Hung Fa Yi Public Workshop September 2005

[Allen Kong]

Event: The World Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun Kung Fu Association along with the VTM are sponsoring a Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun Public Workshop in Ohio on September 9-11, 2005.

Main speaker: Grandmaster Garrett Gee

Public Workshop: September 9-10 (friday/saturday)
Topic: One of the topic will be the major difference between Kiu Sao and Chi Sao rolling, rolling drills, along with other HFYWC system approach compare with San Sao approach.

Instructor's Workshop: September 11 (sunday)
Topic: Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun 1st Degree Black Belt teaching/training materials


Allen Kong

[BennyMeng]

We here at the Wing Chun Museum are looking forward to welcoming Grand Master Gee as well as the representatives of the Hung Fa Yi World Headquarters. This is a great opportunity for us each year to meet different families within Wing Chun as well as families from the outside. In addition to the cutting edge Hung Fa Yi system which Grand Master Gee is going to be covering, as a bonus Grand Master Gee is going to be sharing his family system, he will be introducing the Chu Ga Flying Dragon Iron Fan.

Again, its a great opportunity to see the Shaolin Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun as well as the diverse talents of Grand Master Gee. For the people who register, please bring an iron fan if you have one, otherwise the museum will have them for purchase for those who don't.

Sifu Benny Meng

[Allen Kong]

Terrific Workshop!

Thank you Hung Fa Kwoon Dayton/VTM for being a gracious host. Grandmaster Garrett Gee conducted a two day public workshop on friday/saturday, capped by an all day Hung Fa Yi Instrutor's training on sunday. With representatives (Instructors) from New York, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, California, and Ohio, the weekend event was a total success. I look forward to the workshop reviews.


Allen Kong

[Kalish]

The workshop and instructor training events were a wonderful experience this past weekend. Since my specific comments will be included in the soon-to-be-published feedback posting, I will just take this opportunity to express my gratitude to a few individual people.

First and foremost, thanks to Sifu Gee for his very well organized and insightful teachings. I just have to say that what he demonstrated about "range" and what I used to think the term "range" meant are not the same. (Come to Phoenix and see for yourself!) It is always a pleasure to learn from you, Sigung! Thanks as well to Sibaaks Alan and Ricky from SF for making the long trip and tirelessly helping us all out, especially with the Chuka Flying Dragon Iron Fan form.

Also, I would like to thank my Sifu for everything (typically a list too long to type) from hosting the workshop to helping us digest the information to taking Sihing Brad and I out to dinner at the end of the instructor training. Also, congratulations to Sifu and Simo on their new home. It is very beautiful and will undoubtedly provide another very happy environment for the Meng family.

Thanks to my Sihings Jeremy and Brad for all the discussions around growing the Rochester School. And lastly, thanks to all the people who came out to train over the weekend.

I hope to see some of you next month in Phoenix!!!

ajk

[JamesHFYofAZ]

Thank you Andy for the post,
I truly look forward to the seminar and instructors training this next month. It is always a great honor to learn from GM Gee, his teachings are clear, precise, and he gets right to the point and leaves one with out question. It a truly amazing experience to learn from the Buen Jyun and I wish I could have made it out there, money is extremely tight right now!
Any how, is SS Andy planning on come to AZ as well? It's always a pleaser to work with you so I hope you do but fully understand if you can not.
Thanks again!
:)

[Kalish]

James,

I already have my ticket and I will be there! See you then...

ajk

[JamesHFYofAZ]

I truly look forward to the visit. You'll be happy to know that "Crump Forcast" says the weather will be mid to high 80' during the days and mid to high 60' at night! That makes early mornings very nice for training!:D

[BennyMeng]

Hung Fa Yi 15th Public Workshop feedback & comments
2005 September 9-10
Dayton, OH

This event consisted of two different parts: a Public Workshop on Friday/Saturday and an Instructor Training Session on Sunday.

I would like to thank Grand Master Gee for his tireless effort and patience in teaching the Hung Fa Yi system. In the past, each workshop exposes a new layer of the system and the Public Workshop continued this tradition. GM Gee made the distinction between Kiu Sau, Chi Kiu, and Chi Sau clear for all to see – even beginners with little-to-know experience of any rolling exercises came to see clarity in the Kiu Sau Rolling exercise. He also connected the experience of Chi Sau/Chi Kiu/Kiu Sau to the experience of Chan. Now that the mind understands, it’s time to get the body to know! GM Gee used the Saam Mo Kiu layering masterfully to bring workshop participants out of the darkness and into the light. I know of at least three beginners that experienced a paradigm shift between being ‘outside the box’ and ‘inside the box.’

GM Gee also showcased his extensive knowledge of Chinese martial arts and taught the first part of his family’s Wudong Iron Fan form.

Sunday was also an excellent experience that showed the clear logic of the system reaches to all levels including how to introduce the system and give physical experience to outsiders to understand it.

Also, as a side note, the Hung Fa Yi official uniform was unveiled at this workshop. We’re in the process of moving this week and everything is up in the air.

Thank you to GM Gee, Sihing Allen Kong and Sidai Ricky Chu for coming to Dayton for another memorable workshop. I would also like to thank the Master Club committee here in Dayton – especially John Lambert and Jeremy Roadruck – for overall coordination and logistics before and during the workshop. And finally, thanks to the following students for helping with the school cleaning a week before the workshop: Donna King, Stephen Rudnicki, Mike Mathews, Mike Davis, Chango Noaks, Kevin Miller, Kenneth Manson, Travis Rotterman, Marvin Blankenship, Missy Pruden and Tae Hayden.

Master Benny Meng

==

HFY Experience, How it’s different, system point of view, & teaching methodology

The HFY experience for me has been a true gift of advanced wisdom. As we progress in the modern pay age, we seem to be giving literally in our knowledge rather than truly going deeper. We seem to be going away from true harmony of all things. HFY wisdoms can be applied to daily life. Even though a lot of kung fu (martial arts) claim this, they really don’t have a true body/mind connection. HFY is truly a moving meditation to help us focus our minds and help us become aware. This is the part of the Chan way. This guides us to see reality for what it is.

I am always amazed by the HFY teaching methodology. HFY is multi-dimensional so is its teaching methods. Depending on the person’s Body Karma, you can teach either the SMK or the system approach. The SMK approach I understand to have 2 different doors. One would be giving the guy with experience in one particular skill (such as long range) and starting the system on building on that sill, heightening his awareness of the total reality of combat. No 2 way could be viewed as method on of slowly giving layers of information. The system approach, how I understand it, would be giving all the progressive details at once on each module/phase. I enjoyed the system approach a lot because of all the extra details. This I feel also requires much more focus in body and mind (simultaneously thought – at 1st before being clear). I don’t view the system approach or SMK approach as one is better than the other. I see them as different ways into the system. There ware many different facets into the diamond.

I want to thank Sigung Gee, Master Meng, Sibaak Allen, Sisuk Ricky, and all my Sihings for their knowledge and direction.

Life is great.
Sifu Brad Ryan
==

I think this workshop was different from the others because Sigung explained from a more system approach by introducing the different platforms of Chi Sau and introduced the Instructor’s Manual. He really focused on knowing the specifications of Kiu Sau, Chi Kiu and Chi Sau and when it is ok to interchange them. Sigung also cleared up the myth that it is not about “this style or that style” but about Chan/Zen, the nature of things, and finding one’s identity. It was real helpful when Sigung spoke about clearing up the incorrections of Kiu Sau and the difference in the modules and when it is ok to move in to the different exchanges. This was a real awakening for me and I will attempt to go in the future with a mindfulness and developing true body karma.

Thank you Sigung for your time, space and energy. Thank you Sifu Meng for making this weekend possible.

Sincerely,
Mike Davis
==

Difference from previous workshops:
This workshop was one of the first that really illustrate the system approach to learning HFY. For the person with no martial arts background, Grand Master Gee provided a systematic, modular approach to learning about the Kiu Sau Rolling Platform. This approach teaches the details that are required prior to moving on to the 4½ Point Kiu Sau progressions. This represents a change from the Saam Mo Kiu approach taken at previous workshops, were material was presented in a way that depended on the various experience levels of the attendees. MY opinion that this system approach will allow all of the schools and clubs within the HFY organization to teach to whatever level of student comes to learn

Workshop comments:
The Kiu Sau Rolling Platform portion covered several details that cleared up several distortions in my rolling expression. I especially liked the explanation regarding the distinction between the Kiu Sau, Chi Kiu and Chi Sau timeframes. This is critical knowledge for understanding which portion of the HFY technology should be utilized at any given time. Lastly, the Iron Fan form (from Grand Master Gee’s family kung fu system) was a great complement to the HFY material.

I would like to thank Grand Master Gee for his teaching, his time, and his energy, and thank my Sifu for bringing him to Dayton.

Sifu Andy Kalish
==

As a distant learner, every time I get a change to interact with other practitioners it reinforces things I have learned but forgotten or just not expressed. In some ways, I think that this was a wasted opportunity because my skill and experience is not high enough to physically express the Kiu Sau concepts. I understand the subtleties but don’t have the sophistication to recognize when and how to respond based on the constantly changing conditions that are the reality of conflict.

One thing from this weekend I found fascinating is the concept of safety and control as an illusion in the wrong dimension. In other words, from a wrist Chi Sau perspective I can feel very safe and even superior to others not used to the energies applied and received yet be completely vulnerable if the dimension changes to a forearm Kiu Sau perspective. I look forward to spending time exploring this further.

Thank you, Sigung Gee and Sifu Meng.

David Bowman
==

I identified strongest with clarity of Kiu Sau information that was covered this weekend. When I first learned about Kiu Sau it was from the 4½ Point Kiu Sau perspective. This gave me a clear map of what was going on but I did not understand the rules of when and why to move, which Sigung Gee explained this weekend as analogous to traffic lights (red light, green light, yellow light). This workshop gave me the understanding of not only what to do but also why and when to do it. This workshop made the use of Chi Sau more clear as well. I now see Kiu Sau in relation to the larger scope of the Chi Sau ‘family.’ Chi Sau, Chi Kiu and Kiu Sau all have unique natures and shouldn’t be mixed – but they can interact.

Joel Pryor
==

Most of the technical details covered were a bit much for a beginning student. I did bower benefit from the hands-on training. In time, my level will catch up to what I learned this weekend.

I am glad to have been a participant in this seminar and I know that eventually I’ll be able to better relate to the technical material covered. Thank you so much for time and patience. Have a safe trip home and I hope you enjoyed the trip to Dayton.

The Iron Fan rocked!

Much Respect,
Donna King

(Follow-up email after the workshop)
Dear Sifu,

I've had time to rest therefore, I have a clear perspective on the time I spent with Grand Master Gee.

I must admit that initially I was somewhat intimidated and felt very much out of my element/league. When Grand Master Gee called me to come forward I simply could not help feeling that I let you down. We all really wanted you to look good and my little performance was, in my eyes, totally unacceptable. I spoke to Jeremy about how I was feeling and thanks to his verbal coaching and intelligent perspective I felt totally at ease.

As Saturday progressed things started to clarify and I realized that this is all part a puzzle that is slowly coming together. I quickly came to the conclusion that participating in the Grand Master Gee workshop was one of those special moments in my life and that I better treasure every second of it. Needless to say - I'll be back next year because I had fun!!

Before I close I want to extend a special thank you to Jeremy who was at my side every time I felt lost. It was almost as if he compromised his workout to see to it that I was properly grasping/comprehending the technique. He was very, very nice to me (just like Tae always is!).

Thank you very much and I hope you enjoy your day!

Very respectfully,
Donna King
==

I came into this weekend’s seminar understanding that Kiu Sau, Shi Kiu and Chi Sau methods belong to different timeframes. I learned that there is a sequence of learning before the Fau Kiu Kiu Sau and modules 1 & 2.

I am still unclear on how Saam Mo Kiu relates to Kiu Sau, Chi Kiu and Chi Sau (Fau Kiu = Kiu Sau, Saan Kiu = Chi Kiu, Weng Kiu = Chi Sau???). I was also unclear about knowing your own identity and the story involving the Englishman.

Gabriel Moreno
==

I’ve been to 3 or 4 seminars at the VTM and Sitaaigung always explains himself well but as we’re learning at different levels we run into different problems that we may not know how to address right then like problems with energy, different height (too tall or too short) so I think if we can keep coming to the front to demonstrate the drill while our Sifu, Sibaak, Sigung, and Sitaaigung watch, we’ll learn a lot better.

Nathan D. Cowans
==

I liked it but I couldn’t understand most of what Grand Master Gee was talking about as I’m a beginner. But what I did understand was very detailed. This has been my best experience yet! This I the longest I have ever been at the kung fu school, training. I sure how we do this again because it was fun.

Kenneth Manson
==

This was my first workshop with my Sitaaigung and it exceeded my already high expectations. I came out of the workshop with a much, much deeper understanding of Kiu Sau, Chi Sau and their various layers and facets. This deeper understanding, of course, is what sets HFY apart from other Wing Chun “styles” and Sitaaigung Gee clearly showed. In addition to gaining a much deeper understanding of Kiu Sau along with Leung Yi Ma, on-off energy and seeking one’s own structure and identity, my “body karma” in these areas showed improvement.

Many thanks are due to Grand Master Gee for bringing the HFY system to the public and for sharing his wisdom with us. Thanks are also due to Master Meng for hosting the seminar and for his help and assistance throughout I would also like to thank Sifu Andy Kalish for the time he spent with me in the Kiu Sau drills. His help was also instrumental to my development this weekend.

Brian Thomas,
Cincinnati, OH
==

This was my first workshop and my opinion of the workshop is the following. I feel that it was an informational workshop, however in the future the skill level of the students attended needs to be evaluated. On the first day it seems to be a huge rush of information at a level too high for newer students to understand. However on the second day it was broken a little but better for most students to understand. After seeing and experiencing the Kiu Sau rolling concept, I have a better understanding and can see when these are distortion in a person’s structure.

Craig Hotlang
==

This year’s workshop allowed for me as a student to see clearly how the information presented plugged into the HFY system, fighting and other systems of combat as well. This weekend allowed me, as a teacher, to see how to properly coach a student to see the fruits of his or her training. Ultimately this workshop asked and answered the questions of ‘Who am I?’, ‘Who is the Opponent?’, and ‘What is Logical?’. White each layer of the system, I find a higher elevation of thought and ultimately existence.

Sifu Chango Noaks
==

The difference between this seminar & Sigung’s last seminar is that this one seemed to focus specifically on the ranges of combat at the Kiu Sau / Chi Sau range. This makes the exercises in the system more clear. It also ties the system together in terms of the exercises and its practicality. Needless to say, it was another great seminar presented by Grand Master Gee.

Sifu Dac Lam
==

This workshop was my first experience of my Sigung. I again see, and now at a deeper level, the extreme value of Hung Fa Yi: to know the why and where, not just the how; to learn the ABCs; to truly be able to face reality and not be taught illusions.

My son Kurt and I cannot thank you enough for your time, teaching, and devotion to preserving this perfect system of Hung Fa Yi. All our ancestors would be proud of you. Thank You!

Pat Gillen
Kurt Gillen
==

Although I am 1st level I inhaled so much knowledge from this workshop! The higher levels students and instructors were great about having patience with the beginners and that made me feel confident in at least attempting the different modules. It gave me a confidence n knowing that I had some ability to comprehend with Grand Master Gee was trying to relay to us. He has so much wisdom and knowledge that even if I were not a student I would still enjoy his workshop. Some things I could not understand but again I feel that this will come in tome as I climb my levels. But when I do come across Kiu Sau in that level I am proud to say that I will have some basic knowledge of the concept and modules and I look forward to that.

Missy Pruden
==

This was my first seminar and it has been educational. I would like to thank Grand Master Gee, Master Benny Meng, and Sifu Dac Lam for bringing HFY to the world and to Kansas City. I have learned vast amounts about combat. The positive attitude of my teacher and the senior students is what has made this so great, and then of course, there is the HFY system itself. This is truly the most comprehensive, elegant combat system on the planet.

Thank you,
Patrick Brentlinger
==

Before the workshop I have done Fau Kiu Kiu Sau but always wondered at the connection to Chi Sau. This workshop has given me tremendous understanding of Kiu Sau Rolling. I am very eager to learn the rest of the Kiu Sau and to fully learn the 4½ Point Kiu Sau. This is my first workshop with Grand Master Gee but it is my feeling that we are learning something and being shown how to teach other properly. I think this is great! I am looking forward to the follow up on this workshop.

Dean Marlow
==

I think the workshops seem to go smoother each time I attend. The HFY system seems to be one and only true system of martial combat because every range is covered for every position. I love this system because it can be tested from in every moment and every concept. Everything matches the concept and it tested to maximum efficiency and cannot be challenged. Hung Fa Yi is the greatest system for understanding combat and life through time, space, and energy. I feel really fortunately to be part of the family.

Jerold Saunders Jr.
==

Once again Grand Master Gee has honored the Dayton school with an incredible workshop. I saw this session as one with a duel focus that involved developing and connecting the bridge. Sigung offered the group a complete and logical approach to the Kiu Sau, Chi Kiu and Chi Sau progress. I also felt that because more than half the attendees were first and second level students, meeting Sigung for the first time and being exposed to the concepts beyond some levels. Sigung was able to bring clarity to these lonely students, creating even more interest in HFY.

Darryl Holt
==

Firstly, I would like to say that HFY and Grand Master Gee are priceless wellsprings of all our technical knowledge. Without his expertise and mastery we would be wandering and unaware. To make our seminar have a higher learning and retention curve I believe we need to be focused on one particular section of progression. All aspects need to be analyzed and experienced by practitioners. These things are happening but can be improved with better communication and interaction as well as first shown/previewed then all progressions explained then focus on each progression. If we know where we are going first we can build a more complete mental idea. All of my suggestions I hope are objective, they are only my humble opinion. More time is always a better resource.

Sincerely,
Gary Long
==

I consider this to be the most informative workshop I’ve experienced to date with the HFY family. Sigung has clearly demonstrated the system approach to teaching and learning, using an exercise set (the Kiu Sau) that many of us have been introduced to before. This has been my best experience thus fat with the system. I can see the bigger picture more clearly now via the layers of Kiu Sau training. Before the system seems to jump around, but now I understand why. Grand Master Gee also made several statements regarding the Chan nature of the system that helped me to understand the harmony facet of the system in a new light.

I also enjoyed the experience to learn more of Grand Master Gee’s knowledge of martial arts via the Iron Ran form. It was also nice to Sigung a bit more relaxed. In the past he has always been a bit more reserved with this humor and smile. It was nice to see more of both. The overall experience has been a great one.

Sifu Stephen Rudnicki

[Marcelo-RJ]

Dear HFY Family,

I'm really looking forward to experiencing in flesh what GM Gee's shown in such a wonderful seminar.
BTW, I'll be back to the US in 2007 (this time, I plan to visit Dayton, San Francisco again and some places in Hawaii).

Can anyone please tell me if the univeiled official uniform is the same we find in the Level 1-3 Manual that was presented in the Headquarter's May seminar?

Thanks a lot,

Marcelo
http://www.hungfayi.com.br

[JamesHFYofAZ]

New weather forcast, Mid to low 90's during the days and mid 70's at night. Yes, it'll still be hot!:cool:
Hope everyone in attendance has a place to stay. If not, I have a few extra beds open to any needing "3 hots and a cot".:)

[Cang Long]

Sounds like perfect weather at 3a.m. :)

[Cang Long]

originally posted by Andy Kalish
First and foremost, thanks to Sifu Gee for his very well organized and insightful teachings. I just have to say that what he demonstrated about "range" and what I used to think the term "range" meant are not the same. (Come to Phoenix and see for yourself!) It is always a pleasure to learn from you, Sigung! Thanks as well to Sibaaks Alan and Ricky from SF for making the long trip and tirelessly helping us all out, especially with the Chuka Flying Dragon Iron Fan form. Very interesting stuff can't wait to see and train with you again Andy.

[Kalish]

You too Tony. See you then...

[Cang Long]

10 day weather forecast for the tempe chandler area...
Weather Channel (guesstimate) (http://www.weather.com/activities/travel/businesstraveler/weather/tenday.html?locid=85226&from=36hr_topnav_business)

[JamesHFYofAZ]

So close!
Just a day and so left before the seminar.
:)