Over the last few months I have been very busy working on an all new Web Site for the White Crane Research Institute Inc. Finally our new Web Site has been officially launched and is “On the Air!” The old web address will be used to launch a "World Alliance of Chinese Kung Fu/China Combat Sports Association Australian Branch" Web Site in the near future. Please take the time to look over the pages within the new web Site and yes you can even sign our Guestbook!
You can visit the All new, Official WCRI Web Site by the link below:
http://www.whitecranegongfu.com
New Email Address:
We also have a New Email Address! You should use this address when contacting us here at the Headquarters. The new Email is:
baihe@whitecranegongfu.com
Our other email addresses still work. They are: baihe@whitecranefist.com & baihe@bigpond.com
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
"The Martial Way" June 2011
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!
_____
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.
_____
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.
_____
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.
_____
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.
_____
“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
_____
“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.
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!
_____
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.
_____
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.
_____
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.
_____
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.
_____
“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
_____
“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.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, January 21, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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.
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.
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