in the UFC
By Scott Keller
Although Sanshou is not as popular as others styles in the world of MMA, it has found success on MMA’s biggest stage, the UFC. Cung Le and Patrick Barry are two fighters that not only trained under Grandmaster Shi De Ru, aka Master Shawn Liu, but have also achieved victories in their recent UFC events. Le trained with Master Liu from 1994 to 1999 and Barry from 2002 to 2008.
Their victories can be attributed to their training under Master Liu and to the art of Sanshou. Sanshou is a self-defense style that was developed from traditional Shaolin Kung Fu and is used not only for competition but by the Chinese Military as well. Sanshou includes kickboxing and Shuai Jiao, which is Chinese wrestling, and teaches not just punching and kicking but also how to intercept punches and kicks and throw the opponent or take them down. While there are some similarities in a few basic areas, there are distinct differences between Sanshou and the other more popular martial arts styles including Brazilian Jujitsu.
Master Liu states that the majority of UFC fighters train a great deal on becoming more proficient grappling on the ground. Sanshou teaches defense tactics to avoid being taken down by side kicking or front kicking the opponent as they would attempt to shoot in for a takedown. Master Liu’s philosophy on facing Jujitsu practitioners is to simply avoid ground fighting altogether.
Sanshou does include wrestling, but the Shuai Jiao is used to throw the opponent as a counter attack or when you get close enough to them to execute a throw or sweep without compromising your standing position. All Sanshou fighters are taught to not go to the ground with the opponent. The fight should be won or lost on your feet. Proper distance is emphasized over and over. This includes going for shoot ins. Sanshou fighters are taught to fake a shoot in to set up heavy kicks to the head and body; if a shoot in is to be done, it must be done in one single explosive move to take the opponent off their feet completely while not going down with them. If the move cannot be executed properly, then it should not be attempted at all.
Aside from the approach to grappling, there are other differences that distinguish Sanshou from other arts. Master Liu states that Sanshou fighters are trained to control the fight pace and style. The strikes are done from various angles without letting the fighter get sucked into getting too close to the opponent—unless that is what the fighter wants to do at that time. Sanshou fighters are also trained to use elbow and knee strikes but not lead with them, as that could compromise distance. Master Liu believes that kicking is the strongest aspect of a Sanshou fighter.
The roundhouse kick is a common kick used by most UFC fighters, but sidekicks and front kicks are underutilized. Sanshou fighters use front and sidekicks not just for attacking but for defense. Aggressive opponents who are good strikers are the most susceptible to running into sidekicks, and from a trained Sanshou fighter, those kicks could break ribs and even arms if they get in the way. Master Liu pushes a major rule that he sees many in the UFC break to their own demise. No matter what kicks are thrown, your hands never go down. A Sanshou fighter is trained to defend themselves at all times in all situations. Strategy also differs as well.
Master Liu wants all his fighters to maintain their rhythm while forcing the opponent to abandon theirs. A common strategy is to “lead the cow,” which is to let the opponent into a false sense of security by letting them believe they are winning by allowing a few of their strikes to hit while setting up for a powerful counter strike or to catch the strikes and turn them into takedown. Master Liu states that Sanshou has the most diversity in strikes and counter strikes than any other fighting style. A Sanshou fighter will throw three kicks to any other fighter’s one. While Master Liu may make a lot of bold statements, it is difficult to argue with the success. The fight between Cung Le and Rich Franklin is a great example of the strength of Sanshou.
The event was UFC Macao, which was held at the Cotai Arena in Macau, China on November 10, 2012. Le (9-2) and Franklin (29-7, 1 NC) were the main event. This was the first time the UFC held a major even in China. Franklin was the more experienced fighter with nearly three times as many fights as Le. The first round began, and after feeling each other out, Franklin opened up with a few strikes that were blocked. Then Franklin delivered a low left roundhouse to Le’s left leg. Instead of moving back or checking the kick, Le placed his weight on that leg and absorbed the kick. At the moment of impact, Franklin made the error of dropping his left hand. Before Franklin could follow up or raise his hand to defend himself, Le countered with a devastating right hand to the jaw of Franklin that dropped him to the mat. The fight was over and Le was ecstatic.
The concept of allowing the Franklin to connect with his roundhouse was something Master Liu refers to as a sacrifice. You take the hit and allow the opponent to feel confident about the strike, which will cause him to lower his defense just enough for the experienced Sanshou fighter to capitalize on it. The victory was Le’s second in the UFC. Master Liu states that Sanshou fighters should not abandon their teachings and training to adapt to UFC fighters. There is no need to be pressured into becoming just another one of the guys and spending all your time learning Jujitsu. Stick to what made you different, what made you successful. This leads into Pat Barry versus Shane Del Rosario.
It was the Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 15, 2012. Prior to this event Barry (8-5) had entered the UFC as a pure Sanshou striker, although he has been trying to adapt more ground grappling into his game. Master Liu believes Barry’s success will come from focusing more on his Sanshou training. In the first round Del Rosario (11-2) was able to take Barry to the ground and take his back. This was a dangerous situation for Barry, but he was able to defend against attacks and submissions to make it through the round.
Round 2 saw Barry in his more comfortable Sanshou form, and after a left to the body was enough for Del Rosario to lower his hands, Barry hit Del Rosario with a right hook to the head that dazed him. Del Rosario began backing up, and Barry followed up with a left overhand that stunned Del Rosario and forced him to back toward the cage. Barry lunged forward with another right hook and after another left/right combo, and then Del Rosario was knocked out—another victory for Barry. Barry stated that he will continue to try to improve his ground game, but Master Liu believes that this win should be proof that the Sanshou style is what will work the most.
Master Liu has trained many fighters from all over the world. The Shaolin Kung Fu tradition that has taught and inspired millions of people is alive and well and thriving in this generation’s Sanshou fighters. From the beginnings in the China over 1500 years ago to the stage at UFC, Master Liu expresses that when Sanshou fighters like Cung Le and Pat Barry fight, they have more than just their fans behind them. The Oriental community and the generations influenced by Shaolin Kung Fu stand behind them as well.
The True “Self-Nature”
By Tamra Skahan
Shaolin Chan-Zen doctrine and tradition evolved out of Taoism, Buddhism and centuries of ancient wisdom from Sages and Masters like Confucius, Lao Tzu, or Chuang Tzu. This gift of wisdom has been passed down through the ages with the greatest dedication to preserving its secrets and authenticity. We can’t look to a single book or a single source to enrich our knowledge of the fundamental precepts that breathed life into Shaolin, but there is a universal truth that permeates every Buddhist offspring. In Tao, Chan-Zen, and Shaolin, it is the pursuit of t/he true “self-nature.” But what is the true “self-nature?”
A good Chinese definition of “self-nature” is difficult to translate into English. Our language, like our thought process, is simply too linear and restrictive. The best I can offer, after a great deal of reading and research, is this: Perfection lies at the center of the universe (the true self-nature), and when we “tap into” our own inner wisdom (our individual self-nature), we are in harmony with the universe. Perfect love, perfect instinct, perfect compassion, perfect strength, perfect weakness – these and more are all present at our core. The great Sages and Masters rediscovered, reunited with, and lived/live still, in this place. This is what is meant by “enlightenment” – the very topic of the Shaolin Qi Retreat in February – “Revealing the Inner Wisdom Within.”
Inherent in each one of us is “true perfection;” we are born with it. In a “natural state” (before and up to birth), we are sublimely in-tune with it. This state of “naturalness” is all we know until the outside world boldly intrudes on our peace with overwhelming sensory stimulation. As we develop and mature, we begin to “react” to that sensory stimulation, moving farther and farther away from that ultimate, harmonious state that is our true self-nature. We develop attachments and emotions; we develop what will become a life-long “thought process” by mimicking those around us. Our minds begin to process at a rate of speed and constancy that is controlled by what’s happening outside of us. We lose control of the ability to dwell within ourselves.
By the time we are adults in the Western world, our pursuits seem almost predestined. We chase happiness and the ever elusive “secret of success,” always looking outside of ourselves, usually by accumulating “things” that we have come to associate with success, fortune, and fame. At this point, we are no longer able to hear that small voice within that was meant to guide us through life “perfectly.” We are no longer in touch with our own inner wisdom. Who and what we are has been reshaped by the external world. We are now reactionary, our minds constantly racing at a pace determined by the outside world, in an effort to stave off the next crisis, to own the next “thing,” to achieve the next object of desire. We measure ourselves by an external yardstick we were never meant to abide by. This is the origin of anxiety, stress, depression, compulsion, addiction, and all the other life-shortening hardships that most of us personally face at some point in our lives. This is the mechanism that Tai-Chi, Qi-Gong, and meditation are meant to shut down. Practicing techniques that will be taught at the upcoming Qi Retreat are a first step in regaining ourselves.
We need only to read the words of Confucius, Lao Tzu, or Chuang Tzu, to know that perfect wisdom is within us. Enlightenment and inspiration seeps from their words and aphorisms, and that is why their expressions have captivated us for centuries.
I don’t know why “self-nature” is such an intriguing concept to me. Perhaps it is because I am more anxious than most people, more controlled by the noise and chaos of the outside world, rather than in control of how it affects me. I am perpetually in a state of reaction, waiting for the sky to fall. I desire inaction and work every minute of every day to find seconds of mental peace and emotional silence. Shaolin skills are helping me change my programming a second at a time. For me, the most difficult lesson is/has been quieting the mind and remaining in the silence.
The more that I have learned about self-nature, I am truly challenged by finding that proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – free from the noise, the attachments; the earthly, all-consuming chaos of the world around me. If you, like me, find this concept something you wish to know more about, I suggest you read “Tao Te Ching” by Lao Tzu; the words of Confuscious; the wisdom of Chuang Tzu; and “The Way of Zen” by Allan Watts. Watts wrote many books about Chinese wisdom, translating difficult Eastern philosophy in a way congruent with Western thought processes yet true to the ancient Chinese premise.
And if you reach that state of enlightenment before I do, if even for a few seconds you are able to find the calm of the true “self-nature,” please share what you find there; for it is only there that true, perfect, natural wisdom resides. I’m hoping to discover it at the Qi Retreat in February, and I truly hope I see you all there!
GOOD READING:
“Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained (Skylight Illuminations): Derek Lin, Lao Tzu, Lama Surya Das”
“The Golden Age of Zen: Zen Masters of the T’ang Dynasty (Spiritual Masters)” by John C. H. Wu (with an introductions by Thomas Merton and Kenneth Kraft)
“The Way of Zen” by Alan W. Watts
“The Art Of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza” by John Daido Loori
News from Around the
Shi Deru Shaolin Institute!
Atlanta Location
This past quarter has been very busy for the Atlanta school. A very successful demonstration at the Duluth Fall Festival and Parade gained the school approximately 250 leads!
For the parade, the picture below shows how powerful and engaging our school looked during parade with two of our young masters, Li Qiang and Chen Zhe, leading the way:
Li Qiang and Chen Zhe
And here’s a picture of three young ladies who helped out during the performance:
Brianna, Emily and Joyce
All the new leads and new students have prompted a need for more assistance. Luckily, Scott Keller, a new resident instructor from the Thibodaux campus, has stepped up to help in the office as well as on the floor.
There are also two new volunteers who have become a huge help as well. They are Shamain Romeo-Hallet and Tamra Skahan.
Tamra is an amazingly skilled customer service person who takes care of the majority of the follow-up and lead calls and also assists our Shifu with technical writing for press releases.
Please check out her blog! She is the author of “Diary of a Man Woman,” which is a diary style chronicle of her experience as a medical patient and new Tai Chi student here at the school. Please use the following link to access her blog.
http://tamraskahan.blogspot.com/2012/09/diary-of-mad-woman-091312-post.html.
Shamain is a former law secretary whose skills have become invaluable! She came our way through her family—her son, Liam, takes kung fu here and her husband, Jae, take tai chi.
These people, along with many students, helped make this year’s Legacy Show, “Life Challenges,” a wonderful success. It took place at the Philips Arena in Atlanta during the Hawks versus Rockets pre-game show! This was a wonderful opportunity for the Shaolin Institute, as we were set to perform for our largest audience to date! Many took notice of our skill and scouts for “American Has Talent” even approached our grandmaster in hopes of meeting in the future.
Mobile Location
This past quarter has seen wonderful changes at the Mobile school, thanks to our new staff member, Lon Wilkinson, who oversees the office as well as marketing for the institute. Since he has joined the staff, our school has had a complete outside facelift, boasting bold new colors and a handcrafted logo!
Lon has been a help in several areas actually. Our school is cleaner, the training floor has been expanded with structural manipulation, and the kitchen has been completely remodeled. Most importantly, however, are the lives he has touched by helping many people sign on as students! We greatly delight in the boundless energy he has brought with him!
We also want to welcome two new volunteers who have become valuable as staff assisting in the office. Thank you, Violet Monroe and Thuy Holmes! Both ladies have been giving their time in hopes of making our school grow smoothly and efficiently.
As always we wish to extend our continued appreciation for Ms. Susan, Susie, Paula, Belinda, Debi, and Barbara for their devoted service to our school organization. Working together as a solid, core group will always ensure our continued success. After all, we’re family!
Students at the Mobile school took part in the Mobile International Festival, hosting a demo as well as manning a booth. We were able to reach many people as perspective students and are now scheduling appointments for introductions and sign-ups from these leads.
Other fun ventures that took place this quarter were the participation of a few students in the Spartan, Creek Crawl Race, and 3K races in order to give back to the community.
Here is a picture from the Creek Crawl Challenge!
Creek Crawl 2012
And here’s another race photo! Go, Scott!
Scott Keller action shot
New Orleans Location
It’s been a bumpy quarter here in New Orleans. After the hurricane, the school has been trying to recuperate, as we had water in the building, and it looks like things are finally coming together! We hope to move to a new location in the coming new year, which will improve morale amongst staff and students.
Stepping up to help Grace and Vatsana in the office is returning student, Janet Davis! Janet is a tai chi student who is kindly volunteering to give us a hand. Also, now that his medical license tests are complete, we look forward to the return of an important leadership member and assistant instructor, William Nganongo
Aside from demonstrations at Xavier University, the students took part in a demonstration for the APAS Kids Christmas Party, drumming up interest in our school.
Here’s a picture of students, led by Shi Xiong Chen Zhe, at the APAS party.
Having Shifu over for training days is always a treasured treat. Here he is leading a few Tai Chi students in Long Chen on a delightfully cooler day outside.
Training with Shifu
Thibodaux Location
The Thibodaux location is still holding classes at Peltier Park under the big pavilion a few days per week. Things have slowed down with the winter season upon us, but there are still the dedicated core students who continue training together. On Saturdays, some of the students travel to the New Orleans location to participate in classes there. In the coming new year, students hope to find a suitable building and then grow again.
Here are some students posing for a picture after one of the Fitness Kickboxing classes.
Kickboxing Students
Here’s another picture taken during Extreme Cardio Fitness Kickboxing class, where the students are practicing lead punches.
FitnessKickboxing
The new year looms for us and gives hope to all the possibilities it brings with it. We hope to implement a new exciting program that will help motivated community members in their endeavor to become healthier in body and mind! Details soon!
Golden Black Sash Test Results
The students up for Golden Black Sash testing came together on the evening of December 9 to partake in our grandmaster’s new testing style. Shifu went through the list of requirements and called the students up to participate in different tasks. This was the first group to take part in the new testing format, and each person did extremely well. This sets the standard for all tests going forward, and all students, not just these high-ranked individuals, have clear guidelines of requirements during their journey at our school.
Please see below as we announce the newest ranks of those Golden Black Sash students who partook in testing and passed.
Scott Keller of Atlanta received Part 1.
Sunshine Hebert of Thibodaux received Part 1.
*Pictured together below (Scott, left; Sunshine, right)
Both have been students with Shifu for nearly six years.
Scott and Sunshine
Patrice Bucher of New Orleans received Part 2.
*Pictured below
She has been a student with Shifu for nearly
eight years.
Patrice Bucher of New Orleans
Lin Cai (Shi Zhong Qin) of Atlanta received Part 3.
Raymond Williams of Atlanta received Part 3.
**Pictured together below
(Lin Cai, left; Raymond, right)
Lin Cai and Raymond Williams
Raymond began as a student in New Orleans many years ago and relocated to the Atlanta area after the devastating Hurricane Katrina. He rejoined Shifu’s school when the Atlanta campus opened!
Lin Cai has been training for many years, coming all the way from China to study with our grandmaster.
Chen Zhe of New Orleans received Part 3.
*Pictured below
Chen Zhe also came from China, where he studied martial arts for many years, and has been an important ambassador of cultural exchange.
Li Qiang (Da Shi Xiong) of Mobile received Part 4.
*Pictured below
Li Qiang, from China, is a master level martial artist who has also become an important ambassador of cultural exchange.
~Golden Black Sash testers are required to participate in the next stage of their testing in June 2013 at the New Orleans campus.
Winter of 2012 Interschool Competition and Smoker Results
Sanda Participants
Exhibition Matches:
Reid Case (New Orleans) vs. Sean Geans (Mobile)
Violet Monroe (Mobile) vs. Diana Geli (Mobile)
———— ————-
Smoker Matches:
Josh White (Shidokan Atlanta) vs. Brian Tealer (Atlanta) = Josh wins
Aki Nakamyra (Atlanta) vs. Akeem Doyle (Atlanta) = Akeem wins
Chen Zhe (New Orleans) vs. Chuck Akin (Shidokan Atlanta) = Chen wins
Sean Geans (Mobile) vs. Lin Cai (Atlanta) = Lin Cai wins
Josh Joseph (Atlanta) vs. Josh White (Shidokan Atlanta) = Josh White wins
Interschool Competion: Traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi Results
Category 42 Team Creation Adults
Hooligans … Gold Medal
White Tigers … Silver Medal
**Hooligans: Danielle Tonguet, James Story, and Donald Kai
**White Tigers: John Poythress, Jeff Baker, Eric Topasna
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Category 37 Team Creation Kids
Fighting Dragons … Gold Medal
**Brandon Williams, Kaiya Williams, Bridget Huang, Rachel Huang
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Category 25 Kids Traditional Pairing
CodyXian and Gabe Butler … Gold Medal
Gregory Beck and Little Raymond Williams … Silver Medal
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Category 01 1st & 2nd Exercises / Wushu Combos
Shandy Ozaki (New Orleans) … Gold Medal
Eric Nguyen … Silver Medal
Charles Gong … Bronze Medal
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Category 01 (Little Kids) 1st & 2nd Exercises
Dua Dua Yin … Gold Medal
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Category 02 Adults 1st & 2nd Exercises / Wushu Combos
David Espinosa (Mobile) … Gold Medal
————————————————
Category 03 Kids Short Luo Han
Liam Hallet … Gold Medal
Rachel Hoang … Silver Medal
Bridget Hoang … Bronze Medal
Holden Desroche (New Orleans) … Special Awards Medal
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Category 04 Adult Short Luo Han
James Story … Gold Medal
————————————————-
Category 05 Kids Lian Han Quan
Nathan Haigler (Mobile) … Gold Medal
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Category 06 Adult LIan Han Quan
Danielle Tonguet … Gold Medal
Violet Monroe (Mobile) … Silver Medal
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Category 07 Kids GBSC Open Hands
Little Raymond Williams … Gold Medal
Alex Yu … Gold Medal
**tied decision
Gregory Mack … Bronze Medal
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Category 11 Kids Xiao Han Quan
Cody Xian … Gold Medal
Thor Turner (New Orleans) … Silver Medal
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Category 15 Kids Long Weapons
Gabe Butler … Gold Medal
Jerry Lu … Silver Medal
Cody Xian … Bronze Medal
Eric Dong … Special Award Medal per Shifu
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Category 17 Kids Short Weapons
Jerry Lu … Gold Medal
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Category 22 Kids Open Weapons
Cody Xian … Gold Medal
Gabe Butler … Silver Medal
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Category 23 Kids Tong Bei
Gabe Butler … Gold Medal
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Category 18 Adult Short Weapons
Mike Adsit … Gold Medal
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Category 45 Simple Tai Chi for Beginners
Violet Monroe … Gold Medal
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Category Short Chen
Mike Adsit … Gold Medal
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Students,
Please start making plans for the next Interschool Competition and San Shou Smoker! It will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana during the Memorial Day weekend in May (the 24th – the 27th)! More details will be forthcoming!
Thanks for a wonderful year. We sincerely appreciation that you have joined our family and allow us to be a part of your lives.
Respectfully,
Shaolin Institute Staff
Shaolin Times contributing writers:
Shifu, Sunshine, Ms. Susan, Scott, Tamra, & Sarah
Private Lessons Sign Up
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to enlighten and empower everyone we encounter to find in his/her self-nature the greatness within so as to be totally free. To do so we must cultivate ourselves to have healthy bodies and healthy minds with character, integrity, high level of discipline and indomitable Shaolin spirit.
Shaolin Times
December 2012
