{"id":829,"date":"2012-12-27T12:34:45","date_gmt":"2012-12-27T12:34:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.shaolin-world.net\/?p=829"},"modified":"2012-12-27T12:34:45","modified_gmt":"2012-12-27T12:34:45","slug":"december-2012-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/2012\/12\/27\/december-2012-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"December 2012 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Master Speaks
\n\"\"<\/a>
\nToday\u2019s Teaching:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dear Shaolin Institute Members, Families and Friends:<\/p>\n

What a beautiful year we have ridden on our journey of life! More promising is the new year coming\u2014the year of the snake will soon be under way!<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 I would like to present to all of you my sincere and profound gratitude.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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:
\n* Asian Heritage Festival in New Orleans
\n* International Chinese Martial Arts Championship World Wide Circuit
\n* LEGENDS of Kung Fu & Taiji Legacy World Martial Arts Championship and Cultural Festival
\n* America\u2019s Night Out Against Crime
\n* 17th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
\n* Suwanee Festivals
\n* Duluth Fall Festival
\n* Mobile International Festival.
\n* Atlanta Hawks Game
\n* APAS Children\u2019s Christmas Celebration
\nIt 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

We must believe in ourselves, and we must empower ourselves in pursuing the dreams of success in life and finding happiness within.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 We are happy to see problems that challenge us and make us more capable and more powerful.\u00a0 We become solutions to any problems.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.
\nIn 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

LIU International Shaolin Institute is here to serve and teach.<\/p>\n

Shifu<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recent and Upcoming Events:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

* Interschool Competition and Smoker Events: December 8, 2012
\n* Golden Black Sash Testing: December 9, 2012
\n* International Banquet and Awards Ceremony at all campus locations: December 22nd
\n* Atlanta Monthly Testing: January 10th
\n* Mobile Monthly Testing: January 24th
\n* New Orleans Monthly Testing: January 26th
\n* Chinese New Year: February 10, 2013
\n Each campus location will announce celebration plans shortly.<\/em>
\n* Qi Retreat in Pensacola, Florida: February 22nd \u2013 24th
\n* Oriental Dream \u2013 Trip to China with Shifu \u2013 June 3rd \u2013 17th
\n* Summer Camps in Atlanta begin June 17th and run through July 12th
\n* Shaolin Warrior Intensive Training Camp, hosted in Mobile, Alabama: July 19th \u2013 27th
\n* American Experience Exchange Summer Camp begins July 29th and ends August 24th<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Announcements<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Interschool and Smoker Appreciation:<\/strong> 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\u2019s 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\u2019s revised curriculum. Lastly, we give our thanks to coordinators, volunteers, judges and everyone behind the scenes who made this weekend a success.<\/p>\n

The Oriental Dream Project:<\/strong> 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.\u00a0We are limiting this trip to adults and children over the age of 8 only.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy China with our grandmaster. The cost will cover airfare, food, lodging, and entrance fees.\u00a0An 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.<\/p>\n

American Experience Exchange Summer Camp:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The weekly breakdown for this is:<\/p>\n

Week 1: July 29-Aug 3
\nWeek 2: August 5-10
\nWeek 3: August 12-17
\nWeek 4: August 19-24<\/p>\n

Summer Camp in Atlanta:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Day camps run from 9:00AM through 4:00PM on Monday through Friday.<\/p>\n

Resident Camps have a drop off day of Monday at 9:00AM and pick up is Saturday after 4:00PM.<\/p>\n

**If a Sunday drop off is needed, please make arrangements with the office.<\/p>\n

Week 1: June 17-21
\nWeek 2: June 24-28.
\nWeek 3: July 1-5
\nWeek 4: July 8-12<\/p>\n

Something for the Mind<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Our school\u2019s slogan is \u201cA Healthy Body and a Healthy Mind.\u201d Don\u2019t you agree that we should not only care for our bodies but our minds as well? When you aren\u2019t participating in our classes and are off campus, how do you\u2014 whether a student or not\u2014exercise the mind as well as the body? Please look at the following words, taken from Shifu\u2019s words of the week list, and see how you utilize them in daily life.<\/p>\n

Words for Thought<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Self-confidence
\n2. Courage
\n3. Compassion
\n4. Determination
\n5. Perseverance<\/p>\n

Sanshou Can Thrive in the UFC<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Scott Keller<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Sanshou is not as popular as others styles in the world of MMA, it has found success on MMA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s philosophy on facing Jujitsu practitioners is to simply avoid ground fighting altogether.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014unless that is what the fighter wants to do at that time.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Master Liu wants all his fighters to maintain their rhythm while forcing the opponent to abandon theirs. A common strategy is to \u201clead the cow,\u201d 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014another 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The True \u201cSelf-Nature\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Tamra Skahan<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 We can\u2019t 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.\u00a0 In Tao, Chan-Zen, and Shaolin, it is the pursuit of t\/he true \u201cself-nature.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 But what is the true \u201cself-nature?\u201d<\/p>\n

A good Chinese definition of \u201cself-nature\u201d is difficult to translate into English.\u00a0 Our language, like our thought process, is simply too linear and restrictive.\u00a0 The best I can offer, after a great deal of reading and research, is this:\u00a0 Perfection lies at the center of the universe (the true self-nature), and when we \u201ctap into\u201d our own inner wisdom (our individual self-nature), we are in harmony with the universe.\u00a0 Perfect love, perfect instinct, perfect compassion, perfect strength, perfect weakness \u2013 these and more are all present at our core. The great Sages and Masters rediscovered, reunited with, and lived\/live still, in this place.\u00a0 This is what is meant by \u201cenlightenment\u201d \u2013 the very topic of the Shaolin Qi Retreat in February \u2013 \u201cRevealing the Inner Wisdom Within.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inherent in each one of us is \u201ctrue perfection;\u201d we are born with it.\u00a0 In a \u201cnatural state\u201d (before and up to birth), we are sublimely in-tune with it.\u00a0 This state of \u201cnaturalness\u201d 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 \u201creact\u201d 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 \u201cthought process\u201d by mimicking those around us.\u00a0 Our minds begin to process at a rate of speed and constancy that is controlled by what\u2019s happening outside of us.\u00a0 We lose control of the ability to dwell within ourselves.<\/p>\n

By the time we are adults in the Western world, our pursuits seem almost predestined.\u00a0 We chase happiness and the ever elusive \u201csecret of success,\u201d always looking outside of ourselves, usually by accumulating \u201cthings\u201d that we have come to associate with success, fortune, and fame.\u00a0 At this point, we are no longer able to hear that small voice within that was meant to guide us through life \u201cperfectly.\u201d\u00a0 We are no longer in touch with our own inner wisdom.\u00a0 Who and what we are has been reshaped by the external world.\u00a0 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 \u201cthing,\u201d to achieve the next object of desire.\u00a0 We measure ourselves by an external yardstick we were never meant to abide by.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 This is the mechanism that Tai-Chi, Qi-Gong, and meditation are meant to shut down.\u00a0 Practicing techniques that will be taught at the upcoming Qi Retreat are a first step in regaining ourselves.<\/p>\n

We need only to read the words of Confucius, Lao Tzu, or Chuang Tzu, to know that perfect wisdom is within us.\u00a0 Enlightenment and inspiration seeps from their words and aphorisms, and that is why their expressions have captivated us for centuries.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know why \u201cself-nature\u201d is such an intriguing concept to me.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 I am perpetually in a state of reaction, waiting for the sky to fall.\u00a0 I desire inaction and work every minute of every day to find seconds of mental peace and emotional silence.\u00a0 Shaolin skills are helping me change my programming a second at a time.\u00a0 For me, the most difficult lesson is\/has been quieting the mind and remaining in the silence.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 free from the noise, the attachments; the earthly, all-consuming chaos of the world around me.\u00a0 If you, like me, find this concept something you wish to know more about, I suggest you read \u201cTao Te Ching\u201d by Lao Tzu; the words of Confuscious; the wisdom of Chuang Tzu; and \u201cThe Way of Zen\u201d by Allan Watts.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cself-nature,\u201d please share what you find there; for it is only there that true, perfect, natural wisdom resides.\u00a0 I\u2019m hoping to discover it at the Qi Retreat in February, and I truly hope I see you all there!<\/p>\n

GOOD READING:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTao Te Ching:\u00a0Annotated\u00a0&\u00a0Explained<\/strong>\u00a0(Skylight Illuminations):\u00a0Derek Lin, Lao Tzu, Lama Surya Das\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Golden Age of Zen: Zen Masters of the T’ang Dynasty (Spiritual Masters)<\/strong>\u201d by John C. H. Wu (with an introductions by Thomas Merton and Kenneth Kraft)<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Way of Zen<\/strong>\u201d by Alan W. Watts<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Art Of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza<\/strong>\u201d by John Daido Loori<\/p>\n

News from Around the <\/strong><\/span>
\nShi Deru Shaolin Institute!<\/strong><\/span>
\nAtlanta Location<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

\"Kung<\/a>

Li Qiang and Chen Zhe<\/p><\/div>\n

And here\u2019s a picture of three young ladies who helped out during the performance:<\/p>\n

\"Brianna,<\/a>

Brianna, Emily and Joyce<\/p><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

There are also two new volunteers who have become a huge help as well. They are Shamain Romeo-Hallet and Tamra Skahan.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Please check out her blog! She is the author of \u201cDiary of a Man Woman,\u201d 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.
\nhttp:\/\/tamraskahan.blogspot.com\/2012\/09\/diary-of-mad-woman-091312-post.html.<\/p>\n

Shamain is a former law secretary whose skills have become invaluable! She came our way through her family\u2014her son, Liam, takes kung fu here and her husband, Jae, take tai chi.<\/p>\n

These people, along with many students, helped make this year\u2019s Legacy Show, \u201cLife Challenges,\u201d 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 \u201cAmerican Has Talent\u201d even approached our grandmaster in hopes of meeting in the future.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mobile Location<\/strong><\/span>
\nThis 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!
\nLon 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!
\nWe 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019re family!<\/p>\n

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.
\nOther 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.
\nHere is a picture from the Creek Crawl Challenge!<\/p>\n

\"Creek<\/a>

Creek Crawl 2012<\/p><\/div>\n

And here\u2019s another race photo! Go, Scott!<\/p>\n

\"Scott<\/a>

Scott Keller action shot<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0New Orleans Location<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a picture of students, led by Shi Xiong Chen Zhe, at the APAS party.<\/p>\n

\"APAS<\/a>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.<\/p>\n

\"Training<\/a>

Training with Shifu<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0Thibodaux Location<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Here are some students posing for a picture after one of the Fitness Kickboxing classes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kickboxing Students<\/p><\/div>\n

Here\u2019s another picture taken during Extreme Cardio Fitness Kickboxing class, where the students are practicing lead punches.<\/p>\n

\"FitnessKickboxing\"<\/a>

FitnessKickboxing<\/p><\/div>\n

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!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Golden Black Sash Test Results<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The students up for Golden Black Sash testing came together on the evening of December 9 to partake in our grandmaster\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Please see below as we announce the newest ranks of those Golden Black Sash students who partook in testing and passed.<\/p>\n

Scott Keller of Atlanta received Part 1.
\nSunshine Hebert of Thibodaux received Part 1.
\n*Pictured together below (Scott, left; Sunshine, right)<\/p>\n

Both have been students with Shifu for nearly six years.<\/p>\n

\"Scott<\/a>

Scott and Sunshine<\/p><\/div>\n

Patrice Bucher of New Orleans received Part 2.
\n*Pictured below<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She has been a student with Shifu for nearly
\neight years.<\/p>\n

\"Patrice<\/a>

Patrice Bucher of New Orleans<\/p><\/div>\n

Lin Cai (Shi Zhong Qin) of Atlanta received Part 3.
\nRaymond Williams of Atlanta received Part 3.
\n**Pictured together below
\n(Lin Cai, left; Raymond, right)<\/p>\n

\"Lin<\/a>

Lin Cai and Raymond Williams<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2019s school when the Atlanta campus opened!<\/p>\n

Lin Cai has been training for many years, coming all the way from China to study with our grandmaster.<\/p>\n

Chen Zhe of New Orleans received Part 3.
\n*Pictured below<\/p>\n

Chen Zhe also came from China, where he studied martial arts for many years, and has been an important ambassador of cultural exchange.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Li Qiang (Da Shi Xiong) of Mobile received Part 4.
\n*Pictured below<\/p>\n

Li Qiang, from China, is a master level martial artist who has also become an important ambassador of cultural exchange.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~Golden Black Sash testers are required to participate in the next stage of their testing in June 2013 at the New Orleans campus.
\nWinter of 2012 Interschool Competition and Smoker Results<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sanda Participants<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exhibition Matches:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reid Case (New Orleans) vs. Sean Geans (Mobile)<\/p>\n

Violet Monroe (Mobile) vs. Diana Geli (Mobile)<\/p>\n

———— ————-<\/p>\n

Smoker Matches:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Josh White (Shidokan Atlanta) vs. Brian Tealer (Atlanta) = Josh wins<\/p>\n

Aki Nakamyra (Atlanta) vs. Akeem Doyle (Atlanta) = Akeem wins<\/p>\n

Chen Zhe (New Orleans) vs. Chuck Akin (Shidokan Atlanta) = Chen wins<\/p>\n

Sean Geans (Mobile) vs. Lin Cai (Atlanta) = Lin Cai wins<\/p>\n

Josh Joseph (Atlanta) vs. Josh White (Shidokan Atlanta) = Josh White wins<\/p>\n

Interschool Competion: Traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi Results<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Category 42 Team Creation Adults<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hooligans \u2026 Gold Medal
\nWhite Tigers \u2026 Silver Medal<\/p>\n

**Hooligans: Danielle Tonguet, James Story, and Donald Kai<\/p>\n

**White Tigers: John Poythress, Jeff Baker, Eric Topasna<\/p>\n

———————————————<\/p>\n

Category 37 Team Creation Kids<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fighting Dragons \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

**Brandon Williams, Kaiya Williams, Bridget Huang, Rachel Huang<\/p>\n

———————————————-<\/p>\n

Category 25 Kids Traditional Pairing<\/strong><\/p>\n

CodyXian and Gabe Butler \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

Gregory Beck and Little Raymond Williams \u2026 Silver Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————-<\/p>\n

Category 01 1st & 2nd Exercises \/ Wushu Combos<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shandy Ozaki (New Orleans) \u2026 Gold Medal
\nEric Nguyen \u2026 Silver Medal
\nCharles Gong \u2026 Bronze Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————–<\/p>\n

Category 01 (Little Kids) 1st & 2nd Exercises<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dua Dua Yin \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————-<\/p>\n

Category 02 Adults 1st & 2nd Exercises \/ Wushu Combos<\/strong><\/p>\n

David Espinosa (Mobile) \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————<\/p>\n

Category 03 Kids Short Luo Han<\/strong><\/p>\n

Liam Hallet \u2026 Gold Medal
\nRachel Hoang \u2026 Silver Medal
\nBridget Hoang \u2026 Bronze Medal<\/p>\n

Holden Desroche (New Orleans) \u2026 Special Awards Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————-<\/p>\n

Category 04 Adult Short Luo Han<\/strong><\/p>\n

James Story \u2026\u00a0 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————-<\/p>\n

Category 05 Kids Lian Han Quan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nathan Haigler (Mobile) \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————<\/p>\n

Category 06 Adult LIan Han Quan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Danielle Tonguet \u2026\u00a0 Gold Medal
\nViolet Monroe (Mobile) \u2026 Silver Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————-<\/p>\n

Category 07 Kids GBSC Open Hands<\/strong><\/p>\n

Little Raymond Williams \u2026 Gold Medal
\nAlex Yu \u2026 Gold Medal
\n**tied decision<\/p>\n

Gregory Mack \u2026 Bronze Medal<\/p>\n

—————————————————<\/p>\n

Category 11 Kids Xiao Han Quan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cody Xian \u2026 Gold Medal
\nThor Turner (New Orleans) \u2026 Silver Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————–<\/p>\n

Category 15 Kids Long Weapons<\/p>\n

Gabe Butler \u2026 Gold Medal
\nJerry Lu \u2026 Silver Medal
\nCody Xian \u2026 Bronze Medal<\/p>\n

Eric Dong \u2026 Special Award Medal per Shifu<\/p>\n

—————————————————<\/p>\n

Category 17 Kids Short Weapons<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jerry Lu \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————–<\/p>\n

Category 22 Kids Open Weapons<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cody Xian \u2026 Gold Medal
\nGabe Butler \u2026 Silver Medal<\/p>\n

—————————————————<\/p>\n

Category 23 Kids Tong Bei<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gabe Butler \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

—————————————————<\/p>\n

Category 18 Adult Short Weapons<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mike Adsit \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

—————————————————-<\/p>\n

Category 45 Simple Tai Chi for Beginners<\/strong><\/p>\n

Violet Monroe \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

————————————————–<\/p>\n

Category Short Chen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mike Adsit \u2026 Gold Medal<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Students,<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 the 27th)! More details will be forthcoming!<\/p>\n

Thanks for a wonderful year. We sincerely appreciation that you have joined our family and allow us to be a part of your lives.<\/p>\n

Respectfully,<\/p>\n

Shaolin Institute Staff<\/p>\n

Shaolin Times contributing writers:
\nShifu, Sunshine, Ms. Susan, Scott, Tamra, & Sarah<\/p>\n

Private Lessons Sign Up<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sign up for a private lesson with Shifu or one of our knowledgeable instructors.<\/p>\n

Private Lessons are for 30 minutes of One on One Instruction & combined with 30 mins of Practice.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
$49 : with Instructor, Assistant Instructor, or Teaching Assistant.<\/div>\n
$99 : with a Master (da Shi Xiong Li Qiang, Shi Xiong Chen Zhe, or Shi Xiong Lin Cai)<\/div>\n
$299 : with Shifu<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Mission Statement<\/strong>
\nOur 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.
\nShaolin Times
\nDecember 2012<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

December 2012 Newsletter PDF<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Master Speaks Today\u2019s 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\u2014the year of the snake will soon be under way! The Shaolin Institute has had a wonderful 13-year ride. We are here at this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-829","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-newsletters"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/829","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=829"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/829\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaolin-world.net\/nola\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}