Complete 2008 class information & descriptions HERE
Tai Chi Chuan
Beginner
Wednesdays 7-8 pm at the Beaumont Y, starts April 9
Saturdays, 9-10 am, Beaumont Y, starts April 12
Level II
Mondays 7-8 pm at the Beaumont Y, starts April 7
Wednesdays, 7-8 pm at the High Street Y, starts April 9
Self-Defense Course
Wednesdays 8-9 pm at the Beaumont Y, starts April 9
This self-defense course teaches the skills necessary to protect yourself in a dangerous situation. Punching, kicking, and striking drills are incorporated with real-world self-defense techniques. This class offers a practical alternative to Òcardio-kickboxingÓ type classes that offer minimal real-life self-defense skills. Great for all ages, teens, and both women and men.
COMING IN JULY: Chuan Yang Chien/Double Edge Sword Form, Wednesdays 8-9 pm, at the Beaumont Y
Central Shaolin Featured in Keeneland Magazine
The Spring 2008 issue of Kenneland Magazine published an article "More Than A Gym" about the YMCAs of Central Kentucky, including the Central Shaolin martial arts program. Read the complete article (PDF) HERE.
Reprinted with permission from Keeneland Magazine, published by Blood-Horse Publications, Inc., Lexington, KY. www.kennelandmagazine.com
Shaolin Kids class at the Beaumont YMCA, Lexington, Kentucky
Chi Kung & Martial Arts
The following article is from an interview that ACE Magazine conducted with Master David Cubine for their January 2008 "Mind, Body, & Spirit Vol 3" issue .
Qigong (also Chi Kung, which is the older Wade-Giles spelling) is the science of cultivating the body's internal energy, or Qi (Chi). Translated as "Energy Work," Chi Kung practice has roots that go back in China at least 4000 years. The practice is based on the theory of Yin and Yang which describes the relationship of complementary qualities such as soft and hard, female and male, dark and light, or slow and fast, for example. According to this theory, nature tries to harmonize these qualities for balance. For us, achieving that balance can result in improved health,ÊgreaterÊself-awareness, and overall fitness.
The concept of Chi is the foundation of traditional Chinese medical theory and Chi Kung. Like the Greek "pneuma" and the Indian Sanskrit "prana," Chi is considered to be the vital force and energy flow in all living things, circulating through channels in the body. Chi Kung theory says when this Chi flow becomes stagnant or stops, illness, pain, or mental and emotional problems occur. Chi Kung practices seeks to not only increase the level of Chi, but restore and improve its circulation. Accupuncture is also based on this theory.
Most researchers credit an Indian monk, Da Mo, also known as Bodhidharma, with not only founding the Chan (Zen) sect of Buddhism, but as the father of Chinese martial arts, incorporating Chi Kung practice into sets of exercises at the original Shaolin temple in Henan province around 550 A.D. The monks at the temple practiced these methods and found that they greatly improved not only their health, but increased their strength and power. The Shaolin monks continued to develop these techniques by integrating them with sets of martial arts forms that imitated the movements of animals known for their fighting prowess, like the tiger, dragon, snake, and crane. Later and outside the temple, other meditative martial arts practices that use Chi training, like Tai Chi Chuan and Pa Ku Chang, were developedÊ
Our present day Chung Yen Shaolin martial arts group often refers to the Chi Kung development area of practice as "internal" or Nei Kung. Not only does it include more typical still-type meditation and focused breathing, but also incorporates using the Chi Kung techniques with stances, punches, kicks, sparring, conditioning and endurance training. Our regular martial arts classes usually starting incorporating Nei Kung at the intermediate, Brown Belt, rank level, introducing a form called, San Nije or "Three Unity."
Our specialty Chi Kung classes are for both martial arts and non-martial arts students. Classes are usually held in 8 or 12 week sessions for one hour a week. We use some or all ofÊBodhidharma's original 18 position set of exercises to help with the practice.ÊThough concentration and special breathing techniques, we first help students accumulate and increase their Chi. We then help train them to mentally focus on their breath and at the same time, imagine guiding energy to their vital organs and throughout the body while maintaining several different body postures. The postures and techniques are actually not very complicated and can be quickly learned with the proper guidance. It is through one's regular effort, Êfocus, and diligence in the practice of these techniques that brings the benefits.ÊWe also offer Tai Chi Chaun "moving meditation" classes to non-martial arts students.
I would like to add that one of the greatest benefits of Chi Kung practice is through the effort that it takes rather than something attained. The "Kung" in Chi Kung is the same as in "Kung Fu," which is a term often used to refer to Chinese martial arts, but is literally translated "energy-time." Some attainment is like inherited wealth; obtained without effort or discipline, and is often soon used up or loses its value. When something is earned through time, patience, and effort, it resides in you--you own it. The effort of self-study, searching, and self-cultivation is, I think, the pursuit of a better understanding of the meaning of our lives.Ê
photo by Mary Cockriel
Tai Chi Retreat at Furnace Mountain
A group of Tai Chi students visited the Furnace Mountain spiritual community near Clay City, KY on Saturday, March 31, 2007 for a day of Tai Chi and meditation with Master Hiang.
The "Character" of Martial Arts
From the YMCAs of Central Kentucky, December 2006 Newsletter: There are four important chinese characters, "Sang Wu Ching Shen," printed on the rank advancement certificates that Central Shaolin martial arts students receive. These four characters are also part of patch sewn onto the arm of the more advanced Brown and Black Belt student uniforms. Translated, the four characters mean "Excellence in Martial Arts Character/Spirit."
Notice that the characters say nothing about how fast someone can punch, how high they can jump, or how perfectly they do a form, although these skills are important in martial arts. But they speak about what is inside the martial artist. Perhaps not even what they possess today, but what they aspire to, what they hope to embody as a human being, and in turn, what they give to others.
Of course, a certificate or a patch cannot bestow character upon the recipient. It is developed by doing. In deed and in action. In the martial arts classroom, it is earned by the sweat running down the side of one's face in an effort to be the best you can be. By accepting the challenge of getting up in front of a packed gym by yourself and performing your material on test day or in a tournament competition. Or by helping your classmate who's having a difficult time with a particular technique, and even complimenting your sparring partner on a job well done as they help pick you up off the floor. And sometimes it's by picking yourself up from the floor by struggling or even failing on occasion. Outside of the gym, it grows from practicing when your teacher isn't there to watch you. And more importantly, it's when you choose to do the right thing in everyday life when no one else is looking--when no one or no law is telling you what to do.
Part of the YMCA's mission is to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all through building strong families and relationships. While martial arts training can help develop self-defense skills, physical and mental health, self-discipline, and lead to a healthier lifestyle, the cornerstones of our program at the Central Kentucky YMCAs are about helping to develop excellence, character, and spirit. Whether you are an adult or child, man or woman, 7 years old or 70, the Y's Central Shaolin martial arts program is a great way to achieve these goals. Some current members have been practicing together nearly 30 years, building relationships that have lasted a lifetime. Head Instructor, Grandmaster Hiang Kwang The, has been teaching over 40 years. Parents, children, siblings, and families of all types make up a large portion of our group's membership. Many parents cheer their kids on in a sport. Many parents also help coach or officiate in their kids' sports, as well. But how many parents get to practice and compete in the same sport with their kids? Attending class together, practicing at home together, testing together, participating tournaments together. These shared challenges, successes and failures are more than precious memories--they're strengthening relationships against the pressures of a world that often seeks to unravel them.
Looking Back: Central Shaolin Tournament and Demonstration
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Thanks to all of the participants, demo team, and spectators who made this year's tournament and demonstration such a great success. Over $1000 was donated to Y's Campaign for Kids.
Click HERE for this year's results and photos, including a video Slide Show.
Rank Advancement Congratulations to Black Belts
Congratulations to these new Central Shaolin Black Belts. Achieving their 1st Degree level on Thursday, May 11, 2006 were: Front row (L to R) : Micah Penalvar, Tiana The, David Swisher, Willem Wallace, Alli Deaton, Dan Deaton, Grandmaster The; Back row: Jack Richardson, John Cockriel, Mary Cockriel, Philip Cockriel.
Youngest Central Shaolin Black Belts Ever
Practicing together since 2001
A very special congratulations to the youngest Central Shaolin Blacktbelts ever, Willem Wallace, Tiana The, Micah Penalvar, and David Swisher. The four have been studying together for nearly 5 years, starting in the Shaolin Kids class and advancing though the adult program to earn their Black Belts performing 10 advanced empty hand and weapon forms.
View More Rank Advancement photos HERE
Philip and John Cockriel with Master The at the United Way's "Breakfast of Champions."
Central Kentucky Volunteer Award Nominees
Central Shaolin members Mary, Philip and John Cockriel were recently nominated for the 2006 Central Kentucky United Way Volunteer Awards. As one of the three nominees in the Family Award group, the Cockriels have been volunteering in the Shaolin Kids program at the Beaumony YMCA since 2004. They have been working with Master The to help kids 4-7 learn not only the basic skills of martial arts, but provide a fun environment where kids can gain self-confidence, develop a healthy lifestyle, and learn discipline.
Congratulations to Master Doug Byrum
Congratulations to out newest Central Shaolin Master, Doug Byrum. Master Byrum completed his testing and earned his 6th Degree Master rank on Sunday, December 17, 2005 from Grandmaster Hiang Kwang The. Master Byrum has been studying martial arts for over 18 years and teaches at the High Street YMCA branch. Master Byrum is a science teacher at Beaumont Middle School in Lexington.
Rank Advancement Congratulations to Advanced Black Belts
Congratulations to Dick Gabriel, Kermit Shaffer (5th Degree), Brian Runyon, Tim Francis (4th Degree), Cheryl Irwin (3rd Degree), David Graves, Mark Lewis (2nd Degree) for earning rank advancement effective Sunday, December 17, 2005 under Grandmaster Hiang Kwang The. More member info HERE.
Go HERE for photos and competitor results.
Thanks to all of the participants, support group, and attendees for making this year's tournament another success. Over $1000 was raised for the YMCA's Campaign for Kids that provides financial assistance for area children to participate in YMCA programs.
North YMCA Class Gets New Gym
June 2005 - After spending two and a half years in the all-purpose room at the North YMCA, Instructor Tom Covello has a reason to be happy. When another activity was inadvertently scheduled in his room during spring break just recently, he was directed to conduct his classes that evening in the room normally reserved for Pilates class. It worked out so well, he asked if it would be possible to get the room on a permanent basis for his students. A week later, they were in. "It has two adjacent walls covered with mirrors," says Tom. "My students can check out their stances from just about anywhere in the room." Most important is that the ceiling height of the new room is adequate for weapons training. "No more skewering holes through the ceiling tiles!" he adds, citing the problem he and his students have had in the old multi-purpose room. "Yes, we miss the carpeted floor," Tom notes, "but it wasn't difficult getting used to the hardwood gymnasium floor in the new room. You just don't see as many drop-kicks happening!" Tom would like to thank Hope Proctor, Wellness director for the North Y and the staff, for making it all possible.
View Recent Rank Advancement photos HERE
Rank Advancement Congratulations to Black Belts
Congratulations to these new Central Shaolin Black Belts. Achieving their 1st Degree level on Saturday, June 4, 2005 were: (left to right) Farhad Abad, Keemia Abad, Alex Anderson, Cali Brashear, Travis Brashear, Fred Muller, Callum Anderson. (Shown far right: Instructor, Master Dave Cubine, Asst. Instructor Tom Covello. Shown far left: Grandmaster Hiang The and Asst. Instructor Henry Roig (rear).
Fall Tournament November 20, 2004
Thanks to all for making the recent tournament and demonstration such a success.
Click HERE for photos and competition results
Congratulations to Master Stanley Barnes
Congratulations to our newest Central Shaolin Master, Stanley Barnes. Master Barnes completed his testing and earned his 6th Degree Master rank on Sunday, June 20, 2004 from Grandmaster Hiang Kwang The. Master Barnes has been studying martial arts with Master The since 1977 and lives in Richmond, KY.
2004 Outdoor Training Class
12 members of Master Hiang's advanced Black Belt class attended a day-long outdoor training class on May 23, 2004 conducted in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. The day included internal (nei kung) training, sparring, and condtioning, all focused on using the surrounding environment. The participants were (left to right): Master Dave Cubine, Master Dean Hill, Kaleb Murry, Tim Francis, Kermit Shaffer, David Graves, Doug Byrum, Master Keith Murry, Master Stanley Barnes, Brian Runyon, Audrey Robinson, and Dick Gabriel.
Rank Advancement Congratulations to New Black Belts
Congratulations to these new Central Shaolin Black Belts. Achieving their 1st Degree level on Saturday, December 20, 2003 were: (left to right) Mike Ross, Mark Lewis, Trent Foley, Sara Hickner, Paul Hickner, Will Hodges, Walter Palmer, and Michael Pierce. (Shown far left: Asst. Instructors Henry Roig and Tom Covello. Shown far right: Grandmaster Hiang The and Instructor, Master Dave Cubine.
Fall 2003 Tournament Photos and Results HERE
Thanks to all of the competitors, spectators, demo team, and Beaumont Middle School for helping to make our October 11 Fall Tournament a great success. If you have some good pictures from the tournament you would like to send us to use, email: mail@centralshaolin.com
Over $1000 was raised for the YMCA's "Campaign For Kids."
FALL TOURNAMENT '02 DEMO PHOTOS HERE!
Thanks to all of the competitors, volunteers, and demo team members for helping making the
2002 Fall Tournament a success.