The Master Speaks
Kungfu practice is not an extra curriculum in life; neither is it a pastime event, but the most serious path in life. Kungfu is a way of Chan, using meditation to recover our true-self and outgrow our ego.
Kungfu, when viewed as an extra curriculum, is often perceived as little more than some kicks and strikes; however, that view precisely misses the point. Kungfu is a way of Chan in practice, a step-by-step body and mind experience, along with a complete change of the accustomed lifestyle.
Kungfu is Chan practice in reality, like “boiling oil over a blazing fire”. If we wish to travel in a Kungfu life, to have enlightenment in Chan, we must go through scorching experience before the truth of Kungfu Chan smiles upon us.
That does not matter whether it is internal or external training. In-depth Kung Fu training is not an easy task. It demands high physical and mental endeavors: great attitude, high discipline and perseverance.
Through the expression of Kungfu reel, Chan is manifested with immeasurable motion of the microcosm of the universe. We see the infinite possibility in life and we discover the third eye we have all forgotten we have. We see our sub-consciousness filled with countless possible images; so as to provide us power to see into the nature of our own being that may lie hidden.
Through Kungfu meditation, we see Chan that awakens us, in our consciousness; that may be the third eye opening. By meditating on those utterances or actions that are directly poured out from the inner region undimmed by intellect, those mind-full actions in Kung Fu are calculated successfully to exterminate all the turmoil arising from ignorance and confusion.
Then we get an insight into the nature of our own being, and this insight finally puts a stop to all of the doubts and hankering that have upset our mental tranquility.
To live in true Kungfu or Gong Fu is to live in a freedom from restraint, accumulations of daily ceremonial restrictions, distress from customs, and burdens put upon us and make us miserable.
Each time we want to make a motion they fetter us, choke us and cast a heavy veil over our spiritual horizon.
It is paradox indeed. We are accustomed to live constantly under restraint though we long for naturalness and freedom. However, those who embrace Paradigm shift may discover True Kungfu Chan life that leads our way to that freedom.
With that mission in mind, we travel on the path of Chan and the path of enlightenment. That path is to find our self-nature and our true nature which is proactive; to seek self dependence and harmony within and without.
We look for solutions grounded on our feet without depending upon others or upon circumstance.
We cultivate ourselves in bodies and minds, and in our self-healing, and unveil the inner wisdom instead of relying on any outer means.
Kungfu leads us to work hard to pave our own life instead of waiting for opportunities or circumstances to come to us.
Kungfu teaches us that it is we who write our own stories of our lives instead of letting so called “fate” write us.
Shaolin Institute family is very special. This family endows us with a great opportunity to train with highly disciplined and highly dedicated individuals; striving to bring out not only the best of ourselves, but also others.
We, as a true Shaolin family, lead others by demonstrating the principles of Shaolin with superb level of discipline, self-control, loyalty, integrity, honesty, modesty, courtesy, perseverance, courage, and indomitable spirit.
We are at peace with ourselves and with the people around us.
In the process of completing our mission, we often face the challenges and vicissitudes of life. However, along that rough road of life experience like Kungfu training and testing. Wwe learn who we really are; what we are and what we can do. We learn and adapt to the ever changing world. We see how to live with various circumstances and surroundings harmoniously.
One of our important principles of Kung Fu life missions is to restore character and integrity. It is only with those Shaolin Kung Fu ethics of humanity, that we see the true freedom of our nature, the true nature of ourselves.
In true Kung Fu, we must be pro-active to develop the ability to respond to any situation, to see correctly to any happenings, disregarding any circumstances. Kung Fu lets us to see that freedom within, to choose effectively where our lives are heading.
Kung Fu Chan trains our inner eye to see much freedom beyond that cage and beyond that tunnel of darkness. To live peacefully and harmoniously in happiness, we must have a greater heart along with great ability to see light in any circumstance, see the light in everyone, and to forgive any ignorance.
In true Kung Fu training, we shall cultivate our ability to detach ourselves from daily social, cultural, and erroneous habits. To train us in pure Kungfu Chan, is to carry out the pure expression of the mind freedom, freedom of Qi, and of the universe in which we are part. We are after all, the microcosm of the Universe.
Shaolin Institute does not only carry out an expression of belief in a few words, but transmit wisdom of the orient, handed down to us from generations to generations of the Chinese great thinkers, educators, and philosophers.
It is that life intelligence, passed down to us that we apply to our lives and continue to pass on for the future generations to come.
We, the Life Intelligence University International (LIU) members are exactly working with that wisdom. Toward that endeavor, and that freedom for all, let’s start OUR FIRST STEP with healthy bodies, and healthy minds.
New Orleans
This past quarter has seen growth in New Orleans. The students have welcomed Li Qiang to the school and look forward to learning from him. Li was teaching in Mobile for the past several months and has now transferred over to New Orleans. While here, he hopes to take university courses, better his English, and become an active part of our school.
Back in December, a small group from the New Orleans school, along with a couple of members from Thibodaux, went to the Clearview Mall to put on a demonstration for an APAS kids party. People were delighted with the forms and pairings that were performed, and there were several inquiries about the school.
Shaolin Exercise 2 led by George
We also hosted a couple of parties this past quarter in appreciation of the students and to give the kids something fun to do. At one, we watched “Shaolin Temple,” which starred Jet Li. In early January, students were able to meet Wu Bin, who was Jet Li’s mentor. Wu Bin came to America at Shifu’s invitation. The two had a series of seminars in New Orleans, Mobile, and Atlanta.
Here are students and others who attended posing with Shifu and Wu Bin after the seminar.
Quarterly testing was held on January 21st, and the students celebrated the Chinese New Year that day with Shifu. After, a group of students remained to train with Shifu, learning Sanda combinations.
New Orleans intended to host a Legacy Show this spring, but it will be postponed to next year. Instead, we will work towards preparing for the tournament being held in Orlando this July. There will be a smoker in May at the New Orleans school for any San Shou students who want to earn a place in the Orlando tournament. Then in June, Tai Chi and Kung Fu students can compete in an interschool competition. Those who do well will be invited to attend.
In other community news, George has been teaching classes at the Chinese Language Academy. There are approximately a dozen students. A couple of our students are taking classes to learn how to speak Chinese.
New Sash Ranks Awarded
Adult Kung Fu
Terrell Edwards (Full Gloden Black)
Issac Figuarua (Red)
Kevin Cadow ( Blue)
Savannah Casey (Blue)
Jason Anderson (Orange)
Patrick Roberts (Orange)
Mark Walker (Orange)
Whitney Farmin (Yellow)
Marie Auzenne (White)
Extell Farve (White)
Kids Kung Fu
Necai Byrd (Green)
Gavin Grenda (Orange)
Taiji
Kevin Cadow (Blue)
Linda Walker (Green)
Eddy Ramos (Orange)
AWARDS
Appreciation (Karla Teal, Vatsana Chanthala)
Best Adult Kung-Fu Applications (Rachael Cruthirds, Allen Cruthirds, Kevin Cadow)
Shaolin Warrior of the Year (Tristan Berger)
Shaolin Spirit (Winston Labouisse)
Shaolin Helper (Gary Schilleci)
Outstanding Teaching Assistant (Marco Castro, Ivette Dowhower, Kirt Evans, William Nganongo)
Outstanding Shaolin Commitment (Isaac Figueroa)
Outstanding Office Staff (Sunshine Hebert, Vatsana Chanthala)
Most Dedicated Teaching Assistant (Ivette Dowhower)
Best Overall Youth Kung Fu (Sakiel Ruff)
Best Little Dragon Forms (Tristan Berger)
GBSC Nominees
Patrick Roberts
Linda Walker
Jesse Falcon-Musik
Debbie Wright
Thibodaux
Thibodaux is rebounding from a rough quarter. Chief Instructor Trainee, Jeff Bordelon, has returned to the school now that work is allowing him the extra time. The student based dropped very low but is slowing returning now that people are returning to college and making New Year Resolutions. Many changes are in progress in order to help us grow.
Students in Thibodaux are looking forward to having some training sessions with Li Qiang who is now based out of the New Orleans school. Aside from Sunshine and Scott traveling to New Orleans to assist in a demonstration, this past quarter has been quiet on that front. Also, a few events are in the works that will enable us to get word out about the school and possibly find new students. In addition, we plan to bring back the free Women’s Self-Defense classes and add a free self-defense class for children, which will help them protect themselves against bullies or any other unfriendly situations if needed.
Training with staffs…
Cardio Kickboxing…
The next quarterly testing for both the New Orleans and Thibodaux schools will be held in Thibodaux on April 7. Plans are being made already to ensure testing success with an after party at a nearby local Chinese restaurant called Lin’s.
New Sash Ranks Awarded
San Shou
Josh Joseph (Red)
Christina Brown (Yellow)
Heather Livesay (White)
Javonit Knockum (Black)
Taiji
Celeste Gregston (Yellow)
AWARDS
Appreciation (Anne Cooper)
Shaolin Helper (Scott Keller)
Outstanding Teaching Assistant (Dustin Carbajal)
Shaolin Spirit (Christina Brown)
Best Little Dragon (Peyton Taylor)
GBSC Nominees
Doug Bourgeois
Anne Cooper
Josh Joseph
Mobile
Sash Awards
Black
1. Cortez, Natan – KF
2. Crawford, Chris – KF
3. Crawford, Regina – KF
4. Duffy, Kristina – KF
5. Magee, Donald – KF, KB, TJ
6. Stewart, Shakora – KB
7. Sweet, KeKoa – KKF
8. Sweet, Sean – KF
White
1. Bishop, Tyler – KB
2. Breeland, Noah – KKF
3. Claghorn, Sister Lucindia – TJ
4. Cortes, Benjamin – KKF
5. Davis, Jacqueline – KF
6. Duffy, Eric – KF
7. Espinosa, David – KF
8. Geli, Diana – KB
9. Gossett, Vance – KB
10. Griffin, Josh – TJ
11. Hanson, Zana-Rae – KB
12. Kusek, Kole – KKF
13. Monroe, Violet – KB
14. Murphy, Benita – TJ
Yellow
1. Carty, Jewel – KF
2. Daugherty, Matthew – KF
3. Fernandez, Chloe – KKF
4. Fernandez, Tori – KKF
5. Hanne, Gary – TJ
6. Monroe, Noah – KF
7. Prophet, Nick – KF
8. Prophet, Noah – KF
Orange
1. Eberlain, Jeff – KB
2. Guzman, Zavien Thomas – KF
3. Holder, Barbara – TJ
4. O¡¯Quinn, Anthony – KF
5. Stone, Byron – KF
Green
1. Holmes, Olton – KKF
2. Parson, Charlie – KKF
Blue
1. Nokovich, Eleah – KF
Purple
1. Fenley, Rick – TJ
Atlanta
Sashes and Awards
Black
Brandon Williams-KF Black
Callum Guo-KF Black
Duncan Manning-KF Black
White
Bridget Hoang-KF White
Rachel Hoang-KF White
Syndey Hoang-KF White
Kassidee Tang-KF White
Ayden Tran-KF White
Yellow
Nathanial Banks-KF Yellow
Special Yellow
Evan Dang-KF Special Yellow
Jayden Wang-KF Special Yellow
Gregory Mack-KF Special Yellow
Orange
Byron Fisher-KF Orange
Keyara Wooden-KF Orange
Jeff Dillingham-KF Orange
Jon Nyguyen-KF Orange
Special Orange
Andrew Dillingham-KF Special Orange
Gabe Butler-KF Special Orange
Sharon McIntosh-KF Special Orange
Green
Roger Behar-KF Green
Special Green
Phillip Phan-KF Special Green
Brian Wong-KF Special Green
Blue
Jason Zang-KF Blue
Red
Jackie Kruetzer Red
Purple
Levi Mang Purple
Mohammed Mansor Purple
Stripe
Liam Hallet Stripe
Abhinaw Kslisagar Stripe
Noah Mansor Stripe (red)
Breanna McIntosh Stripe (green) or Special orange
Eryc McIntosh Stripe (green) or Special orange
Kevin Zang Stripe
George Dalton Stripe
David Milner Stripe
Thomas Kruetzer Stripe
Jerry Lu Stripe
Alex Mang Stripe
John Mang Stripe
Cody Xian
Joyce Yun
Tai Chi
Yellow
Chip Paryzek
Stripe
Sarah Adist
Michael Adsit
Paul Attridge
Sanda
Yellows
Katya Begitova
Phi Nguyen
Special Blue
Monica Bordea
Stripe
Jon Nguyen
Other Awards:
Most Improved
Paul Attridge (Tai Chi)
Jon Nguyen (Kung Fu)
Phi Nguyen (Sanda)
Most Involved in Performance
Jerry Lu
Best Attitude
Gabe Butler
Most Attendance
TJ Kabage (Kickboxing/Sanda)
Most Dedicated
Mohammed Mansor (Leadership)
Best Role Model
Mohammed Mansor
Most Participated Parent
Cody Xian’s Mom
Joyce Yun’s Mom
Most Hardcoe
Phillip Phan
Best Little Tiger Form
Cody Xian
Shaolin Qi Retreat 2012
The retreat was relaxing, refreshing awakening and enlightening.
This Qi retreat was held at Pensacola Beach Escapade, 1100 Ariola Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL 3256 on February 24, 25, 26, 2012.
Participants followed the Master in Zen meditation and Qi exercises, learning to breathe and stretch in various postures to relax the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Movements of Qi Gong and Qi guided exercises will improve mental and physical well-being and balance Qi flow. Shaolin Tai Gong helped each participant to increase muscle power and improve mental and physical well-being to free oneself from emotions and mental attachments. Xi Shui Gong (Bone Marrow Cleansing Qi Gong which is one of the topics covered) is aimed at cleansing the Qi Channels to improve Qi flow and balance for self-healing and detoxification. Classes also included other traditional medical Qi Gong therapeutic exercises in improving joint conditioning, and cleansing body with Zen (Chan) meditation.
Here are a few photos from the retreat.
Dinner Time
Sunshine relaxing with the waves
Healthy food and Tai Gong
Going for a dip in the pool!
Everybody was Kung Fu Kitchen!
Tai Gong
Scott Shetler in practice.
Shifu gives a discussion after meditation.
Chen displays a slight fear of birds!
Feeding the seagulls
Chinese Class starts in March 13, 2012 in Atlanta：
Jump-start into learning Mandarin Chinese quickly and effectively—class begins with pronunciation and quick learning in writing of characters, then progresses to survival topics in Chinese. Topics include greetings, making an appointment, visiting friends, shopping, etc. Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills will all be taught with an emphasis on effective communication.
Mobile and New Orleans will start soon (TBA). Please call and ask for details.
Isn’t that cool if you can recognize this following sentence in Chinese?
知彼知己者百战不殆
【读 音】zhī jǐ zhī bǐ，bǎi zhàn bù dài
如果对敌我双方的情况都能了解透彻，打起仗来百战都不会有危险。
《The Art of War》 中国古典军事文化遗产中的璀璨瑰宝，是中国优秀文化传统的重要组成部分。《孙子·谋攻》：“知彼知己者百战不殆。”
在军事纷争中，既了解敌人，又了解自己，百战都不会有危险；不了解敌人而只了解自己，胜败的可能性各半；既不了解敌人，又不了解自己，那只有每战都有危险。
【原文】故知胜有五：知可以战不可以战者胜，识众寡之用者胜，上下同欲者胜，以虞不虞者胜将能而君不御者胜。此五者，知胜之道也故曰：“知己知彼，百战不殆；不知彼而知己，一胜一负；不知彼不知己，每战必殆”
如果对敌我双方的情况都能了解透彻，打起仗来百战都不会有危险。
《The Art of War》 中国古典军事文化遗产中的璀璨瑰宝，
是中国优秀文化传统的重要组成部分。《孙子•谋攻》：
知彼知己者百战不殆。” 在军事纷争中，既了解敌人，又了解自己，百战都不会有危险；
不了解敌人而只了解自己，胜败的可能性各半；既不了解敌人，
又不了解自己，那只有每战都有危险。 【原文】故知胜有五：知可以战不可以战者胜，识众寡之用者胜，
上下同欲者胜，以虞不虞者胜将能而君不御者胜。此五者，
知胜之道也故曰：“知己知彼，百战不殆；不知彼而知己，
一胜一负；不知彼不知己，每战必殆”
If we know and understand thoroughly ourselves and the opponents on both sides when the war broke out, battle will not be dangerous.
“The Art of War,” Chinese classical military cultural heritage in the bright treasure, is an important part of China’s fine cultural traditions. “Sun Tzu Strategy of Attack”: In the methods of Building an Army “who know thyself.”
Military strife, not only to understand the enemy, but also understand our own, the battle will not be dangerous; do not understand the enemy and understand own-selves, the possibility of victory or defeat in half; who does not understand the enemy and do not understand own-selves, and that only if each The war has dangerous foreseeing.
[Original] Five persons’ knowledge to Victory Road Hence we say: “Know thyself, know yourself; He who knows and confidant, a win and one loss; He who knows opponent, every battle will almost
Home Work For All GBSC and Adults:
Write an article on the Kung Fu Essay from Shifu from your view, your experience and your comprehension.
Homework for the youth:
You may write an article to talk about your in-depth understanding of the following words in our training. You may make connections between the words and association with our training and learning at the Shaolin Institute. Importantly what are these word have anything to do with our teachings?
Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, Adaptability, Flow With The Qi, Fairness, Cooperation, Tolerance, Synergy, Paradigm, Commitment, Accountability
How does the following phrase marching up with one of the words above:
Team Up; Never give up
Shaolin Institute Calendar of Events
Jan 8-10th Grand Master Wu and DeRu Seminar Tour
Jan 21-27th Chinese New Year Celebration at all campuses in three states
February 24,26,27th : Qi Retreat, Florida
March 1st` Great Grand Master Life Celebration (Yuan Ji Ri in Chinese calendar)
March 8th Great Grand Master Life Celebration (Shiye Yuan Ji Ri)
March 23-30th All Campuses hold in Class Testing
April 3-7th Quarterly Testing, GBSC Induction & SWAT Team Trial
April 2nd Mobile Testing (Monday at 6:00 PM)
April 5th (New Orleans at 6:30 PM)
April 7th (Atlanta at 9:30 AM)
April 20th Washington –MD X Factor
April 28 World Tai Chi Day
Mobile at Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile
Atlanta: 4707 South Old Peachtree Road Norcross, GA 30071
www.gwinnettparks.com
New Orleans at Audubon Park on St. Charles across Tulane University
Pelpier park in Thibodaux, LA,
May 2nd Atlanta Opening Anniversary Special Open House Show
May 16th APAS Festival
May 13th Mother’s Day Special
May 26th In Class Testing
June 2nd Institute Team Trial Competition for all campuses
June 2nd Quarterly Testing/SWAT Team Trial For All Campuses
June 4th Kids Summer Camp starts
June 4th Residence International Summer Training Camp
June 17th Father’s Day Special
June 30th Colorado Testing Event
July 4th Independence Day
July 6-13th Intensive Shaolin Warrior Overnight Training Camp
July 14th Orlando Chinese Martial Arts Competition-
July 16-30th Oriental Dream-US-China Youth Cultural Education Exchange Ambassador
August 2nd Back to School Program Starts
September 3rd Labour day
