ACCS Newsletter

December 2007

Inside this Issue

1 Shemma Xin (What’s New)

4 Questions To Grandmaster

6 Kungfu Corner

7 Ba Gua Zhang

8 Shuai Chiao

9 Wednesday Night Internals

10 Young Dragons

12 ACCS Travels to China

15 Milt’s Movie Review

American Center for Chinese Studies 122 Grand Street Croton on Hudson, NY 10526 (914) 827-9068

Shemma Xin Lorraine Miro

Autumn: Its All About Change So many things have happened since our last newsletter. We’ve been to the Hung Gar Tournament, had Break week , Clean Up Day and squeezed in a trip to China! Time doesn’t stand still though and neither do we. We’ve already contracted with The Reef in Peekskill for our Chinese New Year’s celebration on February 9th and Maggie Wychunas is pushing ahead full steam on the arrangements. New students have joined and new forms are being taught. We have a lot to look forward to.

☯☯☯☯☯☯☯ Kenpo Brothers from Chicago Tom Saviano our Brother Kenpo School in Chicago just returned from Dublin Ireland. He was invited to Dublin by the Dublin Kenpo Association started by Shrfu’s Master John McSweeney many years ago. The Dublin team came to the USA this year at the Gathering of Eagles In Vegas, and made the invitation at that time. As most know Master John McSweeney is the Father of Ireland Kenpo. Master Tom stayed in Dublin about 10 days. As head of Master John’s Association now, Master Saviano gave out promotions and awards.. Grandmaster Frank DeMaria sends his best wishes to all his Dublin Ireland Brothers and Sisters....

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A New Addition to the Family! We could not be more proud of our Jennifer A Cronk-Doherty who gave birth to this beautiful baby boy. Jack, who has both parents grounded in the martial arts will be a force to be reckoned with.

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December 2007

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At the request of Wai Y. Wong, the Young Dragons will be performing a demonstration and Lion Dance at the Northern Westchester Chinese School in Briarcliff on January 19th as part of their New Year and Graduation ceremony. Included in the Demo and Lion Dance will be the Students from Grandmaster’s Chinese School, the ACCS Croton Gwan and the Brewster Gwan.

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Shrfu received the following honor from the National Republican Congressional Committee:

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Need a new shirt? Our new shipment has arrived, see your teacher to replenish your supply.

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Shrfu was promoted to 9th degree in Chinese Kenpo by Tom Saviano. It is the second highest level In Grand Master John Mc Sweeney's Association in America. Grandmaster is deeply honored.

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two hours before any class time and check to see if we are closed. When roads conditions become dangerous we don't open the Gwan for the safety of all.

We will always leave a message on our phones if we are closed, if not we don't leave a message and class is on as usual. We also send out a Radio Announcement which is aired on local Am Radio for School Closings. If your still not to sure you can email mail Master Peck or ShrYa for confirmation as last resort.

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Congratulations to Dr. Weng and to Team USA who placed 4th overall in the China International Shuaijiao Tournament. You really helped to put American Shua chiao in the limelight in China.

☯☯☯☯☯☯☯ Our deepest sympathies go out to Grandmaster’s Tai Chi student John Murray who has just lost his mother. Our thoughts are with you, John.

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Winter Alert: for those new to our Croton Gwan. When faced with snow or ice on the roads, call the Gwan

Students of the Northern Westchester Chinese School

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NEWSLETTER

ACCS

in the Northeast of the USA. I met Mr. Shen over 40 years ago at the Temple of Enlightenment in the Bronx. At that time I was a member of the Temple practicing Zen after my former Master Jung Tzai left Chinatown for unknown destinations. Mr Shen came in one day very excited about a dream he had. He said he now felt his life work would be devoted to building the biggest Buddhist Temple in the East, and so it started then. He laid out his plastic model he had built to his specific dream and we all looked on in fascination how big this project would be. He asked all Temple members if they could help. I then asked my students to join in and do all they could. In fact it was our Gwan members who did much of the earlier work of uprooting trees and clearing large areas in Putnam for the future temple. This work continued year after year and as far as I know is still ongoing to create a land mark of Buddhism here in New York.

Mr Shen had one of the most extensive libraries in America on old Buddhist scripts which he had in a place called the Bodi House on Long Island. He moved all this to Putnam Country into a building he built on the Temple grounds to house todays most sought after books and transcripts on Buddhism in the USA. This library is so extensive even my Chan Master Shen Yen went to the Temple to continue his studies. He also built the Biggest Buddha Statue in the USA. We also helped Mr Shen bring in the Dali Lama to speak at the new Temple two or three times over the years. The arrangements for the Dali Lama’s visit to Putnam was made by our Gwan Members who were involved in the political ends in Putnam county. They helped clear the way for the Dali Lama to come to New York. In fact our Gwan members were some of the few people who had a private interview with the Dali Lama which was posted in the local newspapers at that time So you can see we had a long relationship with this wonderful man C.T Shen and although he has moved on, his dream continues to grow and will continue until his 40 year old dream comes full term. Mr. Shen will be buried in on the ground he loved most all of his life. He will never be forgotten for his wonderful work in spreading Buddhism in this country. Rest in peace....

The passing of C.T Shen is a great loss to devout Buddhists. He has done an enormous amount in spreading Buddhism here

December 2007

Questions To Grandmaster

The state of the Martial Arts is growing in this country and all over the world. More and more people are now asking where they can learn the Arts? Who are the best Teachers and what is the best Art to take. I hope this answers some of those questions.

First let me say the Arts is indeed growing fast. When I first started you could count the number of real Martial Arts school on one hand. Now you can find numerous schools in one area all offering different forms of the Martial Arts. But still I must add there are many out there that have schools and are not qualified to teach. The main problem is that there really is no way to regulate schools. You don't need a license to open a Martial Arts school you just rent a space call yourself a Master and sign up the people and you’re on your way. I have seen and still see schools where the so called master is nothing more than a novice him/herself. But because the American people don't know what is real and what is fake they join and think they are indeed learning something real. Whereas the real truth is what they are learning is poor and ineffective. Just recently I had a father come to my school saying his son wanted to further his training by getting into something more advanced. He told me his son was a third degree black belt, I won’t mention the art. So I asked him to send his son to my class and I would take a look at his skill level and go from there. If he was indeed advanced, I would be glad to further his knowledge with more advanced forms and techniques. Upon seeing his son I was shocked to see the level of his knowledge. His skill level was even less than my children's division who had studied less than a year. His forward stance was so poor he was off balance just trying to stand in it. I then proceeded to show him a real Forward Stance and he was amazed to see just how powerful it really was. Needless to say, he joined ACCS and also needless to say, I had to start him right from the beginning. This is an example of years of wasted time learning from a person who had no knowledge in the real thing. The only way to avoid such bad schools is to learn how to check the credentials of the school you are thinking of joining. If you just look at howfancy the school looks then you may be in for trouble. The making of a Real Master take Years. Yet those who have nothing but a few years are now trying to pass themselves off as qualified Teachers. Here is another story to further my point. I had some students show up at my school claiming they were Teachers and wanted to further their knowledge. After seeing them I realized they knew little or nothing of real Kung Fu. I asked them if they were running a school which they acknowledged they were. They had students registered and bound by contracts. Sad to stay the extent of their knowledge was less then one of my disciple levels who, in a free fight, beat them as if they were beginners. Seeing this, they soon quit our school knowing they would be found out just how bad they really were and ran off to their school again. They continue to teach unsuspecting people useless methods. The only real hope to stop such charlatans is to educate the public as to what to look for and check, check, check a teacher’s background. Real schools can be verified very quickly, by looking at their family tree and checking with notable Masters who know who is who in the Arts. There will always be the frauds, you just have to realize that and make every effort to check what claims they are making. Make phone calls to their so called references, Check with notable associations that have notable Masters registered with them. Ask questions and get the answers. Real Schools of learning are out there but you have to take the time to find them and not just join the school down the street because the instructor there is making false claims of his /her background. Backgrounds are created and many times they will tell prospective students, Oh my Master has passed away or he is in China so I you cant contact him/her. The real Masters can be verified rather quickly if you ask the right questions and then check out the answers they give you. I had one student who left me at disciple level and later found out he was claiming to be a Master and teaching unsuspecting students. When they asked him for his background he would say his Art was secret and he could not

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NEWSLETTER

divulge his Masters because it was so secret. Sadly the students believed that only to find out later he was nothing but a student lying about his entire background. A true school is like nothing else, but you have to make the effort to hunt them down, it will make all the difference in the world. Learning real Kung Fu can change your whole life for the better, leaning under a fake will only lessen your bank account and get you seriously hurt if you should ever try to defend yourself with the garbage being taught. That's a sad way to find out you made a big mistake. Don't let that happen to you, open your mouth first and question the Teacher. Remember this; Real Masters will always be glad to answer all your questions and point you where you can verify them, fakes will avoid that and never point to anything that can be traced or verified by notable Masters. Questions are the best way to never to wind up with a phony school....Masters are proud of their accomplishment and will tell you all you need to know the phony hide behind unverifiable claims. Look before you leap, you will be glad you did....... Buddha Bless You All

New Students

Eric Bjorkgen has joined Grandmaster’s classes in Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing I and Bau Gua

Patrick E. Thompson has joined Grandmaster’s Shaolin class.

Joe DeSilva: has joined Grandmasters Tai Chi class

Abby DeMaria has joined as a Young Dragon

Harry Soloway has joined Grandmasters Tai Chi class

ACCS

December 2007

Kungfu Corner Check out these pictures from break week in October. Looks like it was a smashing success!

Documented Failed Attempt on film I’ll only do one board so I look good.

What a Head Ache! That Ends That Hand!

I wonder what I broke, the wood or my hand? This elbow will never be the same now.

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NEWSLETTER

Bagua Zhang

By James DeMaria

change direction. The step should also be very lively, and the mind aware of each posture while remaining relaxed, with your chest toward the center of the circle. Learning to use the body to propel the sword is one of the principles that the form teaches. The BaGua player may use twisting, coiling, rising, and falling energy while wielding the dao to deliver blows with full body power.

Another principle taught in the form is that the whole sword may be used for combat, not just

the blade. You learn how to block, and parry with the blade. How to strike with the butt end, and using the sword and handle for various ways to chin na and disarm your opponent. Along the way, Grandmaster had us actually fighting with the bamboo swords so we could get a feel of how we could apply the moves from the form in actual combat. It’s a good thing we wore the protective headgear as there were full force blows coming from all directions! Besides learning the applications with the sword, Grandmaster showed us ways that we can use the same techniques with the empty hand. On the nights that we took a break from our drilling with the dao, Grandamster taught us many various Classical BaGua self defense techniques. Next up for us is more weapons review with the BaGua staff, and the BaGua Da Dao basics, and form.

For those who have not seen it, the Bagua Dao Form is a beautiful, powerful, and deadly form all in one! We have spent the past few months learning, and reviewing the Bagua Dao in detail. The form consists of 8 changes, or “kuas” all done while walking the circle, as most of the forms do in BaGua. The classes revolved around learning the changes, and the practical applications of them. The stepping method involved is your basic BaGua Jen Tway, with the various Kou Bu, and Bai bu steps to

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ACCS

December 2007

Shuai Chiao Corner By Robert Corrado

There have been a couple of new developments in our Shui Chiao training at the Croton Gwan. First, we’ve been able to get down to Manhattan, and train with those guys we mentioned from the last newsletter; New York Shui Chiao. This has been a fantastic experience for all those involved. For most of the three hour class we focused on basics. Since Grandmaster has always preached the importance of the fundamentals, we’re grateful for the extra time to work on them. One of the best drills was when each person would get a chance to stand in the middle of the mat, and everyone would line up to be thrown. The person in the middle would have a chance to do their technique, but if they hesitated, or didn’t execute properly, the other man was than allowed to apply a counter move. The last time we did this drill the person doing the technique wound up throwing fifteen different people. To be able to get your hands on fifteen different sizes and shapes (And they have some pretty big guys.) was a great way to learn. The instructors down there, Franc and Matt, have been outstanding with us, and we look forward to continuing our Shui Chiao brotherhood.

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As for our training at our Gwan, we’ve recently been focusing on kick countering moves. In Shui Chiao tournaments you aren’t allowed to kick. Although we participate in tournaments, we train for reality. In reality, people might throw kicks. Grandmaster has told us on many occasions that Great Grandmaster Chang was noted for his kick catching technique. In order to throw a kick you obviously have to take your foot off the ground. As we found out, this leaves you very vulnerable to counter attack. Most of these throws require you to catch the kicking leg and then some form of a sweep or a hook is applied to the victims (And that is the correct word.) supporting leg. This results in them hitting the ground with a pretty significant force. We’re all grateful for the soft floor during this training. Being able counter kicks is an extremely important part of our arsenal, one that we’ll continue to develop.

Rob Corrado throwing Phillip Tambakis

Rob Corrado and Ramy Ahmed

NEWSLETTER

Wednesday Night Internals

By Michael Rivera

The class usually begins with a meditation technique of the Master’s choosing. Always a challenge, putting aside the events of the day and staying focused on important centers or aspects of bodily function and sensation that normally go overlooked or ignored, but a big help in preparation for what follows. We begin to open up the body with special Chi-Kung techniques. Then we will usually go into the Chang Solo form as a class. Sometimes we will repeat one part, or go through up to what we know repeatedly for the remainder of the class; But usually, the Master will divide us. Those who are still learning the form are indulged with Shrfu’s correct, efficient, and powerful movement; the goal: to copy. Those who have learned the entire solo form move on to tway-shou or da-lu for the rest of the class. Meanwhile, Master Peck comes over and breaks down some of the more subtle aspects of the energies being applied and neutralized. From there the class will end after a good session with a traditional bow-out and the oath to go home and practice. There are a handful of students still learning the form; as for two-man push hands, we’re only a couple. Master Peck actually tried to maintain separate beginner’s & advanced classes so that each division can receive more undivided attention. Unfortunately, only a couple of the students were coming in at the earlier time and the opportunity is missed for now. The class maintains its familiar structure.

Master Peck making corrections during Tai Chi class

For some time now, Master Peck has held Wednesday nights as the host of his internal martial arts instruction at the Gwan. Soon it will be the year mark since he added Hsing-I as part of the nights’ repertoire. But before I get ahead of myself, allow me to fill you in on the longer-established ritual of Shrfu’s Tai Chi Chuan class.

Shortly after the Tai Chi, Master Peck begins his Hsing-I instruction. So far, there are only three students in the class. But that doesn’t stop our motivation. We are learning the Muslim Six Harmony Animal System of the style. There are ten animals, each with their alternate approaches involving different movements. We have finished learning an animal form, and we are currently working on another called: “the Bear and Eagle fight for survival”. Some of the movements are reminiscent of the Northern Shaolin style. The most obvious and challenging key difference between the two is the fact that Hsing-I is an internal style. (Meaning a completely different approach.)

Amy and Emily practicing Da Lu

We have to stay relaxed, lose the stress tension, and follow the guidelines laid down for us so we don’t end up using mostly muscle; A key attribute which often goes overlooked in our drilling. But with persistence, we learn more each class and strive to copy Master Pecks’s soft yet powerful movement. Each class is looked forward to by us students, wondering,”what gem will we receive this Wednesday night of internals?”

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ACCS

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December 2007

Young Dragons

Elizabeth Wong

Clifford

Noaha, Ashana, Darrell, Michelle, Grace, Master Peck & Cliff

Young Dragons the Future of the Chinese Arts By Grandmaster Frank DeMaria Children are the future of our Art this is why I am always so happy to see a child that finds pleasure in learning the Chinese Arts. Of course not all children will stay, most will stop after some time as their minds are continually changing interests, but the few that do stay are destined to be excellent in Kung Fu and possibly become the next generation of Teachers. In China children are introduced to the Martial Arts in grammar school but primarily for their good health and to develop good body coordination and dexterity. But there are those who find that special something that drives them to continue almost guaranteeing they will at some point become excellent in the arts, this is the way Jet Lee started as well as Jackie Chan, both were preteens at their start and today are worldwide movies stars. Some children have a natural ability to learn and others take some time but really you can never start them too young. At our school we try starting children at 5 years old. Of course you can not expect miracles at this age, but still they are learning as well as becoming familiar with the moves. This coupled with the fact all children need exercise to stay healthy and prevent obesity and maintain good health with needed exercise. If you look at the children in this country there is a major problem with lack of good exercise which as most know is the real key to a healthy body and mind. I always encourage parents to get their child involved in good exercise that serves a purpose for ones whole life. No sport can do this and serve little purpose other the just playing games. Many think letting a child be a child and just play, but our young years are the best years for learning good habits and skills. Think what the art offers children, Focus, exercise, body coordination, self defense, as well as learning how to deal with life situations. This is something that will carry through ones entire life and results in a well rounded child who can handle most situations in life which will surely come sooner or later. It is my belief the younger years should not be set aside just for games, rather they should be set aside for learning what life will demand upon them as the grow older. Games are just games and to me are wastes of precious time, at a time in their lives where they have the ability to learn most anything we teach them. Don't baby your children, train them to be self sufficient and determined to succeed in life as well as learn how to handle themselves in a very brutal world. This is the best gift any parent can offer their child. At ACCS we encourage parents and children to work together side by side sharing the learning experience that can only lead to better family unity in a common goal. It will bring family members closer together as they are all sharing the wonders of learning and growing together. Don't throw away the best learning years of a child's life to games that serve no real and worthwhile purpose. I am most proud of our Little Dragons, who will grow to adult Dragons, after all who is going to mess wIth a fully grown Dragon...???? Not many I think........

NEWSLETTER

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Amber

Wong, Jr.

Grace

Connor

ACCS

December 2007

Seeing is Believing By Carol Davis

(for reasons seen below) had taken on the nickname of “Camel Boy”. He would continue to provide entertainment for Bus #2 for the entirety of the trip.

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I was privileged to be one of the “FAB Four” from the Croton School to make the recent trip to China with members from other ACCS schools. From the first day’s trip from the Beijing Airport to our hotel, our tour guide, Bruce Lee (cross my heart that was his name!) challenged us to move beyond any preconceptions about China and “see for ourselves”.

Of course, we saw the Great Wall, the Terra Cotta Soldiers, jade and silk shops, assorted restaurants, markets and stores. But as in all, the lessons were not in the destination, but in the journey along the way. I had the opportunity to be out on my own in Beijing on the first day. Trying to piece together mandarin phases with sign language was an adventure. Clearly, one of my most useful phrases in Mandarin is knowing how to ask where the rest room is. We had already been prepped for what we would find. Philip and I capped that first day off feeling like Special Agents when we took a cab back to the airport to retrieve a lost camera. By the second day Philip

Lorraine and I played our usual roles as photographers. The trip to the Shaolin Temple and visiting one of the local Martial arts schools was the highlight of our trip. I felt truly well represented as Philip joined others there doing techniques with Prasad and form with the North Carolina group. Grandmaster would have been proud of him as well as the strength of character demonstrated by others who pushed on despite injuries and illness. There are far too many memories to mention: the ball room dancing in the park, an older woman teaching Tai Chi Jien, leisure time spent playing cards and music, terraced mountains carved out by the hard work of many….

Tonight’s Dinner!

What time does the bus get here? Which way is home?

NEWSLETTER

I saw that Americans were not alone in misconceptions when I heard time and again about how wealthy all Americans are??? However, everyone that I met went out of their way to be helpful. I enjoyed their laughter, courtesy, the lines in the faces of the old and determination in the faces of those very young martial artists. In the end, it was as Bruce Lee said, “Seeing is believing!”

Wow, this hurts!

Don’t Sit Down!

Wow, I saw a spider!

Stop picking my nose!

ACCS

December 2007

Hey, where did everybody go?

Any small ones I can take home?

Some day I will know what I’m doing.

Please God, no more Chinese food.

Which way is the shopping Mall?

What time do the Soprano’s come on?

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NEWSLETTER

Movie Review

By Gao-Shou Milton Hankins

Ni Hau my Shaolin brothers and sisters, we meet again on the path to

Enlightenment. This is another classic, called 8 Masters. The main

Character is a well known Kung Fu Actor and martial artist named Carter

Wong. The Eight Masters are in deadly pursit of the child of their sworn

enemy. But thanks to a daring rescue, the child escapes to the Shao Lin

Temple. He starts training and grows up to become a skilled fighter.

Bad news for the Eight Masters. Carter Wong seeks them out for his

personal justice for killing his family.

Explosive Action!

Until We meet again, may Buddha Bless you!

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ACCS

December 2007

Chan Meditation by Grandmaster Frank DeMaria The subject written about least are the Meditation Sessions held at the Croton School on Thursdays after Tai Ji Class. I assume the reason is what can you say about a group of people just sitting and doing nothing? However the truth of the matter is Meditation is the KEY for learning how to lead a peaceful and gratifying life. What is life? One answer I can give is is Life is the way you think and those other times when you learn how not to think at all. Everything we do, everything we don't do stems from our view of the world and the our interaction with it. The sad fact is most people don't take the time to analyze their own mind which is the source of our actions and beliefs. Who and what you are can be found between your ears, deep in your subconscious mind, but few people go there to see exactly what reality is. The Chan Group focuses on their inner most thoughts and feelings trying to find what are real and what is not. This process can take years to find the one answer that opens the door to the inner most mind and reveals your true self. This is by far the hardest of all methods anyone will ever encounter and many fall by the way side trying to find answers of life and its meanings. The drop out rate of this training is high because of the difficulty is finding anything at all. People become discouraged easily when they see just how difficult just sitting is. In my class of all the people that started years ago only a few old timers remain. They refuse to give up and that's exactly what it takes to get anywhere in this training. Most just come out of curiosity to see what meditation, but once they see how difficult it is they quit. Enlightenment does not come easily, it can take your whole life to attain if you attain at all. But if you do, then your life will have served its true purpose; namely to find yourself and move on to a higher state of existence. Of all the students I teach, I believe the Chan group is the hardest working group. Those that have hung in will tell you even if Enlightenment is not reached the constant practice can and does change the way you see life. Training can become like an oasis in the desert and relief from our self torture. To me, when I meditate I feel the beauty of inner peace and calm. When you travel deep into your mind you do come out differently every time, and if you’re persistent, you just may come out awakened. For those who have never tried Chan, don't wait. You have only so long to find the answers of who you are, and what is the purpose of life. Once these answers are discovered, life and death will take on a totally new meaning to you and all fears will clear from your clouded mind. Don't waste time, the clock is ticking, join a group now and start the journey inward.....

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NEWSLETTER

Testimonials

Hello grandmaster. My name is Johnathan Templer. I know you are a busy man, so I'm going to keep this short. This e-mail is to introduce myself and to thank you for allowing this art to be passed on to future generations. I have been attending The Peaceful Dragon for 11 months and already have made impressive, positive changes in my life, including: increased physical health through applicable self-defense, a new fulfilling outlook on the world around me, and have grown closer to my personal family through the Wu-De from my second family. I hope to bring honor to Chang Tung Sheng, You, my Sifu Master Eric Sbarge, and the arts that we love so much. Thank you for your time, grandmaster. May you have Luck & Love.

An empty glass,

Johnathan Templer

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Grandmaster! Please! The Radiance of the Sun-like Masters is upon you!

Your refinement makes words unneccessary, however, please accept my most humble apologies for barging into the Gwan so unskillfully.

Until I refine the perfections, I gladly, though clumsily, carry 'concepts' as a bundle of sticks, to be used as make-shift shelter and warmth, over and over, in order to share the Dharma with fellow travelers of the Way. This has been a most enjoyable meeting. If I find myself heading towards New England, I will surely ask to visit and show my respects in person to the Gwan.

Thank you for the referral to Rev. Shen Yen. It has been a pleasure meeting you, Most Honorable Grandmaster!

All Love and Blessings to you and the Gwan,

Will

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ACCS

December 2007

ACCS New Year’s Party February 9th

The Reef Annsville Circle, Peekskill

This year ACCS will be celebrating the year of the Rat at the Reef in Peekskill. All ACCS schools are invited! If you plan to go, make sure you buy your tickets now. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more details, or to volunteer help with the arrangements: Contact: Maggie Wychunas by email: Magfran@optonline.net

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NEWSLETTER

Chinese New Year Party Date: February 9, 2008

Time: 7 pm Place: The Reef

Rt. 9 Annsville Circle Cortlandt Manor, NY

Costs: Teachers: $43.00 Gao-Shaos 45.00 Disciples 47.00 Students 50.00 Novices 52.00 White Sash 55.00

Children Under 10 years old 30.00 Guests 50.00

Please submit final payment to your Gwan liaison:

Rob Corrado, Loretta Candela, Kathy Salzano and Amy Walker by January 25, 2008.

After Jan 25th there will be a late fee of $15

but the absolute cut off date is Feb. 1. After this date, we cannot accept any reservations or money

ACCS

December 2007

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