On a recent trip to Thailand I attended a Muay Thai tournament featuring professional fighters. Of the ten bouts nine ended in a knock out and every knock out was a result of a single elbow strike. Even though Muay Thai also features punches kicks and knees the elbow was the go to strike for a devastating win.

As part of Sifu Steven Orloff’s final grading he indicated that he would conduct a workshop based on close range fighting techniques featuring elbows and knees. So this would be a great chance to practice some of the techniques similar to those I had seen in Thailand but in Golden Lion style.

This 3 hour workshop was delivered on Saturday 28th March 2015 at the Rowville centre by Sifu Steven Orloff assisted by Si Jie Jo Baful with 23 students attending.

After a quick warm up, Sifu Steven Orloff reminded us of the need for safety when using elbows and knees. Sifu Steven also mentioned during the workshop that we should always keep a safe distance from our partner to ensure no contact would be made.

Sifu Steven pointed out that an elbow strike is essentially the same as a punch only using the elbow rather than a fist and at close range. For example an uplifting elbow is the same as an

uppercut and a forward elbow strike is the same as a hook punch.

We drilled the main elbow strikes individually and then combined them into an elbow striking pattern. The elbow drill was similar in nature to the blocking drill of outside, lower, inside and upper blocks, and was formed by an upward, backward, vertical inside and vertical side elbows. These elbow strikes were familiar as we had all practiced them in the bare hands forms as the bow at the start and end of the forms.

We then drilled the elbow strikes with the focus mitts to get a feel for just how close we needed to be to deliver an effective elbow strike. We then moved on to the application of the elbow strikes with a partner as well as using the elbows as blocks. The applications included defence against a straight punch and a hook punch countering with elbow strikes at close range. We learnt that the elbow could be delivered many times very quickly and effectively. We also used the shield bags to include knee strikes and combined with the elbow strikes. The type of knee strike used was close contact so the strike was very quick and very difficult to see or defend by an opponent.

By the end of the workshop everyone had been careful to heed Sifu Steven advice on being

This is a class is focussed towards Applications and Self Defense. Taught on Thursday nights 7.00pm at our Murrumbeena centre, it is open to all current kung fu students and experience levels.

The main focus of this class is to enhance the practical skills and combat aspects of your training. The class is centred around unique Golden Lion combat philosophies and strategies, these also include pressure point applications, devils hands chin na, centreline, ghost hands and more.

If you are interested in this class talk to your Sifu for more information or come along on Thursday night and observe a class.

Close Range Self Defence Techniques

cautious and no contacts with elbows or knees had been made. The workshop had been very effective in delivering an understanding and practice of close range techniques for self-defence using elbows and knees and provided some confidence in dealing with potential conflicts in confined spaces such as crowded public transport, clubs or places where an opponent is very close.

David MallonMurrumbeena Student

Newsletter design and artwork byRichard Howell www.tmlc.com.au

GOLDEN LION ACADEMY

NEWSLETTER

Winter 2015

TAI CHI • KUNG FUDIM MAK • ACUPUNCTURE

HERBAL MEDICINE

www.goldenlion.com.au

Specialised Applications & Self Defence Class

Berwick Centre29 Intrepid Street, Berwick 3806

Rowville Centre2 Laser Drive, Rowville 3178

Murrumbeena Centre98B Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena 3163.

Central phone: 9796 1066

GOLDEN LION ACADEMY NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 2

Singapore to China

On 26th March five very excited ladies left Hervey Bay en route to Singapore Airport where we joined the Golden Lion group before travelling on to Guangzhou, our first destination in China.

The beginning of an amazing journey throughout this incredible country began. Throughout this newsletter you will read the word amazing many times. My friend Jenny said one day, when we were once more enthralled by the beauty and cultural excellence of yet another wonderful spiritual experience in China, ‘I must find another word besides amazing, to describe this place.’ My reply, ‘well if you do let me know,’. Because in truth China IS amazing. Full of history and culture beyond my imagination.

Our tour to China under the amazing care of Master Charles, Master Tang and Master Diane, saw us safely under their caring wings. The organisation of our daily bus trips, our fabulous meals and accommodation was everything we could have wished for and more, and every day was a pleasure to be included in what was an incredible journey.

Thanks to the Golden Lion Tai Chi group and partners who made us feel welcome from the outset. The camaraderie during our journey across China and in Singapore was so much fun.

The laughter on board the bus each day was an indication of the sharing of a unique spirit among new friends. The way of Dao is everywhere. My personal thanks to my (Roomy) Chrissie. Your Bengal spice tea was delicious, and I now have some. As a first time traveller overseas it was great to have you by my side. Many thanks from us all in Hervey Bay for showing us the way in Tai Chi every morning.

Our first night in Guangzhou after checking in to hotel Mandarin, was a pleasant dinner and cruise on the Pearl River. What an amazing venture. Our

first sightseeing experience. Guangzhou lights up at night and shows you her incredibly colourful shoreline on this big river. A perfect way to spend the evening after a very long day of travelling. From that moment onward, our tour became more magical each day.

When anyone asks me what was the highlight I find it very difficult to choose just one . I believe I can speak for all in our group and say THE WHOLE TRIP WAS AMAZING. I think about all the places we went to and the company, the cultural history and the beautiful people in China and I am in awe.

I have been home just over two weeks now and I still can’t believe we were actually in that great country where history and Art and Sculpture is ancient. Was I really there doing Tai Chi with everyone on the Great Wall of China where it all began thousands of years ago?

How do you describe Xian and the Terracotta Warriors? Buried for 2,200 years in their ancient tomb born of the Qin dynasty. Baoma Gardens. Golden Budha 41 metres high standing in grandeur overlooking the South China Sea. Muslim Street, and it’s atmosphere, selling everything from clothes to sweets, silk scarves and jewellery, (all well bartered for of course.) Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grotto. Too many to put into words but amazing history in each one.

What a privilege to have spent 17 days with everyone on this tour. There is not one of us who would not join Golden Lion Tours again. May the spirit of chi stay with you.

Bonnie LindsayHervey Bay Tai Chi group

GOLDEN LION ACADEMY NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 3

Results from the recent 2015 Australian Kung Fu Wushu Championships in Sydney:

Kung FuJason Keane – 2 Gold MedalsNanquan – Gold Medal. Pudao – Gold Medal

Rosemary Hemans – 2 Gold MedalsNanquan – Gold Medal. Nandao – Gold Medal

Tai ChiJessica Rice – 2 Gold MedalsNew Yang Competition Bare Hand – Gold Medal24 Sword – Gold Medal

Lincoln Rigby – 2 Gold MedalsNew Yang Competition Bare Hand – Gold MedalSabre Form – Gold Medal

Michelle Ruskin – 2 Silver MedalsNew Yang Competition Bare Hand – Silver Medal 42 Sword Form – Silver Medal

Melanie Smith – 1 Gold and 1 Silver Medal42 Bare Hand – Gold Medal32 Sword Form – Silver Medal

Tai Chi Team Events – 1st Place (Gold medal each) New Yang Competition Bare Hand Form

Sifu Darlene Beauchamp, Si Jie Liz Simpson, Jessica Rice, Lincoln Rigby, Michelle Ruskin and Melanie Smith.

Chin Na – The art of seizingGolden Lion brings home the medals

On Saturday the 30th of May, The Chin Na Workshop was conducted by Sifu Michael Pringle and Si Jie Josephine Baful at the Rowville Centre. Approximately thirty students were in attendance.

For me, the most insightful component of the entire workshop occurred right at the very start. This was Sifu Michael’s expressive introduction and categorisation of Chin Na essence. Although the workshop was mostly comprised of a lot of physical practice of techniques, body movement and applications, it was the introduction that personally set me up for a fantastic afternoon of learning. Therefore, I thought that it would be fitting to emphasise more about that here.

Sifu’s introduction was comprised of a greater overview of Kung Fu practice, and he was able to realistically institute the significance of “options” that should be available to a skilled martial artist. This led to relating how Chin Na, as an origin element of Kung Fu, is still today a vital “ingredient” for a Martial Artist’s options. Sifu detailed how the “control” or “neutralisation” of an opponent in conflict situations will sometimes be more appropriate then a direct assault. This is where the workshop’s Art of Seizing and Locking was substantiated. When pressure points are applied with Chin Na, it is referred to as “Devil Hands”. This is regularly taught at Golden Lion.

I found that there is a lot to consider and apply when attempting to physically neutralise an opponent. Both Yin and Yang techniques need to be employed, and mostly together. This was the difficult part of the workshop for me to absorb. I found that even though Sifu was very explicit about describing how to both resist and yield to an opponent to gain the advantage, I found that I was focusing on either one a lot more than the other. Correctly yielding to an opponent, especially when they are attempting to muscle you around, feels like an unnatural reflex. I was consciously aware of

the instruction to be sensitive and calm enough to apply Chin Na by using my opponent’s momentum against them effectively, but being sensitive to aggression, especially in close proximities, is much easier said than done. A lot of “unlearning” natural behaviour and then building confidence is required.

Researching Sifu’s suggestion of “Wu Wei”, I have found that this concept goes a long way to clarify the essence of what he was attempting to impart on us. Wu Wei’s literal meaning is that of “non-action” or “non-doing”. Neutrality is achieved by effortlessness against effort. Being able to be sensitive to an opponent requires their effort to be neutralised by your effortlessness. Yin and Yang

are neutral in Chin Na when both strong and soft, or perhaps resist and yield, are in harmony.

Wu Wei concept applied to Kung Fu, results in Chin Na. This made it clearer to me why Sifu was so inspiring with his philosophy of Chin Na in this workshop and how fundamental it is for martial artists to have more “options”.

David Della GattaMurrumbeena Kung Fu

GOLDEN LION ACADEMY NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 4

The Basic Elements of Tai Chi workshop was held on Sunday 26th April at the Rowville centre with 25 enthusiastic participants braving the bleak weather conditions on a chilly Sunday morning. Warragul and surrounds was well represented (yay for the Gippslanders!!) with several of us car-pooling and enjoying a chat along the way.

The weather conditions were quickly forgotten as we indulged in Chinese Tea, doughnuts and scones before hitting the mat.

This is my first year of Tai Chi and I participate in the beginner’s class at Warragul with Sifu Chris and Brad Jarvis every Monday evening learning the Beijing 24. Capably led by Si Gung Charles and five wonderful instructors the 3 hour session was a fabulous way for newbies like me to learn the intricacies of each movement or for those more experienced participants to recap on the basics.

I found this session so beneficial for understanding the precise positioning of the body when

performing the elements within the forms. For example, forward stance and empty stance and ensuring the weight distribution is correct. Then there was Fair Lady’s Hand. I loved learning about that and feel my hand positioning is now much better in class as a result. I mean Tai Chi is so elegant you could almost think you were swishing around the dance floor in the 1800’s with your Fair Lady’s Hand on your partners shoulder.

I can also proudly announce that I am now using my right hand to form the fist and touching my thumbs to perform the ‘bow’. I’m not quite sure what I was doing with my hands previously, but I was very excited when I learnt the specifics of that movement and had my first, of many, ‘ahaaaaa’ moments of the day.

I think by far the highlight of the day for me was the One Leg Stance practice and the little tip Si Gung Charles taught us, to keep the static leg off lock, foot and waist turned to 45 degrees. It’s

amazing the extra stability you gain from that, and then keeping the head looking straight ahead as you change from leg to leg. Si Gung Charles’ excited praise for us was very encouraging.

I confess to inwardly scoffing when being told we were going to do things such as the 180 degree turn sequence, or walk backwards, but we all pulled it off quite well. There was a little fun with the crouch stance, as although we were given a ‘get out of jail free card’ with the option of the high version sequence, a few brave participants had a go at the low version and did very well. I could feel my ligaments tearing just watching them, but I’m sure down the track I’ll give that a go as well. Maybe once I master the Beijing 24!

All in all I found it a fabulous day. I learnt so much and I believe it has really helped my class practice. Many pieces of the puzzle fell together on the day and I will certainly do the session regularly if it is offered as it just helps to keep the basics ‘top of

mind’. The workbook is also a great resource and training guide and I’m going to try to implement a special monthly practice session at home where I revisit all of the basic elements… well, most of them.

But, don’t believe just me! Here’s some more feedback from the day:

Helen Dunlop (Warragul) – Great to learn the correct techniques of each movement, foot work etc and put it into practice.

Kelly Burnett (Warragul) – Learning and understanding more of the detail and meaning of Tai Chi.

Margo McLeod (Warragul) – Great to revisit the basics.

Tissa & Neetha Kulatunge (Berwick) – Very beneficial. Learnt a lot, enjoyed every minute of it, thank you very much.

John Budd (Berwick) – Very interesting, informative and enjoyable, as these movements are so basic to Tai Chi.

Mary Fox (Berwick) – Fantastic, loved it. As a beginner I found the seminar/training invaluable, not to mention really enjoyable.

Margaret Coupe (Trafalgar) – A very uplifting experience. A great one to have experienced as a raw beginner.

Raine Eden (Berwick) – I found the workshop immensely enjoyable, with clear, concise instructions that helped everything fall into place for me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Tanya Heaney-VoogtWarragul Tai Chi

The Basic Elements of Tai Chi workshop

GOLDEN LION ACADEMY NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 5

This newly released workbook will provide all students with a understanding of basic Tai Chi techniques. They will find it invaluable in helping with Tai Chi practice while improving their skill level and understanding of how to perform those techniques correctly.

Although it is mainly intended as a reference guide for students who are at the early stages of learning, the basic elements described and illustrated feature in every routine taught by the Academy, so that no matter how far your training may advance, they will always remain vital and important.

What you will find in this new workbook:

Tai Chi – what exactly is it? • Correct hand and arm shapes • Correct punching and common errors to avoid • The Opening Stance – stepping out • The Opening Stance – raise and lower hands • How to “hold the ball” • The right way

New workbook: The Basic Elements of Tai Chito do a Forward Stance • Half stepping • The Empty Stance – heel and toe versions • One Leg Stance – correct leg raising • How to correctly perform a 180° turn sequence • Forward walking – the “Tai Chi Walk”• Backwards walking – “Repulsing the Monkey” footwork

• Empty Stance walking sequence • One Leg Stance – walking sequence • The correct way to perform a Crouch Stance (Snake Creeps Down).

Plus:

Dan Tians and pressure points • Yang Cheng Fu’s 10 Principles of Tai Chi – what they are and how to use them when practicing Tai Chi.

To obtain your copy of The Basic Elements of Tai Chi workbook contact Si Gung Charles or ask your instructor. The workbook is priced at $30.00

Children’s classes school holiday timetableKung Fu (6–12 years old) 2015 term 2

Berwick centre Last class Class resumes

Monday 5.00 pm class Monday 22 June 2015 Monday 13 July 2015

Monday 5.15 pm class Monday 22 June 2015 Monday 13 July 2015

Wednesday 4.30 pm class Wednesday 24 June 2015 Wednesday 15 July 2015

Saturday 8.45 am class Saturday 27 June 2015 Saturday 18 July 2015

Murrumbeena centre Last class Class resumes

Wednesday 5.30 pm class Wednesday 24 June 2015 Wednesday 15 July 2015

Saturday 9.00 am class Saturday 27 June 2015 Saturday 18 July 2015

Rowville centre Last class Class resumes

Tuesday 5.30 pm class Tuesday 23 July 2015 Tuesday 14 July 2015

Saturday 9.00 am class Saturday 27 June 2015 Saturday 18 July 2015

Get rid of Pain & Prevent illnessAcupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are a drug-free holistic approach to medicine, treating mind, body and emotions to enhance your own natural and powerful healing processes.

The Dai Sifu, Pier Tsui-Po has obtained good results with stubborn and difficult-to-treat conditions. He creates a personalised therapy for you, treating the underlying causes of illness as well as the symptoms while assisting you with pain relief, illness prevention and the maintenance of well being.

Clinic located at:Berwick Specialist Suites,1st Floor, 50 Kangan Drive, Berwick.

Phone9796 2388

Golden Lion’s Acupuncture

& Chinese Medicine

Clinic

To Marion Chamberlain, congratulations on completing a Level 3 Tai Chi grading.

Congratulations!

Sifu Di Logan and Marion Chamberlain

GOLDEN LION ACADEMY NEWSLETTER WINTER 2015 6

In this seminar, Sifu Arlene will help you explore the processes of “Internal Lengthening,” looking at techniques which soften the tissues of the body to create

easier and more effective movements and targeting areas such as the chest, Qua, knees and ankles. We will connect this process back to some of the basic tai chi movements, so

that the body feels light and buoyant, while at the same time grounded and strong.

We will take closer look at “Opening & Closing” of the joints as we bend and stretch in rhythm in our forms, and this will show us how we can compress and release them,

leaving muscles relaxed and loose.

Sifu Arlene will include a look at Tai Chi for self massage, using a simple movement of the Yang 24, to connect to internal organs, through our intention. This will be followed by how we can nourish Qi in the body, through a short meditation, relating this to the feeling in our Tai Chi, when we are focused in the right way, by “being in the moment.”

Finally to finish the session we will look at some of the moves from “The Eight Brocades Qigong”, a famous traditional set of “internal energy” exercises. These techniques will help the flow of Qi through a relaxed body and a quiet mind and not only improve our

Tai Chi but allow us to use this knowledge in our daily life.

**Suitable for all levels of experience from beginners to advanced.**

Yes, I would like to attend Sifu Arlene’s Relaxing Body & Mind Workshop on Sunday 28th June, 9.30am to 12.30pm

$110.00 (Early bird special!! Pay by 20th June and pay only $90.00)

Name: .................................................................................................... Centre you Train at ....................................

Phone (H) ...................................................................... (M) ......................................................................................

Payment $ .................................. Date Paid ........................................ Collected by ................................................

June 28th 2015 – by Sifu Arlene

Relaxing body & mind workshop