Mr Charles Johnson - a gongfu Master from the US - forwarded this excellent video of a Shaolin martial arts master teaching in a school he single-handedly established in Benin - a country in West Africa. There is a core Shaolin Temple in Henan with a limited population of Buddhist monastics who strictly pursue Caodong Ch'an meditation and strict gongfu practices. Interaction with the general public is limited and strictly regulated. Around the original Shaolin Temple are many Shaolin Temple Colleges - which are designed to teach the laity - some of whom may assume the role of a monk in special circumstances. Perhaps the proper term is "lay-monk" - bearing in mind that all monks are not priests in the Western sense - as all monks within Christianity are "Brothers" or lay-people who reject the norms of lay-life. A lay-person who partially follows the monastic life in the Benedictine tradition is termed an "oblate" - such a person may still live in the lay-world but visit the monastery on a daily basis to assist the monks within. A similar situation exists in the Franciscan tradition - with their (Third Order) lay-brothers. Any layman or woman within Buddhism can voluntarily decide to follow the Monkish rules of the Vinaya Discipline - and where a monastic robe where required (this is a tradition in China arising out of the Confucian tradition) - although within certain Buddhist Orders some type of official permission is required. What we see above is a pure and pristine character whose mindful use of logic and reason can be clearly seen in the physical environment - particularly in the cleanliness of the school and the mind-body discipline of his students. Remember, a Buddhist monastic is a very well-educated and disciplined "Beggar" who venerates the Buddha by cutting-off the greed, hatred, and delusion that dictates the patterns of the ordinary world. The monk is not to be venerated by the public as such - although the laity often do show a considerable degree of respect  Monks should be wise and yet humble - like the dust! From this attitude - a new inner and outer world can be constructed.

Author's Note: When young, the mind is narrow but the body is broad. When old, the mind is expansive and the body is narrow. Both realities must be thoroughly acknowledged, understood, developed, and integrated. As the body ages, the enhanced awareness of the mind takes the place (and enthuses) the former youthful functioning of the (younger) body. When young, a mind without an enhanced awareness (which must be earned through experience) - is replaced by the blatant strength associated with youth - an important part of human survival and evolutionary development. Youthful strength is not an error - but a requirement in life. Traditional martial arts mastery is a different achievement which does not need to be accomplished by every human-being - but can be achieved by some dedicated individuals. Secular monasticism is a vehicle through which an individual can renounce attachment to private property and worldly cycles of self-hindering material accumulation.

Buddhist monasticism can serve as a vehicle for "emptying-out" the inner conditioning that arises from greed, hatred and delusion - as such - religion (and religious differences - including atheism and non-theism) does not have to enter into it. I suspect the ancient Greeks encountered Buddhist monasticism when visiting India (such as Pythagoras), learned the Buddhist method of "looking within", and then adjusted the technique as a means to "prove" the efficacy of their particular philosophical perspectives (the work of Plotinus may be taken as an example of this endeavour). Later, via the Greeks, a community of Jews (in Qumran) started sitting in meditation to personally attain a "glimpse of Yahweh" - a practice that eventually spread to the reformed Jewish sect of "Christianity" - whose adherents started to meditate whilst sat in the caves found in the Egyptian Desert (this type of Christianity spread to Britain - hundreds of years prior to Catholicism - becoming "Celtic Christianity").

​Buddhist monasticism does not require a belief in theism to be effective. Many Greek schools of thought, for instance, sought to establish or discover various views pertaining to the natural (material) world. The same observation can be applied to various Hindu school where consciousness and material environment is not directly associated with a theistic entity. Whatever the case, protecting the psychological and physical space within which a martial artist exists - is the entire purpose of any traditional Chinese martial arts school. Young or old - this is the beginning, middle, and end of legitimate Chinese martial practice! ACW (18.4.2025)

We can all become extraordinarily fit at different times throughout our lives. Part of the reality pertaining to physical and psychological fitness, evolves around the concept of developed understanding. In other words, the level of effective (physical) fitness evolves around the (psychological) maturity of the individual concerned. The greater the understanding of the processes involved – the more effective the fitness the greater is the efficiency of the required output – usually expressed through various sports (unless one happens to be a professional soldier). This is all well and good – but fighting for one’s life is not the same as fighting for a coloured belt, trophy, or medal, etc. One question I ask MMA practitioners – or any of the sporting martial arts practitioner  – is that if their art is so effective in reality, why is it that professional armed forces do not make use of these arts? The answer is that “sport” has gentlemanly rules which curb human aggression, and generate a climate of artificial “fairness” and “co-operation”. 

​For children, and young people, this is positive and nourishing (children should never be exposed to the horror or reality of warfare). When not in a war-like environment – civility should prevail - and sport is the preferred vehicle to encourage a “safe” competitiveness – although one unfortune by-product is that the selfish ego is boosted and inflated. Sport fighting is 90% imagination and only 10% reality – with full-contact martial arts, MMA, Thai Boxing, and Western Boxing, etc, representing the more realistic end of the spectrum. However, sport realism is not battlefield brutality. Dealing with the shock of battle might require stepping in (and through) human blood, entrails, or various types of human offal. People with smashed-bones will be screaming, shouting, laughing, and carrying-out all kinds of despicable acts - either permitted or forbidden by the established rules of war. Battlefield hand-to-hand combat is certainly not gentlemanly – and it is unrealistic to assume that it is. A Bayonet charge is all about high-energy and immense and continuous brutality until all the battle objectives are achieved – or the bayoneteer killed. This is just one example. 

​Drones are now causing all kinds of brutality on the Battlefield – and a coloured belt around the midriff is of no use whatsoever. Genuine traditional martial arts (usually types and variants “Longfist”) are employed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of Mainland China. Physical and psychological robustness on the battlefield (not the training hall) is emphasised. These are soldiers who train in every relevant modern weaponry available – including the most destructive technological variants (weaponry is both tactical and strategic). A similar situation exists throughout Western armies where boxing and MMA are not used on the battlefield (although such pastimes might be encouraged as a form of military-related leisure). And yet despite this distinct “modernity” in weapon use – there is a belief that after all the firepower of the various weapon-systems have been exchanged - a battle might still be decided “man-to-man” in hand-to-hand during close-quarter combat. Eye-gouging, biting, head-butting, groin ripping, throat-crushing, finger-breaking, nose breaking, ear-ripping, knee-dislocation – and any number of similar nasty techniques are regularly used. 

​Real combat is about inequality. Real combat is about establishing (and maintaining) a terminal advantage over the enemy. Victory and survival are causally linked. Of course, the State does not care if its soldiers live or die (despite rhetoric to the opposite) – just as long as all the State’s military objectives are achieved for the least amount of money (not lives). Soldiers are expendable – because that is the function of being a soldier (someone who fights for pay). A mercenary is simply a soldier who fights for anyone who is willing to pay – regardless of cause and nation. The traditional Chinese martial artist trains his (or her) body to be able to perform this function (utter brutality) – whilst retaining a calm and expansive mind-state that is reflective and unruffled under duress. Traditional martial arts practice assumes the reality of the feudal battlefield – even if the practitioner is not serving in the armed forces of their respective countries (of course, an individual might or might not be a professional soldier – but a civilian practices martial arts with an enhanced sense of combat-reality whether living in a village, town, or a city). Assuming the traditional Chinese martial artist survives a) the ongoing and arduous training (which will be harsh with no material gains such as belts, medals, or trophies, etc) and b) any experiences of actual combat (either on the street or the battlefield). 

​If all these challenges are met, which will include regular (unpadded) sparring and “honour fights” – then the traditional Chinese martial artist must adjust to circumstances as the body “ages” and transforms through the experience of maturing (this includes illness, injury, and disability). The body changes and the mind-awareness deepens. The body is no longer young and will not manifest as a younger body normally does. Despite this, a lifetime of experience will shine through, and a natural dominance will emerge. An older practitioner will understand and control a situation involving younger people as opponents – because those younger people (although full of the vigour of youth) will not possess the ability to “perceive” what is happening – at least not to the extent of the elder and more experienced practitioner. For many years, a dedicated martial arts practitioner will always experience “confusion” whilst participating in the midst of unarmed combat. It is only as time progresses that a student’s mind will “calm” and a pristine awareness takes its place. Before this change can happen, however, many sporting martial arts practitioners cease training in their chosen martial art (early) usually in their late 20s or early 30s (not granting enough time for any substantial inner transformation to occur) – whereas traditional Chinese practitioners must carry-on practicing until the moment of their final breath – and the body is “given-up”. 

(Translated By Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)

Translator’s Note: Bijie is a prefecture-level city situated in northwestern Guizhou Province, (located in South-West) China - bordering Sichuan to the North and Yunnan to the West. External Wu Shu (gongfu) is mentioned – as is the two (internal) Styles of “Taijiquan” (太极拳) – “Grand Ridge-Pole Fist” – and “Baduanjin” (八段锦) – “Eight Part Brocade”. There is also the “Ling Kong Shou” (凌空手) – “Directed Boundaried Open-Hand” – and “Ling Kong Zhang” (凌空掌) – “Directed Boundaried Palm”. This is also referred to as the “Ling Kong Neng Liang Shou” (凌空能量手) – “Directed Boundaried Energy Capacity Open-Palm”. In my personal training, I have encountered this technique as the “Ling Kong Jin” (凌空勁) – “Directed Boundaried Force (as in “Strength”). This is misconstrued in the West as “Empty Force” by fraudsters and con-artists hell-bent on extracting money from the vulnerable and the desparate. By generating “qi” (气) – “heat” throughout the body – such energy manifests in the palms. This heat can be healing when held near others – or when touching others. This is all I can say here. ACW (22.3.2025)

​Xinzhou.com - 2025-03-13 08:32 - Shanxi

​On February 10th, 2025, the "Martial Arts for the Health of the People" Bijie City Wushu [Public Health Welfare] Event successfully concluded. The event was jointly sponsored by the Bijie Sports Bureau, the Bijie Health Commission and the Bijie Wushu Association. It aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and improve the physical fitness and health awareness of citizens through martial arts – which are considered a traditional cultural treasure.

​The grand event was held in the impressive Bijie Sports Hall, attracting hundreds of martial arts enthusiasts, health seekers and citizens from all over the city to actively participate. The atmosphere was warm, with not only wonderful martial arts performances, but also professional health lectures and interactive experience sessions, allowing participants to fully experience the unique charm of combining martial arts practice and health.

​The event kicked off with a magnificent collective Taijiquan performance. The performers wore identical white uniforms, and exhibited smooth and co-ordinated movements, showing the beauty of Taijiquan’s interaction of hard and soft techniques. Afterwards, martial arts masters from the Bijie Wushu Association provided advanced (unarmed) martial arts and sword-fighting displays, demonstrating the profoundness of every martial arts movement – winning loud applause from the audience.

​In order to let citizens have a deeper understanding of health knowledge, the event specially invited health experts from Bijie Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital to give on-site lectures. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine and health preservation, combined with the principles of martial arts training, the experts explained in an easy-to-understand way how to achieve the purpose of health preservation through martial arts practice. The lecture was rich in content and practical, which benefited the participants to the highest degree.

​In the interactive experience session, under the guidance of experienced martial arts masters, the participants personally learned the basic movements of health-giving martial arts movements such as Taijiquan and Baduanjin. They also saw the effect of the ling kong palm, which is also known as the ling kong hand (or ling kong energy hand). It is an advanced palm method that uses a unique practice which draws upon the (hidden) combined energy that permeates the divine-sky and the broad earth. When perfected, an individual can use both palms to transfer preservation health and healing energy to other people. Everyone said that through personal experience, they not only felt the profound power of martial arts, but also gained important practical health skills. In addition, a health consultation desk was set up on site to provide free health checks and consultation services for citizens.

​The successful holding of the "Martial Arts for the Health of the People" - Bijie City Wushu [Public Health Welfare] Event not only enriched the cultural life of citizens, but also promoted the inheritance and development of martial arts and health culture. The organizers said that they would take this event as an opportunity to further strengthen the popularization of martial arts and health culture, promote the in-depth development of national fitness activities, and contribute to the construction of a healthy Bijie.

​With the successful conclusion of the “Martial Arts for the Health of the People" - Bijie City Wushu [Public Health Welfare] Event, Bijie City once again demonstrated its active efforts in promoting traditional culture and a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to holding similar events in the future, so that more people can enjoy the charm of martial arts while gaining health and happiness.

​Chinese Language Text:
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1826436861333864813&wfr=spider&for=pc
“武动健康，养生惠民”——毕节市武术与养生公益主题活动圆满落幕
忻州网 2025-03-13 08:32 山西
2月10日，“武动健康，养生惠民”毕节市武术与养生公益主题活动圆满落幕。本次活动由毕节市体育局、毕节市卫生健康委员会及毕节市武术协会联合主办，旨在通过武术这一传统文化瑰宝，推广健康生活方式，提升市民的身体素质和养生意识。
活动在毕节市体育馆隆重举行，吸引了来自全市的数百名武术爱好者、养生追求者及市民朋友积极参与。现场气氛热烈，不仅有精彩的武术表演，还有专业的养生讲座和互动体验环节，让参与者充分感受到了武术与养生结合的独特魅力。
活动在一段气势恢宏的集体太极拳表演中拉开序幕。表演者们身着统一的白色练功服，动作流畅、整齐划一，展现了太极拳的刚柔并济之美。随后，来自毕节市武术协会的武术大师们带来了精彩的拳术、剑术表演，一招一式间尽显武术的博大精深，赢得了现场观众的阵阵掌声。
为了让市民朋友更深入地了解养生知识，活动特别邀请了毕节市中医医院的养生专家进行现场讲座。专家从中医养生的角度出发，结合武术锻炼的原理，深入浅出地讲解了如何通过武术练习达到养生的目的。讲座内容丰富、实用性强，让参与者受益匪浅。
在互动体验环节，参与者们在武术教练的指导下，亲身体验了太极拳、八段锦等养生武术的基本动作。还见识到了凌空掌的效果展示，凌空掌又名凌空手（或者凌空能量手），是一种运用独特的修炼方法，将天地之气练于双掌，用于养生强身和治病救人的掌法。大家纷纷表示，通过亲身体验，不仅感受到了武术的魅力，还学到了很多实用的养生技巧。此外，现场还设置了健康咨询台，为市民朋友提供免费的健康检查和咨询服务。
此次“武动健康，养生惠民”公益活动的成功举办，不仅丰富了市民的文化生活，还促进了武术与养生文化的传承与发展。主办方表示，将以此次活动为契机，进一步加强武术与养生文化的普及工作，推动全民健身运动的深入开展，为构建健康毕节贡献一份力量。
随着“武动健康，养生惠民”公益活动的圆满落幕，毕节市再次展现了其在推广传统文化和健康生活方式方面的积极努力。我们期待未来能有更多类似的活动举办，让更多的人在享受武术魅力的同时，收获健康和快乐。

Within Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do - the "鎚石" (Chi Ishi) is a body-conditioning training device - comprised of a rounded weight (made of sculptured "stone") - affixed to the base of a long wooden handle:

"鎚石" (Chi Ishi) = Hammer Stone (threshing-device)

鎚 [Jap: zui, tsui, tsuchi] (Chin: chui2) = hammer, mallet, mace, spindle

石 [Jap: ishi] (Chin: shi2) = stone, rock, heavy-hard substance (such as "jade"), unit of weight (linked to measuring volume of rice)

This traditional martial arts training device (in Okinawa) is named using old Chinese ideograms pronounced in a manner that mixes Okinawan and Japanese (verbal) language structures. Indeed, modern Japanese expression does not exactly match the old Okinawan pronunciation. This might express the fact that Okinawa possesses its own unique dialect-language which developed independent from both the direct influence of both China and Japan. 

​Checking the Fujian (Hokkien and other Min) dialects - I found the following information with regards the pronunciation of these two ideograms:

"鎚石" (Chi Ishi)

鎚 - [South Min] Hokkien = tui, thui - North Min = tu - East Min = tui

石 - [South Min] Hokkien = chioh - North Min = cio East Min = sioh, Puxian Min = sieo

​What is the farming-function of the "鎚石" (Chi Ishi)? When these two ideograms appear in both Chinese and Japanese texts, they are usually used in the context of "threshing". A threshing (or "thrashing") device is designed for use in the farming activity of "separating" grain (or another similar crop) from the straw (dead, hardened grass) to which it is naturally attached. It would seem that the "鎚石" (Chi Ishi) is used hardened-base downward - whilst it is thrust toward the ground by the handle - striking the crop that requires "separating". Whether the rounded-base strikes into a slightly larger rounded receiving area - I cannot tell. Today, this weighted device is used within Goju Ryu Karate-Do as an upper (and lower) body-building and body-strengthening (conditioning) device which systematically develops strength, stamina, endurance, stability, power, timing, and all-round awareness.

​Conceptually, there is a link between the "鎚石" (Chi Ishi) - and the Family Crest (Stamp) ["家紋" Jap: Ka Mon - Chin: Jia Wen] used in Japan by prominent (noble) families. These are invariably "round" in structure (the origin of the Goju Ryu badge - which is the "Myagi" ["宮城"] Family Crest), are made of stone, jade or a similar hard-wearing (and often "precious") material, and used to "stamp" a unique design in an official wax-seal - or some other similar (identifying) substance. In this instance, the "stone" component has a distinct "pattern" engraved upon its base which is reproduced into the receiving material by a sharp, downward thrust of the hand. These "stamps" are comprised of a rounded stone base affixed to a wooden-handle. 

2024-11-28 Ecns.cn Editor：Zhang Dongfang

(ECNS) -- Su Yinghan, 80, an inheritor of White Crane Style, a Chinese martial art form that originated from Yongchun County, east China's Fujian Province, has witnessed the martial art form go global.

Su picked up the White Crane Style at 15, inspired by elders in his family, who often talked about the martial art and a classmate from a family of local practitioners.
Pioneering masters of the martial art have influenced the younger generation through their spirit, he said.

In the 1990s, a large number of foreigners came to Yongchun to learn the White Crane Style. With a history of over 300 years, it has spread to more than 80 countries and regions, attracting thousands of foreign disciples to the birthplace of White Crane Style every year.

As early as 1929, influential overseas Chinese Chen Jiageng,, along with about 20 White Crane masters carried out a year-long tour of White Crane Style in Singapore, Malaysia and other countries, causing a sensation among local communities.

In 2008, five types of boxing including the White Crane Style, were listed as intangible cultural heritages of national level. In 2022, White Crane Style was selected as a provincial intangible cultural heritage in Fujian.
​
Yongchun County selected representative inheritors of county-level in 2024, and for the first time chose 14 foreign inheritors of the White Crane Style from countries such as Malaysia, Germany, the U. K., and Spain, to help the martial art go global.

Dear Tony

I remember watching a documentary about the 8th Dan Grading for modern Kendo in Japan. The World Champion of Kendo - who was in his 50s - was considered "too young" for this grade, and immature. He was driven by ego-achievement and the Panel of Kendo Masters refused to grant him the 8th Dan Grade. He was failed continuously and sent back to his Dojo to continue training. Another example featured an 80-year old Kendo Master who was highly respected - but he was failed for being "too vigorous" ("too youthful") in his approach. The 8th Dan Grading including sparring and a written examination - with both components being equally important. 

A clip was shown of an Old Kendo Master who had attained the 10th Dan. He stood naturally dominating his ground, and with little effort always decisively "struck" his much younger opponents. This Master explained that when 60 his legs stopped working properly (as in his younger days), whilst at 70 his arms stopped working properly (as in his younger days). Whilst at 80 his "awareness" expanded to incorporate his body and entire environment - so that he respond internally and outwardly like a mirror reflecting all that is happening. 

I have met many in the West - and the modern East - who see martial arts as a youthful sport which probably should not be participated in much past 30. Of course, for those of use who continue training well beyond this age (Master Higaonna Morio is an impressive 85) - perhaps our "transitional" experiences might be of some help in a culture that focuses on the young and ignores the elderly. About 20 years ago, a Western American man who was still practicing gongfu at 65 said to me it was as if he had "become" the Style - rather than forcibly practicing the Style from without (like putting on a hat). 

Just some thoughts.

​A community is a group of people that live together in close proximity on a daily basis. This cooperation maybe loose in affiliation but consistent in existence. Passage in and out of the community can be fluid – whilst different sub-groups contribute to the cultural texture of the collective. When there is peace throughout the land – and there exists ample resources – then threats to any community will be at a minimum. However, should these conditions change at any time – then conflict might erupt both within and without the community structure. Scapegoating and buck-passing often leads to friction between different ethnic groups so that violence replaces peaceful discourse and profitable commerce. Violence becomes the only currency through which individuals and groups communicate.

​When this violent situation develops – it is often beyond the control of any single group or individual - and appears to take-on a life of its own. In other words, there is a force of motion away from peaceful co-existence and toward violent interaction. Human organisation reverts to primitive instincts similar to the situation portrayed during the beginning of the (1968) Stanley Kubrick film entitled “2001 – A Space Odyssey” – which sees a group of Hominids (early humans) suddenly develop the ability to use objects in the environment as “weapons” against one another. This evolutionary process quite literally changes the balance of tribal power around the local watering hole. The human brain develops an extraordinary power to dialectically “think” about the physical environment it inhabits – and together with an opposable thumb – the evolved human-being eventually develops advanced technology and space travel! 

Survival against external attack is the primary purpose of genuine self-defence. Although political and religious beliefs (which vary considerably from one culture to another) might contribute to fighting-spirit and the ability to self-sacrifice – these attributes should not distract from the primary point - which states that combat effectiveness equates to a greater chance of survival. This being the case, and given that we practice traditional (Hakka) Chinese martial arts, the broader point is not the specific conditions that define our martial reality – such as Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism (as well as Asian politics) – it is important to remember that we are also British and possess a rich texture of English and Irish cultural input, as well as Welsh and Scottish influence. All these things give us strength when we take our place in the frontline. Once we manifest our cultural strength of bravery and stoicism – it is the efficacy of our martial technique which will define the course of events.

In other words, regardless of cultural influence, the manner in which a fight (or combative experience) will unfold relies entirely upon the individual’s mastery of their mind and body - whilst experiencing extreme environmental pressure. In such a situation, “grace under pressure” is required – so that each punch, kick, elbow, or head-butt, etc – will be dodged when incoming - and landed cleanly when outgoing the moment such a blow is required to do so. The ideological programming of the aggressive opponent will be short-circuited by the superior martial technique of the group (or individual) being targeted – proving that correct martial training, positioning, and movement overcomes any purely "cerebral" ideological programming – regardless of what that ideology might (or might not) include. Simply believing something to a pathological extent will not necessarily generate the desired effect in the physical environment. Manic ideology is not enough to cause a lasting change – if various other groups retain a superior (and more realistic) approach to martial training. Genuine self-defence requires the perfect mastery of the martial moment. 

Translator's Note: My attention was recently drawn to the fact that Japan very rarely grants full Japanese citizenship to non-ethnic Japanese-born people - this includes Chinese and Koreans born in Japan (who have to carry ID cards to prove that they are NOT ethnically Japanese despite possessing a legal right to live in the country) - but the Japanese government did eventually grant Welshman "CW Nicol" (1940-2020) full Japanese citizenship in 1995 after he had lived in the country for many decades as a person of permanent status. In his 1975 book entitled "Moving Zen - Karate as a Way to Gentleness" - CW Nicol describes an encounter he had with an ethnic Chinese Master of Taijiquan - also living in Japan. I have included this story below - interspersed with a newspaper article regarding a Japanese Exhibition celebrating the life of CW Nicol held in 2020! ACW (20.8.2020)

​This is the first of a trilogy of absolute classic fights! Jing Nan (竞楠) is known in the West as the "Punching Panda". A Panda Bear is known in the Chinese language as "Da Xiong Mao" (大熊猫) or "Great Bear Cat". It seems that the ideogram "熊" (Xiong) - or "Bear" - has been added as a prefix to her name. Angela Lee - although ethnically "Chinese" - was born in Singapore and has since migrated to the West - becoming steeped in the Western interpretation of Asian martial arts. Jing Nan, however, is from Mainland China and is steeped within the martial traditions of that country! ​Perhaps she is trained in "Bear" qigong - similar to the "Bear" being the animal spirit that permeates our Hakka family style. 

​Whatever the case, the idea of joints being strengthened so that no pain is felt when pressure is applied - exists in our style and the example seen above should be closely studied. Angela Lee expected her opponent to "give-in" once the arm-lock was applied (typical of the Western MMA attitude) - but seems to have psychologically and physically collapsed (despite a rest between rounds) when this was not the case! The Chinese diaspora spans the world. China, however, possesses over a billion people and is the spiritual and material source of ALL Chinese culture! ​Taiwan is a US colony that can be dismissed for the irrelevancy that it is.

A similar assessment can be applied to post-1945 Japan and South Korea. Mainland Chinese fighters are tough, hard and highly disruptive of the Western dominance of Asian martial arts. Indeed, China is an important statement of indigenous martial culture in the face of a racialised misrepresentation. Whatever the case, the Western attitudes (which include the Japanese influence in Brazilian Jiujitsu) imbued within the mind-set and physical technique demonstrated by Angela Lee is thoroughly overturned and defeated in this fight! Jing Nan is a credit to China and the martial arts world!

I visited Redhill probably around 2005 and the Scout Hut - which I think was just to the left of Redhill Train Station was still there - in what is today the extended car-park. Today, this Scout Hut is no longer present. I refer to it as a "Scout Hut" - because that is what we called back in 1984. Me and friend (we had met at school in Exeter) had attended a College in Reigate (in the days of "free" education) - and we both decided to take-up a local hobby in the form of Karate-practice. We both had our reasons and I have explained my own in a different post. 

A member of staff at the College had recommended this Karate-Class - which turned-out to be Wado-Kai Karate-Do - a branch of Wado-Ryu that stated that it was maintaining true purity of the Wado Ryu-Style. This situation came about as various Karate-Clubs broke-away from their root-styles - and entered the world of Sport-Karate. This involved an ideological shift from transcending-ego - to encouraging and strengthening-ego. The reason for this shift was money - as student numbers that had been high in traditional classes were falling and for many instructors a new approach was thought to be needed.

We originally trained at the Sovereign Leisure Centre between September and December - 1983. Following the Christmas Holidays of four-weeks (over December-January) we returned for a new term in 1984 - to find that the Karate-classes had suddenly moved to the Scout Hut near Redhill Train Station! I do not know why - but the interior of the hut accommodated around 20 committed Karate-ka once a week (I think Tuesday evenings). This was under Sensei Alan Bound 1st Dan who did a very good job moulding our minds and bodies in this ancient martial arts!