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Issue 7 - September 2005

Editorial

Dear friends and students,

The highlight for me since the last newsletter was attending the Special invitation only combined Taijiquan and Shaolin Kung Fu course in Malaysia. This course was the best course I have ever attended, for a number of reasons:

  • I got to meet many of my Wahnam brothers (and sister!) from around the world
  • My understanding of the Shaolin Arts has increased
  • My skills and techniques have been deepened
  • I was pushed beyond what I thought I was physically and emotionally capable of, thus creating a whole new set of references for what is possible.

But, for me probably the most important "attainment" was the confidence I now have to start teaching Shaolin Kung Fu in London (September 7th in case you didn't know!).

Which brings me to the theme for this month's newsletter: aims and objectives. Firstly I would recommend that you read Sifus excellent article, which explains why setting your aims and objectives for your practice is so important if you want to get the best out of the time you invest in your practice. An essential aspect to remember is that the principles we use in our practice (e.g. Signal high - attack low, start later arrive first, aims and objectives etc) are also applicable to our daily lives. Let me give you an example.

In March this year I decided that I would aim to start teaching Shaolin Kung Fu in September, in London. I realised that I needed to create some specific, measurable objectives to help me gain the confidence and skills to feel comfortable in making this aim a reality. These were the objectives I set myself; note how each one was more of a stretch than the objective before it. I started with a relatively easy objective so I could get to feel some success straight away.

  • Visit Sifu Robin Gamble and Sifu Ronan Sexton for sparring practice
  • Visit Sifu Joan Browne in Ireland and teach basic stances and footwork to brand new students wishing to take part in the Summer Camp 2005
  • Attend Junes Warrior Project in Edinburgh
  • Organise the smooth running of Summer Camp 2005
  • Attend the "Special" course in Malaysia taught by Sifu

I achieved all of these objectives and with each one the confidence in my skills and ability to teach grew. I now feel ready to begin teaching Shaolin Kung Fu. Of course that's not the end of the story. My new aim is to be the best instructor of Shaolin Arts in the UK within 5 years (I'm certain that all the other Shaolin Wahnam instructors have a similar aim). Now I need to consider what objectives I can set myself in order to achieve this aim, e.g. start classes in Exeter and Bristol, have 100 students within 2 years etc. You get the idea.

I'd encourage you to spend some time deciding what aims you have for your practice and for your private life. Focus on one or 2 and then consider what specific, measurable, achievable and realistic objectives you can set for yourself that will help you to attain your aims.

There is an old saying that in order to find new horizons you have to be prepared to lose sight of the shore. Aims and objectives are like a map and compass that help us to have courage as we set sail for new horizons in our lives.

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Announcements

I spoke with Sifu Jordan Francis last week and amongst the many interesting topics of conversation he told me he was considering starting Shaolin Kung Fu classes in Bristol, if there was enough interest. So if you live in or around Bristol and would like to learn from the instructor with the longest running class in the UK you need to contact Sifu Jordan on jordan.francis@shaolinwahnam.co.uk.

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Testimonial

It gives me great pleasure to share the following testimonial with you, with a commentary from Clive's instructor Sifu Tim Franklin:

By Clive from Brighton

The most dramatic change is my sleeping pattern. I train at the gym and getting up early has always been a bit of an effort to do, but I am 100 % certain that Chi Kung and Kung Fu has changed this. Even after my first lesson I woke up feeling rested, which is not the norm for me.

At first I had not put 2 + 2 together, but my suspicions were confirmed when I didn't do 'Lifting the Sky' some evenings, and sure enough the sleep quality was not as good on these evenings. Although interestingly still better than it was before I started the classes.

Another amazing effect is my energy levels. I have cut back to a low carb diet to lose excess fat and should really have low energy levels, but since doing Kung Fu/Chi Kung this is not the case. I have been weight training for nearly 20 years and have become used to the post training sores, but now even after an intense training session I don't get sore!

I also have a much calmer mind, which has got to be one of the reasons why I now sleep much better. I have always been an up beat kind of person and even that has moved up a level.

So much has happened since starting training in Shaolin Kung Fu/ Chi Kung (only just over 3 months). I fell out of a lorry I was repairing the other day and didn't seem to get any bruising, o.k. getting a bit silly now, but it is true!

To give you a bit of background on me I am 43, self-employed in automotive electronics and electrics. I have been diving for 9 years and bodybuilding for nearly 20. I have to say if I now had to choose only one hobby it would be Shaolin Kung Fu/Chi Kung.

The sleep quality and feeling even happier is easily worth the choice and I have only just scratched the surface. But back to the training, I have noticed that all the students are, well…..nice! Strange when you consider fighting is at the hub of things? I have to say it can be tough at times and stance training is demanding at times to say the least.

This is easily outweighed by the fun and satisfaction of learning what was once a fine martial art only for the chosen few. While I think of it, my weight routines are short and intense and should feel tougher than they do, even my friends at the gym are saying "this kung fu is making it easier for you" with a confused look on their faces. I'm not getting as worn out and I recover quicker.

In a nutshell I wanted to do a martial art for a variation on physical training to add to my gym work and was not prepared for the treats that Shaolin Kung Fu and Shaolin Cosmos Chi Kung have offered.

NB. from Sifu Tim Franklin
"The rewards Clive has received as a result of his training are nothing unusual, in fact I would go as far as to say I would expect similar results from anyone who followed the same training programme. The results Clive experienced have also been experienced by many others, all be it on various scales, who have undergone Shaolin Training.
Please do not misunderstand me, these rewards have not come without effort. In order for us to reap the rewards consistent and correct practice is required. It would be unrealistic to expect to be able to build tremendous internal force, be able to move with agility, have solid stances and an abundance of energy to enjoy our daily lives if we only read about Shaolin Kung Fu and practiced only when we came to lessons.
The secret to attaining the wondrous is practice, practice and practice!
To quote my assistant instructor Mark Tranter 'The techniques are marvellously simple , yet the results are simply marvellous'."

Sifu Tim Franklin holds classes in Brighton on Monday evenings and Worthing Tuesday evenings. Additional training is also held on Saturday's in the park in Worthing, weather permitting. From October there will be regular indoor training in the Brighton or Worthing area on a Saturday afternoon. If you wish to register for this or one of the other classes then please contact Sifu Tim Franklin at tim.franklin@shaolinwahnam.co.uk

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Events and Dates for you diary

September 7th 2005 - Shaolin Kung Fu classes in London

Instructor: Sifu Marcus Santer
Start: Wednesday September 7th 2005 (and each Wednesday after that)
Venue: Yvonne Carr Centre
Thessaly Road
London SW8
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Cost: £50 per month. Special offer to the first 10 students registering before September will be £30 per month for the duration of the students stay with Shaolin Wahnam.

I would recommend you visit the UK Shaolin Wahnam website for further information on the course conten. If you have any further questions or wish to register please contact me (marcus.santer@shaolinwahnam.co.uk).

Update: Due to the wonderful response for places on this course I have decided to extend the £30 per month fees special offer to ALL students who attend on the 7th. The next intake of new students to this class will not be until the 5th October and the monthly fee for new students will be £50 per month.

October 2005

Sifu will be touring the United States of America and Canada. So if you fancy a holiday with a difference or you are a newsletter subscriber living "across the pond" then you should follow this link for further details: http://www.cosmospublishing.com/SifuWongNorthAmerica.htm. This I believe is an historic occasion as it is the first time that Sifu has taught courses in the U.S.A. I'm sure they will be the first of many. Here's an opportunity to "get in on the ground floor!".

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Finally

I'd like to wish a very heartfelt goodbye and fare thee well to my good friend and "Sidai" Hubert. If you've enjoyed the newsletters so far, then much credit must go to Hubert. I write them, but he makes them read-able. His talent, skill, humour, reliability and all round "groove" will be sorely missed. Wherever your travels take you, I wish you good weather, good company and good times.


Until next month I wish you success in your practice.

Kind regards

Marcus Santer
Shaolin Wahnam Institute - UK
Helping you to fulfill your physical and emotional potential