R.I.P. - Great Master Ruan Dong

I am very sad to tell you that Great Master Ruan Dong passed away earlier this year (last month). I was informed of this by master Zhen Yin Xi and Yu Dan Qiu, members of the Ming Crane Fist of Fujian Wushu and the Martial arts Association of Calling Crane Kungfu Research Board of China and my White Crane Research Institute member who is currently in YongChun China.



He had been unwell for some time, he - like most Fujian Crane masters smoked rather heavily, plus he was of a good age by Chinese standards.

Great Master Ruan Dong was a mentor and guide to me, he gave of his knowledge and views, sharing what he could with me given the distances between us. He was the Technical Advisor to myself and the White Crane Research Institute, to me, he was a great man who gave everything to Fujian Crane Kungfu, his skill and speed were really in a class of their own. His unique style will not be bettered for a long time I think, but I feel he didn't get as much back as he might have done. I hope somehow that we will be able to give him some of the due credit he deserved.... I love and practice all the Fujian Crane I can get! But I am more determined than ever now to dedicate my school to Great Master Ruan Dong.

There are photos of him in the FangQiNiang Shrine/Museum in YongChun. I will publish them at a later date.

A message from China!

Leading up to the White Crane Research Institute's Annual General Meeting, Master Su Yinghan of the YongChun YiYun (Joy Cloud) Wushu (White Crane) Research Society wrote:

"It makes me so happy that you have developed the White Crane successfully, we are always standing together and developing White Crane to a higher level. Best wishes to you!"



Coach Hong Zongii (洪 上) of the Republic of China Vertical Crane Fist (Zhonghe Quan) Association of Taiwan wrote: “Your contact is our honour, We know that you already are engaged in the White Crane Fist aspect and your teaching, involves the Calling Crane Fist system and so on, and you have established the White Crane Fist Research Centre, let the humans really admire your enthusiasm and the investment. We approve your ideal”.

White Crane Chinese Weaponry 国武術兵器

Chinese Wushu Weaponry (Guo Wushu Bingqi 国武術兵器) can be considered to be the origin or mother of all Asian oriental weapons. The ancient monks of Shaolin learned to use anything as a useful weapon.

The Study and understanding of Chinese Weapons forms an integral part of the White Crane Research Institute. Chinese Weapons study goes hand in hand with our exploration of White Crane Gongfu.

Our understanding of the various Chinese Weapons forms are is greatly influenced by that of our own White Crane Gongfu study. Our Weapons understanding is that there are a number of primary weapons that everyone should learn before exploring Chinese Weapons further:

Staff - Gun/Gwun 棍 .
Straight Sword – Jian 劍.
Horse Cutting Sabre – Pudao 马剁马刀



Staff - Gun/Gwun 棍 .
Straight Sword – Jian 劍.
Horse Cutting Sabre – Pudao 马剁马刀
Butterfly Swords/Twin Knives - Hu Die Dao 蝴蝶双刀
Twin Iron Cudgels – Chai 釵
Spear – Qiang 槍 .

These weapons arise from the culture that is Chinese Martial Arts.

Each of these weapons is strongly embedded with the principles and practice of our White Crane.

We view the practice of Chinese Weapons as part of the overall structure of that taught under the banner of the White Crane Research Institute.

The most popular Shaolin Kung Fu 'tool' is the Long Pole or "gun". The long pole has a variety of uses and purposes. It is a multi-purpose implement that can be used for many things other than self defense.

A staff is used as a walking stick, to carry loads on your back, carry and transport two water buckets, as a lever, tent pole, and many more.

This is also the weapon that almost all Chinese martial arts consider to be "The Father of all Weapons". It is also highly effective and recommended for all martial artists to learn.

Some weapons of the China were designed to be used from a distance. Distance is preferable as a good defense strategy when using weapons.

The mainstay of the study within the White Crane Research Institute revolves around the Long Pole, the Straight Sword, the Twin Iron Cudgels, Twin Knives and the king of all weapons, the Spear.

Those interested in the study of Chinese Weapons may acquire training and certification in same via the auspices of the White Crane Research Institute.

"God Shakes it's Sleeves"

The “God Shakes his Sleeves” is a technique central to the Calling Crane (Minghequan) style.



The energy bursts out and forward in a shaking manner of energy (Jin). It can be a series of sidewards Knifehand Strikes or a series of successive Palm Heel Strikes, each being equally effective.Some cavity targets included but by no means are limited to a chopping style of attack are Stomach 9 (Renying – Man’s Welcome) and or Small Intestine 17 (Tianrong – Heaven’s Contents), Triple Heater 17 (Yifeng – Wind Screen) and also the Gallbladder 20 (Fengchi – Pool of Wind) and or Bladder 10 (Tianzhu – Heavenly Pillar).Direct Palm Strikes can also be delivered to Conception Vessel 14 (Juque – Great Palace) and or Liver 14 (Qimen – Expectations Door)

Reverse Moon & Sun

The Reverse Moon and Sun Hands as seen withing the senior White Crane Boxing Form of ZhongKuan commonly expressed as “Body like willow and hands like bullets” – in the old tongue.



It involves a two pronged attack to several cavity points such as Gallbladder 24 known as “Riyue” or “Sun Moon” and Liver 14 (Qimen – Expectations Door) and or Conception Vessel 14 (Juque – Great Palace) a heart mu point resulting in a knockout or death. Stomach 15 (Wuyi – Room Screen) and Stomach 16 (Yinghuan – Breast’s Window) or Stomach 17 (Rugen – Breast Root) and any of the other points mentioned above can also have rather deadly results.

A double strike to Gallbladder 14 (Yangbai – Yang White) and Gallbladder 24 (Riyue – Sun Moon) can also be used.

White Crane Twines the Neck

"White Crane Twines the Neck” - Rising Crane's Head" (Jinshou -Single Metal Hand) can, like most White Crane motions, be used in both defence and attack.



Cutting forward along the centerline , it intercepts the opponents technique and energy applying the metal hand principle and can also be used to strike the opponents eyes with the fingers or other cavity points (Gallbladder 14, Stomach 5 or 9, Triple Warmer 22, 23) with the knuckles of the hand to produce Knockout or possible death depending on the cavity points struck.

It can also be used in a downward “cupping” strike to the Govener Vessel 20 (Baihui - Hundred Meetings) point on the top of the head with equally devestating results

Fists of Sun

“Yut” Jee Choong Kuen/Chuan, or Sun Character Vertical Fist” is the main punch of White Crane Boxing. Named for the resemblance of its front facing fist to the Chinese ideogram for “Sun”. The “Yut” Jee Choong Kuen/Chuan is the root of all punching attacks in White Crane.



The Punch is executed from the middle of the chest with the “Sun” fist facing straight ahead. This follows the fist poem “Kuen Yau Sum Fot” or “A punch comes from the heart.

When punching high the fist is held so the thumb side is tilted upwards, when punching to the chest region the standing Sun Fist is used in a slightly downward fashion as shown. When punching low the three quarter fist is utilsed. Due to the structural alignment of the Radial and Ulna bone it is a very strong punch.

Of Sticky and Revolving Hands

CHI SAO
Chi Sao (Chee Sau) is a method known as “Sticky Hands” and involves the two White Crane Practitioners joining hands and engaging in motions symbolic of close range combat with the arms.

The first and possibly most important skill developed from the very start of Chee Sau training is known as Gum Gock Ging, which can be translated as: “Feeling Energy” or “Sensitivity.” Gum Gock Ging is enhanced by constantly sticking hands with multiple partners and learning to sense impending attacks through Bridge Contact. A trainee with highly developed Gum Gock Ging can often sense the opponent’s intention and react to that motion even before the opponent himself fully realizes what he intends to do. It is for this reason that it can at times appear that White Crane masters have a sort of “sixth sense.” In actuality, it is no more than a high degree of cultivation of the five senses similar to the extra sensitive hearing perception reported by many blind people that results from sight deprivation. By relying more on feeling and less on seeing in Chee Sau practice, Gum Gock Ging is summarily enhanced.

Technique—The attacking and defending movements that can be practiced in Sticky Hands encompass the entire spectrum of motions in the system, as well as those “improvisational” applications of White Crane theory that the practitioner will begin to discover.

PAN SHOU:
Pan Shou is the use of the hands in a revolving manner and is one of the highest level aspects of Chinese White Crane Boxing hands joining.

It involves the two practitioner joining hands near the wrist and revolving the hands inside and outside in circles always keeping the hands and wrist in touch.

Besides learning better execution, flow and exchange of techniques through Revolving Hands, the trainee is introduced to the concepts of “closing and leaving the gap, meaning moving in from a position of non- Bridge Contact while executing some form of attack and/or defense, and reaking contact again. Hoang Jai Ging, or “Controlling Energy,” works together with Sen- sitivity, Sticking and Directing Energies to enable the trainee not only to feel an opening through forearm contact and to guide the opponent’s arms into a position of disadvantage, but also to gain complete control over him through trapping. An old proverb regarding this principle, “Chee Duck Joke Sum Siu Shue Duck,” means “Sticking to and controlling the opponent increases the chances of victory.”

TUISHOU:
Tuishou takes the form of single, double and circular pushing hands and is regarded as a high level skill. Being able to control and a opponent through pushing hands is highly regarded.

Bau Ja Ging, “Explosive Energy,” is built as each individual motion is quickly and smoothly snapped from “load-up,” and works closely with all other energies to create sharp, explosive guiding, trapping, blocking and striking movements. Connecting Energy (Gan Jeep Ging) is also further enhanced by flowing smoothly from the basic rolling cycle into any blocking or attacking motion of the system.

On a more spiritual plane, the practice and mastery of Chee Sau, Pan Shou and Tuishou training also develops the practitioner’s ability to project a confident, aggressive attitude (Choang Ging) as well as his determination and perseverance.

Many of the truths out- lined in the traditional White Crane poems of the fist manifest themselves inthese hand practices, inspiring the trainee to more fully develop each of the types of energy mentioned here as well as other crucial skills. The desire to push forward and further one’s White Crane development is known as Yun Ging, or Persistent Energy. The patience and enlightenment gained through Yun Ging development is in turn reintroduced into these hand practices, as the trainee persists with confidence and determination until his attack is successful.

Important Aspects of this type of training are:

1) Combative spirit—more variables prepare the student for free sparring and actual combat
2) Promotes natural flowing of Chi and Technique
3) Timing (See Gan Sing)
4) Power
(a) Development of the “Eight Energies” (Ging)
(b) Borrowing Power (Jyeh Lick)
(c) Balance of Power
(d) Control of Power (Jeep Joke Meen)
(e) Go with the opponent's power—do not fight force with force
5) Sensitivity (Gum Gock Ging)
6) Sensitivity (Gum Gock Ging) (e) Leg traps Body
6) Trapping (Fon Sau)
7) Moving Stancework (Ma Boh)
8) Instinctive Blocking and Parrying (Siu Sau)
9) Smooth, effective insertion of hand and leg techniques
(Sau/Gyeuk Fot)
10) Attack
11) Changing of Structure to support the hands (Yee Ying Boh Sau)
12) Building confidence in one's ability to apply techniques from the forms and drills
13) Continuous exchange of improvised techniques
14) Teaches how to achieve “Inside Centerline” (Loy Joong Seen)—
also called “Centerline Advantage”
15) Develops the ability to stick.

The M.A.R.S.T.A.

“THE MARSTA” is the name of a unique and exciting martial arts class created by Shifu Ron Goninan.

“MARSTA” stands for:

Martial Arts Research, Study, Training, Advancement 武術研究, 肄, 修养, 进步. This is a special training class open to special students.


Within “THE MARSTA” is the “White Crane Research Institute” where Shifu Ron Goninan teaches Fujian Province Martial Arts (Classical Chinese Martial Arts from south-east China).

White Crane Research Institute, a non-profit association is registered with and recognized by the Australian Government Department of Fair Trading.

Both “THE MARSTA” and “White Crane Research Institute” were created by Shifu Ron Goninanand are thus headed, controlled and maintained by him.

There is an executive Committee and this consists of:

Ron Goninan – Chairman

Maurice Cenzato – Vice Chair

Debbie Goninan - Secretary

Debbie Goninan – Treasurer

Ian Cochrane - Representative

Nhan Van Tran - Representative

Joshu Lowe - Representative


Up-to-date copies of Ron Goninan’s

i) insurance certificate

ii) Accreditation

iii) Child Protection Policy

iv) Constitution

are available for inspection by all those that feel the need to see them.

Also kept on-site are Ron Goninan's credentials – certificates of accomplishment and other proof of professionalism (from various national and international bodies).

At “THE MARSTA” you can learn:

White Crane Gongfu

Chinese Weapons

Taijiquan (Tai Chi)

Energy Healing Arts

Fighting: The Last Resort

If there is one aspect or specific area that I am trying to improve upon and impart to our members and students then it would be the philosophical side of our White Crane Boxing or Gongfu.

I personally feel that there are a plethora of systems “out there” that are only concerned with the concept of winning or worse yet, ‘kill, kill, kill” at all cost type of martial arts. Such approaches fail to take into consideration the Moral, ethical and yes legal circumstances of defending oneself from possible attack.

They teach to strike first and to go for the throat, no mercy, keep on going until the opponent can no longer stand, continue or live, Kick “em” while their down and don’t stop until they are severely injured or dead!



What message do these arts give to their members or to society at large? Is this the right message to be imparting? Many in society and yes our communities see violence as something glamorous and empowering. Its in our media and on our streets everyday. But should it be this way. Glorifying violence is not the way forward and winning over another often for the sake of the self-ego means that there is something fundamentally wrong within such a individual as a person.

A real fight is a terrifying thing, based on behavior. As humans, we all interact and react sadly most on a violent level. Real fights are behaviorally driven and behavior is learned and therefore can be changed.

Pre-emption strikes can be used when a threat arises but are not always the best path to go down. De-escalation of the situation through verbal and body actions should be encouraged before going down a path which is often hard to return from.
Ethically, morally and legally Its more advantageous to de-escalate a confrontation and avoid fighting if at all possible. Applying no attempt to defuse the possibility of a violent situation will raise the person’s guard, make him/her prepare themselves for a fight on a physiological level that may lead to and act of violence. Nd even if you win such a confrontation what have you really won? What about retribution against you or worse, your family?

It just may be that the person has had a bad day and who out of us hasn’t had one? There is enough darkness and despair in this world without us within the martial arts contributing to it.

What worries me is the trend towards fighting for glory, ego and trophies. What I am seeing is a ever increasing group of angry people (young and old) walking around, some with weapons just waiting to get into a fight to satisfy their own short-comings as people, ready to lash out at anyone who approaches them or who in their minds has done something towards their egos. This is a very, very unhealthy and dangerous attitude to instill in people.

This is what the true martial arts are against. Such a bad attitude and loss of personal self-belief flies in the face of what the martial arts are truly all about. The arts should instill confidence and provide the person with the tools to avoid violence at all costs. They should plant the seed of personal self-growth within the individual that they can then take with them through life. This then is what our White Crane Martial Arts hopes to do for those who choose to study it. Making good people, better is our aim.

Needle through Brick Documentary

A film about the struggle for survival of traditional art and culture in the face of a rapidly changing and modernizing world.

A documentary about the struggle for survival of traditional art and culture in the face of a rapidly changing and modernizing world told from the perspective of time-honored Chinese Kung Fu masters.

The story explores the history, the art of Kung Fu and asks important questions about how the cultural heritage can be kept alive in a world that prefers to forget about its origins.

The sadness and tragedy conveyed in the personal stories and anecdotes of today’s last surviving traditional Kung Fu masters, along with the majesty and beauty of their skills, serve as reminders of the frailty of even the deadliest of arts.

Watch the whole thing here:

http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/needle_through_brick/

New Member from Sweden!

The White Crane Research Institute extends a warm welcome to our newest member Ulf Nillson from Sweden!



Ulf is an accomplished martial artist and has been training in the martial arts for 23 years now, and have been teaching since 1994. He has trained in Aikido, Wing Chun etc. He has also started exploring Baguazhang Taiji and the internal arts in general He leads a small group teaching Yin Baguazhang.

He also teaches modern Combatives as self-defence.

Ulf will be immersing himself in our White Crane Boxing, welcome into the WCRI Ulf!

Fang Qiniang Shou Fa Mi Sa Form

This, the Master Taolu 套路 (Form) of the White Crane Research Institute 白鶴拳功夫武術研究中心. This comes to us from the Southern Shaolin Sui Lam Gongfu system. It has been handed down from Lau Sze Cung to Lau Yuen Shing (Choy Mok) and onwards. It contains a great variation of hand forms and techniques that embody the elaborate or “Mystifying Hands” of White Crane Boxing.



It revolves around the principle of Noi Chi or the “Intrinsic energy obtainable from breathing” as an energy gathering form. It utilizes the breathing methods of “Collecting the breath” “Exalting the breath”, “Sinking the breath” and “Holding up the breath”. It also utilizes several different form of Jin/Ging or “Fighting Power/Energy Expression.

As this form concentrates on the hands the requirements of Hand movements are that the practitioner must lower the shoulders and keep his elbows at both flanks. The full length of the arm is divided into three sections, which are regarded as: the “root” (the shoulder), the “branch” (the elbow) and the “leaf (the hand). All these three sections can launch energy with each joint acting in cooperation and changing flexibility. A White Crane Boxer must always keep his/her hands flexible. The hand movements are extremely fluid and embody the essence of the White Crane.



The Form 套路:

1/. Opening Sequence
Double Low Crane Wings Left Hand Leading Blocks Horse Stance
Right Dropping Back-Fist Horse Stance.
Step Right Palm Up Block (“Tian Kung / Heavens Work)
Low Block (Hidden Finger Jab ribs) (“Looking for Fish in Water” / Lau-Da – Sneaking Attack)
Double Single Wing Flying (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
Metal Hands Twice (Saam Yin Sau)
Triple Single Wings Flying (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
Inside Circular Lower Knife Hand Strike (Pek Cheung - Chopping Palm)
Low Earth Hand Block (“White Crane Covering the Arm”)
Whipping Back-Hand Strike (Saam Yin Sau)

2/. Left Palm Up Block (Tian Kung / Heavens Work)
Low Block (Hidden Finger Jab ribs) (Looking for Fish in Water / Lau-Da – Sneaking Attack)
Double Single Wing Flying (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
Metal Hands Twice (Saam Yin Sau)
Triple Single Wings Flying (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
Inside Circular Lower Knife Hand Strike (Pek Cheung - Chopping Palm)
Low Earth Hand Block (“White Crane Covering the Arm”)
Whipping Back-Hand Strike (Saam Yin Sau)

3/. Step Right Palm Up Hand (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Lion Rotates the Ball Sequence Stepping forward right, left, right feet (Series of Thrusting Fingers Strikes)
Double High Palm Up Blocks (Sheung Tian Kung / Heavens Work)
Double Low Hands (Sheung Dap-Sau – Doubling Clasping Hands)
Double Cross Hands (Ha Cha-Sau)
Palm Up Block (“Tian Kung / Heavens Work)
Double Wing Blocks (Gai)
Downward Wing Flapping (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
Inside Hammer-Fist.

4/. Step left Palm Up Block (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Low Block (Hidden Finger Jab ribs) (Looking for Fish in Water / Lau-Da – Sneaking Attack)
Palm Up Block (Tian Kung / Heavens Work)
Double Wing Blocks (Gai)
Downward Wing Flapping (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
Inside Hammer-Fist
Double High Palm Up Blocks (“Sheung Tian Kung / Heavens Work)
Double Low Hands (Sheung Dap-Sau – Doubling Clasping Hands)
Double Cross Hands (Ha Cha-Sau)

5/. Inside Flowers Hidden in Sleeves in to Rolling Right High Back-Hand Strike Right Hand (Saam Yin Sau)
Double Palm Up Blocks (Sheung Tian Kung / Heavens Work)
Double Low Hands (Sheung Dap-Sau – Doubling Clasping Hands)
Double Cross Hands (Ha Cha-Sau)
Front Kick (Tek Tiu)
Turn Front Kick Left, Front Kick Right (Tek Tiu)
Double High Palm Up Blocks (Sheung Tian Kung / Heavens Work)
Double Low Hands (Sheung Dap-Sau – Doubling Clasping Hands)
Double Cross Hands (Ha Cha-Sau)
Stepping through Inside, Outside, Inside Wing Blocks
Palm Up Block (Left) (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Low Wing Block (Hidden Finger Jab ribs) (Looking for Fish in Water / Lau-Da – Sneaking Attack)
Pushing Palm Strike (Ling-Yui Jiu-Bok – Twisting the Waist & Turning the Shoulders)
Outside Metal Hand "(Saam Yin Sau White Crane Twines the Neck)
Low Wing Block (Looking for Fish in Water / Lau-Da – Sneaking Attack)
Downward Wing Flapping (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
Downward Wing Flapping (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
High Whipping Back-Hand Strike (Saam Yin Sau)

6/. Palm Up Block (Right) (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Low Wing Block (Hidden Finger Jab ribs) (Looking for Fish in Water / Lau-Da – Sneaking Attack)
Pushing Palm Strike (Ling-Yui Jiu-Bok – Twisting the Waist & Turning the Shoulders)
Outside Metal Hand (Saam Yin Sau)
Low Wing Block (Looking for Fish in Water / Lau-Da – Sneaking Attack)
Downward Wing Flapping (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
Downward Wing Flapping (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)
High Whipping Back-Hand Strike (Saam Yin Sau)

7/. Palm Up Block (Left) (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Change into Pushing Palm (Slow) (Ling-Yui Jiu-Bok – Twisting the Waist & Turning the Shoulders)

8/. Palm Up Block (Right) (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Change into Pushing Palm (Slow) (Ling-Yui Jiu-Bok – Twisting the Waist & Turning the Shoulders)

9/. Jumping Step, Palm Up Block (Left) (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Change into Pushing Palm (Fast) (Ling-Yui Jiu-Bok – Twisting the Waist & Turning the Shoulders)

10/. Jumping Step, Palm Up Block (Right) (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Change into Pushing Palm (Fast) (Ling-Yui Jiu-Bok – Twisting the Waist & Turning the Shoulders)

11/. Palm Up Block (Left) )(Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Change into Pushing Palm (Slow(Ling-Yui Jiu-Bok – Twisting the Waist & Turning the Shoulders)

12/. Palm Up Block (Right) (Fan-Sau Chap-Da – Overturned Thrusting -Fingers Strike)
Change into Pushing Palm (Slow) (Ling-Yui Jiu-Bok – Twisting the waist & Turning the Shoulders)

13/. Step Left Palm Up Block in to Single Downward Wing Flapping (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)

14/. Step Right Palm Up Block in to Single Downward Wing Flapping (Pok-Ming Cheung - Face Slapping Palm)

15/. Step Back Right Leg,
Double Cross Hands in to Returning Fist Punch Right Front Kick
Right Hand Dropping Back Fist in to Vertical Punch in to High Whipping Back Hand
Turn
Left high Whipping Back Hand Strike (Saam Yin Sau)
Turn to front, Left Palm Down, Right Palm Up Strike(Mor Cheung - Contacting Palm)
Step up to Horse Stance Double Forward Palm Strikes (bring Hands back behind body in to ….)
Double Side-Wards Palm Strikes Rib Level (head looks left then right) (Bai He Liang Sz) Raise arms up to side then down into Double Low Front Palm Block/Strike Raise in to Double Rising Metal Hands Strike in to Double Forward Palm Strikes
16/. Double Low Crane Wings Left Hand Leading Blocks Horse stance
Right Dropping Back-Fist
Left Low inside Hammer Fist in to Uppercut Punch to throat (Ji -Yeung Sau – Waving the Sun Hands)
Right Low inside Hammer Fist in to Uppercut Punch to throat (Jiu-Yeung Sau – Waving the Sun Hands
Finish Form.

How to tie a Gongfu Sash (Yaodai)

Follow the link below to learn how to tie a Gongfu Yaodai (Sash):

http://www.ehow.com/video_4774781_tie-kung-fu-sash.html

It is important to know how to do this correctly.

Within many martial arts the belt or sash is worn to indicate one’s rank or status, but in Chinese Gongfu (Wushu) the sash serves a far more important purpose. In Chinese White Crane the purpose of the sash is to hold the stomach and internal organs in place while a student is practicing and perfecting their art.

The necessity of supporting the stomach and internal organs comes about because most Wushu styles generate power from the waist.

When power is generated by the waist, the waist must be jerked slightly ahead of the technique being executed. As this jerk occurs, the intestines and stomach undergo a sudden jolt. Eventually this jolt of the internal organs will cause pain or injury. For this reason an adequately snug and well fitting sash around the midsection is necessary to support the stomach and internal organs.

In Chinese White Crane the sash also enables the practitioner to centre and experience their Chi/Qi or vital internal energy. This generation of Chi/Qi is vital to the correct performance and execution of the art.

Wearing the Sash

In traditional White Crane, males wear the sash tied on the left hand side, females wear the sash tied to the right hand side and the master wears the sash tied in the centre.

Our Link to China

The WCRI White Crane has been accepted and validated by the YongChun YiYun Wushu Society. It’s aim along with that of the WCRI is to look at ALL White Crane Boxing as part of its rich martial arts heritage. It is a White Crane propagation/research society that gives recognition to our on-going research.



The White Crane style taught by Ron Goninan is based on that of Fujian province. Although our School is worldwide, our links back to China are strong. YongChun White Crane Kung Fu is the only White Crane style to have its origins in the Southern Shaolin temple. Our Chief Instructor Shifu Ron Goninan has been officially commissioned by the Fujian YongChun YiYun Wushu Society (China) to disseminate White Crane in Australia. The White Crane Research Institute is now accepted as original and from the same lineage by YongChun White Crane Wushu.

"He Quan, Quan Jue" - Crane Fist, Fist Poems

The Fist Poem for this illustration Reads:

“Zhao Yang

White Crane Technique #5

Both fists raise the hands,
Only they must be Zhao Yang.

No matter what posture he uses,
You can use this posture,

Slip past the Big Gate,
Enter straight into the little Gate.

With this posture, both hands are in front of the nose,

Blocking and cutting are like short teeth,

Guard against separating the lower spine when retreating backwards.”

Can you identify what it is talking about? What technique does it refer to? Email me at baihe@bigpond.com with your thoughts. Ours is is the complete system of White Crane (the tiger stance providing a strong base for the more flamboyant hand techniques of the crane).

More Fist Poems will be published in the future.

White Crane Gate Research Syllabus Guide Available Now!!!

The "White Crane Gate Research Syllabus Guide" is now available from the White Crane Research Institute. It is on CD-Rom in PDF Format and is 265 pages in length chock full of information about our unique White Crane Boxing including the full syllabus from White Sash to Golds Sash Level.



Copies can be ordered from the WCRI, 9 Short Street, Wellington. NSW. 2820. Australia. Email us at: baihe@bigpond.com for price and postage details and to order your copy now!

Award from China!

The New Year kicked off with a bang for 48 year old White Crane Kung Fu instructor Ron Goninan with a special award and appointment which he regards as the “pinnacle of his martial arts career.”

The award came from Master Su YingHan of the Yongchun YiYun Wushu Society in Fuzhou China, the birth place of Ron’s beloved White Crane Boxing and was given to Goninan for his unswerving dedication to the martial arts.



Ron and his unique White Crane Kung Fu Style the result of his life's work for almost the past forty years has officially been recognized in China by the masters of the art with Ron being appointed the Australian White Crane Dissemination Director by the Yongchun YiYun Wushu Society, the only Australian to awarded this very special honour.



As someone who has made unraveling the mysteries of Martial Arts Ron said that “This award represents the pinnacle of my martial arts involvement. This historically important award for the members and friends of the White Crane Research Institute has given us due recognition for our White Crane and our activities from China the birth place of our art and on an international scale!”

The award included two special gold plaques, a uniform, badges and rare DVD footage of White Crane Masters.

Ron also recently purchased special mats for San Shou (Free-Sparring) Mats making his private school one of the best equipped teaching/training facilities in the area.

The school features Government Accredited Martial Arts and San Shou (Chinese Fighting) Instructors.

The school has a monthly program of White Crane, San Shou Fighting, and weapons for the senior students as well as a “MARSTA” Class and also offers “Kung-Fu 4 Kids” training proving popular with the 5 to 10 year olds providing essential discipline that teaches vital life-skills not available through any other physical/mental practice.

New students are welcome for the new year and all enquires can be directed to 68452846.

New Black Sashes!

Photo: Ian Cochrane, Maurice Cenzato, Joshua Lowe & Shifu Ron Goninan

The New Year kicked off with a bang for students of the White Crane Boxing Kung Fu students succesfly testing for their coveted Black Sash Instructors level.

Longtime student Ian Cochrane and new comer Joshua Lowe were put through their paces over a period of several months culminating in a grading test at which they had to display their skill in techniques, White Crane forms, applications and Tuishou San Shou Continious Contact Sparring. The sparring was interesting as under Chinese San Shou rules throws, knees and push hands are permitted along with strikes, punches and kicks. Joshua was very quick with his kicks which were countered by Ian’s very quick hand strikes. Both students enjoyed their grading and learned a great deal.

Also tested was their level of stamina and their spirit (their focus and their ‘intent’) as they performed sometimes solo and sometimes in pairs with each student getting to work with each other.

Looking at each student in turn and one can something unique about all of them.

Ian Cochrane is a very dedicated and intelligent student and entered into discipleship under the watchful eye of his master, Ron Goninan. He is the senior of the two and is highly skilled in the area of technique, applications and understanding of energy. He assists in teaching at the local school.

Joshua Lowe is dedicated, turning up early for each practice session and is very quick in learning new skills and forms. He picks up new aspects with ease and has very good memory retention.

Other students that also graded for their 4th Ji Level Blue Sashes was Stacy Lowe, Nathan Tran and Les and Brenton Hayes.

Head Instructor Ron recently was the official Guest at the Kumiai Ryu National Championships and Grading held at Wallerawang and he along with Maurice Cenzato recently travelled to Port Macquarie to teach Kumiai Ryu Martial Arts System Instructors the arts of Tai chi and White Crane Kung Fu Methods.

The school features Government Accredited Martial Arts and San Shou (Chinese Fighting) Instructors and is also recognized internationally by the Chinese YongChun Yi Yun Wushu Society of China.

White Crane & Tai Chi in Port Macquarie

We (Ron and Maurice) recently returned from a highly successful Workshop on the north coast teaching Taiji and White Crane principles to instructors of the Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts System in Port Macquarie at the Kumiai-Ryu National Instructor's Conference.

A great time was had by all and follow up events will be held in the future.

My "White Crane Boxing"

A Personal Statement:

Let's not beat around the bush, lets not make any mistakes ... the White Crane Boxing taught via the White Crane Research Institute is entirely my own creation based on my personal study of the Wong O'Gan Pyon's and Zhuan Ping's Chinese White Crane taught to me by my former instructor Yabiku Takaya and Nian Chen Fai and that of my own continuing research.

The art contained within the White Crane Research Institute is my “art”, my “creation”. It is the result of my own personal research and experiences within Crane-Fist and the martial arts. It is my personal interpretation and embodiment of Baihequan and the martial arts as I understand it to be ......

Our members are trained personally and are entrusted with the essence and spirit of Crane-Fist. They are encouraged to pursue their own research and understanding, and to integrate it into their own lifestyle.

Not really considering myself as an expert in the Chinese combative traditions my preoccupation with them has however, progressively escalated since my childhood. Notwithstanding, I do hope that my writings here is neither too long nor boring and that it might provide you with the necessary information with which to confirm and re-evaluate your overall understanding of White Crane Boxing while discovering its alternative purpose and inner-most message.

Whilst Minghequan (Calling Crane Fist) serves as the basis for our studies, other forms of White Crane Boxing such as Feeding Crane Fist 食鶴拳 and Shaking Crane Fist 宿鶴拳 have had a significant impact on that which we study and impart via our schools.

Many hard, ardous and lengthy hours, months, years of continued study, research, training and refinement have gone into the collective syllabus of the White Crane Research Institute including the study of rare manuscripts made available to us via Master Su YingHan 苏瀛汉師父of the YongChun YiYun Wushu Research Society 永春怡云武术研究会 (YongChun Joy Cloud Martial Arts Research Board/Society) and footage given to me by Great Master Ruan Dong of Fuzhou 福建, China. A great many hours, burning the candle at both ends and “night porridge” has been placed in the sudy of Chinese texts and rare footage of the old masters, Crane players from a generation soon to disappear, performing their arts for prosperity.

A great deal of walking the martial pathway to the heart of White Crane Boxing has been undertaken by myself so that you, the reader and student may take away something of value from this or our art and teachings. An instructor gives a lot for so little in return. I only ask that you are serious and dedicated to your study of our way and that you in turn, promote and preserve our teachings.
And remember, it is the heart, the essence, the energy and the spirit of White Crane Boxing in all of its forms that we strive to embody in that which we do.

I am something of an eccentric and therefore my views have spilled over into the art I research and study. This is the natural way of things. I am considered a rebel because of my views regarding the martial arts. I make no apology for this as this is as it is.

I do not seek to be well known, entering tournaments, making books after books and DVD’s after DVD’s, nor appearing in countless magazine articles and I have no interest in the world of martial arts politics. I simply practice my art and am all the more happier for it.

In my own school I teach Baihequan in non-traditional manner, which means I have added some fighting tactics, basic kicks, and few other elements to make practice more interesting and beneficial for students. I don't need to "defend" what I do. I am not here to win a popularity contest. Anytime someone steps outside the box to take a stand that is different from the accepted practice is reason enough to be criticized by others, and no where is this more evident than in the martial arts. Having come up through the ranks since childhood (during the seventies) and having stayed active for the past 39 years or so --- along with going to extremes to better understand what has remained terribly ambiguous, unsystematized and relatively incoherent (particularly with regards to the study of Taolu/Xing) I and those who choose to walk this path with me remain happy. I see myself as a seasoned veteran, no longer willing to accept and or swallow the ignorance, arrogance and incongruous practices so widespread in this tradition. I’d guess that the idea of “legit,” or “authentic” martial arts, is probably based upon the Chinese tradition (Okinawan/Japanese also have a similar motif) --- pedigree/lineage; i.e., if your style IS NOT connected directly (or possibly even indirectly) to some “original” Chinese/Asian tradition then it's NOT legit/authentic! The idea of functionality has long been reason for some of us seniors to re-evaluate many of the long-established practices of traditional Wushu. Much of it has to do with the contextual premise that technique is supposed to work against. Such “re-evaluation” has, without question, given birth to a myriad of eclectic Wushu-like “traditions.” Some of this Western-based eclecticism has been done within the accepted boundaries of Chinese cultural landscape and social mindset, some has not and then there’s stuff that is way out there. I am sure that one could even argue that even the most accepted Chinese traditions (Wushu, Gongfu) are eclectic by nature. The Martial Arts industry (of which Wushu is a part) is largely unregulated. Based purely on this one issue alone I don’t believe there’s anything stopping anyone “making up something” and calling it whatever they want. My ongoing comparative study with progenitor forms (Fuzhou, YongChun, Shaolin), has given me much to consider when trying to accurately evaluate the essence, energy and spirit of same.

Instead of only taking from the martial arts, we must also consider putting back into that which has given us personal strength and power. All power and success has to do with putting knowledge into action through mastering the world within.

I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY OWN PERSONAL APPROACH AND UNDERSTANDING AND TAKING THINGS TO A MORE HIGHER, FAR MORE INTERNAL APPROACH TO MY PRACTICE ... LOOKING AT HUANG SHEN SHYAN'S MARRIAGE OF TAIJI AND WHITE CRANE BOXING AND SHAKING CRANE FIST 宿鶴拳. THIS HAS LED ME AWAY FROM SLAVISHLY COPYING GREAT MASTER RUAN DONG'S APPROACH TO SOMETHING FAR MORE INTERNAL IN CONCEPT., PRACTICE AND EXPRESSION. I SINCERELY BELIEVE THIS IS THE HIGHER PATH TO WALK.

THE WHITE CRANE TAUGHT AT THE WHITE CRANE RESEARCH INSTITUTE IS MY OWN!

WCRI Philosophy

As an authentic martial art “Baihe Jingqishen Quantao” acknowledges Oriental philosophy that relates directly to Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Essentially, Buddhism addresses balance, Daoism addresses ancient Chinese medicine, and Confucianism addresses ethics and morality. Given that the Chinese Martial Arts stem largely from Indian attitudes and culture, “Baihe Jingqishen Quantao” seeks to embrace a degree of Indian philosophy. We also look to Chinese Chan philosophy aiming to shatter illusion and the development and cultivation of oneself.

This then is our philosophy:

Jing Qi Shen:
Resresenting the core principles and philosophy of our White Crane (“Baihe Jingqishen Quantao”), Jing is defined as Essence and Energy, Qi can be defined as Energy, breath or air. It's akin to the notion that energy and respiration are connected, that energy and spirit resides in each breath. Shen can mean spirit but also means mind and expression. It is essential that all White Crane Research Institute members embody and understand this philosophy as they represent the key to the heart of our art and to mastery of not only the art but the self.

You (Nimen):
Following on from the philosophy and meaning of Jing, Qi and Shen is the most important aspect of philosophy within the White Crane Research Institute ... You!!! “Baihe Jingqishen Quantao” is something you practice and do for one person - yourself! It is you and only you who can actually benefit directly from your training. Doing it for yourself is not selfish but is the path to exploring the art within that of your own personality and understanding. It is essentially making the art your own which is the aim and philosophy of all good Chinese martial arts.

Chan:
Chan is the form of Chinese philosophy. Chan is itself derived from the Sanskrit Dhyana, which means "meditation". Contained within Chan is the philosophy of subconscious understanding … This it is the same within “Baihe Jingqishen Quantao”. Indeed, the “forms” (Xing / Taolu) one learns within “Baihe Jingqishen Quantao” are, effectively the physical embodiment of this aspect of Chan philosophy. This is something we refer to as "flashes" within our training, those special times when you simply "know" that what you are doing is right, when everything just comes together! This is also a philosophy of the renowned Carl Jung which he called "Collective unconscious". The collective unconscious is also known as "a reservoir of the experiences of our species." Jung emphasized the importance of balance and harmony. He cautioned that modern people rely too heavily on science and logic and would benefit from integrating spirituality and appreciation of unconscious realms.

Karma and Compassion:
“Baihe Jingqishen Quantao” is at its heart a compassionate form of martial arts. One that believes in ‘karma’ and therefore “cause and effect’. The physical skills one learns within “Baihe Jingqishen Quantao” should only be used against another individual as a very last resort. Our techniques involve the minimization of violence and are only raised to the use of Knockouts and beyond given life-protection situations.

Wenwushuangdao:
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts always acknowledge the concept of the Warrior Scholar Way often refered to more simply as “Wenwu”. “Wenwushuangdao” literally means “Literature (Wen) Martial (Wu) Together (Shuang) The Way (Dao). Many highly-acclaimed martial arts Masters were said to be men of “Wenwu”. This meant that they balanced their studies (reading, writing, and physical martial arts practice) they would thus attain the highest degree of both skill and understanding. This is the key to understanding within “Baihe Jingqishen Quantao”.

Wude:
Ultimately the success of a student is not determined by his or her external abilities, (strength, speed, flexibility, etc.,) but rather by the students morality and character. This is known as Wude.

Wude includes two aspects:

Morality of Deed

Morality of Mind

Morality of Deed includes five elements: Humility, Respect, Righteousness, Trust and Loyalty.

Morality of Mind also consists of five elements: Will, Endurance, Perseverance, Patience and Courage.

Traditionally, only those students who had cultivated these standards of morality or Wude, were considered to be “worthy” of being taught White Crane.

Morality of deed is most important to the teacher as it concerns the student’s relationship with the Master, their fellow students, other martial artists and the general public. Students who are not moral in their actions are not worthy of being taught since they cannot be trusted nor respected. Furthermore, without morality of deed they may abuse the art and use their fighting ability to harm innocent people. Therefore Masters will watch their students carefully for a long time until they are sure that the student meets their standards of morality of deed before allowing them to start any serious training.

Morality of mind is for self-cultivation, which is required for reaching the final goal. The Chinese consider that we have two minds - an emotional mind and a wisdom mind. Usually when a person fails in anything it is because the emotional mind has dominated his or her thinking. The five elements, within the morality of mind, are the keys to training and they lead the student to the stage where the wisdom mind can dominate. This self-cultivation of the mind is the spiritual goal of White Crane.

This is but a small overview of the philosophy within the White Crane Research Institute.

Martial Arts Conformity

Some people go their entire lives locked in to some type of martial arts worship, totally losing themselves in the process. But you see this will never be for me as I like to step outside the conventional and go places others fear to tread.

You see, in life most move through our lives in a state of waking sleep, a state of psychological, cultural and yes even spiritual hypnosis. Instead of experiencing life and ourselves consciously from moment to moment as living breathing human beings we are conditioned by society to follow like sheep.

Instead of asking and reflecting on the hard, deep and truly meaningful questions about our lives, about who we truly are and where we are going, most look for answers to questions that just don't matter. Most people experience life based on external considerations fashioned on the conditions and social ties of out upbringing, education and social culture. We become what other people expect us to be rather than what we truly want to be.

Every person is born into a crowd that is already conditioned by society. The parents are conditioned, the teachers are conditioned, the whole community is desensitized and conditioned. Awareness is all too often sacrificed to conformity.

Existence becomes a trap, a cog in the wheel of the great machine that is modern society. It is to be observed that there are more than one way of looking to the world. One is to read the morning paper and nightly news (or the conventional path of martial arts) and believe everything we are conditioned to believe never truly asking questions for ourselves. We remain conditioned like sheep by those in "positions of authority". Or we can begin to question the mass hypnosis and awaken to the new perspectives and possibilities of our own making. This is the same within life as it is within the martial arts. I know which path I choose to walk .... Do you?

I have two banners in my Wushu Guan which I look at daily:

The first one says:

"Tranquility. The peace that comes when energies are in balance, relationships in harmony".

The second one says:

"Become loyal to your innermost truth. Follow the way when all others abandon it. Walk the path of your own heart".

These are qualities I try to internalise in my students.

“Don’t surrender your individuality, which is your greatest agent of power, to the customs and conventionalities that have got their life from the great mass ... Do you want to be a power in the world? Then be yourself”
~ Ralph Waldo Trine, 1886-1958 American Poet & Writer ~

Rely to Comment ...

Julen said about the "White Crane Principles" post...

"Really, great article. I am a Lee Kong Yong Chun Bai He Quan student."

Thank you. I try my best to impart real and usable information. Please feel free to contact me directly at: baihe@bigpond.com

Tales of "Empty Chi"

It takes a great deal to get me "steamed up" but I recently read of a post by a so-called well known Crane follower who is more of an commercial entity than a practitioner who as per usual had a great deal to say about the subject of internal martial arts training and the well known Taiji/White Crane Exponent Huang Shen Shyan/Huang Xin Xien.

This guy went on to write that Master Huang was a great Taiji stylist but not very well known nor regarded for his White Crane!!! This Dollar-Bill Crane went on to state that he had once crossed hands with Master Huang a and was pushed up against a wall but this was largely due only to his own "superior fighting skills". Oh he of little ego! He then goes one to state the he never studied White Crane or Tai Chi with Master Huang but still has the audacity to run him and his skill down.

To quote this guy from his own blog:

"Hey, if you want to say something, say it in the open, veils are for the ladies and sissies."

Well big guy, how about it!

What it must be like to live in his world of self superiority, ego and commercially vested interests. This same guy once dissed Great Master Ruan Dong as being only a "Wushu" stylist but then went on to produce a DVD using footage of Great Master Ruan Dong performing his Crane Boxing for which I am sure he did not give of the proceeds of the sale of this DVD to those esteemed masters who gave of their time to perform their arts for same!

This guy is a well known seller of of all things Chinese Martial Arts related. He most likely reproduces copyright material of others on his blog site never giving credit to the real authors and will sell such material as being his own.

He is fast becoming known of a man of "Empty Chi", a "Dollar $ifu" who would sell his own mother if it would bring him a profit! For one so "well" versed in things Crane, he sure has a lot to learn about the control of one's own ego and is missing one essential ingredient of the martial arts .... that of modesty.