Tag: Vajra Visions

Sifu Kisu’s Shaolim Workshop – in Seattle!

Please join us in welcoming Sifu Kisu of the Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic Association to Seattle for his first workshop in the Greater Puget Sound area! 

Students of all experience levels and all styles of martial arts welcome! 

Sifu Kisu’s Northern Shaolim Workshop 

Sunday, July 11, 2021 

From 9am to 5pm

Tuition $80 for advance registration; or $90 cash at the door on day of event.

 

Held at

International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy

2411 South Walker Street 

Seattle, WA 98144

 

Tun Da Course

Northern Shaolim training Form No. 6 – Close-Encounter Combinations (Short Strikes)

This form emphasizes techniques and combinations applied close up—within arm’s reach of your opponent. In contrast to short-range (or short-hand) Southern Kung Fu styles — including Wing Chun and Southern Praying Mantis — this set also employs techniques and tactics that close the distance between you and your opponent. Like all short range fighting styles, combinations include hand trapping, simultaneous block-strike techniques, and footwork/tactics to ‘stick’ to an opponent. 

The uniqueness in Northern Shaolin Short Strikes is the ‘blending in’ or ‘smooth and subtle transitions’ with long-range techniques. It has an advantage over other short-range styles, as it includes high-and-low, and side-to-side shifting, as well as close-up ground sweeping and high/jumping kicks require skillful execution that other styles may not. Northern Shaolin Short Strikes is the easiest form to learn because it adopts direct movements (therefore it is taught first), yet, it’s also the most difficult to master. The practitioner’s main challenges are to overcome their intuitive fears when up-close, and to develop the keen senses and reflexes required in short-range fighting.

 

Sifu Kisu is a 5th generation Bak Siu Lum Pai disciple (Northern Shaolim Gate) descended from Great Grand Master Ku Yu Cheong

Master Kisu has been a dedicated practitioner of Traditional Chinese Kung Fu for over 40 years, primarily focusing on the style of Northern Shaolim Kung Fu from his Sifu, Grandmaster Kenneth Hui (Hui Ho-Kwong), who is the founder of the Northern Shaolim Association of Los Angeles. 

 

 

His daily practice has led him to understand how to transmit physical/energetic components in such a way that is open and accessible to the Western mind. 

His most acclaimed works are documented in the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra, where he acted as chief martial arts director and consultant. In fact, the sword master in Avatar: The Last Airbender series, Piandao, is based directly on Sifu Kisu

Lifelong experience in his craft inspired Sifu Kisu in the creation of elemental “bending” styles seen in the Avatar: The Last Airbender series, which are symbolic expressions of specific styles of traditional Chinese martial arts. 

 

 

The Northern Shaolim style of Kung Fu as made famous by Grand Master Kuo Yu Chang is a cumulative set of northern and southern-style Kung Fu techniques, choreographed by the Grand Master into a curriculum he taught both in the Nam Jing Kung Fu Institute and his Canton Kung Fu institute. His curriculum increased throughout his teaching years to include techniques of many styles. The Grand Master, being highly skilled in the Northern style of Kung Fu, emphasized the Northern style of Shaolim Kung Fu in his teachings.Most martial art origin stories–including that of the Northern Shaolim style–are passed down by oral tradition; therefore we discuss it as more part of legend than facts. 
There are many legends about the late Grand Master Ku Yu Cheung. According to stories related by his close students, Master Ku’s father was an accomplished exponent of the Tan Toi (Snapping Kicks) Kung-Fu style. When he was young, Master Ku traveled throughout Northern China to learn all northern Kung-Fu systems. He was renowned for his Iron Palm techniques and the application of the long spear weapon. He organized all his learnings into what is Northern Shaolim Kung Fu today. 

Northern Shaolim style Kung Fu is one of the most prominent traditional Northern styles of Chinese martial arts. The Northern styles of Gung-fu generally emphasize long-range techniques, quick advances and retreats, wide stances, kicking and leaping techniques, whirling circular blocks, quickness, agility, and aggressive attacks.
The system teaches empty-hand techniques and weaponry through pre-determined combinations, routines, or movement of sets.Students acquire the basics by practicing routines until the movements of the routines can be executed naturally and based on instinct. Subsequently, two or more opponents will perform routines to train the applications and responses of techniques learned from the original sets. The practice sets/routines are not only practical through application but also graceful and artistic in nature. The fluidity of movement — combined with acrobatic techniques — are trademarks of the Northern Shaolim Kung-Fu sets.

 

Our special thanks to Guro/Sifu Azeem McDaniel and his students at Puget Sound Eskrima Combatives for his invaluable assistance in coordinating this landmark event! 

 

Our sincere gratitude to Sifu Lu, Mei-hui and Sifu Chang Wu Na for their generosity and hospitality in welcoming us to hold this event at their beautiful school, the International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy

With over 3,000 square feet, and ample parking in 2 lots and along the street, this is a perfect space for a large martial arts workshop!

WAIVER — ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN BEFORE ATTENDING CLASS 

I am aware that martial arts & yoga practice involves physical activities which may result in my being injured. I voluntarily submit this waiver for participation in 

Harmonious Fists Chinese Athletic Association classes, 

WuDang Internal Martial Arts classes, 

Puget Sound Eskrima Combatives classes, and

Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts classes, and in consideration for my attendance in the classes, being mindful of the risks, assume full responsibility for any and all damages, injuries or losses I may sustain or incur, if any, while attending or participating in classes or related activities, and hereby waive all claims, actions, causes of action, damages, costs, liabilities, expense of judgments, including attorney’s fees and court costs, against instructors and sponsors of these classes for any claim for injuries I may sustain. I have listed all known medical conditions and physical limitations and will inform the instructor of any change in my health between classes. The instructor reserves the right to refuse services for reasons of safety or interference with other students’ learning. Furthermore, I agree to indemnity and to hold harmless the instructor and sponsors of these classes from liability arising out of my own negligence or intentional acts. I understand that Registration fees, tuition, equipment, testing fees and private lessons are non – refundable. I grant full permission to use any photographs, video/motion pictures or any other records for these classes. 


Participant Signature: 

Date: 

Parent/Guardian Signature:   

Date: 

(if participant is under 18years)

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation. 

Uniforms for Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts

Uniforms not only help keep your street clothes from getting damaged in the rigors of training, they also instill a sense of focused determination during practice.

Wearing a training uniform builds camaraderie and belonging with classmates, which helps students set goals as they learn and grow together.

Student & Instructor Uniforms for Vajra Bagua Zhang consist of

  • Shirt with school logo ($30)
  • Black, loose fitting training pants ($25-$65)
  • colored sash denoting rank – and helpful in breath training ($7-$9)

 

Shirt

Please let me know what size and how many shirts you need for class, so I can order them for you. Price per shirt is $30.

Vajra Visions T-Shirt Design Front
Vajra Visions T-Shirt Design Front

Vajra Visions T-Shirt Design Back
Vajra Visions T-Shirt Design Back

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vajra Visions T-Shirt Design Ladies Front
Vajra Visions T-Shirt Design Ladies Front

Vajra Visions T-Shirt Design Ladies Back
Vajra Visions T-Shirt Design Ladies Back

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Pants

For training pants, here are a couple options, you can choose and order for yourself:

Tiger Claw training pants
Tiger Claw training pants

Tiger Claw brand pants100% cotton with Elastic waistband and drawstring as well as elastic around the ankles ($25-$39 depending on size). Click here to order Tiger Claw pants via Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

VitalityDesignStudio training pants
VitalityDesignStudio training pants

Vitality Design Studio custom made pants – Adjustable hook and loop closure for precise fit, Roomy legs and gusseted crotch with pleated thigh for free movement, Elastic ankles, Reinforced stitching, Lightweight durable fabric or 100% Cotton ($60-$65 depending on fabric choice). Click here to order Vitality Design Studio training pants via Etsy.com

 

 

 

 

 

Sashes

Sashes will be given to students upon successfully completing testing events, and the testing fees will include sash and certificate costs.

Sash colors from VitalityDesignStudio
Sash colors from VitalityDesignStudio

List of ranks and sash colors for Mace Martial Arts students:

  • Novice – White Sash (element: Aether, Center)
  • Initiate – Green Sash (element: Earth)
  • Adept – Blue Sash (element: Water)
  • Junior – Red Sash (element: Fire)
  • Threshold – Yellow Sash (element: Wind)
  • Senior – Black Sash (element: Aether, Center)

White Sash by VitalityDesignStudio
White Sash

Regular adult sashes measure 4 inches wide, and 8.5 feet long (extra long and smaller child sizes also available, $7-$9). If your sash is lost or damaged, you can click here to order a new Sash from Vitality Design Studios via Etsy.com

 

 

 

 

Introducing New Bagua Zhang Package Programs at Mace Martial Arts!

Introducing 2 new Bagua Zhang Package Programs at Mace Martial Arts — 6 month and full year — for an immersive learning experience, with more support and resources to help guide you to your goals. Each of these 3 programs include group classes, private lessons, full uniforms (shirt, pants & sash), half-off workshops, testing fees and membership fees all at a package discount.

Bagua Zhang Package Programs online

Are you Ready to Change Your Life? Learn how any obstacle can be an opportunity

Are you ready to change your life?

Have you encountered problems in your life where you feel attacked, dominated or just overwhelmed?

We all have at some point – maybe your job, an irritating family member, financial burdens, a painful injury, severe weather, an obnoxious neighbor, a bad haircut, or who died in the last “Game of Thrones” episode – most of us are struggling with some tragic situation almost every day.

When I was growing up, one of my greatest struggles was with my father — a quiet, funny, tough, street-wise man — who was also domineering, alcoholic, sometimes cruel, demeaning and abusive. I learned to deal with it by isolating myself, being introverted, and becoming very sensitive to my Dad’s slow-burning, explosive temper — especially after he’d been drinking.
There were times I remember my little sister hiding behind me in a corner of my room, as I pushed through our terror to try and protect us from Dad’s rages after he’d been out drinking.

Instead of being bitter about it, I realize the experience fostered attributes I might not have otherwise: empathy, being protective of family, vowing never to become alcoholic, and a passion to express myself through art, and martial arts.
Despite the turmoil, my Dad encouraged my passion for artwork and martial arts. I’ll never forget when, at my High School graduation, with a tear in his eye and lump in his throat, my father told me how proud he was of me (since he’d dropped out), and how sorry he was for many of the things he did; he said he wanted to make sure I grew up to be a better man than he was. He passed away just 4 months later.

Even though it was rough growing up sometimes, I realize — especially after becoming a parent myself — my Mom and Dad were both doing the best they could, and I appreciate all the opportunities they gave me. I miss Dad more as time goes on, and wish I could have thanked him before he passed. I wouldn’t change my childhood at all, even if I could. It’s helped me grow to be who I am.


Dad and I, 1982.

Through the courtesy and rigor of martial arts practice, we learn to defend ourselves from physical attack — the first, most obvious threat to health and well-being. In the beginning, we learn a system of strategies, that teach us attacks targeting us are bridges to opportunity for survival, learning, and improvement.
As we progress in training, and integrate those strategies into our being, we realize that those physical techniques are metaphors for how the strategies can be applied to any aggression or obstacle in our daily lives, to improve self-expression and communication in how we relate with friends, coworkers, and family.
Even further, as we continue to train, we realize those same strategies are powerfully effective in overcoming personal barriers in our own spiritual growth.

Here at Vajra Visions, I share an innovative system that integrates
the principles of the Taoist martial art Bagua Zhang (“8 Trigrams Palm”, the art of transformation),
with the mystical Elements of Tantric Buddhism – a holistic system designed to cultivate each student on all levels.

Experience the Vortex — Discover your inner-power and evolve with the Ancient wisdom of Vajra Bagua Zhang (金剛八卦掌 “Thunderbolt 8 Trigrams Palm”), the Circular Art of Transformation!
Take the next step in your evolution – join our classes today!
www.MaceMartialArts.com

Training available in person and remote/private video classes online!

Instructor: Shifu Dennis Mace began Martial Arts in 1982, and now teaches in Seattle, WA
with thorough, hands on detail, emphasizing courtesy and ethics, and is committed to cultivating each student’s authentic skills and improving their overall health and empowerment. He is also available for workshops and seminars!

Introducing 3 new Bagua Zhang Package Programs at Mace Martial Arts!

Introducing 3 new Bagua Zhang Package Programs at Mace Martial Arts — quarterly, 6 month, and full year — for an immersive learning experience, with more support and resources to help guide you to your goals. Each of these 3 programs include group classes, private lessons, full uniforms (shirt, pants & sash), half-off workshops, testing fees and membership fees all at a package discount.

online