The Passing of a True Martial Artist & Gentleman, Erle Montaigue

My friend, Taiji teacher and advisor Erle Montaigue has sadly passed away on Wednesday January 26th 2011.

Erle was a wonderful man in every sense of the word. He brought Taiji kicking and screaming into a new light with his emphasis on the life protection aspects of his art. Whilst he was viewed by many as a controversial figure, I have never doubted his ability as a martial artist, teacher and good friend.

Aside from the many times that he made me feel humble about my own martial skills and it was he who introduced me some many years ago (1988) to the concept of Dim-Mak. I remember sitting in his house in Leura having a cup of tea and his completely welcoming attitude towards the student I had bought with me on that day to meet him. I am a member of his World Taiji Boxing Association and will miss his advice and unique up-front attitude greatly.



His death is a sad loss for the whole martial arts community as he was one of the truly greats. I will miss him.

Workshop

The school also recently held a Chinese Martial Arts Weapons Workshop in which students from Wellington Dubbo and visiting Black Belts from the Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts system from Dubbo, Orange and Lithgow were in attendance. They were put through their paces learning the First Pole form and being graded to Level One in Chinese Weapons. Everyone had a great time and are looking forward to future workshops.



Big news is coming for the local school with major achievements on an international scale to be announced. A special 40th Years Celebration is also planned.

Seeking the New

In an effort to constantly improve themselves and the level of instruction they give to others, Ron Goninan and Mauirce Cenzato recently achieved their Certificate II in Sports Coaching (Martial Arts) with HBA Consulting, accredited by the State Training Authority (Training and Employment Recognition Council) and authorised to deliver Nationally Recognised Qualifications in all states and territories of Australia. Both Ron and Maurice are Australian Government Recognised and Internationally Accredited Martial Arts Instructors with the Peak Body the Martial Arts Industry Association. They are now preparing to study for their Certificate III.

Taking the First Step of a Thousand Miles

Following the Chinese saying of “A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step” five senior students of the White Crane Research Institute’s White Crane Gongfu (Kung Fu) classes have taken an important “first step” on their individual pathway to learning.




Photo 1: Newly Awarded Black Sashes Les Hayes, Thomas Ohara, Chief Instructor Ron Goninan, Maurice Cenzato, Joshua Lowe and Ian Cochrane.

In all, five senior students of the school were graded for their knowledge and expertise in various aspects of White Crane Gongfu including techniques, forms, applications and life protection methods.

Les Hayes was awarded a Black sash for his knowledge and application of Chinese Grappling and Throwing Arts and will now head up the schools studies in this area.

Thomas Ohara was graded to his first Black Sash in White Crane Gongfu.

Joshua Lowe and Ian Cochrane were equally successful in grading to the 2nd Black Sash Level in White Crane taking their learning and applications to new levels of understanding.

Assistant Instructor Maurice Cenzato had made impressive strides forward to be awarded the highest level in White Crane Gongfu studies, the Gold Sash.

From the schools perspective a good Black Sash or Black Belt should be a mark of not only their physical attributes but also good character and standing within the local community. “A Black Sash or Black Belt is not the be all and end all. It is the beginning. The person makes the rank. I have known many Black Belts who are obnoxious, rude and ego driven who don’t deserve the belt or the respect they think they deserve. Many instructors don’t embody the true heart of the martial arts and personal development. These people usually lead broken and shallow lives and tend to attract those who lack values. A true Black Sash or Belt should be someone who contributes to the community and themselves in a positive way” said Chief Instructor Ron Goninan.

Traditional Chinese Martial Arts are based on a Family Hierarchal system and it is on this level that ranks or “positions” are awarded. Students of White Crane are graded throughout their training and not on a special day. “I prefer to watch, to ‘feel’ my student’s progression during the course of their training rather then run a Grading Day in which they turn up, give a ‘performance’ to pass their grading and then possibly slacken off afterwards. In awarding my students a grade as part of their normal training and class attendance I find that they give me their best efforts and a constant level rather than on any one given day” said Goninan. “The diplomas are cool and all that but I feel the real achievements are the nights in training where the students have dug deep and gone further. It’s the moments when no one is watching and the only person that knows what you have accomplished is you ... the pride that comes from that is inspiring. We can fool others but not ourselves” Ron went on to say.