WINTER 2006/2007 Editor: Jennifer Oh | Art Director: Marc Arsenault Contributors: Rand Cardwell, Marcus Callis, Gene Ching & Gigi Oh | Tiger Claw CEO: Thomas Oh Martial Arts Life, Business & Tournament News Quarterly

Elite Competitor Jacob Ellis at the Long Beach Internationals

Tiger Claw East Tiger Claw West Call Toll Free: 1-800-821-5090 5613 North Broadway 40740 Encyclopedia Circle Knoxville, TN 37918 Fremont, CA 94538 Secure Online Ordering: TigerClaw.com

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF CLAWMARKS MELODY SHUMAN DELIVERS PAID PRSRT STD PRSRT U.S. POSTAGE U.S. KNOXVILLE, TN KNOXVILLE, HOLIDAY HINTS No. 574 PERMIT A VISIT FROM HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE BLACK BELT BEAUTY QUEEN Miss Northern California Jr Teen Nicole Rhonda-Korin Gerry

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT  Reach over 22,000 Martial Arts Schools! Become a Claw Marks Advertiser! Call 1-800-821-5090  SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!  PAID ADVERTISEMENT  TIGER CLAW WARM UP SUITS These sleek Tiger Claw Warm Up Suits are perfect for before practice, after practice, or everyday casual wear. The jacket has elastic sleeve cuffs and two side pockets. The pants have elastic pant leg cuffs, and elastic waist with a drawstring, along with two side pockets. Constructed with a sturdy 100% polyester shell and lining; these warm ups give you ample freedom and comfort. The two-color warm ups have a stylish modern cut jacket bottom. The three-color warm ups have a classic elastic waist on the jacket. Sold in sets only. Sizes: XXXS–XXXL.

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Two-color Warm-Up Suits Red & Black 65-10RK | Blue & Black 65-10UK | White & Black 65-10WK Three-color Warm-Up Suits Red White & Navy 65-20VRW | Red White & Black 65-20KRW | Red White & Blue 65-20URW CUSTOM WEAPON PATCHES By popular demand, we are now introducing two more weapons to our WELCOME popular line of original achievement patches: Gun Defense and Cane. MATS! Any logo or design can be embroidered, flocked, silk screened or inlaid into our carpeting giving you the most crisp and accurate depiction of your design. Many shapes and sizes available. This 100% Gun Defense 80-44L (3") Cane 80-44K (3") waterproof and UV stable AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2006 AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2006 carpeting is unsurpassed in quality. Call for details. TIGERCLAW’S Tiger Claw Elite Promoter Profile   PAID ADVERTISEMENT In this last installment of our Tiger Claw Elite Championship Qualifier promoters, we talk to Lion Choi—one of Kung Fu & the key instigators of the Championship—about what’s important to him about martial arts competition. Internal Secrets Revealed! Changik Lion Choi 1 HIT KNOCKOUTS! KA Open/L.A. Sheriff’s Cup September 9 in Carson, California We salute Lion Choi. He hosted the very first Tiger Claw Elite Championship $95.00 in 2005 at his KA Open/LA Sheriff’s Cup event at the LA Sports Arena. Video or DVD His vision of bringing together diverse arts under one roof was a major inspiration to us to take the chance of creating the Elite as it exists today. Other DVDs & Videos Changik Lion Choi came to the United States from Korea—where he had Include: been the National Demo Team Captain—in 1998. He has been promoting • 1 Touch KOs Tournaments in the US since 2000. • Open Hand Self Defense There are really two different meanings to KA Open. The first time we hosted the LA Sheriff’s Cup was in the second week of September, 2001. You Can Develop & Use Well, you know what happened after then... We’ve now set the tournament up as a memorial to the people who were victims of 9/11. It’s in defiance to terrorism. The LA Sheriff’s Chi Flow Power & Speed Cup is a big part of it. Los Angeles Sheriff Lee Baca has really supported us. We really emphasize the for Real Self-Defense situations! importance of self-defense. See Ordering Information Below We are lucky to have a lot of sponsors... support from the Korean community and the local media... ABC Sports, the news channels. It’s not easy... you really have to work hard, talk to the CEOs of these companies directly. We are very happy to have the Home Depot Center in Carson, California hosting this event. They’ve been very good to us. They supported two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Tae Kwon Do, Steven Lopez, and are very supportive of the .. .. martial arts and other sports. Right now all the martial arts need to be unified. ACTIVATION,ENERGY CULTIVATION AND FLOW That’s what I’ve tried to do, to bring other martial arts into what had been a traditional Tae Kwon Do 00 tournament. All these different martial arts have Book -$25. more in common than they have differences. 00 Tape -$65. Let’s bring unity to all the martial arts in competi- 00 tion. East Coast, West Coast. There’s been a need Book & Tape -$75. for a National Championship that practitioners of Exercises in the book are taught, any art can compete in and gain national attention. I hope that the Tiger Claw Elite Championship can explained and performed live on do that. I think the competitions will become larger video. and truly of a national scope and gain the media attention that martial arts competition deserves.

This book and tape explains, in simple detail, real high level, beginning to advanced practices regarding Chi/Qi/Ki (Life-Force) activation, cultivation and flow that will allow the average person to experience Chi for themselves. It includes a chapter on the role that the mind plays in Chi Kung energy work and a basic definition of the word Chi and related terms.

There are also specific chapters on mind intent, breathing, body states, physical alignments, Wu Chi, Bone Marrow Washing, Kidney Breathing, the Energy Ball, Rooting, Body Connection secrets, 3 Dan Tiens Linear and how to get the maximum benefits out of your Tai Chi Training. Send Check or Money Order to: Clear’s Silat Inc. 3932 Morganton Rd. Maryville, TN 37801-7660 Instructor Certification Programs Available Order Online or by Phone at 865.379.9997 www.clearsilat.com TIGER CLAW 2006 HOLIDAY SALE TIGERCLAW’S

School owners! See the print copy of Clawmarks that was mailed to you, or check the Sale Items page of TigerClaw.com for details of our holiday sale

Also in this issue of Clawmarks: Get great tips for increasing your holiday sales from Melody Shuman Rebreakable Boards Tiger Claw has completely redesigned our rebreakable boards with the help of World Champion Breaking Legend Dr. Dan Netherland. Features extra-wide handles and protective foam padding on both sides. 20-31K (Black 10" × 17" × ½") Extra Strong 20-31R (Red 9" × 16½" × ") Strong ⅓ 20-31U (Blue 9" × 16½" × ¼") Average  PAID ADVERTISEMENT  TIGERCLAW’S Holiday Ideas by Melody Shuman

 PAID ADVERTISEMENT  The holiday season is upon us, and with that comes great your students but for you and your staff. The New Year opportunities to increase enrollments and boost student is the best time to launch new innovations such as new retention. The problem is many schools sometimes find curriculums, drills, planners, testing requirements, events, that the holidays mean a decline in sales, enrollment, seminars, schedules, etc. and retention. This is the peak retail time for the whole year! You should succeed through the season. Throwing a holiday or end of the year party In many schools, the end of the year party is a great way to Have a retail day say “thank you” to all of your students for their support. It The best time to the have a merchandise special is is also a way to build camaraderie between families. the weekend before Thanksgiving, the weekend of Here are a few tips for yours: Thanksgiving, or the weekend after.  Organize a parent committee to help with the party. Here are a few tips to get yours going: You will need someone in charge of decorations, someone  Put together some packages that people can pre- in charge of a sign-up list, someone in charge of food, order on the retail day. The package should come gift- someone in charge of supplies (plates, napkins, cups, wrapped and be scheduled for pick-up one week prior to forks, knives, spoons, etc.) and someone in charge of Christmas. (Pre-delivery’s can be scheduled for those who tables and chairs. celebrate Hanukkah.) Here are a few package ideas:  Make it a pot-luck dinner. Each family will bring a dish. Bronze package: Key chain, t-shirt, weapon, and target The person who is in charge of the sign-up sheet will need Silver package: Bronze package plus uniform to determine how many people from each family will attend, and what dish they want to bring. The person in charge Gold package: Silver package plus sparring gear of food will have to calculate how many hot dishes, cold  Pre-order common merchandise that sells during the dishes, and drinks you will need. holidays and sell them at a discounted rate the day of  Give out awards such as “student of the year”, “black the sale. belt of the year”, “family of the year”, “parent of the year”,  Hand out “wish lists” the week prior to the sale, and “perfect attendance”, and “honorary black belt” (we also have the students give the list to their family for the day of give these to local community leaders, such as principals the sale. The family member can then pre-purchase items and school superintendents). on the wish list for 10% off the retail price. The discount is  Have your demo team put on a great performance. good for that day only.  Have a talent show during dinner where your students  Begin to market your retail sales day at least two can show off their other talents. Suggestions for the talent weeks prior to the event. Make sure you hand out flyers, show are: singing, magic tricks, dance, etc. post bulletins, send e-mails, and announce the sale during all classes. The more you push the sale, the better response Holiday marketing stategy you will get! You can use the guerilla marketing strategy combined with Special camps & events during school vacation holiday specials to generate new leads. Make sure the specials are exclusive holiday specials, such as buy-one- Kids are out of school a lot during the holidays and parents get-one-half-off for family members; New Years resolution: need activities to keep them occupied. get $50 off down payment of any adult program, etc. Here are a few ideas: Make holiday coupon books and give them to your  Parent’s shopping night: Give the parents a night off! students. The holidays are a time when people are on 6pm to 11pm on a Friday or Saturday, any weekend in budgets, and every little bit helps. At the same time, you December. Play games, serve pizza, and have fun! Charge want people to spend money at your school. Here are some anywhere from $20 to $35 and give them a discount if they tips for your coupon books: bring a friend who is not a student yet. Also, let them come  Retail coupons: for free if their friend joins during the holiday! Buy-one-get-one-free uniform special  Winter camps: You can host day camps during the • holiday break just like you do in the summer. Make the • 10% off any merchandise order over $50 hours from 9am to 3pm. • 25% any merchandise order over $200  New Year’s Eve Party: you can have a party from 8pm • Get a free gear bag with a full set of sparring gear to 1am for kids and adults or you can have a sleep over  Upgrades for the kids New Year’s Eve. This is a great chance for you To Black Belt Club, get a $25 merchandise voucher to generate revenue and help maintain good retention. • To Masters Club, get a $50 merchandise voucher  Fun Days: if you were thinking about closing during • school vacation because you think attendance will be low, • Renew your membership 30 days prior to the then you can arrange for those days to be set up like fun expiration date and get a $50 merchandise voucher days. Cancel normal classes and leave your school open  Camps from 2pm to 6pm each day and play games and have fun • Good for 25% off any full week camp during those hours. That way, students can come in any time between 2pm and 6pm if they want to and have fun. • Good for 10% off any day camp • Buy-one-get-one-half-off when you bring a friend Retaining adult students during the holidays (non-family member and non-students only) Adults are stressed during the holidays. Between work,  Special events the cold weather, shopping, and all the festivities, the Good for $10 off special events last thing on their mind is martial arts. However, this is • probably the best time for them to train to relieve stress • Three Free special event passes when you refer a and burn all of those calories from holiday treats. For friend to join adults, we recommend that Winter include more of a fitness Remember, the holidays are supposed to be a season curriculum than martial arts. Give them some time off from of family, friends, and fun. Try to arrange as many their curriculum, make their classes shorter, and spend activities that accommodate these three areas. The key more of the class stretching and exercising. They’ll leave to having a successful holiday season is organization. If refreshed and energized to face the cold. you are organized ahead of time, it will be much easier to manage. As usual, feel free to contact me if you have New Year renewal for school success any questions. Don’t forget to decorate! If you haven’t changed your testing requirements in the last two years, now is the best time to do so. I recommend that For more information, visit Melody at: you always “innovate” your drills and curriculums every ShumanConcepts.com. two years to keep excitement in your school, not just for

Tiger Claw’s Marketing Consultants are here to help you achieve the professional look you need for today’s competitive marketplace Our TCMC consultants are always ready to visit or speak to school or store owners. They can use the knowledge they’ve gathered to make your business look more professional, increase enrollment, retain your student base, and increase profits. To schedule a visit to your school or store, call 1-800-821-5090 and ask to speak with a TCMC Representative. It may be the best call you make!  PAID ADVERTISEMENT  TONY JAA BLACK BELT BEAUTY QUEENS The Tiger Claw Foundation is supporting Nicole Rhonda-Korin Gerry, Miss Northern California Jr. Teen 2006 & Miss Northern California Jr. Teen Model 2005. Nicole is a black belt in kajukenbo and tae kwon do and holds an undefeated record in tournament fighting. The Tiger Claw Foundation also supported by Gene Ching Jayneen Lee, a contestant in the 2006 Miss Asian Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine America Pageant on August 5th, 2006, at the Associate Publisher Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco CA. Tony Jaa has charged into martial arts movies like a raging Ms. Lee is a wushu practitioner and has modeled elephant. In the wake of MATRIX and CROUCHING TIGER, for the Tiger Claw catalog. For more information, HIDDEN DRAGON, today’s films movies are all about special visit MissAsianAmerica.com or read Jayneen’s effects. But Jaa is old school: no wires, no special effects, just article on www.KungFuMagazine.com live stunts. He has the acrobatic versatility of a young and the speed and precision of a young . Under Nicole Gerry Jayneen Lee the bone-crunching choreography of , Jaa has catapulted to stardom and become a national hero in . So far, only three of Jaa’s films have been released in America, ONG-BAK: THE THAI WARRIOR, THE PROTECTOR (aka Tom Yum Goong) and the recently re-released SPIRITED KILLER. Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine Associate Publisher Gene Ching met with Jaa and his manager, Gilbert Lim, at one of San Francisco’s leading kickboxing schools, World Team USA under Kru Sam Phimsoutham (see WorldTeamUSA.com). It was part of a national ‘lemongrass-roots’ tour promoting the U.S. debut of THE PROTECTOR last September. Jaa gave a short demonstration, beginning with the traditional Thai boxing dance/prayer known as Ram Muay and then showcased some spectacular techniques that looked like they popped straight off the silver screen, right into Kru Sam’s gym. After that, Jaa graciously signed autographs and took pictures with about a hundred of his eager fans. Jaa had just turned down a role in Jackie Chan’s RUSH HOUR 3 and was Several online pay-per-click advertising services returning to Thailand to work on the much awaited sequel ONG- are currently running promotions that you may BAK 2. Lim added that Jaa’s mentor, Rittikrai will definitely be want to check out. Yahoo! Sponsored Search has a choreographing ONG-BAK 2. Rittikrai is a veteran of over 50 Thai $50.00 credit for signing up (http://searchmarketing. films, and teased us with another Rittikrai choreographed film, yahoo.com); Superpages PayPerClick (http://www. superpages.com/) has a $25.00 sign up credit, as does also directed by (ONG-BAK, THE PROTECTOR), Google’s Ad Words, but you have to update your listing about an autistic female Thai boxer. That film, CHOCOLATE, was in their local business guide to get it. (http://maps. just wrapping production as this went to press. google.com/) All these services offer this credit as a For more on Tony Jaa, see our exclusive interviews at no further obligation tryout. Keep an eye open for links KungFuMagazine.com. You’ll find over 700 free access articles like: “Business Owners: Add/Edit Your Business”. online and a discussion forum with nearly 10,000 members. Next Issue: Spring 2007 The deadline for ads and submissions is January 9, 2007. U.S.A. JUNIOR WUSHU TEAM UPDATE CALL 1-800-821-5090 TO RESERVE AD SPACE. The Tiger Claw Foundation was the official sponsor of the U.S.A. ClawMarks Ad Rates Junior Wushu Team for the 1st World Junior Wushu Championships Ad Size Cost for each insertion on August 19-26, 2006 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and the the 6th Pan American Wushu Championships on July 21-23, 2006 in Toronto, Full Page $600 Ontario, Canada. Congratulations to our American Medalists for 2/3 Page $450 Place your ad in four capturing 23 medals (9 gold, 6 silver, and 8 bronze) in Toronto. Half Page $350 Special congratulations to Ngan-Ha Ta earned the Female Grand consecutive issues 1/3 page $275 Champion title. The Team included: Taolu Women Athletes: Sarah and take 10% off! Chang, Ngan-Ha Ta, Tiffany Reyes, Joana Pei, Tenyia Lee, Catherine 1/4 Page $200 Archer, Fifi Zhang, Diana Pei, Ashley Chung, Victoria Huang. Taolu 1/8 Page $125 Men Athletes: Christopher Sexton, Stephon Morton, Jason Lui, Zach 1/24 Page $50.00 (Tournament “Banner” Ad) Caruso, Peter Dang, Colvin Wang, Collin Lee, Nick Spencer, Jonathan Claw Marks Winter 2006/2007 Copyright 2006 Tiger Claw. Chung, Jason Liu. Sanshou Athletes: Jeff Chow, Kevin Liu. Officials: © Anthony Goh, Xiaolin Lu, Tat Mau Wong, Yun Chen, Justin Ma, All rights reserved. The Tiger Claw logo is a registered trademark. Adrian Niu, Anthony Sims. In cooperation with USAWKF.org All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Claw Marks welcomes any reader contributions of articles, photos and letters that may be of interest to the martial arts community. Mail them to: Tiger Claw, 5613 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN, 37918 or email to [email protected]