Newsletter - 29th October 2013
News From Fire Dragon Australia
AUSTRALIAN DRAGONS IN THE STATES
On September 28, Grandmaster Hardy set off to see his teacher in the USA, and other members of the Pai Family. He was accompanied by Wasu Elinor Jean and Wasu Bernard Kilimnick, neither of whom had seen Pai, Shinzan before, and they were met in the States by Master Patrick Bellchambers, who had flown over separately. After more than 30 hours travelling, including several with Master Bellchambers driving on the wrong side of the road, they finally arrived - and met Pai Shinzan. It wasn't a late night, as everyone was up at 5.00 am for training. The hard training, assisted by Master Stefan Harris, emphasised strength and power for survival on the streets - live or die! Grandmaster Jeff Guiffre (Pai Quan Li) was kind enough to run two sessions on internal arts - including Chi Gung, and Tai Chi. His understanding of traditional Pai Lum greatly assisted his showing practical application of these Arts. As a mark of her capacity to respond to the challenges of training, Pai Shinzan awarded a Black Belt to now Sifu Elinor Jean!nnAt the end of the week, the Australians helped Pai Shinzan and his wife celebrate an impressive milestone - their 50th wedding anniversary. They were joined by other Pai Lum luminaries, including Master Charlie Hatchett and Master Thomas Sanders.
One of Grand Master St Charles' cars Pai Shinzan and his wife being on their way to their celebrations
Pai Shinzan and Mrs St Charles
Grand Master Jeff Guiffre at Pai Shinzan's 50th Wedding Anniversary
Master Stefan Harris and Master Thomas Sanders
Master Lisa - Lihung - for once, without her own camera!
Sifu Elinor Jean looking relaxed
The next day saw the Australians head to New York State to spend a few days with Master Bill Luciano, whose teacher is Pai Ching Lin (Dave Smith). There they learned a different approach to application, and some forms to help that - even the Three Short Forms of the Tiger can be used in many different ways!
Master Luciano with the Australian Dragons - L-R: Wasu Bernard Kilimnik; Master Patrick Bellchambers; Grandmaster Hardy; Master Luciano, and Sifu Elinor Jean.
Master Luciano draws the Bob Lee bow after training - looking very natural!
Grandmaster Hardy aiming at 20m
While up north, Grandmaster Hardy and Master Bellchambers took a quick one day trip to Massachusetts, to meet up with Master Pete Stoddard and his wife Jan, whose teacher is Pai Hsin Lung (Phil Hunter), and who kindly shared tales and perspectives of Pai Lum Kung Fu.
Master Stoddard with Grandmaster Hardy
Grandmaster Hardy, with Sifu Jean and Wasu Kilimnik then made their way to Florida (flying!), while Master Bellchambers was left to return to Brisbane. In Florida, the remaining Aussies were met by Pai Feng Huang, Bai, Xue Long's (Grand Master Shawn Dick) wife, who took them back to their family home, and put them up for the next week. Ahh the sun and warmth of Florida - beautiful training, whether on grass or on the beach. More forms, ones taught by the late Grandmaster Pai, and great application!
Beach training 1 - Wasu Kilimnik and Sifu Jean
Beach training 2 - Grandmaster Hardy (Pai Lung Tsai Hsia) and Pai Feng Huang working on Northern Shaolin
Smiling Bear - Wasu Kilimnik
During their stay in Florida, Grandmaster Hardy was able to train with Master John Riddick's group, where he passed on a little White Crane (as taught to him by Sifu Jamie Scuffell, Inheritor of the Shen Zhao Pai Shaking Crane system). And the Aussies saw the awesome beginnings of Master 's permanent training facilities. Really inspiring! And worth while all Pai Lum practitioners' support!!
While in Florida, and in front of Bai, Xue Long and Pai Feng Huang, Grandmaster Hardy gave Wasu Kilimnik the Club name Bear - he can be truly ferocious on the floor!
The Australian Dragons with Master Riddick and his class (Master Riddick on Grandmaster Hardy's right)
Sadly, Grandmaster Hardy and his students had to bid Bai, Xue Long and his family farewell, as they left the warmth of Florida behind to land in Australia on 20th October, and make the drive back home to Canberra.
Much awaits them in passing on new knowledge and their stronger ties with their brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles in Pai Lum in the US.