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Tips for beginners learning Karate

When we start to learn something new, especially in a class format like Karate Classes, it can feel daunting and our self-consciousness can get the better of us. Sensei Leo Ming has some points to keep in mind, so that you can enjoy your classes, and get the most out of your karate learning journey. Sensei Leo Ming suggests that you should do no preparation for your class, as a new student. “I usually like to see the student in… Read More »Tips for beginners learning Karate

Shanghai

What stood out most for us on our stay in Shanghai, was the size of the city and amount of people who live there. Also striking is its modern buildings and sky scrapers, together with the authentic feel of the city. We visited Zhujiajiao, also known as the Venice of Shanghai. There is a beautifully manicured garden alongside, and one can see a lot of work has been put into the making of this space, in the style of a… Read More »Shanghai

How to choose to train in Karate

When considering taking up Karate as your hobby or sport, here are some points to consider Karate over other sports. Self Improvement While training the body, one learns about the Okinawan or Japanese culture; such as its history; its tradition of respect in the symbol of bowing, and the distinction in seated bows, standing bows and the reasons behind this. One also learns about discipline by way of being on time, by way of dress code, and mind and body… Read More »How to choose to train in Karate

Chen Village Museum

During our visit to Chen Village, we spent a few hours exploring the 2800 square meters of the Chen Village Museum.  Being the birthplace of Tai Chi, the museum is a wonderful collection of art, sculptures and information about the history and theory of this martial arts.  The museum also has a way of introducing you to the tai chi Masters and their life stories. In this video, about half way through, you will see the painting of a master… Read More »Chen Village Museum

Visiting the Great Wall of China

On our tour of China, we spent a few hours walking along the Great Wall.  We visited a popular section called Badaling, about 80 kilometres northwest of Beijing.  It is one of the most visited sections because it is the most well-maintained and representative section the Wall. What is most striking about the Wall is the sheer size of it, and the overwhelming presence it has.  The fact that a million people lost their lives building the Wall, adds to its… Read More »Visiting the Great Wall of China

Weapon Training

Recently Kaicho Akamine come from the Okinawa island of Japan to Johannesburg. He gave a Karate weapons workshop, which Sifu Leo Ming attended. Akamine is an 9th dan and head of Ryu Kyu Kobudo. Hiroshi Akamine was born in 1954 in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture, as the fourth son to Eisuke Akamine, the second President of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai. At the age of 6, he was given instruction in Karate by his father.  He began his serious practice… Read More »Weapon Training

Wudang Mountains

Part of our students travels round Hubei, China, was time spent in the Wudang Mountains.  Besides the beautiful scenery, these mountains are an important destination for Taoist pilgrimages, as they are one of the “Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism” and thus have many Taoist monasteries and temples. The Wudang Mountains are also renowned for the art of Tai Chi.  Many festivals and  martial arts tournaments are held here, along side the tai chi training schools.  Here is a yearly celebration… Read More »Wudang Mountains

Chen Village Visit

Chen is the village where the Chen Form of Tai Chi originated. Over 11 generations ago, and more than 350 years ago, the Chen Family combined martial arts with breathing techniques and Chinese medicine, and created what we know as Tai Chi today, in the Chen Form. It is still taught today in Chen Village by the descendants of this historic family. On our trip to China, here are our South African students and our fellow US travel companions mingling… Read More »Chen Village Visit

China Trip – Photos of our adventure

Here is the start of our collection of photos, of the adventure a group of tai chi students are currently enjoying, while on their trip to China. They are exploring the culture, places and people to get a more in-depth understanding of the history, people and current practice of tai chi. Here’s a video of the Fan Form that Sifu Leo Ming just shared on Facebook: More photos and videos here: Chen Village Visit Wudang Mountains tai chi sessions Great… Read More »China Trip – Photos of our adventure

Agility as a Team Building Theme

When asked by a corporate to help with a team building exercise, or fun and yet informative day, Leo uses tai chi as an analogy to highlight the points needed to work together effectively. Leo had the opportunity recently to enjoy a day with the team at Fulcrum, which was organised by the advertising company Van Damm.  The MC was Bongani Bingwa and a fellow presenter was Chef Benny Masekwameng, also known as Benny the Chef. Constitution Hill in Johannesburg… Read More »Agility as a Team Building Theme