Warrior Project eligibility

[Zhang Wuji]

I apologise in advance if my post seems out of place.

Is the Warrior Project open to students who have taken an Intensive Kungfu or Taijiquan course, as opposed to someone who takes regular classes? I was under the impression that in the intensive courses, Sifu teaches up to Level 5 of Stage 1. Or is it such that Sifu's teacing is at Level 5, but the student will only attain that level after a certain period of practice?

I certainly want to improve my combat efficiency and hope to be a part of the project some day.

[Darryl]

Course students

Hi Wuji,

I moved your post here and started it as a separate thread.

The Warrior Project weekends are only open to students within the Shaolin Wahnam schools teaching either Shaolin Kungfu or Wahnam Taijiquan. The Intensive and Regional courses teach the skills and techniques required in the various Levels, but the skills themselves have to be practiced before they can be used and the practitioner could then be considered ready.

Students who are curently training at any of the Shaolin Wahnam schools are under the observation of their respective Sifu's, who can then tell them if they are either ready and/or skilled enough to participate in the Warrior Project courses. The basic requirement is to be at least second level (Level 2 students would require the confirmation of their Sifu) or higher as the skills taught within Level 2 (Timing and Spacing) are the essence of the attendance requirements.

For the same reasons, the first weekends are open to new students but at a set point within the year, only students who have previously participated are invited to attend further weekends for that year. This allows the students to progress in the skills and techniques being taught, without the training session returning to the basics for the benefit of any new students. If a student found that they were ready after this date, then they would be in a postition to participate in the Warrior Project of the following year.

As one of the aims of the Warrior Project is for students from the various schools to take part in competitions, it would not be advisable for us to open the doors to students who were not part of one of these schools. Otherwise, we may find ourselves teaching the techniques to people who may then use them against us in competitions.

[MoMoJuice]

Hi Sihing Darrly,

...who may then use them against us in competitions.

I was just wondering, what kind of competitions do you mean? I thought traditional Kung Fu is not performed or used in combat for competitions.

Thank you.

[Darryl]

Dualistic fighting?

The courses are aimed at those who either wish to increase their Combat Efficiency or are thinking of making a career in tournament competitions. Participants will learn how to apply Shaolin Kungfu against other arts (Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Grappling, etc) and can also find out about Sanda competitions

I thought traditional Kung Fu is not performed or used in combat for competitions

Based on all the competitions I have ever seen (online and in person), this is true. To clarify, we in Shaolin Wahnam strongly believe that many tournament practitioners that classify their style as 'Traditional Kungfu' are not using traditional Kungfu when competing in their tournaments. This doesn't mean that someone who practices traditional Kungfu is banned or discouraged from taking part in competitions, this is always the choice of the individual. Some people (including Instructors and Masters) will have no interest in taking part in competitions, but this doesn't mean that everyone will respond the same way. The Warrior Project is focusing on those who would like to participate in Sparring Tournaments using Kungfu patterns, applying Kungfu principles, strategies and tactics within such tournaments.

As Sifu has said many times, it is rather foolish to train one way and fight another. If we practice Kungfu and take part in competitions, it is only logical that we would then use our Kungfu in competitions. People have very many different reasons to take part in such events, but if the reason is to feed and provide for their families, or to demonstrate that Kungfu can be used for fighting (and be extremely effective when doing so), then the conflict implied by the dualistic morality of "this is good and that is bad" does not exist.

It is also worth noting that not everyone taking part in the Warrior Project is doing so in order to start competing (another example of dualistic thought). Personally, my reasons for taking part include learning more about an Open Heart and improving my teaching methods, which both allow me to be a better person and a more efficient teacher - two extremely valuable qualities in someone's Sifu. I also get to meet even more of the worldwide family and have great fun while doing so. After everyone else had flown home, I spent the following day with Markus (who had never visited Edinburgh before) on a random tour that included a theological library, a trip to Rosslyn Chapel, an art gallery, laughter, dodgy mussels and an impromptu demonstration of footwork within a staff set.

[MoMoJuice]

Dear Sihing Darrly,

The Warrior Project is focusing on those who would like to participate in Sparring Tournaments using Kungfu patterns, applying Kungfu principles, strategies and tactics within such tournaments.

This is really great, at least people watching or participating in these Tournaments would see first hand that Traditional Kung Fu can be used for sparring/fighting.

Not sure, but I think many of the fighters at those tournaments train for at least 4-6 hours a day. Does this mean that a traditional kung fu practitioner would have to practice 6 hours a day too in order to be able to compete with them?

I guess Sihing Kai would also know more about this, since he used to compete right?

Take care.

[Jamie Robson]

Training Time

One reason why 'External' Tournament Fighters train so long each day, is because Cardio, Weight Training, Bag Work and Specific Diet Eating take so much time.

We at Shaolin Wahnam train 'Internal' and 'External'. Our aim is not 'training longer' but 'training smarter'.

This does not mean we train 'too little'. We vary our training to suit our 'Aims and Objectives'. If you seek good health, 20 minutes twice daily would be suitable. If you also seek martial efficiency or even tournament ready skills, you would increase the time.


Best Wishes

Jamie
Shaolin Wahnam Scotland

[drunken boxer]

Does anyone have any info on the types of competitions you will be entering? I know it is sanda, but I mean info on where these, presumably, are taking place at present in scotland, england, ireland? I would like to go along and watch, and of course would be even more interested in watching if Wahnam members are taking part.

[Darryl]

What, Where, When, Why and How

many of the fighters at those tournaments train for at least 4-6 hours a day

This is true, but one key difference is that they may only train this way for a set number of weeks (or months) before their specific fight(s). Within Shaolin Wahnam, training every day is known to be the best way to maintain great results and get maximum benefits from your own training and practice. Since the benefits and skills are as appicable in all areas of your life, we are not losing out by training only 1-2 hours per day compared with 4-6 for a set period. Naturally, someone aiming higher would indeed train smarter (as mentioned by Jamie) and would greatly value quality over quantity. This is not to imply that 4-6 hours of training is a waste of time, but if you are only training to become a better fighter then it is a poor use of your time.

I would like to go along and watch

Glad to hear it Paul . At the moment, no competitions have been entered as the majority that I have found so far within the UK are either points based or crippled by excessive safety rules. As the Warrior Project itself is global, the tournaments being considered would also not be limited to any one country or area. While some of the current students had participated in tournaments before joining one of the Shaolin Wahnam schools, others have no direct experience. To address this, we will be visiting other tournaments to allow them to observe and learn from what is on display (which is also an example of philosophy in action, namely one of the Four Modes of Preparation; Assess Your Opponent).

[drunken boxer]

the majority that I have found so far within the UK are either points based or crippled by excessive safety rules.

Too true! About as exciting as watching the fridge defrost!

To me, "points based" can often be translated to "pointless"!

I know it is necessary to score fights, but I think there should be an option to finish the fight early too, either by knockout, tapping out etc, for two reasons:

- In actual combat there are no points.
- Points/semi contact tournaments are boring for spectators.

[MoMoJuice]

Thanks for the great posts Jamie and Darrly.

Like drunken boxer I find this very interesting, I would love to be able to watch WahNam students competing. Of course there is no way I could do that now.

Have a great 2005 Warrior Project

[Markus Kahila]

Thank You

Hello, Friends!


Just yesterday got back from my first Warrior Project course, which was a wonderful, wonderful weekend. I feel I've gained so much during this short time, so some thanks are in order:


To Taisiheng Kai for being so generous, patient and kind in his teaching. Giving advice personally, sharing his time...today was the second day of my training back at home, and it's been incredible. The difference to where I was before is huge. Can't wait for the next Warrior Project in Frankfurt!

To Siheng Darryl, who went way beyond the call of duty in making sure that the people attending had a pleasant stay. Couldn't think of a better host. I had such a great time in Edinburgh, complimentary tours and everything, that every time I think about my stay I instantly get a big ol' grin on my face. So thank you for that!

To all my Shaolin brothers and sisters who attended for their friendship, support and love. 'Family' is the only word that makes justice here, and I feel privileged and proud to be a part of it.


So I see all of you - and hopefully also some new faces - in Frankfurt! The best with your training!


Markus

[Jonny Say]

Just a quick note to echo my brother Markus's sentiments about the weekend, a huge thankyou to Tai Sipac Kai for giving us all so much and to all my German brothers and sisters for coming across, and to Sifu for organising everything, and a big thankyou to Sihing Jamie for his bellydancing entertainments at the restaurant !!!

See you all next time

Jonny

[Darryl]

bellydancing entertainments at the restaurant

Video clip to follow too

[Zhang Wuji]

Dear Darryl

Thanks for replying to my post. I only just found it! I was wondering where it went to and it didn't occur to me it had been moved.

If I understand you correctly, someone who has gone to an intensive Kungfu course is not automatically allowed to join the project. He or she may be able to join the first weekend of that year, though.

But how would someone who has gone for only an intensive course and not for regular classes be able to know he is Level 2 or not?

[Markus Kahila]

If I understand you correctly, someone who has gone to an intensive Kungfu course is not automatically allowed to join the project.

I attended after the intensive Shaolin Kungfu course and three months of solitary practice. Compared to the other applicants, I'm still way behind in combat efficency, but still I was allowed to join in, which I think was very benefical for my training.