This is a reproduction of my 2nd Newspaper Monthly Column:
Putting Wellington on the map! Most people think that I only have the one school in Wellington. Our Vice-President is based in Singapore and the White Crane Research Institute Inc (WCRI) has schools in Wellington, Port Macquarie, Faulconbridge and Broken Hill. In addition to this we have member schools in America, the United Kingdom, Mexico, France, Sweden and Montenegro. We are truly International in our promotion of White Crane Gongfu!
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I’ve often been asked “With all your skill, why are you in Wellington?” The answer is simple, because I choose to be. This is where my family is, my community and I follow the old way of teaching the Martial Arts. That is not for money or fame but to pass on the lessons it has to offer. Martial Arts were never meant to be taught to the masses or on a commercial scale as a business. It’s an art of Life-Protection, self-empowerment and introspection and I teach “Martial Arts”.
I recently celebrated 40 Years of Martial Arts experience with a Workshop and Celebration Night. The workshop focussed on the principles of White Crane Gongfu from Basic to Advanced Techniques onwards to Revival Techniques and Pressure Point Sciences and Applications. The workshop concluded with a session on Knife Defence and Fighting and Short Stick Fighting Methods. The evening’s celebrations went until 3.00am and was attended by my family, friends and close students and all had a great time.
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I received a number of important congratulatory letters from some of the World’s leading Martial Artists. I share just a few of them here:
“This letter is to acknowledge and congratulate you and all your achievements over the past forty years of Martial Arts. There are few people in our sometimes, thankless industry that have reached these levels of commitment. Money can buy Championship Belts and Ranks, but it cannot buy experience especially the level of experience you have achieved in the past forty years. I consider you a valuable asset to Australian Martial Arts and hope you continue to contribute by passing on your priceless knowledge to future generations of Martial Artists”. ~ Paul Grima, Pitbull Kickboxing & Muay Thai Gymnasium.
“On behalf of the Martial Arts Industry Association and myself I wish to extend our sincere congratulations on your forty years in martial arts. The martial arts is a diverse and evolving industry but one thing I know with absolute certainty, it is highly competitive and no one lasts for even one or two years if they can’t deliver. Forty years is of itself a testament to your quality, dedication and relevance”. ~ Walt Missingham, National President, Martial Arts Industry Assoc.
“My sincere congratulations to you on your 40 Years Celebration in Martial Arts. Your efforts and dedication to White Crane Fist are most appreciated and displayed in your mastery of White Crane Boxing. We welcome you into the White Crane community and wish you all the best in the future. You are a Master of the way of Wu He Dao Zhan Pai White Crane Boxing! I wish White Crane Research Institute keeps growing and more people will know about White Crane Fist”. ~ Master Lee Kong Zhangzhou Jie Yuan Tan Jian Pai Yongchun White Crane Boxing
Hong Kong, China
“It was indeed a pleasure to learn that you are holding a special celebration of your 40 years in the Martial Arts. Your refined skills draw upon the martial arts of different schools, both East and West. What has impressed me most is your devotion to the promotion of White Crane Wushu, which boasts a long history and incisive principles. Congratulations once again and all the best wishes for a thriving career in martial arts. You are a true Master!” ~ Master Su YingHan & Su JunYi, Vice-President: YongChun YiYun White Crane Wushu Society, China.
Many other such letters were received from the China Combat Sports Association, The World KuoShu Federation, Traditional Chinese Culture Institute International, respected author and Leading Chinese Martial Arts Historian Brian L. Kennedy, Kevin Blundell Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts System, Graham Slater President International Martial Arts Alliance and Master Simon Lailey of Sanshangong Kungfu to name but a few.
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At the conclusion of the 40th Celebrations, a number of important appointments and Awards were made in recognition of some very special people. Joshua Lowe was awarded a Level One in Tai Chi Dao along with a Level 8 in White Crane Gongfu by the Grandmasters of the China Combat Sports Association and the WCRI and was appointed as the Official Successor to the WCRI and the Wu He Dao Zhan Pai style of White Crane Gongfu. Mark Williams has really came a long way in his training, technical skill and understanding and was awarded a Level 5 Brown Sash. Mark is also working on a Youth Leadership Program within the local community. Very special awards of Honourary Black Sashes in White Crane Gongfu were made to Colin Hill a former Boxing Coach in Wellington for his contribution towards the arts and the Young People in the local Community. Doug Goninan also received a Honourary Black Sash for his work behind the scenes and for his wonderful photographic contributions for the WCRI.
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Rebekah Pool and her company Teepee Paint Horses Phone 68454287 was acknowledged for her wonderful offer of sponsorship of $200.00 so that the school could purchase a life size Hanging Grappling Dummy. We need more students like Rebekah who are so in tune with the spirit of the Martial Arts.
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“I train because I seek the fulfilment an adherence to martial arts traditions such as white crane offers. White Crane training not only allows me to feel more confident in almost ALL aspects of my life including self defense; but also exposes me to the wonderful people who practise the art. I have learnt self-discipline; respect and motivation to make myself a better person through the complete immersion of myself in my art. Training gives to me valuable self defense skills; the respect and appreciation for these skills and also application of these skills and teachings in everyday life .I am honoured to be allowed to train at the White Crane Research Institute” Mark Williams
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“The History of Martial Arts in Wellington Part 1”: From all my researches, Martial Arts in Wellington originally took the form of Boxing as taught by well-known identity Leo Duff who gave most of his life to the sport. He was followed by my good mate Colin Hill who produced many champions and helped a great many young people find direction in their lives. Colin remains one of the most knowledgeable and proficient coaches of the sport around today. Boxing flourished in the town as has been witnessed in the many fine champions it produced on a local level. Boxing classes are now on offer at our local PCYC Phone 6845 2590 for more info. NEXT MONTH: More Wellington Martial Arts History & Happenings.
