| QWhat
is Calvin Chin’s Martial Arts Academy’s teaching
philosophy? |
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The Academy provides an environment
where both the body and mind are nurtured, and mutual respect
fostered. We teach martial arts for fitness, for enrichment, and
for self-discipline. We offer the right tools to succeed in our
programs to anyone who has an interest to learn, providing an
education of the highest standard that in earlier times was reserved for "indoor
students". This translates
into "open" instruction - interpreting martial arts
theories and passing valuable insight that enables our students
to have the best opportunity to excel in the arts. We
acknowledge and cater to different learning styles, and we offer
a non-competitive environment where each student is taught by
the chief instructor and supported by other students. Our
training is through a
systematic approach utilizing the Fu Hok Tai He Morn method;
adapting to each individual and segment of our membership.
Youths, adults, and seniors are taught in separate programs with
specific methods proven to be effective for each group. We find that youths have the
ability to absorb sequences quickly and refinement is
secondary to accumulating an inventory of forms. Kung Fu is a positive outlet
for youthful energy and curiosity and paves the groundwork for
higher thinking. Teens are at an age where confidence can make
the difference in their outlook. At this
age, their inner-self is strengthened through the discipline of
martial arts. They train with other teens of varying ranks
building trust and support for one another. Teens are ready for
more depth of knowledge, and can start to apply theory to
develop better skill. The fitness and health aspect generally
motivate adults who study martial arts. They want to hedge
against the aging process through physical and mental
stimulation. Adults can best appreciate the martial arts
theories that guide our system, and this knowledge awakens their
spirit, spurring them to achieve beyond their expectation.
Adults find that the Academy offers a great support system, a
connection to others, as well as a stress-free environment for
learning. Seniors learn tai chi in hopes of gaining better
health and improving quality of life. Securing a sense of
well-being increases their independence and confidence.
Scientific findings indicate that seniors are significant
beneficiaries of tai chi; accordingly, we offer a shorter
sequence with special aids providing seniors more immediate
results. We believe that anyone who wants to learn martial arts
has a better opportunity to achieve in our programs based on the
methods and support.
| QWhat
is natural strength? |
As one
becomes more skilled, less strength is needed.
This concept is contrary to the popular belief that power equals
brute force. A novice will use excessive strength in execution, and
unless there is proper guidance, execution will become
stiff and rigid, what we consider dead strength, resulting
from isolation of movement.
Over time, this becomes habit. In our training, the student
learns to use natural strength, adjusting body position to find where it has the
structural integrity to function optimally and using the
least amount of strength required. This is live strength
generated by whole body integration. Every part of the
body is adjusted, and the more skill one has, the more
subtle the adjustments become until one becomes so efficient,
it takes
less to create more. The resultant force is superior
power.
Click here
to read more.
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We
are committed to education through:
- On-site instruction where students learn not just what to do, but how to get there and
why.
- Community,
public and private school sponsored programs and
services where we bring the training to your doorsteps in an
environment familiar to you.
- Web
Information that enables the viewer to make an informed decision when enrolling
in a program.
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| QWhat
is Fu Hok Tai He Morn? |
Fu
Hok Tai He Morn is the system taught at Calvin Chin’s
Martial Arts Academy that includes three traditional Chinese
martial arts. The words are a composite of the three systems: Fu
Hok for Shaolin Hung Gar Fu Hok (Tiger Crane), Tai for Wu
(Chien Chuan) Tai Chi, He for qigong (he-gong in the Cantonese
dialect) inherent in all three, and Morn for Mu Dong Yat
Hei Ngm Hahng Morn. The late Grandmaster, Kwong Tit
Fu was a proponent of each system, and he founded Fu Hok Tai He
Morn to commemorate
each of his teachers. Through extensive training and research into the classics of
martial arts, he discovered that there were universal principles
and concepts contained in each of the three systems; not evident
until the advanced stages of learning. This discovery allowed
him to formulate a training method based on these
higher-level theories. Most notably, the use of natural
strength was adopted and introduced at the earliest stage of
training, as this is essential in developing superior
knowledge. Although the three systems appear distinct at
the beginning stages of
learning, Kwong Tit Fu found them to be complementary systems
when refined under the training method of Fu Hok Tai He Morn
where one system supports the other. The Academy teaches each traditional system in separate
programs, leaving all form sequences intact while creating its
unique style through an understanding of the mechanics of
natural movement. |
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QCan
I study another martial arts discipline while studying
at Calvin Chin’s Martial Arts Academy? |
We receive students
proficient at other disciplines, and likewise, allow our
students to go elsewhere to satisfy other interests.
Because most martial arts derived from the Chinese
systems, all the principles and concepts of martial arts
should be the same, but sometimes lost through
evolution. We teach theory, demystifying the principles
and providing new
insight and opportunity for members to integrate them
into their other studies. Many martial artists from
other systems get their first hint of martial arts
theory from us. Sometimes a taste of martial
arts peaks the curiosity; at times, a student may become
impatient for knowledge. We believe that there is a
wealth of knowledge found in our three component
systems, but as in all endeavors, one needs to overcome
limitations to progress. This can only be achieved
through long-term practice with a skilled teacher. A
survey curriculum in any form of education only leads to
superficial knowledge. While this may be adequate for the
recreational practitioner, the long-term martial artists want
more depth of knowledge. We ask for individuals to
be forthcoming with any intentions of learning other
disciplines so that we can offer advice on complimentary
systems. |
| QHow
are students ranked? |
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Many traditional systems do
not have a belt system; rather there is a hierarchy
based on seniority. In many commercial schools, the
black belt is the ultimate goal with no other
achievement beyond that; while in traditional systems,
achievement is through self-cultivation and a belief
that there is at least a lifetime of learning. We
incorporate the philosophy of both schools. Ranking in
kung fu, serves to provide motivation for learning and a
sense of accomplishment. This is particularly important
for children and helps them gain confidence, pride and
self-esteem. Therefore, we have a system in place based
on colored belts/sashes. Progression within each belt ranking includes earning
stripes, up to four stripes in each colored belt.
These are earned through refinement of form and drill
sequences; taking a longer period to advance between
each belt ranking as more theory is incorporated into
the curriculum. Students learn at their own rate;
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no
one is pressured to move faster or slower than is
appropriate and comfortable for them. The brown belt
ranking begins the advanced level of training at the
Academy where formal written tests along with tests of
physical skill become part of the criteria for
advancement. The last belt ranking earned at the Academy
is the black belt with four stripes. There is no gauge
as to how long it takes for one to reach this level.
This achievement is subject to each individual, as
students learn at their own rate. The progress of each
student is gauged in regular classes. Therefore, we do
not have separate testing dates, eliminating stress and additional fees
associated with them. Training not only
continues beyond black belt level in the Fu Hok Tai He
Morn system, but some will contend that training
actually begins at this level when the body and mind
have reached a higher level of refinement. Gold belts
are worn by instructors who have a minimum ranking of a
black belt, and have been certified by the late
grandmaster, Kwong Tit Fu or Master Calvin Chin to teach
specific programs. Because systems
vary, the term master
is often used very loosely in martial arts.
Mastery in martial arts is achieved when both the body
and mind have digested the principles and concepts that
guide the system; where one can both communicate and
demonstrate the knowledge. Understanding comes through
self-cultivation and sufficient time spent with a
master. In the higher levels of martial arts,
belt ranking has much less significance. A master in the
Fu Hok Tai He Morn system wears a "non-color"
belt. Its sole purpose is to secure his/her pants in
place.
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| QWhy
do you bow to the altar? |
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Classes begin and end with all students bowing to an
altar, and then saluting the "Sifu", which
means master or teacher. Bowing does not indicate
acceptance of any religion. It is an acknowledgment of
all the teachers and ancestors whose hard work and
creativity contributed to our system of martial arts. It
is a token of respect and gratitude which reminds us
that learning this art is a privilege. We salute our
Sifu to show respect to him. He, in turn, salutes all
the members of the class.
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| We're
even |
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better
in person |
| QWhy
should I enroll at Calvin Chin's Martial Arts Academy? |
Aside from the superior
curriculum and instruction, what distinguishes the Academy
is the
culture of mutual respect that exists throughout. We have children, families and
adults from various backgrounds and skill levels, all converging at a place
they love, fully supported by others who care about
them. |
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QHow
can I enroll? |
Registration is on-going at the Academy and must be done
in person. We welcome those who wish to take a free trial
lesson or observe a class prior to enrollment. Youths,
under the age of 18 require a parent/guardian to complete
the form. We offer a trial period of eight sessions in our
Intro program in either kung fu or tai chi for all new
participants. During this Intro period or during a trial
lesson, comfortable clothing and rubber sole shoes are
worn. While we can appreciate that students may have prior
martial arts training and may also be studying more than
one discipline, Intro students should not wear uniforms
from other martial arts schools at the Academy. After
completion of Intro, a student can choose to enroll
monthly or quarterly, and at this time, those enrolled in
kung fu must purchase a uniform. Because we have no belt
ranking in tai chi, students are not
required to wear uniforms, but many do. We accept checks or cash for
payments. Extended annual contracts is not our policy and
prior registration is not required. |
| QCan
I buy a gift certificate? |
Gift certificates for martial arts lessons are a great
way to introduce someone to our kung fu or tai chi
programs. Those who want to commemorate a special occasion
can purchase a gift certificate for the Intro program or a
private lesson. We feel that anyone can benefit from our
programs, and a gift certificate to Calvin Chin's Martial
Arts Academy can lead someone you care about to better
health and well-being. In addition, for our current
members and families, a gift certificate for monthly and
quarterly tuition is a practical and thoughtful gift. To
obtain a gift certificate, or for more information, please
contact us.
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to go back to general questions.
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