2018
Wushu Herald Special Edition
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World Conference 2018 Macquarie University Sydney Australia
22 - 23 September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World
Conference Programme 22-23 September 2018 C5C Forum, Macquarie University, Sydney
Opening of the Conference
Dr Khoo Cheng Choo Macquarie University Wushu & Tai Chi Society and Dr Larissa Koroleva The Wushu Council Australia
Tai Chi – The Supreme Art of Sung – Relaxing and Sinking. The Legacy of Master Cheng Man Ching Robert Russo Sydney
Wu Xin The Mind of No Mind: A Journey Towards Life Mastery Through Taiji Quan Ahtee Chia Queensland
Form and Function and its Role in Qi Development and Push Hands Damon Bramich Newcastle, NSW
Wushu, Tai Chi & Qigong in Australia: Who is in Charge? Dr Larissa Koroleva The Wushu Council Australia
International Health Qigong Development Helen Rivett Wushu & Tai Chi NSW Workshop:
What does it mean to be “Sung” and to “Relax and Sink” in practical terms? Robert & John Russo
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Programme
Effects of Tai Chi on Stress and Cardiovascular Function in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and/or Hypertension: a Randomised Controlled Trial Dr Emily Yang NICM Health Research Institute of Western Sydney University
Tai Chi and Aromatherapy – Discovering the Synergy Rosilah Sani Sydney
Integration of Taiji and Qigong into Traditional East Asian Medicine
Dr Rusel Last Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association Kiama, NSW Workshop:
Practical Explanation of the Methods and Principles of the Five Stages of Taiji Quan Training Ahtee Chia Queensland
Jin Gang Chuan: Buddha Warrior Attendants Fist Brett Russell Shaolin Monk Martial Arts Sydney
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World
Opening Address
Dr Khoo Cheng Choo Macquarie University Wushu & Tai Chi Society
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Opening Address
Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen! On behalf of the Organisng Committee, it’s my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2018 Conference “Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World” here at Macquarie University. But first, I’d like to thank the Darug People, the Original Owners of this Land upon which Macquarie University is situated. I believe that it’s also appropriate to thank: • Macquarie University for the use of this wonderful lecture theatre, • the Wushu & Tai Chi NSW and • MQ University’s Wushu & Tai Chi Society for their vision and commitment to initiate and sustain this annual Tai Chi & Wushu Conference. Thanks also go to the Organising Committee and volunteers who have contributed time, effort and ideas to make the Conference happen. Most importantly, I’d like to Thank YOU, the Speakers and fellow participants for your robust enthusiasm and readiness to share and consistently promote the organic growth of Taichi, Wushu & Qigong today. This 2018 Conference is distinctive in that it has brought together an interdisciplinary forum of speakers, scholars and practitioners from different fields and industries - all of whom share a keen interest in the continual evolution of Wushu, Taichi & Qigong and their related applications. It further provides an opportune time to renew contacts and to discuss Taichi, Wushu & Qigong benefits, development and issues in today’s world. This year’s Conference promises to be exciting and I hope that it will deliver multiple levels of inquiry, debate and sharing of ideas from both speakers and participants in this discipline. With such a plethora of themes and topics on Taichi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World, I have no doubt that we, enthusiasts and practitioners will be in for a treat regarding information about new research in Taichi, Wushu & Qigong in Medicine and other industries here in Australia. So, without further ado, may I declare this Conference open.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World
Tai Chi – The Supreme Art of Sung Relaxing and Sinking. The Legacy of Master Cheng Man Ching
Robert Russo Sydney
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Tai Chi – The Supreme Art of Sung - Relaxing and Sinking The Legacy of Master Cheng Man Ching
Abstract: • • • • • • • •
Brief History of Master Cheng Man Ching (CMC) and his disciple Master Huang Sheng-Shyan Obvious and subtle differences of traditional Yang Style and Cheng Man Ching Yang Style form What does it mean to be “Sung” and to “Relax and Sink” in practical terms? How do you know if you are practicing Tai Chi correctly? Tai Chi Classics What do we mean when we talk about the Waist (Yao) and the Hips (Kua)? “The only true secret in Tai Chi is the phrase: Your mind is the commander”. What does this mean? Transitioning from the Horizontal to Vertical Circle in Tai Chi. About Robert Russo:
Robert commenced the study of Yang style Tai Chi in 1978 and has been teaching Tai Chi for over 25 years. Since 1991 he has been practicing Cheng Man Ching’s Yang style Tai Chi, specifically the system as taught by his disciple Master Huang Sheng-Shyan, which has a major emphasis on the refinement of “Sung” - Relaxing and Sinking. As his understanding deepened, he has sought out the best teachers available both in Australia and overseas to continue his studies in this field. Learning from various teachers over the years has allowed him to not only learn Tai Chi, but also to assess their teaching methods so as to formulate an effective approach in teaching.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World
Wu Xin The Mind of No Mind: A Journey Towards Life Mastery through Taiji Quan
Ahtee Chia Queensland
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Wu Xin The Mind of No Mind: A Journey Towards Life Mastery through Taiji Quan
Abstract: Mastery of Taiji Quan is mastery of life only when the principles of Daoism are embodied into your Taiji Quan training and into your life. Taiji Quan is the training of the mind through movement, and using movement to train the mind towards Wu Xin, the ultimate goal of Daoist spiritual practice. Taiji Quan training starts with physical training of correct posture and correct movement and culminates in pure mental training. I have adapted Master Chen Xiao Wang’s family secret 5 stages of training to suit Yang Style training with the addition of the 5 elements. It is a progressive learning system that can also be used to track your progress as well as being a grading system. Various Daoist principles are embedded within each stage of training as key guiding principles. These guiding principles are also the principles for living a full, vital and tranquil life. A brief demonstration of the application of the principles in the 5 stages of training is scattered through the talk. About Ahtee Chia: Born of Chinese parents who migrated to Malaysia Ahtee was brought up steeped in tri-cultural traditions of Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It was not until his learning and teaching Taiji that Ahtee started to study Daoism to be able to explain the principles of Daoism to his students instead of just living it. From the simple desire to do Taiji as a gentle health exercise that he can do into his elderly years, it has developed into a passion to help others discover the life changing effects of practising Taiji. Ahtee started martial arts while in college in Kuala Lumpur learning Taekwondo and Southern Praying Mantis later in Brisbane which gave him a solid grounding in self defence which gave him an understanding of the application aspects of Taiji. As Grand Master Chen Xiao Wang says, “if you are not expressing the principles, you are not doing Taiji”, while Master Chen Man Cheng expressed it as “you are only waving your arms around”. His first Taiji teacher was Howard Choy who was a private student of Yang Shau Choong, the son of Yang Cheng Fu. Ahtee later spent 3 weeks of intensive training in China with Master Wah Koh studying Chen style Taiji and Daoist Qigong. In 1988 he spent another 3 intensive weeks learning Chen Taiji with Grand Master Wang Xian in China. When Grand Master Chen Xiao Wang migrated to Sydney, Ahtee was a private student, together with Howard Choy, of Grand Master Chen. WE organised and assisted in the numerous workshops given by Grand Master Chen. It was during this time that Grand Master Chen revealed the secret Chen Family 5 Stages of Taiji Quan Training that was reveal to the world for the first time by being published in Inside Kung Fu. Ahtee is continuing his research into the 5 Stages of Taiji Training and expanding on the practical training methods to allow students to attain the highest level of skill efficiently and effectively through physical and mental discipline of concentration, mindfulness and pure contemplation. Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World
Form and Function and its Role in Qi Development and Push Hands
Damon Bramich Newcastle, NSW
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Form and Function and its Role in Qi Development and Push Hands
Abstract: When trying to improve one’s structure and internal connection take your time as the saying goes practice make perfect. Create a systematic approach to your drill and know your objective. For the movement and connection to be natural one’s adjustments need also to be natural. Open the joints to seek connection, with fullness while relaxed avoid stiffness and excessive tension. Try to incorporate the 10 points when working solo or with a partner. The key to establishing and maintaining structure when practicing partner drills is to listen via connection both physically and energetically. Start with simple following drills both fixed and moving steps touch wrists or hand to wrist (not hand to hand) open and fold the joints without bracing, work towards being comfortable and free in your movements and transitions with no physical stress. One should work toward the connections (contact points) remaining at 4 ounces of pressure. Use Softness to overcome their hardness and force; fold the joints without resistance to your connected base and step or reposition if needed. When seeking to change the line of their force do it by redirecting it into an arch or semicircle thus letting you complete the circle to apply your technique feely. About Damon Bramich: Damon (Fu Wu Xai) is a Soft Tissue Injury Specialist and Tai Chi Kung Fu Instructor. 6th Generation Yang Family member, he trained directly under the guidance of Fu Sheng Yuan (The Great Great Grandson of Yang Lu Chan) for 26 years and was the one that received the final teaching of his master before he Passed in 2017. 6th Duan Chinese Wushu 2008. From 1997 to 2016 he was a multiple gold medallist in World Wushu Championships in Forms Weapons and Push Hands. Australia, Europe, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World
Wushu, Tai Chi & Qigong in Australia: Who is in Charge?
Dr Larissa Koroleva The Wushu Council Australia
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Wushu, Tai Chi & Qigong in Australia: Who is in Charge?
Abstract: With so many various Wushu, Tai Chi and Qigong organisations in Australia, it is increasingly difficult and frustrating for practitioners to choose the right membership and, quite often, they have to be members of several organisations to pursue their goals. This presentation aimed at the preliminary analysis of places, roles and responsibilities of several most prominent organisations and their relationships with each other. Their history, changes in policies, achievements and failures, strengths and weaknesses allow for some predictions of their future thus providing a perspective for potential practitioners interested in contributing their knowledge and skills to the community. The updated analysis of the current situation, complete with the most recently available information, is planned for the next year’s Conference. About Dr Larissa Koroleva: Dr Larissa has a broad knowledge and experience in Wushu coaching, competitions and administration. She holds 6th Duan, was a member of the National Australian Team in various roles and served on the Traditional Wushu Committee of the International Wushu Federation. She also coached the NSW teams successfully performing in overseas competitions. Dr Larissa devotes a lot of her time and efforts to promoting Wushu, Taijiquan and Qigong in Australia, and particularly in NSW.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World
International Health Qigong Development
Helen Rivett Wushu & Tai Chi NSW
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
International Health Qigong Development
Abstract: During last decade, Qigong emerged as a popular new activity providing tremendous health benefits and at the same time is relatively easy to learn and practice. In recognition of its importance, the International Health Qigong Federation (IHQF) was established in order to promote Health Qigong throughout the world. In April 2018, IHQF sent several Qigong specialists to the Health Qigong Forum in Melbourne where significant number of Australian Qigong practitioners had an opportunity to learn the latest routines and, optionally, pass the Duan Wei grading. Wushu & Tai Chi NSW organised and partially funded the NSW team’s participation in this event which was a great experience. It was revealed that the new programmes for Health Qigong instructors are being developed in China and, after initial testing, they will be rolled out worldwide. The good news for the Australian Qigong practitioners is that the next World Health Qigong Championships will be held in August 2018 in Melbourne and the grading sessions are scheduled for November 2018 in Sydney. The presentation was supplemented by demonstration of Health Qigong routines and explanation of their benefits. About Helen Rivett: Helen Rivett is the current President of the Wushu & Tai Chi NSW and takes great pride in being able to work with people of all ages who are interested in Wushu, Tai Chi & Qigong. She spends time organising various events including monthly workshops, demonstrations, talks, fundraising etc. Each year Wushu & Tai Chi NSW helps people to participate in seminars and competitions, both in Australia and overseas.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Today’s World
Effects of Tai Chi on Stress and Cardiovascular Function in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and/or Hypertension: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Dr Emily Yang NICM Health Research Institute of Western Sydney University
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Effects of Tai Chi on Stress and Cardiovascular Function in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and/or Hypertension: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the effects of Tai Chi on stress and cardiovascular function in patients with coronary heart disease and/or hypertension. Methods: In this randomised controlled trial, 120 participants with coronary heart disease and/or hypertension were randomly assigned to a Tai Chi or waitlist groups (each n=60). The participants in the treatment group received a standardised 24-week program consisting of 2-hour Tai Chi class twice weekly for the first 12 weeks and once weekly for the rest 12 weeks. The primary measure is Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). The secondary measures include Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, lipid and glucose profiles, C-reactive protein, 36-Item Short Form Healthy Survey and 6-Minute Walk Test. All measures were assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Results: Of 120 randomised participants (mean age, 64.3 years), 102 (85.0%) completed the trial. Using a linear mixed model, the Tai Chi group demonstrated a significant reduction in PSS10 scores at week 24 (Mean, 10.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 8.86 to 12.03) compared with the waitlist group (Mean, 11.71; 95% CI, 10.01 to 13.34) (P=0.009). The mean walking distance during 6-minute walk increased from 494.77 (95% CI, 470.82 to 518.71) meters at baseline to 552.81 meters at 24 weeks in the Tai Chi group, while from 518.83 to 519.63 meters in the waitlist group. The difference between the two groups is statistically significant (P<0.001). Significant differences were also detected between the two groups in depression, diastolic blood pressure, and quality of life. No adverse events related to Tai Chi were reported. About Emily Yang: Emily Guoyan Yang, a PhD candidate (Health Science) at NICM Health Research Institute of Western Sydney University. Her research interest focuses on Tai Chi and traditional Chinese medicine for health and wellbeing. Emily graduated from Master of Medicine from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Emily has 12 years of Tai Chi experience. She is one of the successors of the 4th generation of Beijing Chen-style Tai Chi and the 20th generation of the successors of traditional Chen-style Tai Chi. Emily was the former Director of the Tai Chi Association of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World
Integration of Taiji and Qigong into Traditional East Asian Medicine
Dr Rusel Last Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association Kiama, NSW
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Integration of Taiji and Qigong into Traditional East Asian Medicine
Abstract: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Oriental Medicine and Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) are collective terms for the combination of the methodologies of Acupuncture, Herbs, Massage (Tuina, Shiatsu, Thai etc) Qigong and Taiji that can be integrated into unified health and development known classically as self-cultivation. Though Taiji and Qigong developed within the integrated cultural environment of Imperial China, they are not seen as part of the complete set of Dao arts as traditionally taught to adepts. Taiji and Qigong are based on the same Yin-Yang theories and philosophies that TEAM methodologies are, and all their techniques can be described using the same Bazhengâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Eight Principle terminology. This presentation included discussion of the philosophical and practical foundation and explored the relevance to Taiji and Qigong in modern Australia and to the students and adepts of these arts today. Explored and discussed: TEAM practitioners and their modalities; their qualifications and capabilities; their registration and responsibilities; networking and advertising; the relevance of, and what steps to take, to integrate the teaching with TEAM clinical practice, so everyone can benefit from the Arts of Self-Cultivation, as relevant to modern Australia. About Rusel Last: Rusel is an Oriental Medicine Practitioner with over 30 years of clinical practice. After training in Northern Wu style Taiji from 1979, he has continued to build a comprehensive training regime now encompassing all aspects of the traditional arts of Self-Cultivation, including Southern Shaolin and Nine Fields Qigong, Yang Sword and Push Hands, Chan Shisan Taiji. He is a father of three, a grandfather of three, a published author and poet, and lives on the South Coast sharing with his publisher wife an acre of gardens, orchards and bamboo groves, and their menagerie.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World
Jin Gang Chuan: Buddha Warrior Attendants Fist
Brett Russell Shaolin Monk Martial Arts Sydney Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Jin Gang Chuan: Buddha Warrior Attendants Fist
Abstract: Jin Gang Quan, an advanced fighting system, was created and developed in the Shaolin Temple at the time when Shaolin monks were regarded as “Special Forces” of the Emperor who used them for ensuring his own safety as well as for various covert operations. Jin Gang Quan contains two systems: The strong system is based on battle experience and requires strong physical condition. The soft system is reserved in the Shaolin Temple for “older people” (25 and over). This ensures that people keep training all their life adjusting the practice according to their age. The elements of both hard and soft systems were demonstrated and explained. The presentation was followed by a brief group session where participants had a chance to have a practical experience of Jin Gang Quan systems. About Brett Russell: Brett Russell is a founder of Shaolin Monk Martial Arts – a school that is dedicated to preserving the training and philosophy of Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu. Brett is a 32nd Generation Shaolin Temple Disciple and holds an International rank of 4th Duan Wei from the Chinese Wushu Association. He is also a representative of Chinwu Association of Australia, a representative of Shaolin Temple Chanwu Association of Australia and an Australian representative for the Chinese Wushu Association.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World
Tai Chi and Aromatherapy Discovering the Synergy
Rosilah Sani Sydney
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Tai Chi and Aromatherapy Discovering the Synergy
Abstract: The World Health Organisation defines wellness as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. People seek wellness using various modalities and protocols of exercise and meditation such as Tai Chi and Qigong. The benefits of Tai Chi are recognized by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and modern medical scientists alike. Tai Chi cultivates and stimulates the internal energy Chi circulation within the body system, which keeps the body rejuvenated, refreshed, fit and healthy. However, the stresses of modern life, emotional issues and internal pollution from toxic chemicals and processed foods cannot always be resolved by exercise and meditation alone. Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils for therapeutic purposes to stimulate healing in people, or to maintain existing health and optimal well-being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Essential oils are highly concentrated, aromatic, volatile liquids distilled from plants, able to intelligently discriminate a body systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements to bring it back into a state of homeostasis. They are composed of tiny molecules that can pass through cell walls and membranes, a property that renders them unique among natural therapeutic agents. The different aromas and the chemical constituents of the oils can produce diverse physiological and emotional reactions, accessing events embedded in our cellular memory. Pure therapeuticgrade oils, produced using quality assured seed-to-seal processes, may also be applied directly on the skin or ingested. There is a long history of usage and a growing body of new medical research confirming their powers. Tai Chi and Aromatherapy share similar goals of developing external and internal strengths, promoting harmony and balance in the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s systems. A synergy between them may augment the benefits for the practitioner in terms of enhancing meditation and stress relief; supporting muscular and circulatory systems; and boosting motivation for physical exercise by triggering the appropriate hormones. About Rosilah Sani: After a 35-year career in IT and digital mapping, Rosilah is now a student practitioner with the Centre for Aromatherapy Research & Education (CARE), avidly educating herself and others on a practice that dates back to 4500 BC. Her personal journey to wellness through Tai Chi and Aromatherapy fueled a conviction that a synergy exists between these two modalities, not achievable separately. She plans to conduct studies collecting evidence to support this connection and would like to invite collaborators for the project.
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World
Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
Photo-Report
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
Tai Chi, Wushu & Qigong in Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World
How did we do? Fantastic weekend. Great effort from the organizers and presenters. * Good range of topics - Thank you very much to the organisers, speakers (who spoke from the heart) and volunteers. * Variety of presentations yet common themes; the quality of presentations; good balance of theory/talk & practical workshops. * I got a decent info on Tai Chi & other Chinese Martial Arts; it inspired me to learn Tai Chi and also involve my family into this. * Vivid activities in combination with fantastic talks * Interesting topics & workshops. It is always good to learn from different masters to add to our current knowledge. * Very interesting speakers, experiencing other forms, style & ideas of Tai Chi. Meeting lovely people. Sharing Tai Chi Qigong. * These two days brought lots of new ideas to improve myself and help others.
Not bad! Next time, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be even better! Conference 2018 * Macquarie University * Sydney Australia
From the Organising Committee
Achievement through Unity...
Coincidentally, this is a title of the sculpture by Trevor Weekes installed on Wally’s Walk just opposite the building where the Conference took place. The word ”Unity” seems too strong and ambitious to refer to the current Wushu, Tai Chi and Qigong community in Australia torn apart by commercial interests, Government intervention and personal ambitions, but...
... it never hurts to share our knowledge and skills, meet and discuss our problems and try and find the possible ways of cooperation. So...
Let’s talk!
Sculpture by Trevor Weekes, Macquarie University
Wushu Herald * Special Edition * September 2018
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