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.

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.