Wu Life Journal - Volume 4

Everybody Loves the Sunshine

03.01.10 - My Life, My Life, My Life, My Life

Apparently I bring the sunshine.. cause since I left Wudang, all the way to Shanghai, to California, back to Shanghai, through the UK, and now here.. the clouds have parted for my arrival.  They say it was -28 below a few days before I came.. but just as my host got off the freeway to scoop me, the sun has been shining bright. The weather has been truly beautiful out here.. and the snow covered coutry side on the drive to the city was epic.  In all, I feel the Czech Republic is absolutely gorgeous.. even all the grafitti is good.  

I'm well into the mix here in Czech Rep.  Just finished a double-header qigong program in the industrial city of Ostrava.  One, a foundations of healing qigong course, in a local community center.. and the other, an Eight Silk Brocade intensive, in the ballet hall of a classical music academy.  We put in six hours a day for four days,.. good fun. 

My host has got me in this amazing home that feels more like a fine art exhibit than an actual house.  The layout of the place is all modern, there is awesome artwork everywhere, and each room has a theme to it.  The master bedroom has a decked out private entrance and is more like a personal apartment.. crazy!  Beyond that, the house has all the perks too.. fat fire place, digital flat screen everything, heated floor tiles, awesome showers, and the bidet slash quintuple-ply loiton-coated toilet-paper-quilt combo.  This place feels like one of those Better Living magazine model houses.. VERY comfortable.

The next couple of days I will be busy working a few private sessions and sharing qigong exercises with the staff at the city hospital.. then, Wednesday, I shoot out to Prague to start getting busy out there.  So far, Euro Kung Fu Fairy Tale Tour Two is shining.

Destiny's Children

02.18.10 - Sit Down or Stand Up

Way back when I was still a teenager in high school I read a powerful book on traditional Daoist principle and practice.. even though the title eludes me at the moment, one passage in particular stands out in my mind.. the gist of which I would like to share with you all now - the difference between Fate and Destiny.

Fate and Destiny are two words that are often considered synonymous.. for most, the meanings are interchangeable, and very few actually see a difference between these two concepts.  For Daoists, however, these two words, though similar, hold two distinct definitions.. and the way one views these words often directly reflects one's view on life in general.

Fate is a word that everyone is familiar with.. its definition is clear: The supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events.  Many Chinese sincerely believe in fate, and consider it the 'will of heaven.'  In many regards, fate is very real, as there are a number of circumstances that are simply beyond control.  For example, we cannot control who our parents will be, when or where we are brought into this world, or under what circumstances.  These are examples that illustrate the concept of fate.. causes or conditions that are beyond one's control.

For some that believe in fate, it is as if they surrender to the whims of being.  Things come and go, events happen and then pass.. it's all fate.. it was written.. there are no coincidences.. it is all a part of god's divine plan.  For some, fate can be depressing.. it's like, 'Why even try?'  By in large, fate tends to carry a negative connotation.. ie, 'He met his fate = the dude died.'  The idea of fate removes the liability of personal control, decision making, and free will from the equation of being and reduces humanity to the level of poop floating in the septic tank of life waiting to be flushed by the almighty and all powerful sewage system of existence.  Fun, right?

Destiny, on the other hand, is a bit different.  The word destiny seems to carry a more positive connotation at times.. ie, 'He was destined for stardom = he's a cool dude.'  For the most part, however, destiny and fate still have the same definition.. so what is the difference then?

For many Daoists, and realists for that matter, the belief is that we cannot change the conditions of our immediate external circumstances, we can only change our reaction to them.. in this light, our 'choice to react' is to follow our destiny.  For example.. life gives us lemons (fate), so we make lemonade (destiny).  We cannot control the weather, but we can choose to carry an umbrella.. we cannot choose our parents, but we can choose how we relate to them.

Destiny is an empowering principle.  It encourages us to be fully present to the matter at hand.. experience each moment in its entirety and come to completely understand the full scope of our circumstance.  From this place of knowing, we are then empowered to act accordingly so as to take advantage of an otherwise negative situation and make the most of it.. coming to realize the positive potential that is always available to us.

We are now at the turn of a new decade.  Perhaps some of us are down or feeling low.  We may feel that the odds are stacked against us and that we are all alone.  If this is the case for you, please.. don't succumb to the grips of fate.  Make a solid assessment of who you are and what your position in this life is, and from there, take a strong, calculated step into your future.  Claim your destiny, and realize your potential as a divine being amidst this miracle of existence.

Happy New Year!

RAAAAWR

02.14.10 - With Ferocity

WHAT A YEAR!!! My goodness, I can't imagine a better way to bring in the new decade.  I feel I have to pinch myself at times.. my life is just so ridiculously awesome!  Seriously, I have my health.. I have a loving family.. I have amazing friends.. I'm traveling the globe.. and I get to pursue my passions.  Some people have dreams, but I actually get to live mine.  So blessed!

Today is the mark of the Chinese Lunar New Year.  I'm charged, I'm motivated, I'm feeling great, and I'm having a blast!  I feel I've got a fully fortified foundation for this fairytale fantasy life of mine set.. this next decade is going to be so HUGE.. and what better way to kick it off than with the ferocity of a tiger to take a bold leap into tomorrow.

Want a new year outlook of your own?  Here is what Shimu Charlene says:

"The Tiger arrives - Year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes and social upheaval. Therefore, 2010 is very likely to be a volatile one both on the world scene, as well as on a personal level. How you fare depends on how flexible you can be to change. Those who can keep a steady hand on the helm may be shaken, but undeterred by the typically thunderous events foreseen in any Tiger year."

Happy New Year Everyone!

Bay Area Blessings

02.06.08 - Whirlwind Through Time

My, how time flies.  I'm now in Shanghai.. sipping tea.. surfing a couch.. mooching wifi.. and yet  again - not a single sign of jet lag.  My next couple of days here will be very simple.. JUST REST.

Did California even happen?  Looking back, it all kind of plays back in montage fashion set to a rockin' retro slap-bass car-chase disco-funk love track.. everything just happened so fast. 

Though blessed.. I feel like this adventure of mine can be too much at times.. so many new faces, so much traveling, so many different time zones. I feel like I spread myself far too thin on these tours.. working non-stop from spot to spot, with no real time for leisure and rest.  Now, in just two more days, I'm back off to Europe again.. looking to visit at least another five countries.  It will be another two or three months before I can get back to Wudang.. but even then, the adventure continues.  First Mantak Chia and Michael Winn are coming with a group, then I will likely shoot off to Thailand, possibly even Japan.. then it's back to Europe again, and the States once more in the Fall.  What is going on here?

The words 'appreciation' and 'gratitude' fail to capture how thankful and blessed I feel to have an opportunity to experience the world in this way.. the words 'shock' and 'awe,' however, do a far better job to illustrate my space due to this jarring whirlwind adventure that I have now somehow found myself in.  It's fun and fast.. but draining.  So goes, I suppose, in this surrendered life.  I am certainly looking forward to my next bit of sanctuary time.. whenever that will be.

Doing Homework

01.21.10 - No Time for Jetlag

Off the plane, and off to work.. helping the household was priority one this trip, and the entire first week of my return was spent laboring overtime shifts for the family.  Hard, but rewarding work.. and with the help of friends, the time just flew by.

This work week will be much of the same, except now it's for my other family.. my practice posse.  The calendar is packed, completely booked before I set off to Shanghai, and from there, off to England.

At this rate, my passport is going to need quadruple binding soon.

Star Struck

01.10.10 - Dragons of Wudang

Five years ago when I was first planning to come to Wudang, there was a special party at my old kung fu school.. and as an added treat for my trip, someone brought in the National Geographic special, "Kung Fu Dragons of Wudang."

The documentary was very well made and I highly encourage you guys to find it on youtube or something.  At any rate, the documentary followed the story of two young disciples that were training here, a boy and a girl.  Well, that was the movie that sealed the deal for me to initially come, and luck would have it, now that I am getting ready to go home, I got to share a dinner with the girl in that film - who by now is grown.   Plus, another Wudang star, my martial uncle Yun, who will be featured in the upcoming karate kid remake, tagged along too.  Such fun!

After the meal, we later went to sing karaoke.  While there, my good buddy Nick, whom we affectionately call 'Santa' cause of his saintly nature, came out with his girlfriend to join us for a few songs.  The five of us had a really good time.. Such fun.  I posted a few photos already, you can check them out in the media section.

Brush, Squeeze, Press, Rub, Pat

01.05.09 - Weak Work

Day 9.. this fast is going by quick!  I'm strong, sharp, and doing really well.. but obviously, 9 days without food takes it's toll.  Still yet, I've been teaching massage to fellow students and giving sessions to a few folks that are dealing with injuries. 

Doing all this bodywork while cleansing has been a tremendous learning experience as I don't have half the energy that I would have normally.

When I gave sessions back home in California, it was always my side gig.. so I'd often have to give sessions after a full day's work.  A few times at exhibitions or special events where I set up a booth, I would give sessions non-stop for hours on end.  Even on this last trip to Europe, I taught class all day for a week straight and on my only day of rest, I had 9 private clients to work with.  Yet, I was never once tired or exhausted from it.. if anything, I got energy from giving sessions.

A big principle shared to me by my teachers was the idea of an effortless practice.  By using proper leverage, body weight distribution, alignment, posture, and intention, giving a full massage takes no effort what so ever.  Thing is, from being so big and having an understanding of the techniques and applications from my martial practice, giving a Tui Na session was always a breeze for me anyway.. but it's a whole new story while I'm fasting.

From this limited energy that I have as a result of the fast, I noticed a lot of areas in my practice where I rely on my size and strength.  All this teaching and treating amidst this fast has really opened my eyes to the flaws of my mechanics and has helped me fine tune my touch.  This has been a great learning experience as I don't think I could ever get such a perspective otherwise. 

Ahh, ten years of practice and I'm still learning.  I love it.

09 Flew Right By

01.01.10 - A Year in Review

Year of the Ox.. the year to turn the soil and lay the foundation.. no doubt about that. 

Turning the soil was ridiculously tough for me.  For those that have been keeping track, I went through some serious emotional funk in the first quarter.  Never had I experienced such pain, such loss, such heartache.. and in some ways, the funk still lingers.. but in all, all that funk made for some great fertilizer.

From all the funk sprouted my most amazing year ever.  I got to travel, train, and teach all over the world. This year has been fruitful far beyond measure.. the perfect foundation for next year.. the year of the Tiger - the year to go get it.

Right now, I'm on day five of a cleanse.  An old Chinese tradition is to clean the house and buy new clothes for the new year.. but all that is external.  I want to flush the funk from the inside out and clear the space to bring in a fresh new year.. so I'm doing a huge 15 day master cleanse.  Once I'm done, I'll be heading back to Beijing once again to train with my two new teachers while my master is in America.. then, come February, I'm off for Euro Kung Fu Fairytale Tour 2.

2010 is going to be big.

Stay tuned.

The Wu Meets Kisu

12.10.09 - Shaolin and Wudang Unite

Last night, Sifu Kisu made it to Wudang..  it's been two years in the making, but he's finally here.  As an added treat, he made it in with my brother, Donnie. 

Upon arrival, we all went out in a big group to eat hotpot and get massages.  The next day just happened to be our rest day, so we spent our time cruising the town and having fun.  Tomorrow, we get back into the thick of training - something we are all looking forward to.  As of now, we're scheduled for a ten day stay.. I'll be sure to post more photos and updates soon.

Metal Fire Pan

11.21.09 - This is Fun

Alright, now let's say you're in survival mode.. you got four things that you can make use of for the purpose of your survival.  Of these four, you can choose to use them all, of use none, it's completely up to you.. but you have to express why.

1. A full grown tree, in the ground, any type.

2. A dog, any breed.

3. A metal fire pan, as depicted in the pic.

4. A cat, any breed.

Now, you don't need to think too hard about this, it's just for fun.. so please, no questions about what the circumstances are, where you're stuck, how you got stuck there, is it post apocalyptic.. etc.  Keep it simple.  Of those four items, which ones are useful, and which ones are not.

To help, here is what I picked.

First, and foremost, I chose the pan.  I felt the pan was very useful and was a valuable resource for survival.  of course I could keep a fire in it, but I could also make the fire in a small pit and use the pan to cook with.  I could gather water with it, I could wash with it, I could store fruits and preserves, I could use it as a hard tool, and maybe even as a weapon if I had to.  I feel the metal pan is very practical.

Second, I chose the tree.  The tree could be used for fire wood in the winter and shade in the summer.  I could build a tree house and be safe from predators.  I could gather fruit, harvest seeds for more trees, and wipe my butt with the leaves.  Very useful, the tree.

As for the animals, I ditched the dog.  I feel the dog would be a distraction.  It would eat my food, it would be loud and dependent, it would need a lot of attention and care, and if I don't wash it, the dog will stink.  I don't like the idea of a loud, hungry, smelly dog around.. so I'd ditch the dog.

The cat, however, is different.  I'm more of a cat guy anyway.  They are independent and they can fend for self.  They can hunt for the small rodents that would get into my food, and they are good company when they want to be affectionate.  I'd keep the cat.

Now, you're probably wondering what all this is for.  Well, it's a Chinese personality quiz that gives you some insight as to what you value and prioritize in your life.  My master shared this with us a few days ago and I thought it was fun, so I've chosen to share it with you!

Once you have your answers, email them to me, and I'll let you know what it all means.

Have FUN!

Winter is Early

11.11.09 - 'I'm Dreaming of a White.. Veteran's day?'

So, I made it back to Wudang safely today after a 26 hour train ride.. man, I don't think I'll ever get used to those train trips.  At any rate, I was greeted back with the wicked chill of sub zero temperatures and snow covered streets.  I quickly made it back to the school and ran for my simple room, which sadly, provided little comfort from the bitter cold outside.  There, I slept with bundles of extra clothes on, shivering under my blankets. 

Upon rising, I stayed in bed for a moment watching my warm breath plume out against the frigged morning chill that had invaded my room.  After forcing myself to face the cold, I got up, gathered my gifts for everyone, and went around playing jolly St. Nick - bearing gifts of chocolate and random tid bits carried home from Europe. 

The first place I went was to my master's office.  I found him at his desk working online.  I quickly kneeled down and touched my head to the ground in traditional 'kowtow' fashion.  He helped me up and I offered him the plethora of gifts that I had brought back specifically for him and his wife.  I then began to thank him profusely, buckets of tears streaming down my eyes - my Euro Kung Fu Fairytale Tour was a great success, and it could not of been possible with out the diligent guidance of my master here. 

He smiled and responded.. 'Mmmm, good.  Now you understand.. it is hard to teach, but it is good to help people.  Da Wei,' he added, 'you will be an immortal.  Continue to help people - slowly.. they will improve their lives and then they will help other people, and everyone will remember that it was you that showed them the way.. this is how you live forever.  You did a good job.. now that you understand your way, you must continue to work hard.'

No Witty Caption

10.18.09 - Aeroflot Airways at Your Service

Apparently, Aeroflot is the worst airline on this side of the globe.  It's like a flat, bland Mr. Pibb compared to the fresh Dr. Pepper of standard flight service.  Everyone kept talking about the old and run down airplanes, the bald tires and spotty engines,  the dodgy customer care, and the dusty canteen feed.  From my experience, however, Aeroflot is spectacular!  Granted, I may just be jaded from all the years of traveling in China, but I sincerely think that their service was great!  They specifically prepared vegetarian food for me even though I failed to request it ahead of time, I had my very own little TV monitor that I could fool with, I got super long legroom emergency exit seats, and the passenger blankets were amazingly warm - and I love airplane blankets.  

Airline service aside.. I made it safe to Europe.  There is so much to share and write about, but sleeping is a better option now.  Next round.

Wan an

The Revolution is Now

10.08.09 - The Revolution Will be Televised on CCTV

There is a new project in the works, and I would like to get everyone's opinion on it.  www.WushuRevolutionaries.com

The ultimate purpose of this work is to preserve and promote traditional arts and practice as an efficient means of character development and community building.  This purpose is met through providing free, online instructional videos, tutorials, case studies, research, and networking resources to help raise the awareness and understanding of individual practitioners everywhere, thus, contributing to the overall martial consciousness collective.  Moreover, Revolutionaries are dedicated to providing free workshops and seminars to the community through which grassroot philanthropic efforts are pushed to aid pertinent provincial needs.  

Wushu Revolutionaries are passionate practitioners, committed to personal growth and evolution through their respective art.  Wushu Revolutionaries are published writers and producers providing quality material through credible mediums so as to share their personal insight and perspective.  Wushu Revolutionaries are community builders, organizing open events and programs for people to discover their personal path to health and wellness.  Wushu Revolutionaries are sincere social servants, spearheading charitable events and a variety of notable causes.  Above all else, Wushu Revolutionaries are esteemed individuals of integrity, honor, and virtue, with firm moral fortitude and personal propriety.       

The Wushu Revolution is a movemet - A revival of an ancient culture in a modern day. 

Are you a Revolutionary?

West Peak Wizard

09.28.09 - What For?

Back to samsara.. Hua Shan was AMAZING!!  I'm currently in Xi'an city after seeing off my two guests and I am about to make my way to Chengdu for burritos and pizza.. well, that, and to see Emei Shan and Qing Cheng Shan before scooting back to Wudang.  Once home, I can give the full scoop on the adventure I just had.. but for now, I wanted to take a minute to highlight a short conversation I had with a monk while on the mountain.

(DM: Daoist Monk - DW: David Wei)

DM:  You're Chinese.. and a Daoist.. you should be studying the Classics, but you have to study them in traditional Chinese.. so that you can really get closer to the essense of the work.

DW:  Well, at our school, our master makes us memorize the Dao De Qing.. I promise, next year, when I come back, I'll be able to recite a few chapters to you.

DM:  Memorize?  For what?  Study them, sure, but memorize?  Why are you trying to hurt your brain?  Just a waste of time.  Confucious, Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Lieh Tzu,.. they didn't memorize texts.. they emptied their minds and cleared their hearts.  The wisdom they shared was a result of their depth and understanding, not from what they memorized.  Read the classics, study them.. they are valuable because the authors understood the mysteries of heaven and earth and took the time to log their discoveries so that others can share their perspective.  Study the works of great minds, emulate their practice and pursuit of understanding.. but don't memorize them.. read them, understand them, and come to your own conclusions.  Find what works for you.. gain your own perspective.. and share, just as the masters have, so that others can come to their own understanding too.

DW:  Thank you.  Thank you.

DM:  Come visit me again soon.. here, have some dates.

San Feng Superiors

09.10.09 - Teacher's Day

I took my master out to lunch today to celebrate Teacher's Day.. my favorite holiday.  I ordered all his favorite dishes and served him the finest tea I could find.  We spoke to great lengths about life, practice, and tradition.. we spoke about our ideas, our goals, and our visions for the future of Wudang martial practice.  It was so epic.

Now, I'm certain that I've shared this before, but a good teacher is probably the most esteemed individual in the Chinese social order.  Here in China, a teacher is even more important than one's parents.  There is even an old idiom that says, 'A day your teacher, a lifetime your father.'  It's that serious.

While on this topic, I am reminded of my first master, Bruce Chu.. whom I lovingly refer to as 'Pops,' and who lovingly receives me as 'son.'  Bruce is by far my most influential master as he planted the seed for my passion early on which has now been flourishing for more than a decade.  His system was no nonsense, and it was the perfect compliment to the space that I was in at the time.. all application, no forms, just brutal and devastating strikes that flowed beautifully and seamlessly.  The training was high stress as we would be pitted against multiple attackers, random attackers, armed attackers, and all while blind folded, or in close quarters, or with only one arm for defense.  He had the patience of a saint, as I broke at least three noses, cracked a couple foreheads, and scared away half of his students as I was just too hot headed while in his classes.  It wasn't all fighting though, as it was Bruce that taught me the softer energetics of reiki and Water Dragon.  How blessed I am to still have a flourishing relationship with my first master, Bruce Chu.

My second master, Dr. Robert Santee, was another influential instructor of mine.  He taught me about Taoism - the roots of my personal path.  He helped me understand the classic texts, the esoteric principles, and the timeless theories behind the practice - the perfect compliment to my studies with Bruce.  I still communicate with him to this day, and he even came to visit me here in Wudang a few months ago.  I love me some Santee.

Next up would be Dr. Y.C. Chiang and my Wen Wu family.  When I first found this school, I was a brawler.. I loved to spar and drill applications.. but none of that went down at Wen Wu.  At first, I felt awkward joining the soft, friendly, family environment that Chiang Shifu had created because I had always associated kung fu with fighting.. but when I recognized my lack of a firm physical foundation - a strong emphasis at Wen Wu - I knew that Dr. Chiang's teachings where vital to my continued growth and development.  While there, I learned about body mechanics, coordination, flexibility, and balance.. and I later came to learn about etiquette, propriety, harmony, ceremony, culture, and virtue.  Through my practice at Wen Wu, I refined my character, cleared my heart, and calmed my mind.. I am forever fortunate to still have my Wen Wu family.

Finally, there is Yuan Xiu Gang, my Wudang master.  Over the last four years, Yuan Shifu has taken me in as family and has given me the space to train to my heart's content.  His guidance has helped me come to the best physical shape of my life, and his loving compassion has supported me through serious trauma and hardship.  More recently, while training for the bagua competition, he has rekindled a ferocity in me.. a fire that was once a raging inferno, but after several years of foundation building and character development, is now a tempered flame.. consistent, contained, and controlled.  Yuan Xiu Gang is my current master, and I am honored to be a disciple.

There are so many more teachers that I would like to honor at this time, as I hold each and every one of my masters in high esteem.  I love them all, and I am very fortunate to have wonderful, flourishing relationships with each and every one of them. 

Today is teacher's day in China.. My favorite holiday.

My Fair Lady

09.08.09 - London Bridge Fell Down

Hey UK, sadly the London leg of my Euro tour will have to be canceled.  It turns out that I have some serious family concerns that came up back in California and I will likely be heading home for turkey day.  Looks like we will have to reschedule.  On the bright side.. I get to eat burritos!  

Hey Bay buddies, who wants to train? 

Three Pairs a Month

5 - 6am .. morning run

6 - 7.30am .. morning qigong

7.30am .. breakfast

8.30 - 11.30am .. morning class

11.30 - 12pm .. hard qigong

12pm .. lunch

3 - 5.30pm .. competition training

6pm .. dinner

7 - 9.30pm .. evening class

10.30 .. lights out

Literally, each morning I have to peel myself out of bed to face another day of training.. my legs are bruised, stiff, and swollen.. my fists are callused and my knuckles are raw.. my torso is tight and my ribs ache - but I absolutely love it. 

It has been said, 'Do what you love and never work a day in your life.'  well, it's Labor day tomorrow in the states.. does that mean I don't get to celebrate?

Beijing Bagua Bummer

08.28.09 - Too Bad, So Sad

I'm ready for the Beijing Bagua Finals, and I have a secret weapon.. Open Wing Falcon.. its spiraling movements are practically indistinguishable from Bagua's, and the hidden fighting applications are so devastating.. I would crush so hard.  Sadly, I'll be touring Hua Shan the exact same time of the competition.. forcing me to forfit as my guests have already secured their travel dates.  Big bummer.

I was light weight salty about having to miss the finals..  that is, until my master reminded me..

'You really think they will let you win?'

Then I thought, Shifu is right.  The last competition was such a joke.  The rules specifically stated that only moves from the form could be used in the fight, but it ended up being a senseless brawl anyway.. moreover, the competition was clearly rigged as the winner was far outmatched by a whole host of other competitors that were 'disqualified' in earlier rounds.  Then of course there is the ethnocentrism.. there is no way China would let a foreigner win a nationally syndicated competition.. they'd probably let me get really far and then throw in a ringer to take out the big American.  Now that I think about it.. perhaps it's good that I have to forfit.  Maybe I am better off on the mountains meditating and practicing qigong..

Seriously?

08.26.09 - The Double Down

What is going on in America?  KFC recently introduced the new 'Double Down Chicken Sandwich' in select markets.. cheese, bacon, and secret sauce packed between two filets of fried chicken breast.  Serious?  One Double Down is like three Big Macs.  What is going on here?

Can't lie though.. if it was soy based I'd probably try it.

You Notta Gooood

8.25.09 - Shaolin Brothers in Wudang

Avi, one of my long time Shaolin Kung Fu brothers from California, is back here to train in Wudang.  He came for a few months last year and loved it.. now, he's back for the big five year traditional training program my master is offering. 

Man, Avi is one hard working dude.  We often tell stories of how he rode a bike nonstop from LA to Alaska in 8 hours flat.. his work ethic is truly remarkable.. I am so happy to have him back to train. What's really funny, is that EVERYONE that leaves the academy and later comes back typically falls off their practice a bit.. especially me.. but Avi is the only guy who actually came back with improvements!

In our first day back in class, we took a minute to go over some of our old Shaolin movements while our master just sat back and smiled.  Ahh, such good times.  WELCOME BACK AVI!!!

Half Step Get Some Fist

08.18.08 - Heart Mind Fist

After many, many months of nothing but Bagua circle walking and basic training, I finally stepped into a new form.. Xing Yi Quan - Heart Mind Fist.. the first new form I've learned all year.  The third of the three primary internal art sets, namely.. Taiji, Bagua, and Xing Yi.. I am now completing my Nei Jia Quan Triangle.

I actually started learning this set back in May, but in typical disciple fashion, all I did was standing meditation for the first two months.  I'd get in at least a good hour a day in the standard 30/70 stance - a staple for all Xing Yi systems.. but now that I've started learning the movements, I certainly recognize the value of all that standing.

This seemingly simple set is deceivingly difficult.  The sharp, linear movements of this form are actually deeply embedded with coiling spirals and devastating short power, making it the perfect compliment to my Bagua practice.  The distinctive mechanics and intricate harmonies are new and challenging, and all the repetitive punching is very taxing.  Xing Yi is a very hard form.

As I've just finished getting through the five basic element fists, I have yet to make any deep discoveries as of yet.. but with thousands of punches a day, I'm sure something will click soon enough.. at which point you'll be hearing all about it.

Rice Bucket and Star Dragon

08.11.09 - Beijing Bagua Brigade

Two years ago there was a competition out here for Tai Yi Wu Xing Quan - a form specific to Wudang internal martial arts.  Everyone that competed had to demonstrate proficiency in this particular form, and those that qualified had to fight, but they could only use movements from that specific form.  I participated, but it was my first time ever competing, so I was more than nervous.. and even though I ended up placing very well, I absolutely refused to fight.  As a result, I ended up losing a lot of face for me, my master, my school, and my lineage.  Well, this year, there is another competition.. exactly the same deal, except this time the competition is specifically for Bagua - my absolute favorite.

Now, as cool as all this is for me, I didn't find out about the competition until two hours before the preliminaries.. but, eager to participate, I quickly got dressed, put my hair up in a Daoist top knot, and headed over to the competition hall.  Once there, my classmates and I rocked the set hard, passed the preliminaries, and qualified to the finals in Beijing.  As a finalist, this means I will have to fight, something I absolutely refused to do in the last tournament,.. but this time, I'm ready.

The only thing is that the competition is scheduled extremely close to my Hua Shan tour coming up next month in September.  Hopefully, I can squeeze it all in.

Flinstone Kids

08.10.09 - Wudang English Tour Service

A very influential family came up the mountain today.  I have never seen such quality service up here before.  They had a private van, they had a private hotel, they had a private dining hall, they got full access on the mountain with out having to wait in any lines, they got checked on at every stop to make sure they had water and refreshments, and they got their very own American Tour guide to help the kids practice their English - Me.

Now, a bit tired from the concert from the previous night, I didn't mind the break from class.  I happily guided the family all throughout the little knooks of the mystical mountain and shared all the stories that went along with them.  They absolutely loved it.  We had a blast.  If any of you want to come visit, be sure to reserve your American Tour guide early!

The George Jefferson Sugar Strut

08.09.09 - Acting a Fool on National Chinese Television

Today, our school was invited to preform for some Chinese reality show.  They dragged us up the mountain all decked out in Daoist attire to do taiji for some Mongolian pop star celebrity.  It was weak.   The show was poorly planned and horribly executed.  Not a good experience at all.  Later that night, however, we were invited to a concert where the Mongolian singer was scheduled to have a concert.  This part was a bit more fun.

Once there, our group was the center of attention as we were a bunch of VIP foreigners getting escorted right up to the front row.  Later, when asked for crowd participation, the host wanted to hear from our foreign group, and being one of the better Chinese speakers, I was elected to be the voice of the western world.  So there I was with the mic, in command of thousands of Chinese people, video cameras rolling for national syndication - I knew my public speaking degree would come in handy at some point.  I quickly addressed the crowd, 'DA JIA HAO!' - "Hello everyone!"  The crowd responded with a loud cheer, as they were probably surprised that I could speak Chinese.  I followed up with a heartfelt 'DA JIA CHI FAN LE MEI YOU?' - "Have you all eaten yet?" - a common question in Chinese social formality.  Everyone answered as if on cue, 'CHI LE!!!' - "We've eaten."  It was awesome.  I went on to express how much we all loved China and how much we loved the Mongolian pop-singer - both big exaggerations of course - but the crowd ate it up.  Such fun.

Later on in the show, I was invited to come on stage to participate in a game.  It was like some military variation of Simon Says where we had to march in place and stop certain parts of our body on command while still stomping along.  Though I didn't do too well in the game, they still wanted to show off the funny 'Laowai,' so they had me strut down the cat walk and bust a kung fu pose.  Now, under normal circumstances, if I'm in a public space, I hate being stared at by Chinese people - it feels so invasive.. but being of super human size, it always happens anyway.  This time, however, up on the stage, it wasn't so bad.  It felt so natural, and the crowd loved it.  Such fun.

On the way home, we stopped by McDonald's where the producers treated our entire crew to burgers and fries.  Big mistake on their part, as we tallied up some 1200 RMB (approx $200 US) in food and drinks.. pretty nasty, I know.  The fun part, however, was getting stopped by all the Chinese folks on the way that wanted our autographs and pictures.  Such fun.

I have video footage of the night, I'll do my best to post it for you guys.  For now, you can enjoy the pictures that I've uploaded.

Kung Fu Cousins

08.08.09 - Extended Martial Family

Today, a huge group of American practitioners came on a tour.  They were all students of my grand uncle, Master Yun Xiang Tseng, a kung fu brother of my grand master, Zhong Yun Long.  It was really nice to see a large group of practitioners of the same lineage so as to see their perspectives on the same material.  What was really cool was that a few of them actually recognized me.  They were all very pleasant and polite. 

It is nice to have extended martial family.

Riverside Temple

08.04.09 - My Time in Thailand

Both Thailand and the adventure leading up to it were epic.  Wu Life kept me absolutely swamped for the entire month before my trip, and the journey by classic Chinese clunker-train to super delayed triple connecting international flights were insane.. but finally arriving in the 'Land of a Thousand Smiles' and being greated by glowing namaste bows made it all worth while.

I spent the first leg of my journey with my dear friend Jo where I enjoyed some of the lush country side.  While there, Jo toured me around the many temples there and let me lead a couple of her PE classes at the school she works at.  Such fun.

The next leg of my trip brought me out to Bangkok where I got to enjoy a birthday bash with my Wudang Kung Fu brother, Matt.  From there, Matt and I spent the following week at the world renowned Wat Po Temple where we aced the Thai massage course that was offered there.  While in Bangkok, Matt and I also managed to link up with two other Wudang bro's that where in the area on a short break from training.. and I also got scouted to be a male model and an actor in a Thai martial arts movie!  Good times.

For my last week, I got to enjoy five star accommodations at the exquisite Shangri-La hotel while leading a short team-building workshop for their health club and spa staff.  Certainly a sharp contrast to the humble temple academy accommodations I have here in Wudang.. I could easily get used to five star living.

In the end, I somehow managed to find my way back to Wudang after another hectic, whirlwind of plane and train travel.. and all in time to get back to the full training schedule here in Wudang.

My time in Thailand was absolutely amazing.  There are so many more little short stories to share, but that is the gist.  I am already making arrangements to return.  I would like to give special thanks to Jo, Jones, Jason, Karen, Vikki, and Nyck, and to my new friends Paul, Matt, and all the Chi Spa Staff for their part in making my first trip to Thailand a memorable one.

Aloha!