Dear Friends,
Welcome back. I hope this newsletter finds you well. I look forward to a new year of helping you reach your goals in the martial arts. We have quite a few exciting things happening right now. We will be adding more Tai Chi, Kungfu, Kickboxing, and Combatives classes than ever before. In addition, there are several events I’d like to get on your radar, including performances, competitions, and shows. I’ve come across so many interesting things that I wanted to share with you all. Whether you practice Kungfu or Tai Chi, I think you’ll benefit from keeping an open mind and watching a few of these videos. And as always, from seminars, to competitions, demo’s and other activities, you won’t want to miss out on the action at CMAA!
New Schedule and New Classes!
More Tai Chi – Beginners Welcome
New Kickboxing, Combatives
School Closings
Chinese Martial Arts and Acrobats at the Egg!
Internal Arts Seminars Recap
Brandon Liu – Competition Update
CMAA on Instagram
Kungfu Sash Test
The 7 Principles of Shaolin
“Tai Chi May Help Prevent Falls”- The New York Times
Festival of Nations
History of Tai Chi
School Closings
We will be closed Monday, September 4th for Labor Day.
New Schedule – More Classes!
CMAA is excited to announce that we will be updating our class schedule as of September 1st. We will be adding even more classes a week to our already full schedule. While we won’t have to cut any of our classes to do so, please note several adjustments we’ve made on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday to accommodate the additional times.
Please swing by the front desk to get a copy of the new class schedule. You can also visit our website to get up to date information. We will be launching a new site, and continuing to update as we can. Check back frequently to get all the exciting news!
New Classes: Tai Chi, Qigong, and Push Hands!
If you’ve ever considered Tai Chi, nows the perfect time to try! We will be offering more classes in the mornings and evenings to better suit your schedule. They are all perfect for new practitioners. Call (518) 755-7512 for details!
Tuesday and Thursday
7-8am (Beginner/All Levels)
9-11am (Beginner/All Levels)
6:15-7pm (Beginner)
Wednesday
6:00-7:30pm (All levels)
Saturday
8:30-9am (Tai Chi Push Hands Club)
9-11am (Beginner/All Levels)
New Classes: Kickboxing, Combatives!
In addition to Tai Chi and Kungfu will will be expanding our course offering to include two special programs! These two programs focus entirely on the more combative elements in Chinese martial arts.
Kungfu Kickboxing (Sanda)
Kungfu Kickboxing more correctly called Sanda (or Sanshou), is a modern fighting method developed by the Chinese military. Based upon the study and practices of traditional Kung fu and modern combat fighting techniques it combines full-contact kickboxing, which includes punches and kicks, with wrestling (takedowns, throws, sweeps) kick catches, and in some competitions, even elbow and knee strikes. It’s a great way to learn practical self-defense and get in amazing shape! Please note that participants must wear boxing gloves, and shin guards (mouth guard and cup highly recommended!). CMAA will have equipment to use for anyone interested in trying the program. All levels of experience welcome!
Combatives
Combatives is a program which blends Bruce Lee’s style called Jeet Kune Do and weapons training (primarily Filipino Kali stick and knife). As with JKD the approach is simple and direct. The emphasis is on minimal movements with maximum effect. The system works by using different “tools” for different situations, where the situations are divided into ranges, including kicking, punching, trapping, and grappling, with techniques to flow smoothly between them. Unlike more traditional martial arts this style does not emphasize individual martial arts routines or patterns. Techniques and tactics are adapted to best suit the practitioner.
Kickboxing and Combatives Schedule
Kickboxing
7-8 pm, Monday + Friday
1:15-2:15 pm, Saturday
Combatives
7:30-8:30 pm, Wednesday
2:15-3:15 pm, Saturday
Chinese Martial Arts and Acrobats at the Egg!
Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin,
People’s Republic of China
Sunday, November 26 • 3:00pm
Internal Arts and Self Defense Seminars Recap
From deep relaxation to the most practical self defense techniques, we covered a lot of territory!
In addition, if you and your family, friends or co-workers would like to organize a self defense seminar, please let us know and we can arrange for private group instruction!
CMAA on Instagram
Just like popular websites dedicated to Chinese Martial Arts, there are also quite a few social media sites that also share good content on the subject. Of course Youtube.com is home to many channels, videos and video bloggers but Instagram also has some people worth following! Check out some of my Instagram recommendations below!
Brandon Liu – Competition Update!
After qualifying for the USA Traditional Wushu Kungfu Team, Brandon Liu traveled to Costa Rica to represent the USA at the Pan American Kungfu and Tai Chi Championships, where he took two gold medals in both his Empty Hand (Eagle) and Weapon (Double Chainwhip) routines! Congrats Brandon. Again, we at CMAA are proud of continued efforts and success!
KungFu Sash Test
We will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, Oct. 15th at 10:30am. If you are not sash testing you are still encouraged to come participate and support your teammates (no charge of course).
You know exactly what we will be testing but if you have any questions, check the Sash Requirements page on the website and feel free to clarify things with me during class.
If you are unsure whether or not you (or your child) are ready to test, please speak with me before or during class, via email at AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com or by phone (518) 755-7512.
Remember, you will not “get” your sash at CMAA – you will EARN it! There is a big difference. It’s important you (your child) learns the value of their sash- the value of hard work! Let’s stay focused and step up our training so we’re fully prepared for the test!
White/Yellow/Green/Blue: $25
Red/Purple/Orange: $50
Light Brown/Dark Brown/Gold: $75
Black: $100
The 7 Principles of Shaolin
- Never Give Up
- Always Practice
- Integrate Yin And Yang
- Turn Yourself Into Zero
- Nurture Your Body
- Apply Great Effort
- Cut Off Desire
Click here to read more about how to apply the 7 principles of Shaolin martial arts.
“Tai Chi May Help Prevent Falls”- The New York Times
The lead author, Rafael Lomas-Vega of the University of Jaen in Spain, said that none of the studies showed any adverse effects of tai chi.
“We recommend tai chi as a safe practice for the prevention of falls,” he said. “And some reviews have found positive effects on chronic conditions such as cancer, osteoarthritis and heart failure.”
Festival of Nations
This year’s Festival of Nations will be scheduled for Sunday, October 29th. Stay tuned for details about a demo by CMAA as part of the China’s performance! This is always a great opportunity for CMAA to showcase the results of our hard work and the beauty of Chinese martial arts to the local community!
History of Tai Chi
Summary
As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!
Best,
Shifu
