V O L . 02 NO. 02

APRIL QUARTERLY MAY JOURNAL OF WUSHU JUNE IN AUSTRALIA Wushu Herald 2014 ISSN 2202-8137 (Print) ISSN 2203-6067 (Online)

What’s inside Australian Our community news Wushu Calendar events Community From the Board Portal World news

The Wushu Herald is our Movement by Larissa Smagarinsky contribution to the Wushu community in Australia.

We hope that it will continue to be the source of information Wushu * Tai Chi * Kung Fu * Qigong and education about Wushu, in all its forms. As a platform for Dear Wushu and Tai Chi practitioners, sharing thoughts, ideas, Welcome to the fourth edition of our new Australian Now let’s turn our attention to our health as winter experiences and achievements Wushu publication! peaks in Australia. We need to be mindful of how it impacts our health. It is perhaps time to consider it will foster open discussion, We have received an official registration for the the practice of Tai Chi and Qigong which will help online publication which you will see now on the us to align our mind, body and breath for medical facilitate the finding of common website: www.wushu-council.com.au. benefits. For veteran Wushu, Tai Chi and Qigong ground and help us all grow It is available to members and printed copies can practitioners the great benefits of Qigong or “life be purchased. energy” is an absolute blessing. Even for the stronger together. novice, the benefits of Qigong practice cannot be By joining as members and subscribing you will be underestimated. helping the non-for-profit organisation and contributing to the publication of this journal. There are many types of Qigong ranging from the softer and more languid movements to the more Although Wushu Herald is relatively young, we physical martial art type training. The slow flowing have grown quite rapidly as many readers have movements and rhythmic breathing enable offered to contribute and write about their Wushu, practitioners to attain a level of meditative Tai Chi and Qigong experiences. Others are simply calmness, self awareness and a sense of well- pleased to be finally able to access relevant and being. Practised for recreation, self healing, illuminating Wushu and Tai Chi information. exercise as well as preventative medicine, Qigong together with Tai Chi has gained Here are some readers’ comments about the 3rd universal popularity amongst the young and the old issue of Wushu Herald: in various communities world-wide.  The 3rd Wushu Herald looks awesome! Wushu Herald aims to share with you the most current Qigong, Wushu and Tai Chi news and  Thanks for the Wushu Herald I received today. A practices in Australia and abroad good read. In this edition, we would like to showcase and turn  Please convey my congratulations to everyone the spot-light on the amazing ancient practice of concerned with the Wushu Herald on an Qigong as well as the scientific affirmation of the informative and professional publication. benefits of Tai Chi and Wushu.

 I feel that promoting our arts is imperative, and Finally, our Editorial team is always in pursuit of The ancient art of Wushu urge all enthusiasts to do what they can to bring interesting Wushu, Qigong and Tai Chi stories and their chosen forms to the community. The Wushu experiences. So please contact us or simply send that translates as “Martial Herald is leading the way and again I offer my in your contributions and photos to congratulations and wish the team every success. Arts”, is being practised in [email protected].  I congratulate you again on a wonderful all its forms such as Tai Chi, contribution to Wushu Australia. Watch this space! Traditional and Competitive On behalf of the Editorial Board,  Yes, I think the Herald is heading in the right Wushu, Qigong, Bagua, Xing direction… Cheers and thanks again, much appreciated. Yi, Weapons Play (Sword, We are indeed grateful for the support and Broadsword, Sabre, Cudgel, encouragement from our readers. Dr Khoo Cheng Choo

Spear etc.) and many others. 2 INTERESTING TO KNOW The last Saturday of April each year (at 10 am local time) in 100s of cities, spanning over 80 nations, people come together, to breathe together, providing a healing vision for our world. World Tai Chi & Qigong Day was founded by Bill Douglas and Tai Chi ... might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that Angela Wong Douglas, authors this mind-body practice ...has value in treating or preventing many health problems. of "The Complete Idiot's Guide -- Harvard Medical School's Harvard Health Publication, May, 2009 to Tai Chi & Qigong" (Penguin/Alpha Books).

Bill Douglas teaches Tai Chi Meditation for the University of Kansas Hospital's Turning Point program, and for Kansas University Medical Center, offering Tai Chi for people dealing with many chronic illnesses. Wushu & Tai Chi NSW Bill has worked for 2 decades to organised several events including the session on the expand Tai Chi and Qigong into grounds of Macquarie modern healthcare at all levels, University hosted by presenting for the American Macquarie University Wushu Heart Association; the National & Tai Chi Club and the session Parkinson's Foundation; and the at Enmore Park, Marrickville, National Council on Aging. hosted by Sydney Vision Tai Chi, Qigong, Health and “At times, as Angela watched in Harmony Centre. impending financial horror as Bill's 18 Tai Chi classes per week, fell to 6, 5, 4 ... Bill seemed about as rational as Richard Dreyfus's character in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," who neglected his career as he rushed to fill his house with shrubs and dirt, trying to form a vision that was just on the tip of his mind's tongue. It drove him, he felt it, and it seemed irrational. But today, because Bill and Angela walked through fear, breathed through fear, they were able to partner with tens of thousands worldwide who were ready for such a vision that would educate millions about For many people, Every Day of the health, healing, and mind expansion tools that could help year is the World Tai Chi and our world profoundly.” Qigong Day… They practise alone and they practise in groups…

Visit Some countries cannot pro- http://www.worldtaichiday.org for more information on the vide too much space for indi- World Tai Chi & Qigong Day vidual Tai Chi practice... and free resources

3 World Tai Chi & their wonderful health improvement. Qigong Day: Happy Tai Chi-ing! I have organised annual WTCQD events for many years with the Australian Archive by Cheryl Player support of Newcastle City Council and Australian Tai Chi Institute, Newcastle NSW Lake Macquarie Council for the local community, and have had visitors Wushu & Tai Chi NSW travelling from North and South of Sydney NSW 2012 NSW to attend. I invite everyone to I have been involved in the world of the Hunter region for m participate in the movements, with a Tai Chi/ Qigong for over 25 years and any years doing seminars for Diabetes short demonstration at the end. during that time have travelled Australia and have had two of my extensively promoting the amazing students represented in their National WTCQD is an inspired idea and I love health benefits. I travelled throughout Magazine ‘Connect’ with stories of the thought of our planet being wrapped in a positive healing energy Central Coast Tai Chi Club provided by peoples from all nations Gosford NSW 2012 and walks of life.

I was invited to be an Ambassador for World Tai Chi Qigong Day by the Organiser Bill Douglas in 2011. Bill was very supportive of my commitment to spread the WTCQD word Nationally, which I had been doing for years.

I have also worked Internationally with people in Bangkok, Singapore, Paris, Vanuatu and Norfolk Island.

Norfolk Island was amazing as it Allan Kelson started with a cup of coffee. I went to a Adelaide SA 2011 Café at the top of the island which was closed, and a lady came to the door and said, ‘we’re closed, but as you’ve come so far out here, I will make you a cup of coffee’. We started chatting and I said ‘This is a beautiful place to do Tai Chi does anyone do it here?’ she said ‘No’, and that was my opportunity!

Cheryl Lee Player Vanuatu 2009 I spoke to the local media and talked about celebrating WTCQD. Two days later, there I was with a group of wonderful locals doing Tai Chi in a spectacular location. It happens to me often, and I love it!

My students from the Australian Tai Chi Institute have followed me to

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day 2014 in Queenslandthe event was held at Kings Beach Caloun- Darling Harbour, Hunter Valley dra and attended by special guest Master Paul Li, Niu Chunming Tai Chi groups from Gardens and numerous Parks and Alex Galvan Caloundra and Currimundi, Chen Tai Chi Yandina, Tai Chi for Health Wurtulla, Tai Chi and Beaches around the Newcastle area Hazelbrook NSW 2006 Chi Gong Centre Maleny, Yang Tai Chi Moffat Beach, Black Swan Tai Chi Maroochydore. for our own Annual Celebrations, and we are always joined by community members who have never done Tai Chi/Qigong and are invited by my media outlets to join me for a ‘Tai Chi Experience’. I recommend everyone join together in this Day of International Celebration.

Dragon River Tai Chi Hobart TAS 2006 Cheryl Lee Player. Owner/Director Australian Tai Chi Institute. Australia can Newcastle NSW Australia. ! www.australiantaichiinstitute.com.au 4 EYE ON IT

Upcoming events in Australia

Wushu & Tai Chi Practitioners Australia (WTPA)

Amazing Journey into the World of Xing Yi Quan by Fong Lee

Xing Yi Quan, like the other Wushu often wondered if it had been just taught myself the Wushu I was styles that I have taught myself and fate and destiny that had nurtured practising. He then told me he was to my students as a hobby for the my passion for the art. learning from a ninety year old Kung an independent, not-for-profit past 42 years, is a fascinating art to Fu master in ! organization, conducts its learn and practise. I reckon that it must be about twenty 16TH Competition five years ago when my friend Tang* I introduced Tang to Mr Wong This article sums up my own and his wife stopped in Sydney on saying Tang was a Wushu on Sunday 31 August 2014 experience in acquiring this art. I their way to Brisbane to visit their champion from . Mr Wong at sincerely hope it will inspire some of Wushu friend Billy Lee, a Russian straight away asked Tang whether Monash University - Clayton the readers to take it up and benefit living there. My wife and I had met he knew that I had learned all the from it. It is undoubtedly one of the Billy and his wife during the 1988 Wushu routines myself without Campus Basketball Stadium greatest styles of Chinese Wushu - World Expo held in Brisbane. Chang teachers! Tang replied that he knew well, over three hundred years of Xing (a mutual friend of Tang and that I had taught myself Wushu but existence has proved its usefulness myself) was staying with Billy at the that he had also wondered how I

and value. time. had been able to learn Wushu from books! For those who are not familiar with Xing Yi Quan, “Xing” means “form”, Only later did I find out from Mr “Yi” means “mind” and “Quan” Wong himself that he had doubted means fist and “Xing Yi Quan” can what I had told him in the park about be simply translated as "form and being a self-taught Wushu

mind boxing". It is one of the three practitioner, without a teacher and well known and documented learning solely from books! His Chinese internal martial arts. Its words were: "I have never heard of techniques are simple (but not anyone who could learn Wushu

necessarily easy), powerful, direct without a teacher." He was finally 15 years of experience, and are mostly carried out in a convinced of my abilities after he continuous and straight line fashion. The other 127 joined the Chinese Youth League styles are considered external. where I was teaching and saw many consistent efforts on Taijiquan is a better known internal of my performances in Chinatown. establishing the National (or soft) style. Mr Wong later taught Taiji and Tang and his wife came to see me Qigong in the Youth League himself. Competition for Wushu My initial involvement in Xing Yi in the city after my class in Surrey in Australia! was, in some ways, similar to Hills one Sunday morning. I took A week or so after our meeting at Taijiquan (see the previous issue of them to lunch in a Chinese the restaurant I met Mr Wong again the Wushu Herald) but under restaurant at Pitt Street. There we and he unexpectedly asked me There is no other different sorts of circumstances and met Mr Wong, a seventy-five year whether I knew of anyone teaching organization in motives. old gentleman whom I had Xing Yi Quan in Sydney. I said Australia that could befriended a few years back at the "What, at your age?" and he said Why and how did I take up Xing Yi Sydney Botanical Gardens when I "Yes, I want to learn a harder style do that better. Quan? The reason was beyond my was practising my Wushu one early because both Taiji and Qigong are wildest imagination. What had morning before work (I worked in a too soft!" I thought he was kidding of happened to me was somewhat like nearby government building). Mr course! However, as a result of this For further information and cost a chapter out of a martial arts novel! Wong was practicing his form of meeting I became interested in Xing please visit I still can not believe how I became Kung Fu. We chatted for a while and Yi myself and I have never looked so immensely interested in this art. I I remember telling him that I had back since. www.wtpa.org.au.

5

I remember saying to him; "No, I do and Tang and others were Wushu You can imagine how excited I was EYE ON IT not know anyone except my friend champions from China. They must and understand why I love all my Chang Xing, a seven times Xing Yi be good in everything! books so much! They were the Upcoming champion, but he’s currently living in Unfortunately, not so of course. sources of my inspiration and my Melbourne." I did, however, know Wushu teachers/masters! However, events in someone who was teaching Xing Yi I gave Chang Xing a book but after they could not verbally instruct me Australia in Sydney but I was hesitant to tell fifteen minutes or so of pacing up and I had to rely on my own extra Mr Wong because I was not sure and down my house he finally came efforts and senses in order to learn how good this Sydney Xing Yi to me saying "No way can I learn the art/s well! This problem was instructor/expert was. I had only from a book!" I then said I could removed by the appearance of heard of him and read some of his show him, if he did not mind, and so DVDs. promotional brochures. However, he quickly learned the sword form the funny thing was that this Xing Yi and later taught it to his students at Martial artists in Australia nick- instructor/expert from China later the Melbourne University Wushu named me "a man of a thousand became my casual friend and classes. forms" because I am a Wushu forms together we did some Wushu lover and never seem to have performances around Chinatown Now back to Mr Wong's request and enough of them! This sounds like I too. my intention to teach him myself. I am a Jack of all trades but Wushu ausWushu, a partner of rang him and he agreed straight routines or forms are what I love Wushu Council Australia, On returning home that evening, I away. He no longer had any doubts best as I consider them the ultimate thought to myself: "Why don't I learn of my abilities in Wushu... I and ancient wisdom at its best! offers the following Xing Yi myself and teach Mr Wong immediately started learning the Besides, I love the challenges in workshops in 2014: instead?” I had missed the chance basics called the "Five Elements" learning and remembering the to learn this style from Chang Xing from a book and this was how I routines. Also, I love the grace and Xing Yi Five Fist when he was staying with me in began my amazing journey into the beauty of them too. I am so happy 1989. I don't know why I had no art of Xing Yi Quan! And this was with the knowledge and wisdom that Linked Form intention of learning from him. some twenty-five years ago! I have gained over the past forty-five • Chang had written an article about years! All this has helped me to my journey in Wushu in Australia A week after I had taught myself the further my own understanding of Traditional Sword and and submitted it to a Chinese martial five elements in Xing Yi Quan, I Wushu. Techniques arts magazine called "Wushu for began teaching Mr. Wong and his • Health" or 武术健身. I shall try to wife in Surrey Hills. Unfortunately, I am grateful and feel fortunate translate his article later for the after a couple of weeks of learning, indeed that I can learn anything I Yang Style Mr Wong could not continue want in Wushu myself and do not Wushu Herald to share with the Traditional readers. because he considered Xing Yi have to rely too much on others. techniques too hard for his knees. People have been saying I have a Broadsword and Don't forget that he was over sixth sense in Wushu of which I am I did have a chance to learn from a Basic Skills champion but I did not! How and seventy-five and I did warn him that not sure but I do have strong desire why not? Chang Xing was on his Xing Yi may be a little too hard for towards Wushu and a great feeling • him due to his age! But after both of of some achievements in my life! I way from Brisbane to Melbourne to Tai Chi Fan join up with Tang (this was in 1989, them stopped I continued with my have read somewhere that we must years before Tang, Mr Wong and I own learning and training to the try to explore and learn as much as • present day because I always we possibly can about a subject met at the restaurant). Although Introduction to Bagua Chang Xing was a great champion, I remember a saying "when you have matter, then narrow down to what was not interested in Xing Yi at the come across a good thing then stick we love best, and only then digest • to it", so I did and still do! I am the materials. Finally, it’s important time because I was fully engrossed Wushu Cudgel in "Long Fist" style and Taijiquan. As thankful of my never-give-up attitude to use whatever we have learned a matter of fact, instead of learning in whatever I was pursuing. In according to our own special and • from Chang Xing, I instructed him in reality, I have to thank Mr Wong for unique way and to make it our own! Competition Routines the 32 steps Taiji straight sword my own journey in Xing Yi Quan! I am sure this was why there are so routine (I still have his letter thanking many different styles of Wushu • me for this!). I felt very proud of the Surprisingly, it's always been like created in the first place! and more chance to teach a champion! The this: whenever I started learning a ______reason for this was a letter from Wushu style, for example, Xing Yi, * Tang Lai Wei (Founder of Tai Chi For Life based in Melbourne) was one of my Wushu Tang to Chang Xing to ask me books and later DVDs from China began to appear as though they idols back in the early 1970s. In fact all his Saturday 23 August 2014 whether I had books or other team mates, the Wushu team which Saturday 27 September 2014 resources on Taiji 32 sword form. were meant for me to help me the now famous Jet Li was one of them were Saturday 13 December 2014 Lots of students in Melbourne were along! The timing could not be more my idols! 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm interested in learning such a routine right! Continued on Page 6 I was humbled by your invitation to be a nearly $1,000.00 for local Hunter Charities. He contributor, and delighted to be part of a and his fabulous team of Martial Artists joined All dates and times are magazine that featured my friend and with members of the Australian Tai Chi colleague Master Fong Lee. We have worked Institute, some as young as 5, in a two hour tentative. together for decades and he continues to be display of Wushu, Martial Arts, Weapons,Tai my inspiration. The photo you used was taken Chi and Qigong demonstrations. For full training programme, by myself on my stage at the Institute. The Tai Chi Spectacular was the first of it’s kind Fong has done many Workshops for me in in Newcastle and a great success. I further information and cost Newcastle with fabulous response from congratulate you again on a wonderful students. Not only is he an amazing Wushu contribution to Wushu Australia. please visit Master, he is humble, knowledgeable and generous in his support of all Martial Art forms. Regards, He has supported many of my Tai Chi events www.auswushu.com.au. the biggest being the ‘TAI CHI Cheryl Lee Player SPECTACULAR’ which raised Australian Tai Chi Institute. Newcastle Bookings essential ! 6

WE Continued from Page 5 RECOMMEND What is Wushu and Xing Yi Quan?

For those who are not familiar with So this is the story of my amazing Professor Wang Deming has Wushu, Wushu is a collective name for all journey into Xing Yi Quan. more than 43 years of martial under which there arts experience. He is a renown are one hundred and thirty two completed I am hoping this article will steer some disciple of the following styles. Whereas, unofficially over five of the readers to take up this style distinguished martial arts hundred styles are in existence in China because its contents are rich, today! In the West people are more grandmasters: Pan Zhiyuan fascinating and very good for health familiar with Kung Fu but Wushu is the (disciple of Wang Jiwu and and fitness. If you are keen then try to correct term! In Chinese, Kung Fu often Zhang Xiangzhai) in Xing Yi Pi Quan: Splitting Fist find a good instructor. An instructor refer to a special skill or efficiency. Kung Quan, Sun Zhijun in Cheng Style does not have to be famous as long as means work/efforts and Fu means man! Ba Gua Zhang, Liu Gaoming in About a good cook we can say: “His they know what they are doing and Yang style Tai Chi and others. cooking Kung Fu is very good! can perform the forms and routines well. More importantly, they must know During his career with the Capital Xing Yi Quan is one of the three how to teach and disseminate the (Beijing) Sports Institute, Professor famous Internal arts of Chinese knowledge, information and skills to Wang has represented the Beijing Wushu, the other two are Taijiquan students! You are the one who is going Wushu and National Wushu and . to spend the money, time and effort Teams. As a competitor, he won and the least you should worry about first prize in the Xing Yi Quan, Ba To put it simply, it is a form of Chinese is how famous the instructor is! You Gua Zhang and Ba Gua boxing done mostly in a straight line are not there to inflate the instructor's Broadsword events. fashion and its techniques are ego! Bear in mind famous people may powerful, effective and it is a very not be good instructors and a good Zhuang Quan: Drilling Fist strong fighting art, Its routines are and knowledgeable instructor may not compact with no fancy techniques. Its be famous! Please don't go for routines almost always begin with a "lineage" in any system either, this stand we call "three body posture" with does not mean anything and you body weight mainly resting on the back should not be too concerned with it! leg and with one hand stretched out at chest level and the lower hand resting Anyway, this is up to the individual I on or close to the stomach - the so guess. You are the best judge of this called Dantien area. This stance of course. I am here only to express makes one feel like a ball of fire full of and share my own view and energy and ready to explode! experiences. Bear in mind a saying Professor Wang Deming’s that goes like this: "the first generation guidance led the Capital Institute of This style was evolved from imitations start up the system, the second one Physical Education Team to win of the characteristic movements of 12 passes it on but from the third one the top 3 prizes for 10 consecutive animals such as dragon, tiger, horse, Beng Quan: Crushing Fist onward will stuff up the system years not only in Beijing and at the monkey, chicken, snake, swallow etc. completely"! Of course this is only a National Tournaments. The most basic and fundamental generalisation. But if you are lucky to

movements are the so called "five find a good and knowledgeable Between 2001 and 2006, elements" (see pictures). The instructor you are blessed. Besides, Professor Wang has published 17 combinations of both the five elements these days books and DVDs are so of his own teaching materials. He and the twelfth animals made up the common on almost any style of Wushu is also the author of the book whole Xing Yi system. However, each so by all means learn from them "Chinese Martial Arts Chang Quan of the five elements and individual yourself first and then try and find a Teaching Essentials", published animal form is a stand-alone routine or good teacher. Never say to yourself and distributed by Beijing linking them together to form a linking that you cannot do something and University Press. routine/s. This does not sound like need to rely on someone! Be your own

much but I often compare this system master of the art you like, but by all In 2007, Professor Wang Deming with the English language: there are means learn from the experienced was one of the three masters only 26 letters but their combinations Pao Quan: Pounding Fist instructors if an opportunity comes invited to Melbourne by Tai Chi For can generate countless books in the your way. This way may save you Life to conduct the workshop in world! valuable time, a lot of headaches, Xing Yi and Bagua while frustrations and disillusionment along Grandmaster Wu Bin held Wushu Also, Xing Yi techniques appear the way too. But, to achieve great sessions and Master Ma Jinlong - powerful externally but it shares the things one needs to overcome great Tai Chi. same principles of the other two arts difficulties! However, I feel nothing is

such as Taijiquan and Baguazhang. better than trying to overcome the

These three arts don't rely on brute unbeaten tracks yourself! Self-

strength like the external styles but discovery will give you an awesome The autographed DVD cover rather deliver with full intention (mind) feeling, satisfaction and a great sense above was provided by one of or the so called internal power. For of achievement! the participants of the further details on this style please refer workshops. to some Xing Yi books or DVDs. Heng Quan: Crossing Fist 7 PROFESSIONAL New Cancer Study DEVELOPMENT Finds Benefit in Old Duan Wei Grading Therapy in Shaolin by Dr Byeongsang Oh

Cancer patients who used a 5000-year-old Shaolin International combination of gentle exercise and meditation Wushu Festival 2014 experienced significantly higher wellbeing levels, improved cognitive functioning and less fatigue, 18 - 22 October 2014 mood disorder and inflammation compared to a control group, new University of Sydney research Zhengzhou, China has found.

Dr Byeongsang Oh, a clinical senior lecturer at the The home of Chinese Martial Sydney Medical School, research fellow at the Harvard Medical School who led the study, said the reduced differences in measurements of quality of life, fatigue, Arts, Shaolin Temple, this year inflammation in patients who practised medical Qigong, mood status and inflammation between the intervention a form of traditional Eastern medicine, was particularly and control groups. welcomes over 1500 athletes significant. Qigong is a mind-body practice fist developed over 5000 years ago, and a part of Eastern "To our knowledge, our study is the first statistically from more than 60 countries and medicine. It is an integration of gentle exercise and significant, randomised controlled trial to measure the we are invited too! meditation to harmonise the body, mind and spirit. impact of medical Qigong in patients with cancer," Dr Oh says. "Several studies have indicated chronic inflammation is associated with cancer incidence, progression and About Qigong Expect plenty of performances even survival," says Dr Oh. Qigong is a mind-body practice first developed over 5000 years ago, and a part of Eastern medicine. It is an from shaven-headed, costumed "Patients who practiced medical Qigong experienced integration of gentle exercise and meditation to kids and scary looking adults significant improvements in quality of life, including harmonise the body, mind and spirit. greater physical, functional, social and emotional engaged in hundreds of wellbeing, and enhanced cognitive functioning, while It is based on the theory that discomfort, pain and the control group deteriorated in all of these areas," Dr sickness are the results of the stagnation of Qi flow in matches. Oh says. the body’s energy channel.

He also found the patients in the medical Qigong group About the Medical Qigong session in the study reported reduced fatigue and mood disorder including Each session consists of a 15 minutes discussion about anxiety and depression, and increased satisfaction with health issues, 30 minutes of gentle stretching and body their sex lives. movement in standing posture to stimulate the body along the energy channels, 15 minutes of movement in The study involved 162 patients, with those assigned to seated posture (Dao Yin exercise for face, head, neck the medical Qigong group undertaking a ten-week shoulders, waist, lower back, legs and feet, 30 minutes program of two supervised 90-minute sessions per of meditation including breathing exercise and week. They were also encouraged to practise at home relaxation and feeling the Q (nature’s/cosmic energy) every day for at least half an hour. and visualization. Besides Wushu competitions

When the study began there were no significant and performances in Tai Chi and modern traditional Wushu, there will be an opportunity for (Twelve Limbering Exercises). technical training and Details of each movement were carefully explained and Qigong Visit it was shown how they affect health and benefit well- participation in grading being. In addition, for the first time, the Dao Yin Yang (standard Chinese Wushu Duan In June this year, the Chinese Health Qigong Associa- Sheng Gong Shi Er Fa (the 12 Movement Exercise) tion sent two of their prominent Professors to Australia was taught. As well as the movements, Chinese culture Wei Exam), finding out about the to conduct their annual Health Qigong Workshops. and Chinese medicine were understood more. In June These workshops were hosted in Melbourne by Tai Chi 2015 the Chinese Health Qigong Association will con- latest research done. You will be Australia and in Sydney by Tai Chi Fitness Australia. duct another annual Health Qigong Workshop which The visiting professors Ma Yong Zhi and Li Ren Song will be taught by visiting Chinese professors. We will welcome to attend the greeting oversaw revision by the students of the Ba Duan Jin keep you informed so you can book earlier not to miss ceremony in Dengfeng, will be (Eight Golden Treasure Brocade) and Yi Jin Jing out. shown inside Shaolin Temple and will see Zen Music Shaolin Grand Ceremony.

Please do not hesitate and contact us for more details at

[email protected]

8 WE RECOMMEND Chinese Medicine

Margaret River and Yang Sheng HIPPIE WINES by Chris Zaslawski PhD and Shuai “It’s not what you are, but who Zheng Zheng BHlthSc (TCM), BA you are… it’s a way of life. The Margaret River region (International Studies) (Western Australia) is famous for its free spirited people. Not Chinese medicine (CM) originated in China over 2,000 warming and moving effect or a cooling and slowing everyone hangs out in a daisy years ago but spread to the neighbouring regions of effect in the body depending on the yin or yang nature Japan, Vietnam and Korea where it was enculturated of the illness. In recent years there has been painted kombi or grooves out and further developed enhancing their own traditional accumulating evidence which partially explains some of to psychedelic rock, but medical practices. CM incorporates a variety of the effects seen following acupuncture. Research has traditional medical practices including acupuncture, shown that acupuncture stimulates sensory nerves herbal medicine, massage (tuina), diet therapy and which lead to secretion of neurotransmitters in the local meditation (qigong and taiji). One specialist area is area as well as the spinal cord and brain which called Yang sheng养生which translates as “nourishing modulate pain and decrease inflammation. The life” and is a specialty area of knowledge which Cochrane Reviews (the gold standard for assessing the emphasises the cultivation of good health practices and value of a therapeutic intervention) list several the attainment of a long life. conditions where acupuncture has been shown to be of value including nausea, tension headache and The development of CM is well documented with one of migraine. the earliest medical texts the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic) setting out the basic theory Herbal medicine has also been employed for over 2000 and concepts of health and disease as early as 200 years in Asia. There are roughly 13,000 medicinals BCE. Central to the concept of health were the twelve used in China and over 100,000 medicinal recipes channels (jing) that traverse the body surface and act recorded in the ancient medical literature. Traditional as a conduit for the qi to move around the body and herbal formulas are prescriptions of mainly plant pieces nourish the internal organs and the various tissues and (roots, bark, berries, leaves,) but also mineral (eg body structures. According to CM, health involves the gypsum) and animals (eg cicada shells). When free flow of qi while disease arises when there is decocted the soup produced contains a variety of stagnation of qi or the invasion of external pathogenic phytochemicals and again scientific research is finding influences such as wind and cold which obstruct the support for its use in several medical conditions such as flow of qi in the channels. Acupuncture is able to primary dysmenorrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and unblock these obstructions and assist the movement of atopic eczema. the sluggish qi by the insertion of fine needles (originally bone and bamboo but now stainless steel) Central to many Chinese medical practices, as into these defined sites on the body surface that were mentioned previously, is the concept of yang sheng. documented in the traditional medical literature as acu- Both acupuncture and herbal medicine have developed points (xue wei). acupoint and herbal prescriptions to maintain health. Yang sheng is a Taoist concept which is hard to define, The concept of qi is difficult to however it can be seen as a philosophical approach to explain and some authors various areas of living including dietary habits, Qigong, translate it as breath, vital energy medicine, alchemy and sexuality. Whilst the definition of Yang Sheng is not clear, it does have four main suffice to say, it is near or finest matter with the Chinese character containing the objectives of nurturing life (养育生命), benefiting the impossible to find grape pictograms of rice and rising body (养益身体), protecting health (养护健) and pickers or vine pruners when vapour or steam (Fig.1). Another promoting longevity (养生益寿). important concept is that of yin the giant surf is pumping. The Fig.1 and yang, two opposite but Also important are the many health promoting practices Margaret River wines have the complementary universal forces that involve movement and meditation such as qigong same free spirited nature and that manifest in the body and and taijiquan. For example the “Frolic of Five should be kept in dynamic purity of purpose.” balance to maintain health. Animals” (五禽戏) were developed by Hua To, a famous www.hippiewines.com.au The Chinese characters reflect Taoist physician who lived during the end of the the shady (yin) and sunny side Eastern Han dynasty and into the three kingdoms era of

of a mountain (yang) and are Chinese history. He developed the “Frolic of the Five well represented in both the Animals” or wuqinxi based on original Daoyin … Even the Yin-Yang west and the east as the taiji movements (an ancient form of calisthenics- see Fig.2 photograph below) and whilst observing animals. Each symbol there does not symbol (figure 2). Again illness could be seen as yin (cold and animal movement was seen to benefit a certain organ have dark side! sluggish) or yang (hot and agitated) with the system within the body. The tiger like movements were appropriate herb or needling of an acupoint leading to a seen to benefit the lung, the deer the liver, the bear the 9 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Duan Wei Workshops in Sydney

The Wushu Council Australia kidney, the ape the stomach and the crane the heart. Stroking his beard the first man replied, “I have never touched liquor in all my life.” has adopted the guidelines of The I Yi Jing (Tendon Changing Classic) is also another “I walk a hundred steps after each meal,” The the Chinese Wushu commonly practiced activity. First appearing in the Ming second greybeard joined with a smile. dynasty 1624 and was said to be practised broadly by Association and the Duan Wei Nodding in agreement, the third chimed in, “I eat Shaolin monks during the Qing dynasty and is still to be grading system as an indicator seen practiced in the many parks across China. only vegetables and the simplest fare.” of the professional level of all “I travel by foot instead of by wheel,” Said the TaIjiiquan is one of the most commonly practiced yang fourth, leaning on his cane. Wushu and Tai Chi sheng activities involving movement. The earliest The fifth added, flourishing the sleeves of his practitioners in Australia. WCA literature which documents the practise of Taiji was robe, “I do my laundry and all other chores encourages everyone to get from the early Qing dynasty. According to the literature with my own hands.” Taiji spread outwards from the Chen family village in familiarized with this system Demonstrating a Taiji form, the sixth explained, province, China. The name Taiji can be and invites readers to attend translated as the supreme ultimate and this concept “I do this fitness exercise everyday.” the following workshops: arises from the Yi Jing 易经 or the Book of Changes. Rubbing his nose the seventh observed, “Keep The Yi Jing states that change arises from the taiji the windows open and let the fresh air in.” The eighth rosy-cheeked, remarked, “I get a tan which gives birth to the two intentions of yin and yang. from the summer sun.” Duan Wei Yang and In summary many of the practices of yang sheng are Twisting his moustache, the ninth stressed, captured in this Chinese story reproduced from book “Early to bed and early to rise.” Chen Style Tai Chi produced by China Sports in 1984, titled Traditional The last gentleman concluded raising his Level 1-4 Chinese Fitness Exercises. eyebrows, “I’m as merry as the day is long.” Single and Dual

Once upon a time a visitor at the seashore met Routines * * * ten old men who had all lived to a hundred and were still going strong. In all sincerity the visitor Always remember these old men’s words. For there is made a bow and asked “Pray, how have you much truth in their responses. Do precisely as these Saturday 23 August 2014 managed to live so long?” men do, if you want your days to be long. Saturday 27 September 2014 Saturday 13 December 2014 About Professor Chris Zaslawski stress, male subfertility, hepatitis C, lateral elbow pain. Chris is the President of the between Chinese Medicine Council of New South Wales 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm Associate Professor Chris Zaslawski is and more recently he has been involved in the currently Associate Head of School, (Medical development of international standards for and Molecular Biosciences) at the University of Chinese medicine within the International Technology, Sydney where he teaches within Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese He is the chair of the national Australian mirror Medicine. He has been practising acupuncture committee for Chinese medicine for Standards for 34 years and is also a registered Australia. He is a deputy editor of the Australian physiotherapist. He has been a short term Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, consultant for the World Health Organisation for Australia’s only peer reviewed academic journal a number of acupuncture related projects in the on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine All dates and times are tentative. areas of education, research and clinical and serves on the Accreditation committee of practice guidelines. the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. For further information and cost

Chris is an active researcher in the areas of Dr Zaslawski supervises a number of PhD please visit acupuncture and pain, clinical research design students one of whom is about to finish his and human research ethics. He has been thesis on stress and Tai Chi. www.auswushu.com.au. involved in several acupuncture clinical trials on Bookings essential ! 10 WE RECOMMEND Tai Chi Against Stress

The Chinese Health and Anxiety: Qigong Association has produced a series of books Results of a study on Health Qigong by Shuai Zheng providing a basis on which

the professional level of Shuai Zheng (BHlthSc BA) is currently a PhD student Qigong instructors is at the University of Technology, Sydney. He is Shuai Zheng (Left) with mentor Professor Bai YuLan evaluated. The system of practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practising traditional Wushu for over 20 years. at the Beijing China-Japan Friendship Hospital grading is being developed His current research is on the effects of Tai Chi on psychological and physiological health. Shuai has following the model of the University of Technology, Sydney Fitness centre. presented his research at many international Wushu Duan Wei system. conferences, including the International Scientific During this time the waiting-list control group Acupuncture and Meridian Symposium (ISAMS), World maintained their normal lifestyles. In 2003, after years of Federation of Acupuncture Society conference (WFAS), and the Society for Acupuncture Research scientific research, CHQA Conference (SAR). As a martial artist Shuai started At the completion of the study, it was shown that released the first Health studying Wushu under his father at the age of five and participants in both the Tai Chi and exercise group had Qigong routines: Ba Duan was a former team member of the Zhejiang University Wushu Team, as well as a triple gold medallist at the statistically improved their outcomes from their starting Jin, Yi Jin Jing, Wu Qin Xi, 6th Zhejiang International Traditional Wushu scores in all of the self reporting stress questionnaires Liu Zi Jue, designed to fit the Competition in 2009. as well as in various self reporting general health needs of the modern world. We have asked him to tell us about his research. questionnaires. Those who were allocated to the Not long after this the China waiting-list group showed no improvements at all. Tai State Sports Administration Chi was further shown to be statistically significant and Sports for All Federation The ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi or Taiji (太极) compared to the waiting-list counterpart in both state of China recognised Health has been believed to have many therapeutic effects on and trait anxiety as well as overall mental health. The Qigong as one of the health and promoting longevity [1]. Whilst results of this research present great potential for Tai Traditional Sport Events. philosophically the principles can be explained through Chi to be used for the management of stress whilst the Daoist alchemic concept of cultivating the inner being gentler than conventional exercises. “dan” (丹) or elixir [2], there is little in ways of 1.ChinaSports, Traditional Chinese Fitness Exercise – Including mechanical or physiological explanations on how Tai Taijiquan and Qigong. 1984, Beijing: New World Press. Chi achieves these health outcomes. Despite this the 2.Kang, G.W.康., Zhongguo Wushu Shiyong Daquan (中国武术实用 therapeutic health benefits obtained from practice are 大全) [Chinese Martial Arts Practical Compendium]. 1990, Beijing: sworn by practitioners of Tai Chi and Qi Gong alike. Zhongguo Chu Ban She (中国出版社) [Chinese Press) 3.Zheng, S., et al., Protocol: The Effect of 12 Weeks of Tai Chi Stress is one of the many conditions which Tai Chi is Practice on Anxiety in Healthy but Stressed People Compared to reputed to help, especially through Tai Chi’s ability to Exercise and Wait-list Comparison Groups: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Acupuncture Meridan Studies, 2014. 7(3): p. 159- establish mental clarity and resolving anxiety. The 165. research undertaken at the University of Technology, Sydney was designed to evaluate if Tai Chi can in fact improve the ability for healthy but stressed individuals to cope with anxiety. To do this, 50 participants volunteered and after a rigorous screening procedure st In 2008, the 1 Health were randomly allocated into one of three groups; a Tai Qigong Tournament was Chi group (n= 17), exercise group (n= 17) and a waiting held and by 2011 there were -list group (n= 16) who would act as the control group 25 countries competing in for the study [3]. international events that promote cultural exchange The Tai Chi group was required to learn the 24 stance and encourage the practice simplified Taijiquan (二十四式简化太极拳) over a period of Qigong for health, fitness of six weeks and practice it for another six weeks in and personal growth. To addition. This equated to a total of 3600 minutes over a enable such exchange, period of 12 weeks. Similarly, participants allocated to international standards were Shuai Zheng (Right) and members of UTS Kung Fu the exercise group were asked to complete 3600 also implemented to ensure club with Master Tary Yip (Centre) practicing Xing Yi minutes of exercise over a period of 12 weeks including students were being taught at the workshop last year. a similar amount of time spent in structured classes in by instructors with a sound knowledge base. To this end, Australians love to travel. Some of them take their Tai instructors and practitioners Chi practice with them. Here we continue our can now engage in Duan collection of pictures of globe-trotting Tai Chi-ists in Far Far Away Tai Chi action. Examination grading to prove their experience and Cheryl Lee Player, Norfolk Island skills.

The work continues and more books currently are available in Chinese and English together with DVDs.

Andrew Edmonds on the Great Wall of China Alex Fomin on the Great Wall of China 11 WE UTS Kung Fu Club RECOMMEND by Yung Gordon Introducing UTS Kung Fu Club... Journey into darkness. The UTS Kung Fu Club (UTS KFC) is a Chinese martial active role in the public. This year, we performed at the arts club based in the University of Technology Sydney, Sydney Chinese New Year Twilight Parade for the The dark forces, embodied by Zhengzhouestablished Business District in 2010 by a group of martial arts second time. Our team consisted of 48 people and enthusiasts. Our club mission is to promote traditional included team performance groups, individual Donaka Mark, a powerful Chinese martial arts in Australia and to share our performance groups and helpers to assist with food and underground fighting boss, play knowledge of Kung Fu with other martial arts drinks, flag bearing and photography. The team upon ambitions of Tiger Chen, a performance group trained very hard to perform some young student of the great Ling basic Kung Fu movements that were selected from five different styles of Kung Fu. The individual group was Kong Tai Chi whose own brutal formed by our senior members to perform Bagua, Xing and violent style of Tai Chi Yi, Praying Mantis, Tong Bei, Fanzi, Baji, Chang Quan brings him close to ultimate and Tai Chi. Some of these styles are not well known to destruction. the public, so we hope that this can make people more aware of the different styles that exist and spark their interest in practicing martial arts. Our parade team was A fine line separates a fighter very successful and we received good feedback from from a warrior: one is the public and the city council. As a result, UTS KFC motivated by reason, the was invited to do a short demonstration for Channel 7 other by purpose....

enthusiasts. Our members include a combination of both university students and people who are interested in Kung Fu – whether they are masters or newbies everyone is welcome as we are all able to learn from each other. UTS KFC organises a variety of activities such as weekly training and dinner gatherings, regular social events (paintball, movies) as well as specialised seminars and workshops. In the past four years, we have cooperated with many masters and organisations. Previous seminar topics have been Tai Chi and Health, History of Shaolin Kung Fu, Bagua Zhang, Internal

You are about to witness this morning show on the day of the parade. This has given distinction. You are about to us a lot of unforgettable memories. bear witness to the purity of In order to share our knowledge around the world, we purpose and the absence of have filmed a lot of tutorials and demonstration videos reason. Two men, one ring. and have uploaded them to YouTube. Our recent filming project is focused on the interpretation of the Two warriors, one destination. early martial arts books. Most of these books only have Tiger wanted to be the best, limited hand drawn pictures and limited description of and he was given that chance. movements. Therefore, we use our knowledge and What would he fight for? He experience to interpret these and demonstrate them through our videos. Currently we have successfully was given a reason: his temple. reconstructed the book of "Practical Big- Fight! And he did. And he liked Power, Short Weapons and Changing Tendons Classic Saber Techniques" (實用大刀術), that was published in it. He was put against other (Yi Jin Jing). UTS KFC has also hosted more than 1933 for the Chinese army's military training. “Breaking styles to evolve his own... He twenty workshops about Ma Gui Style Bagua Zhang, Wall in Shaolin”, that was also translated in English and saved the temple. He could Kulo Wing Chun, Imperial Yang Tai Chi, Pi Gua Quan, republished in Hong Kong as “Bagua Zhang Self- walk away, he could go back to Xing Yi, Ma Family style Tongbei, Systema, Short Defence” in 1980s, is another series that we are Weapons and Long Weapons. Some of our upcoming working on. The first two videos have already gained a his life, his job, his master, his seminars include Ma Gui Style Bagua Zhang in August lot of good feedback from Hong Kong, Taiwan and temple, his honour. He and Yi Quan Workshop in October so keep an eye out Mainland China. They can be found on our Youtube changed. Ready to be a warrior. for them on our facebook page: https:// page: https://www.youtube.com/user/utskungfu www.facebook.com/groups/utskungfu. A new man. He let go of all that held him back. Disgrace. He As well as hosting local seminars, UTS KFC has an surrendered reason to purpose. Defiance. He fought his master and betrayed his legacy. Did you know? Dishonour.

"Chi" as in "Tai Chi" and "Chi" as in "Chi Kung" (alternative transliteration of "Qigong") are not the same? While They wanted to see the loss of "Qi"/"Chi" in "Qigong" is commonly understood as "vital energy", "Chi" in "Tai Chi" does not have the same innocence. They wanted to see meaning and is just a part of "Taiji" which means "supreme ultimate". a pure-hearted, good-natured man of Tai Chi become a killer. They almost succeeded.

12

The Asia Pacific World Sport and Women (APWSW) Conference will be coming to Sydney in 2014. The two-day forum is set to discuss the business of women in sport featuring esteemed speakers from a cross-section of backgrounds. Among the speakers is Deidre Anderson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Macquarie University. For more details visit www.apwsw.com.au

Next Issue Upcoming Events Worldwide

Closing date for the next issue is 15 August 2014.

Please send us your stories, Competitions your thoughts, share your  Nanjing 2014 Youth Wushu Tournament (August 16-24 2014 Nanjing, China) information or concerns, or tell  6th World Traditional Wushu Championships (October 24-29 2014 Chizhou, China) what you have achieved or are  7th Sanda World Cup (November 16-22 2014 Jakarta, Indonesia) going to organise. Your  1st World Taijiquan Championships (November 1-4 2014 , China) contributions are welcome! Meetings  IWUF Executive Committee Meeting (October 31 2014 Chengdu, China)

Training Courses  International Wushu Judges Examination Course (August 25-31 2014 Shanghai, China)  International Taijiquan Judges Examination Course (October 24-30 2014 Chengdu, China)  Wushu Duanwei System for Overseas Practitioners in China (September 1-4 Shanghai, September 20-23 Guangzhou, November 5-7 Chengdu, December 20-23 Shanghai)

Continental Events wushu herald  Pan American Wushu Championships (September 1-8 2014 San José, Costa Rica)  12th South Asian Games (TBA Nepal) Wushu Herald is a publication of the  17th Asian Games (September 19 - October 4 2014 Inchon, Korea) Wushu Council Australia and ausWushu Activities organized by IWUF members All rights reserved 2014  Beijing International Wushu Championships (July 18-20 2014 Beijing , China) ISSN 2202-8137 (Print)  Cangzhou International Traditional Wushu Festival (August 2014 Cangzhou, China) ISSN 2203-6067 (Online)  Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival (August 2014 Zhengzhou, China) For more information on Wushu Herald  Shanghai International Wushu Exhibition (August 2014 Shanghai, China) please contact the editorial board or the  International "Latin Wushu" Championships (September 12–14 2014 V. Nova de Gaia, secretary of the WCA. Portugal) Post: PO Box 406  International Sanda Pro Open Championships (December 2014 France) Broadway NSW 2007  5th Taijiquan Health Conference (October 2014 Shenzhen, China) Phone: 0422 622 797 / 0405 027 219  Xinjiang International Wushu Festival (TBA Xinjiang, China) Email: [email protected] www.wushu-council.com.au

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors, and not

Vol 2 No 2 April- June 2014 Visit us: www.wushu-council.com.au I Follow at twitter I Like at facebook