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2014 National Kung Fu – Wushu – Tai Chi Championships
On Sunday, May 4th, Melbourne was the host city
for the Australian National Championships, held at
Monash University’s Clayton Campus.
The Lion’s
Roar
GOLDEN LION
ACADEMY
NEWSLETTER
Winter 2014
TAI CHI • KU NG FU
DIM MAK • ACU PU NCTU RE
HE RBAL M E DICINE
www.goldenlion.com.au
Berwick Centre
29 Intrepid Street, Berwick 3806
Rowville Centre
2 Laser Drive, Rowville 3178
Murrumbeena Centre
98B Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena 3163.
Central phone: 9796 1066
Newsletter design and artwork by
Richard Howell www.tmlc.com.au
Competitors drawn from 5 states of Australia
gathered together to represent their State and
Club. Amongst them were 20 students from the
Golden Lion Academy, 13 from kung fu and 7 from
tai chi. We are excited to announce that our tai
chi students won 8 Gold and 4 Silver medals while
our kung fu students won 16 Gold, 5 Silver and 1
Bronze medals. That tells us that, you and I, right
now, belong to the best school in Australia.
By 9am the Sports Centre was abuzz with an
almost palpable energy as competitors from
all disciplines warmed-up with stretching
and routines, in preparation of the day-long
competition.
Yang energy exuded from the Kung Fu/ Wushu
students, their power, strength, speed and agility
drawing the rapt attention of the audience.
Periodically there would be a group intake of
breath at the amazing height of jumps, often
followed by a communal ‘agghhh’ when the
same competitors plummeted to the floor into
eye-watering splits! Jason Keane, Golden Lion
Kung Fu student, certainly had the wow-factor
as he brought a huge and appreciative round of
applause from the audience, together with scores
in the 9’s from the judges, for the speed, accuracy
and intent of his gold medal-winning Pudao and
Barehands routines. We (from the Yin, Tai Chi side)
all agreed we wouldn’t want to meet Jason or any
of the awe-inspiring Golden Lion Kung Fu students
in a dark alley....unless they were on our side!
As everyone knows, Tai Chi practitioners always
exude peace, harmony and inner tranquility....
well...almost always! Butterflies in the dan tian
are just chi in action...right?! Performing calmly
and fluidly, under the close scrutiny of 5 judges,
showing perfect balance, waist-high (or in many
cases, shoulder-high) kicks followed by floorsweeping low sweeps whilst displaying focus and
intent takes an inordinate amount of control and
self-discipline. Without exception, each and every
one of the 7 Golden Lion Tai Chi competitors
performed with utmost grace, amazing strength
and extraordinary flexibility. If there was a little bit
of an internal struggle with the inevitable nerves,
then they certainly didn’t allow it to show. Their
high marks reflected the judges’ opinion that the
Golden Lion students excelled on the day.
Medals are not easily won in either Kung Fu or
Tai Chi. All the competitors from the Golden
Lion Academy have been training regularly for
a minimum of several years, some for a decade
or more. But during the past 3 months as the
competition came closer, they have all increased
their training regime, with daily practice and often
with cross-training included.
For much of the time this has been under the
watchful eye of their Masters and instructors,
intent on helping the students to be the best they
can be, but for the most part, these students
have also been self-driven. High kicks, low
sweeps, flexibility, balance, control, agility, speed,
strength, focus are just a part of what is required
to be a successful martial arts competitor. More
importantly is having a vision, the courage to
recover from adversity, determination to reach
personal goals and the faith in one’s instructors
and oneself.
These students have dedicated themselves to their
self-improvement and the rewards are evident, not
just in the winning of medals or the admiration of
their family, friends and peers, but in their personal
growth, both physical and emotional. And that’s
where the Masters and instructors of your beloved
Golden Lion comes in to help, much more than you
realize, much more than any other club. We are so
lucky here at Golden Lion to have such high caliber
experienced Masters to help you improve.
Sincerest congratulations to each and every one
of the courageous Golden Lion students, whose
results are below, for an outstanding performance
at the 2014 Kung Fu Wushu Tai Chi Australian
Championships.
Special congratulations also go to Lincoln Rigby,
Michelle Ruskin, Jessica Rice and Melanie Smith
who have been selected to represent Australia at
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GOLDE N LION ACADE MY NEWSLETTE R WINTE R 2014
the 1st World Tai Chi Championships in Chengdu,
China in November 2014.
Finally, apart from competing in martial arts
tournaments, there are also other benefits to
regular exercise at Golden Lion. Help your friend
or relative start up a healthy lifestyle. Give them
a membership as a gift to get
them started now. Mother’s
Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays,
or as a Special Thank You, they
are all a good time to help your
friend get started.
Si jie Liz Simpson
Kung Fu/Wushu results
16 Gold, 5 Silver, 1 Bronze
Lachlan Lampard Barehands – Gold; Long
Weapons – Gold • Christian O’Sullivan
Barehands – Gold; Long Weapons – Gold •
Sean Chen Barehands – Silver • Andrew
May Barehands – Gold; Long Weapons – Gold
• Jason Keane Barehands – Gold; Long
Weapons – Gold • Jake Lacey Barehands –
Silver; Long Weapons – Bronze • Rosemary
Hermans Barehands – Gold; Nan Dao – Gold
• Cloee Le Grand Barehands – Silver; Long
Weapons – Gold • Keith Hills Barehands
– Gold; Long Weapons – Gold • Jordan
Comerford Short Weapons – Gold. • Adam
Swanwick Short Weapons – Silver • Natasha
Chen Long Weapons – Gold • Nam Nguyen
Nan Quan; Gold; GunShu – Gold
Tai Chi Results 8 Gold, 4 Silver
Ruth de Jaeger 24 Barehands – Gold •
Jessica Rice Yang 40 -Gold; 32 Sword – Gold
• Michelle Ruskin 42 Barehands – Gold; 42
Sword – Gold • Melanie Smith 42 Barehands
– Silver; 42 Sword – Silver • Lincoln Rigby 42
Barehands – Gold; 42 Sword – Gold • Bradley
Jarvis 42 Barehands – Silver; 42 Sword – Silver
• Colin Chudleigh 24 Barehands – Gold
Dim Mak Kung Fu Power in Yin & Yang
Yin and yang are fundamentally opposing forces,
where each balances the other out, and where
neither is able to exist without the other. The black
and white circle is the representation of Yin and
Yang that people are most familiar with, with the
black Yin mirroring the white Yang. A constant
state of change is demonstrated through the
curved line down the middle, where Yin seems
to chase Yang, and vice versa. The smaller circles
show that both Yin and Yang exist within each
other.
The flow of chi (energy) is the product and catalyst
of Yin and Yang. Chi “fuels the creation and causes
all to come into existence”, and “is generated in
the eternal interplay of these two natural forces
(see Dai Sifu’s book The Two Dragons of Dim Mak).
In general, Yin represents the “passive” state, and
Yang represents the “active” state. In kung fu, this
can be applied to our training through our state of
mind, composure, Fort Knox (fighting stance with a
solid guard), and silence (examples of Yin), as well
as our breathing, pouncing, and explosive power
(examples of Yang).
Yin and Yang in dim mak kung fu
technique
Take, for example, one preparing to deliver a
technique to an opponent. The thought process
(mental state), silence, composure, relaxation of
the body and inhalation before a strike, are all
part of the Yin side of fighting. This paves the
way for the transition into Yang, forces of the
opposite nature. The explosive force of Yang can
be demonstrated through the Ghost Hands
pounce technique, accompanied by exhalation
of breath (a noise or shout). Essentially, Yin can be
thought of as internal spirit, and Yang as physical
manifestation of spirit.
Chasing the Yang
Often, the focus tends to be placed on the
Yang – that is, the “outcome”, rather than the
“preparation” (Yin). Because of the energetic
nature of Yang, it is easy to get caught up in
wanting to deliver “power”, and obtaining a
result. However, without taking the time to invest
in mental preparedness, calmed breathing, and
composure, there will be lack of power. Investing
in Yin will result in better accuracy, and focus of
energy, where it is required; for instance, focusing
chi to your hand for a palm strike. However, this
is not to say that Yang is unimportant, or to be
disregarded; ultimately, the amount you put into
Yin will be the amount you get out of Yang.
Fort Knox as Key Yin Element in Dim
Mak Kung Fu
An example of how Yin’s significance is
demonstrated through the “Fort Knox”. The
Golden Lion Instructors will often refer to the Fort
Knox – a fortified, impenetrable guard, essentially
composed of an angled fighting stance, completely
protecting one from their opponent, but also
allowing both offensive and defensive strikes to be
executed.
The Fort Knox relates to the Yin component; it is
the “ready position” of Golden Lion dim mak
kung fu. Taking the time to assess your situation
(Yin) allows you to make adjustments to give you
the greatest advantages in relation to distance
(how best to close the gap between you and your
opponent), and the timing of strikes and blocks,
which will help produce speed, and power (Yang).
However, while having a strong and solid guard
is important, it does not necessarily mean having
a rigid and inflexible guard; for example, keeping
your guard relaxed until the point of impact with
the target. As it incorporates many important
points in regards to preparation, the Fort Knox is a
key Yin element.
Use Yin and Yang to increase Power
In summary, Yin and Yang are opposite forces, and
by identifying and understanding how different
aspects of our training correspond to each, we
can continue to improve our skills and appreciate
how the different components of our learning
intertwine and work in harmony with each other.
Subsequently, our internal and external
power would increase exponentially if we
are able to use these two powerful energies
correctly.
Essentially, we hope this article provides you with
knowledge that you can reflect upon the next time
you train. To leave you with some words from Dai
Sifu’s book, The Two Dragons of Dim Mak: “They
[Yin and Yang] define a bi-polar relationship that
exists between all things and all living systems,
including humans… neither Yin nor Yang can
ever truly dominate the opposite force, for at the
very moment that one reaches the highest point
of its power it
transforms into
the other.”
Laura Tan and
Bianca Mohan
Dim Mak Kung Fu,
Murrumbeena
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GOLDE N LION ACADE MY NEWSLETTE R WINTE R 2014
The best defence
Have you seen the Karate Kid movie? The Karate
Kid asked Mr Miyagi “What is the best defence?”
Mr Miyagi answered “Best defence is not be there”.
In March this year Sifu Di Logan ran an extremely
informative work shop on the Yin in the Yang of
Tai Chi. Since this workshop Mr Miyagi’s response
has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Before
I became a student of Tai Chi my interpretation of
his advice was that it meant to stay home or run
very fast in the opposite direction.
Since I started Tai Chi and even more so since this
workshop the expression “Best defence is not be
there” has taken on a whole new meaning.
It’s not about force, or blocking an attack. It’s
about focusing on the best way to avoid or deflect
it. Simply put, don’t be there to receive the blow.
The best defence is to stay focused on deflecting or
yielding to an attack. By not resisting we can invest
in loss. There is no need to attempt to directly
oppose the force of the attacker. After yielding,
a counter attack can be applied by using the
attacker’s force. We give away ground and use the
attacker’s momentum to our advantage. This soft
approach is in line with the characteristics of Yin.
From the workshop I realized that it is also about
how we move. We can “not be there” by a simple
and well timed turn of the waist or a step in the
right direction.
I was fortunate enough to be paired up with my
grading applications partner, Ruby, and we were
able to take every advantage of the workshop and
apply the lessons learnt to the applications we are
currently learning. We also had the opportunity to
create our own series of applications applying the
principles taught in the workshop. This was a huge
benefit to both of us.
However, it wasn’t necessary to be a grading
student to benefit from the workshop. The lessons
learnt are applicable to every move in every Tai Chi
form. I love workshops and I
encourage others to attend as
many as they can regardless of
whether they are a long time
student or just starting out.
Norma Edge
Berwick Tai Chi
My first kung fu
competition
On Sunday 4 May, I participated in my first Kung
Fu competition. I wasn’t really sure what to expect
and decided to just give it a shot. It was a great
experience and I’d really recommend anyone who
hasn’t done it yet, to give it a go. I am definitely
going to do it again next year.
I learnt the last part of the 32 cudgel form to
compete within the competition. I had to learn it
in about a month and a half. Although it was a
shorter amount of time than I learnt the first part
of the form, it was a good challenge and I think
this experience has really helped push along my
training.
The Tuesday night bare hands and weapons
training were really tiring. I don’t think anything
has ever made me sweat that much. We started off
with stretching and running, just like all the other
classes, but the running was so much more tiring.
We ran for longer and did zig-zags. I think that was
what tired me out the most. The first class, Sifu
Steeve made us do lots of different exercises that
were physically demanding. I was sore for three
days after that class. The other classes weren’t as
hard, but I was always sore the next morning. They
did make me a lot fitter though and it was very
satisfying at the end of the class. All the training
was definitely worth it in the end.
We all had to get to Monash University in Clayton
at 8:30 to register. We all did a bit of a warm up
and checked the list to see when we were on. I was
excited and a bit nervous and I practiced my form
a few times. The floor was a bit slippery and there
were lots of people walking around so it was a
bit hard to practice. My event wasn’t until around
11 o’clock so I got to watch the other people
compete.
nervous that I might forget my form. I got through
the whole form without forgetting anything.
As I was walking off the mat, I realised that my
belt had come undone and was dragging across
the floor. Overall, even though I think I could
have improved, I was really happy with my score.
The rest of the Golden Lion
competitors did really well, with
lots of medals taken home.
There were also Tai Chi and sparring competitions.
There were some really good people and a lot of
people were doing impressive flips and jumps. It
was really great to watch other people competing.
Finally it was my turn to compete. I was a little
I’m really glad I participated and
I can’t wait to do it again.
Natasha Chen
Rowville Kung Fu
When is a guitar like a squid?
In one of the most unusual
seminars I have ever
attended, Sifu Chris lead
us through a journey of
discovery. And toys. Many,
many toys. We started with
Goldilocks, a snap-and-flop
giraffe, a wooden snake
and a bop boy bag. From
there it was a meandering
path past bridges, Monkey
and his staff from the
“Journey to the West”,
stretchy expander balls,
parables of horse trainers,
all the way to a genuine
skeleton.
The subject of the workshop was on how to
discover the essence of Tai Chi through imagery.
All the peculiar and varied props were there to
trigger our imaginations. To produce thoughts
and feelings to affect our actions. A gateway to
stronger intent.
squeezing across the centre line. The move can feel
ineffectual if you’re not sure what you’re doing
or why. Sifu Chris made us think about how a
squid moved: drawing water into its body, before
abruptly squeezing out the water to shoot along.
Now the Play Guitar move made sense. Imitating
that powerful squeezing sensation gave it purpose,
bringing otherwise unused muscles into play.
So how IS a guitar like a squid? Tai Chi has a
move called “PlayGuitar”: arms out before you,
The imagery gave us a set of tools to improve
our training. Some affected our physical: our
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GOLDE N LION ACADE MY NEWSLETTE R WINTE R 2014
stances and alignment; some impacted our
mental: thinking about intent and applications;
while others encouraged our spirit: bringing forth
emotion.
See, the mind is a gullible thing. It can’t tell
what’s real, and what is just in our heads. What
you imagine is just as real to your mind as what
you’ve actually done. The power of visualization is
amazing.
Imagine yourself making that high kick or low
sweep. Imagine yourself rock steady. Imagine
yourself completing your routine perfectly…
and it’s as if that’s exactly what your body has
practiced.
There isn’t enough room in the entire Lion’s Roar
to describe the full breadth and depth of the
seminar. Suffice it to say we left with smiles on our
faces, exhausted legs and our
minds filled with a collection
imagery tools ready to take our
Tai Chi to another level.
Nicola Nye
Rowville Tai Chi
Shaolin Fighting Art
of Tiger & Crane
As a child, I was always fascinated by animals,
their behaviours, and their movements; even
now, part of my job involves learning about and
identifying their behavioural cues. So naturally, I’ve
always found learning about the different kung fu
techniques based on animals highly interesting,
especially regarding how they have evolved from
pure observation to practical application over the
centuries. Being presented with the opportunity
to learn more about the Shaolin kung fu Tiger and
Crane styles, I made sure to sign up and keep the
date free.
“heaven and earth” drill, and felt natural enough
to use in application, in combination with a lower
block followed by heaven and earth strikes. A
good deal of emphasis was placed on moving the
body – footwork, level and placement of the strike,
turning of the chest; essentially, being fluid but
strong and accurate in our movements. “The hand
that blocks is the hand that strikes” was a familiar
phrase repeated to us throughout this seminar, and
was certainly made clear through the application
of a number of our drills.
After the warm up, Sifu Michael Pringle sat us
down and briefly explained (with the aid of a
whiteboard) about the Tiger and Crane origins,
its link to Shaolin and Wong Fei Hung (Hung style
kung fu), and how Golden Lion kung fu draws
its roots from this system. We each received a
workbook containing details on each drill, to take
notes on and review later; the workbook also
included information on the fighting attributes
of the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and
water), to help us understand how the different
techniques we learnt related to each element.
The drills we learnt were split into five different
categories (“tiger”, “crane”, “coil hands”, “heaven
and earth”, and “sweep”), and involved defense
and counterattack against both punches and kicks.
Before practicing each drill with a partner, we
went through the movements as a group, making
it easier for everyone to keep up. For the higher
grades, many of these techniques were ones we
were familiar with; the most striking difference
about performing these movements compared
to a regular class, however, was that in all the
sequences we performed practicing against a
partner, the defender started in a neutral stance
(feet shoulder-width apart, hands by your side), as
opposed to the fighting stance (one foot forward,
one foot back, guard up) we normally begin with.
One of the biggest problems I had all day was
remembering to start with this neutral stance after
practicing starting with a fighting guard for so
long. However, as Sifu Michael pointed out, in a
street fight, suddenly moving into a guard will give
your game away; so in my case, it was a little like
taking away a security blanket from a child, but
at the same time a nice change to practice with a
neutral stance.
floor exercises and forms. From blocking and
striking with tiger claw and crane wing and beak
(“power”, “evasion”, and “accuracy”), to learning
how to “wrap” with the wrist, seize, and “sweep”
the opponent off balance, it was great to see
how effectively these techniques could be applied
in a one-on-one situation. To my delight, even
the twisting stance made an appearance in the
Overall, it was a fascinating workshop, made even
more interesting by learning more about a style
that has helped to form the basis of Golden Lion
kung fu. Many thanks to Sifu Michael Pringle and
Si Jie Joey Baful for their time in
sharing their knowledge with us,
and I very much look forward to
the next one!
Laura Tan
Murrumbeena Centre
Golden Lion welcomes four new instructors
The best thing about this seminar was seeing
the practical applications of a number of the
combinations we’ve performed as part of our
Congratulations to: Lincoln Rigby, Jessica Rice, Marina Morton and Michelle Ruskin
GOLDE N LION ACADE MY NEWSLETTE R WINTE R 2014
Children’s classes school holiday timetable
Kung Fu (6–12 years old) Term 2, 2014
5
Are You Often Lethargic, Tired, ill or Overweight?
Do You Feel You Are Growing Old Too Early?
Berwick centre
Last class
Class resumes
Monday 5.15 pm class
Monday 23 June 2014
Monday 14 July 2014
Wednesday 4.00 pm class
Wednesday 25 June 2014
Wednesday 16 July 2014
Do you want to avoid these killer diseases –
obesity, cancer, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, depression,
lung disease, Alzheimer’s dementia?
Saturday 8.45 am class
Saturday 28 June 2014
Saturday 19 July 2014
Here’s how you can have a revitalised, longer and healthier life
Murrumbeena centre
Last class
Class resumes
Wednesday 5.30 pm class
Wednesday 25 June 2014
Wednesday 16 July 2014
Saturday 9.00 am class
Saturday 28 June 2014
Saturday 19 July 201
Rowville centre
Saturday 29 June 2014
Class resumes
Tuesday 5.30 pm class
Tuesday 24 June 2014
Tuesday 15 July 2014
Saturday 9.00 am class
Saturday 28 June 2014
Saturday 19 July 2014
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den Lion
Academy
3806
Gol
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id Street, Victor
3178
r: 29 Intrep
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3163
Berwick cente r: 2 Laser Drive, Victor
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a Rd, Victor
Rowville cente
98 Murrumbeen
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www.Golden
rles
Master Cha
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Golden Lio
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Berwick cente
r: 29 Intrep
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Murrumbee
3806
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98 Murrumbeen
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