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Winter 2001/Spring 2002 Croton Kwoon To Open Full Time On March 9th, 2002, Grand Master will be opening the Croton-on-Hudson Kwoon on a full-time schedule. There will be many additional classes offered throughout the week, day and evening. Click here for the new schedule. Call the kwoon for further information. Trip to North Carolina Planned Grand Master reports that he is planning to lead a trip to North Carolina in September of this year, to participate in the grand opening of the new school Master Eric Sbarge is building. We are offering a three-day trip there. Prices and plans are in the works. The trip will be from a Saturday through Monday. So far the cost is $299, which includes round-trip bus fare (drive yourself and save $100), two days of meals, and a two-day workshop. There will be free lodging at Kwoon in North Carolina. It's a great deal! We are planning to have a large group go around Sept. 17th, 2002 for a three-day event. But the final "go" will depend on getting enough people to sign up. All schools are invited to go.
The general schedule: The costs are not yet finalized, but at first look it appears it will be about $299.00. Breakdown: $100 per person for round-trip bus fare. Food $78 dollars for two days including dinner party. Lodging FREE - Sleep in at new Kwoon. Workshop two days $125.00. If a student wishes to fly he/she can deduct $100.00. Someone will pick students up at the airport. For further information contact Grandmaster at (914) 827-9068.
Any avid practitioner of the martial arts knows that when searching for a style, finding a qualified teacher is of paramount importance. Lineage, heritage and the teaching of "pure blood" systems are a few of the requirements a student must look for. These components are what kept the martial arts, namely Chinese kung fu alive for the last 2,000 years. To comprehend its vast concepts and philosophies requires the lifelong dedication of both monk and master. The art of kung-fu started at the Shao-lin temple in Ho-Nan province during the Wei dynasty (AD 420-589), and it was here that the Buddhist monks, in order to protect their sacred temple from conquering warlords, devised a system of self-defense from which every other martial art known today has evolved. Now consisting of over 360 styles it would seem impossible and impractical for even the most ambitious student to study every one. Each style has its own unique characteristics that train different theories and methods of application. Categorized as either external Northern and Southern or internal Wudang, the ultimate goal of kung fu is to lead the student on the road towards the ultimate truth that the Buddhists term "enlightenment." Mei Jung chuan, or confusion kung fu, is an external Shao-lin style. It is, in fact, one of the original styles to emerge from the Shao-lin temple. Finding an instructor who is qualified to teach this style can be a frustrating experience. However, in a small community in New York such a teacher is keeping Shao-lin tradition alive.
Grandmaster Frank deMaria, (Ma For Ren as he is known throughout China) is a true believer in cultivating the mind, body and spirit and has trained this way from most of his life. Grandmaster DeMaria is the head instructor at the American Center for Chinese Studies (A.C.C.S.) where the student has the opportunity to study both Northern and Southern Shao-lin, the internal arts of Tai-Chi, Hsing-I and PaKua, meditation, Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, and of course, Mie Jung chuan. Grandmaster DeMaria began his training at the early age of nine in New York City's Chinatown and has since studied with some of the greatest masters of Zen and martial arts throughout the world. Among the impressive list of teachers that make up his heritage are masters Yuey, monk Chuang Zhai, Kqong Yung Chang, B.P. Chen, Wu San Jyu, Shen Yen, John McSweeny and his final teacher, the great Shuai Chiao mater, Ch'ang Dung Sheng. In the later 1970s Grandmaster DeMaria, along with his most dedicated students, Masters Phil Sant, Chris Peck and Dan Crawford, while on a trip to Taiwan, had the opportunity to train with master Wu San Jyu who is one of the last Mei Jung Sifu left. After extensive training they became qualified under Wu San Jyu to teach Mei Jung chuan. Little has been written about outside of China on Mei Jung chuan, with no translation into English, making it even more difficult for Americans to study. Still taught in its pure form, which hasn't been watered down through the years, Mei Jung is an original Shao-lin style that pre-dates Tai Chi, Hsing-I and PaKua. Its origin can be traced back to the time of the T'ang dynasty (618-916CE) and was called chuan fia or "fist method." Because of its antiquity, much of Mei Jung's history has been lost or shrouded in mystery, and as with many of the kung fu styles, legendary tales of past masters have a way of adding embellishing detail to inspire would-be students. There are three stories in fact that have remained as to the origin of the name Mei Jung and how it was given to this original Shao'lin style. The first story tells of Lui Jin Ye, a rich and famous businessman who loved the martial arts and found a monk who was willing to teach him. One day while practicing his kung-fu, a man named Yen Chin observed Lui Jin Ye practicing and was so impressed by what he saw that he just had to learn this style of kung-fu. Yen Chin was a bandit who was always on the run from the law and asked if he could work for Lu Jin Ye as a servant in exchange for teaching him kung-fu. After studying with Lu Jin Ye for some time, Yen Chin returned to his hometown of Liang San Pot in Northern China. Proud of his newly learned kung-fu he practiced at every opportunity. Naturally some townspeople would catch sight of Yen Chin practicing and though quite impressed at what they saw they knew of Yen Chin's bad character and labeled his style Mei Jung meaning "secret original" so that it would not be associated with a man of such ill repute. There were others, however, who cared not of Yen Chin's reputation and called the art after Yin Chin himself, and the style to this day is known as Yen Chin chuan by some Chinese masters.
History in the Making Chang Dung Sheng, our Great Grandmaster, is considered by many high level martial artists and martial historians to be one of the last - if not the last - of the supreme masters of the previous century; one of a handful who devoted a lifetime to achieving a broad and deep skill that even masters today only dream of. The word archetypal comes to mind. Some believe that the climate in which it was possible to reach this kind of skill is irrevocably gone.
Our Grandmaster, "Uncle Frank" DeMaria, adopted son of Great Grandmaster Chang, belies this opinion, and the recent three-day workshop is proof enough of the incredible character, generosity and skill of this man. Regardless of your level of training, every person who attended this workshop came away with some bit of profound knowledge, some seed that sooner or later will bear the sweetest fruit, even if now it may seem but a dry pip. The workshop pulled out all the stops. From demanding high speed kenpo sets, to frustrating and revelatory Wu Hao push hands; from deceptively simple fa-jing qigong drills to meditative tools for our new age, Grandmaster gave us more than we could have imagined. But that wasn't the end. Once in a blue moon, a Grandmaster or Great Grandmaster, may introduce something new, or modify an existing tradition. Any lesser person would surely be looked at askance. Such is the awesome history of our school. Great Grandmaster Chang, with his unequaled understanding of martial arts, modified the Yang style of taiji, so that today we enjoy the truly unique Chang Shih Taijiquan with its blend of taiji and shuai chiao applications hidden in beautiful movement. Like his father before him, out of his love and deep understanding for these arts, our Grandmaster has developed a new form. One of the most beautiful and least understood weapons is the fan. Following years of study, and with the help of his own closed-door Disciple, Master Peck, Grandmaster Ma For Ren created The Peacock Fan Form, Kungque Santz Kung. No other school anywhere in the world has this form. With its exceptional balance of us - martial applications, and beauty - the essence of the animal, this is a truly striking form. And it is a rare and historic gift, which we receive with all humility and gratitude. To everyone who missed the workshop, we wish you could have been there. For everyone who was able to attend, it was unforgettable.
Answer: Let me say a few words about perseverance. Many come to Shao-lin training with expectations that Shao-lin can be learned fairly easily. However, it is the opposite that better fits the reality. Shao-lin is deeper then you know. Contained within teachings of Shao-lin is a new way of looking at reality. To find this reality you must make every effort to persevere and learn. The more you learn, the more you will understand the reality of Shao-lin.
Everybody comes to Shao-lin with the ability to learn. However, some are too eager and try to digest centuries of Shao-lin knowledge in only a few years or months. They soon become discouraged and wonder why they just can't get it quickly. Others fail to achieve because they are lazy and practice very little. One class a week, for a few hours, will never reveal the reality of Shao-lin. I have always said, the secrets of Shao-lin are safe from prying eyes; they are hidden in a series of locked boxes. These secrets will never be revealed to anyone who doesn't hold the keys to these boxes. The first key is called perseverance. Without this how can you come to known what Shao-lin truly is? Quitting is easy, and people quit for many reasons. It is these reasons that prevent you from ever knowing what a Master knows. So, never quit and the first box will be opened. The second key is called constant practice. Sometimes people will not quit; however, they don't practice sufficiently either. I have known students who have been in the arts for many years and still have not progressed. The reason is no concentration of the practice on fundamental forms and techniques. With a regimented training schedule there is nothing that cannot be mastered, without one there is nothing you can master. The last key is called dedication. This means to commit oneself totally to the Wu-De aspects of Shao-lin. Without following, I ask you how then can you arrive? The teacher is your guide. This is the beauty of learning from a teacher rather then books or videos. Teachers are to be followed if you wish to learn. They do, and you assimilate. They talk, and you listen. They are your guide to your destination. Yet many students fail to listen. Many teachers speak to deaf ears. It is the one who listens that opens the third box and reveals the hidden secrets of Shao-lin. You can master this art; it not the difficulty of the art that prevents you from learning. It is you who prevents you. All awaits you, just never give up. Speak to your teacher when advice is needed. That is what he/she is there for. Practice hard, and you will advance. You will feel better about yourself as you master form by form and technique by technique. Follow your teacher; they want you to succeed and will do just about anything to help you. That is their calling in life. Remember, everyone has the capability to learn and master this art. Shao-lin was meant for everybody. You don't have to be a special person to learn it. It makes you a special person in learning it. If you work use the three keys, the boxes will all open for you. Make up your mind and don't think for a moment the keys wont fix. You have all that's needed right now to master Shao-lin Chuan. What you seek lies hidden in three places: yourself, your school and your teacher. Start now, while I await you at the end of the road.
Every Sunday: FREE lectures, noon to 1:30 p.m. Every third Sunday of the month: FREE lecture and FREE workshop, starting at noon. Chinese Mandarin Language Classes Offered: Spring Semester classes have begun, but you can still join in. Contact Grandmaster for enrollment and details.
Grandmaster John McSweeney Dies 
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Grand Master John McSweeney who died in Florida at his home on Feb 26, 2002 at 3:45pm. Grand Master John was cremated on March 4th. We are collecting about 5 0r 10 dollars from students to send a ring of flowers from the students and school. Tom Savaino, 8th degree, in Kenpo hosted a ceremony for John in Chicago. Many showed up, including Mrs. McSweeney, to honor Master John. Sad News From Grand Master Al Dacascos Friends, and Family, my mother, Nancy Verano, passed away on March 4, Monday at 4:30PM Honolulu time. She was 82 years old. Pat Miggins Injured in Car Crash We are sorry to have to report that one of our martial arts brothers was hurt in a car accident and nearly lost his leg. He's home now in recovery.
As day 5 of January 2002 arrived I talked with Grandmaster Jeng Hsing-ping and am very happy to relay his New Years greetings to "you all"! He will be retiring in May and plans visits to his daughter in Dallas, while in Texas he wants to come to Austin and visit our Central Texas Martial Arts school and do some workshops and reviews! Now my students have a reason to live! 'Cause if they screw up and let me down in front of Grand Master Jeng ... well let's just say you wouldn't want to be at the next workout! The recent black belt examine in NYC at the end of December I suspect had a lot to do with Jeng's phone call. His enthusiasm to get actively involved in Shuai Chiao after his retirement was dream that we have all shared for such a long time and is such a great gift for us all! I want to wish a BIG CONGRADS to Jimmy Chin and students Tony, Lenny, Franc, and Joe on their promotion to Black Belt. Despite the admittance of omitting three techniques by Franc and Joe during the grueling 4-hour test the new black belts executed well over 100 techniques! Grandmaster Jeng who sat quietly during the exam asked at the conclusion about three techniques, wondering if they had been inadvertently left out of the test or if Sifu Chin had intentionally omitted teaching them? Sifu Jimmy, who had a grading paper, said he found it truly amazing that Grandmaster could keep all the techniques straight while just sitting there with no notes. The candidates explained that they were taught the three and that they had accidentally forgot them in preparation for the test! A laugh of relief was had by all over the omission, especially Sifu Chin who while living on the west coast had felt a certain responsibility for all the candidates! This year we hope to attend both John Irving's tournament as well as Jimmy Wong USAWKF and Earl Portnoy's AAU tournament. The idea I had of bringing a team over from Taiwan to the USA seems to have lost its momentum. However I have floated an idea that has shown very high interest in us putting some kind group from the USA in October for a trip to Taiwan. Those interested in this little adventure should give me a call or shoot me an e-mail. I got a very warm and moving letter from Dr. Geoff Cundiff this past week as well as a letter and picture of his two fine young sons. Geoff and Aaron Honeycutt are in Maryland and still practicing and trying to grow a bigger group there. I might add that Dr. Geoff has been a dedicated student of Shuai Chiao since his days at the University of Texas with Master John Wang and Grand Master Ch'ang. Then through those hectic days of med school at SMU and the time spent with Master Victor Ke, and he is still going strong while being recognized as a very respected member and leader at John Hopkins University!
Also our Houston connection has stepped up on the platform and is preparing for their Black Belts this year! Both Marafa and Ousuama have been at this since our days on Main Street 8 years ago! These two guys are both very dedicated student of Chinese martial arts and have had previous training with the legendary Grand Master Wang Ju-rong and Dr Wu Cheng-de to name just a few of the fine instructors they have sought out! We look forward to seeing their progress in this last step before Black Belt! Also stepping up to the platform is Mark Martinets, currently from South Bend, Indiana. Mark was part of the original Main Street gang back in 1990. He was a fierce player on our traveling team in the early 90's. While testing requirements vary from organization to organization in Shuai Chiao, our requirements at Central Texas Martial Arts requires three different term papers on the past, present and future history of Shuai Chiao, another on how Shuai Chiao has affected the candidates life (personal growth) and the third paper on training aspects of the art. Combined with demonstrating a 50 throw exhibition, 10 three move combination throws, 15 counter throws, 10 punch, kick, lock combinations, 25 chin na techniques, 25 straight one throw rounds with at least 3 - 5 different training partners, 10 San Da rounds, and demonstration of Chang's Tai Chi Form, and a form that the candidate composes from all the techniques that they have learn. As mentioned, we all have standards from which we use to promote our students but what makes a black belt really comes from long hours of sweat and practice honing these skills, the test is nothing but a mirror reflection of the knowledge and skill acquired from the effort put forth. Finally to all of you dear friends I want to say, "Get ready for the Fast and Powerful Year of the Dark Horse!"
Gung Hay Fat Choy, 
Message from Grandmaster | Contributing Articles | Archives | Newsletter Write Grandmaster | Special Events | ACCS Schools All contents Copyright © 2002 American Center for Chinese Studies, All Rights Reserved. |
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Question:
Sometimes I feel discouraged in my training. It seems like I will
never get Shao-lin down to perfection. Is there something lacking
in me that prevents me from finding mastery of Shao-lin Chuan?
