Chin Woo celebrated the lead-up to Christmas at Maungawhau Primary School in Auckland with a student party and a demonstration of their Wushu skills.
The day turned out fine and warm and allowed use of the school field to showcase to family and friends what the students had learnt throughout the year.
Special thanks goes to Coach Guo for continuing to guide and train all of the students. The standard of performance, especially in the young, clearly increases every year.
On Friday 15th July 2011 Chin Woo Wellington gave a variety of traditional Chinese martial arts demonstrations at the Chinese Embassy’s’ Open Day. Through the advocacy of Sifu Melissa Chan, Technical Advisor for traditional Chinese martial arts, Chin Woo New Zealand received an invitation to display it’s vast array of Chinese martial arts for the auspicious event.
The event marked the first time that the Chinese Embassy had opened its doors to the general public and comprised a cultural exchange between various New Zealand and Chinese groups.
The Wellington Chin Woo contingent comprised students and teachers from four well known Wellington kung fu schools. They were:
New Zealand Ling Nan Wushu Association
Led by Sifu Melissa Chan with David Chan and Steve Barret performing
Chen Style Taijiquan Academy (Wellington Branch)
Led by Sifu Terry Young performing
New Zealand Wing Tsun Association (Wellington Branch)
Led by Mr Alex Martell with Anton Marsden, Miki Schmidt, Chris Chou, Zak Sun performing
New Zealand Chinese Kung Fu Association
Led by Sifu Peter Sue and performing with Arron Chan
The demonstration lasted 20 minutes and comprised of various sets including the Tiger & Crane form of Hung Kuen, abridged Canon Fist form of Chen Style Taijiquan, Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Sticky Hands sets of Wing Tsun and the Broadsword, Praying Mantis and Bak Mei forms of Southern China.
The Year of the Rabbit – Chinese New year 2011 was welcomed in with style thanks to the work of the Asian Community Trust, Wellington City Council and the many community organisations that contributed to bring fair and flavour to the Capital. Chin Woo Wellington Region was one such group that volunteered its member’s time and energy to entertain and inform the public on the merits and importance of traditional Chinese martial arts in today’s society.
On Saturday 5th February, younger Chin Woo members from the NZ Ling Nan Wushu Association took part in the Sin Nian Rabbit Party held at Wellington’s Civic Square. Despite the threat of rain, the event went smoothly and involved a brief but energetic demonstration of hap gar kung fu followed by a ‘have a go’ session involving younger members in the audience following basic kung fu hand and leg movements. Despite their youth, the group of eight showed maturity and courage in sharing their art with the public, qualities which lie at the heart of the Chin Woo ideal.
The following weekend was the finale of the CNY celebrations in Wellington, culminating in “Festival Day” on Sunday 13th. Chin Woo’s presence was never far from the festivities with a Chin Woo Stand operating throughout the entire day and two martial arts demonstrations to entertain the audiences inside TSB Arena. The Chin Woo Stand was a chance for members of the public to enquire about learning a traditional Chinese martial art. The table was staffed by knowledgeable Chin Woo members who were practitioners themselves. This is one of the key differentiating features and indeed strengths of Chin Woo in that nearly all of our members are actively involved in studying Chinese martial arts. Thanks to the efforts of Chin Woo Wellington Executives Geoff and Miki, supported by Mercedes, Maria, Arron and my wife Mancie, the Chin Woo information stand was strongly maintained throughout the day. Thanks also to the many Chin Woo members and friends who visited us and gave their support throughout the day.
Up on the markets stage Arron Chan and yours truly entertained the crowd with a demonstration of the Hung Gar Pole form Sup Saap Cheung or 13 Points Spear Stick. In the early afternoon, Chin Woo members from the NZ Wing Tsun Association gave a highly professional demonstration of traditional Wing Tsun kung fu form and application. With the recent popularity of the Ip Man films, the audience needed little introduction to the style and it was a very well received and enjoyable performance.
The festivities were a lot of fun and provided a great opportunity to entertain and inform the public on the many benefits of learning Chinese martial arts. Overall, a very enjoyable occasion for the many who attended with lots to see, do and or course eat.
On Sunday 13th February, Wellington’s waterfront will come alive with festivities to mark the Chinese Lunar “New” Year of the Rabbit.
Among the variety of live entertainment, Chin Woo Wellington members will perform various kung fu demonstrations throughout the day. A stand will also be operating selling Chin Woo merchandise and offering information on local martial arts schools to the public.
Details of Chin Woo’s activities are as Follows:
10:00AM – 4:00 PM
Chin Woo Stand featuring merchandise for sale and information for public.
11:20AM
NZ Ling Nan Wushu Association performing traditional Hung Gar Pole at ‘Red Whispers’ inside TSB Arena
12:55PM
NZ Wing Tsun Association Performing traditional Wing Tsun kuen kung fu at the Asian Market, inside TSB Arena
4:20PM
NZ Wing Tsun Association Performing traditional Wing Tsun kuen kung fu and ‘Have a Go’ workshop outside at Frank Kitts Park.
For information on Chin Woo activities at the Festival, contact David Chan on 021 0262 5408 or email davidchan@orcon.net.nz
www.chinesenewyear.co.nz
www.chinwoo.org.nz
Chin Woo Wellington region will be showcasing some of its members and schools at the first South East Asian Night Market to be held on Saturday 20th March 2010 at Frank Kitts Park.
A vast array of Chin Woo members will be performing on the night.
Be sure to come down and check out the fabulous variety of food, culture and of course kung fu that will be on display.
The night market opens at 4pm and runs until 10pm. The Chin Woo performance starts at 5pm.
The map below shows the location of the Chin Woo performances.
More information at: http://www.asianz.org.nz/south-east-asian-night-market.