Tiger Claw Elite Championships

[GeneChing]

In 2006, we a debuting a new championships event. You'll see 'official' news releases here (http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/11/prweb311770.htm). There's more information on the Tiger Claw site (http://www.tigerclaw.com/index.php?SCREEN=elite) and there will be a new site specifically for this at www.tigerclawelite.com soon.

[GeneChing]

You'll find the rankings (http://www.martialrank.com/current-ranking.aspx) established in our first qualifier at Disneyland posted online now. You'll also find our profiles section (http://martialrank.com/viewprofiles.aspx) is just starting to come together. Check it out. :cool:

[GeneChing]

There's been some discussion of the TCEC on another forum (http://sportmartialarts.com/index.cfm?action=maslinc.show_posts&threadid=1068). I'm linking this here just so we don't get redundant questions, although I'd much rather take up the discussion here since I'm on this forum more (obviously).

[GeneChing]

Our next Tiger Claw Elite Championship Qualifier will be held on April 7th & 8th, 2006 at the Rocky Mountain National Challenge Open Championships (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Rocky_Mountain_National.html). It'll be at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center, 2415 Washington Blvd. Ogden, Utah. For more information, call Carlos M. Ferrer (801) 295-9274.

[GeneChing]

Create your personal profile (http://www.martialrank.com/player_signup.aspx) for free, and then register online for an upcoming Tiger Claw Elite Championships Qualifier, and you can receive a Elite Uniform (http://www.martialartsmart.net/Uniforms_TigerclawElite.html) from Tiger Claw. It's just special perk from the Tiger Claw Elite Championships! :cool:

[Shaolinlueb]

not bad gene kinda what we are doing over at http://www.mma.tv/ranked

[GeneChing]

The results for the Rocky Mountain National Challenge Open Championships in Ogden, Utah on April 7th & 8th are now posted in the Past Events (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Past_Events.html) section of our Tiger Claw Elite site.

We hope to see all of you this weekend at the Ultimate Internationals in Santa Clara, CA, May 5-6, 2006 (http://ultimateinternationals.com/)!

[GeneChing]

As a special incentive, every 1st place finisher in any of the Tiger Claw Elite Championship Qualifying events at the Ultimate Internationals (http://ultimateinternationals.com/) this Saturday will receive a special limited edition Tiger Claw Elite – Ultimate Internationals Warm Up Suit! This is part of a cooperative deal with Ray and Debbie Delgado, promoters of the Ultimate Internationals, and is only taking place at this qualifier. Good luck everyone!

[GeneChing]

I'll personally be at the Ultimate Internationals (http://ultimateinternationals.com/) this weekend, so come say 'hi' if you see me. I always enjoy meeting forum members face-to-face. I'll be there Saturday for the Tiger Claw Elite qualifiers (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/).

Man, I'm just talking to myself here so I can ttt this above the Able/Browning flame war (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40193&page=3). What an odd permuation of that thread...

[GeneChing]

This may be the only Tiger Claw Elite event I attend this year since it's the only local one. The Ultimate Internationals start today. Tomorrow is the Elite Division. Hope to see you there!

[GeneChing]

Several Tiger Claw Elite Qualifiers have passed and I've totally forgot to update this. Here are some photos:
Ultimate Internationals (http://ultimateinternationals.com/), Santa Clara, CA, May 5-6, 2006: photos (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Profiles_RDK2006_Page01.html)
Western Wyoming Championship (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Western_Wyoming_Championship.html), Green River, WY, May 20, 2006: photos (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Profiles_WesternWyoming06_Page01.html)
San Diego Grand International, (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/San_Diego_Grand_Nationals.html) San Diego, CA, May 20-21, 2006: photos (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Profiles_SanDiegoNationals06_Page01.html)
Long Beach Karate Internationals (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Long_Beach_Karate_Internationals.html), Long Beach, CA, July 28-30, 2006: photos (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Profiles_LongBeach06_Page01.html)
US Capitol Classics (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/US_Capitol_Classics.html), Washington, D.C., August 11-13, 2006: photos (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Profiles_CapitalClassic_Page01.html)
Ka Open / La Sheriff's Cup (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Ka_Open.html), Los Angeles, CA, September 9, 2006: photos coming

For all the results, click here (http://martialrank.com/score-board.aspx).

This weekend is the final prequalifier: Kick/USA State Championship (https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=5G2VJK7), Boca Raton, FL, September 15-16, 2006

Then everyone rests for a month until the Championships: Disney's Martial Arts Festival Qualifier (http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/westcoast/events/detail?name=Disneyland2007MartialArtsQualifierEven tInfoEventDetailPage), Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, FL. October 26-29, 2006

Good luck everyone!

[lunghushan]

Do a lot of people have time and money to go to events like this all the time?

Must be a lot of rich people doing these things. ???

[GeneChing]

And if you're good, you can find money. We even have a special Tiger Claw Elite Championship Fund for our leading champions - see our charitable branch at www.TigerClawFoundation.org (http://www.tigerclawfoundation.org/).

[lunghushan]

So that chick gets paid for being young and cute and doing martial arts? Dang ...

"“We learn poise and presentation, and how to get over stage fright,” said Nicole, a Discovery Bay resident and sop****re at Liberty High School. At age 14, she stands 5'8" and has blossomed competitively in the last two years, even though she’s always had a flair for center stage. Modeling since age 4, she also sings, acts, water skis, plays piano and dances at Expressions Dance Company in Brentwood. "

Something isn't right about this. I mean, her parents obviously pay a lot of $ so she can do these things.

It seems like a charitable foundation should be giving stuff to underprivileged kids or something.

Okay, I need to stop complaining. Anyway, that's pretty cool ... 14 and already more accomplished than I am at over 30. LOL

[GeneChing]

Actually, we're not paying Nicole Gerry any cash. We did donate some uniforms to her for her work representing martial arts at the teen pageants. Please keep in mind the mission statement of the Tiger Claw Foundation: The Tiger Claw Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to promoting martial artists and assisting martial artists in achieving their goals. If you know any underpriviledged martial arts kids, please let us know.

[lunghushan]

Actually, we're not paying Nicole Gerry any cash. We did donate some uniforms to her for her work representing martial arts at the teen pageants. Please keep in mind the mission statement of the Tiger Claw Foundation: The Tiger Claw Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to promoting martial artists and assisting martial artists in achieving their goals. If you know any underpriviledged martial arts kids, please let us know.

Ummm ... there are probably millions of kids who would like to train martial arts but cannot due to funding difficulties. Unfortunately they are probably not martial arts kid s because they aren't taking lessons.

[lunghushan]

So I was thinking about this some more today, about the entire rich kids vs. underprivileged kids thing.

And basically, whatever. I guess it's hard to be ... man, my vocabulary is getting bad ... but it's hard to be (respectful, proud, whatever) of somebody like Nicole who have accomplished so much with so much obvious parental support when there are people who have so little.

I mean, I personally wanted to take MA when I was a kid, but my parents never let me because they were afraid it would convert me to Asian thinking or something.

But, anyway, it really makes no difference what I think because nobody really cares.

So, I guess, carry on ... free uniforms, whatever. There's no way any foundation has enough money to solve the inequities of the world.

[GeneChing]

Everyone needs to do more charity work. I just spent my entire weekend doing charity work for the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic, and I don't feel I do enough. And I'll go one step more, when people talk about 'real' martial arts, and just talk about things working on the street, I find that absurd. But when people talk about martial artists who do charity work - who use their skills for healing instead of fighting - then I respect them. Then, and only then, do I feel that they are 'real'. Martial arts are about helping others. If you're not helping others with your martial arts, you're not real.

But enough of my personal opinion. Now to the Tiger Claw Foundation (http://www.TigerClawFoundation.org). Our parent company, Tiger Claw (http://www.TigerClaw.com) has always done grassroots support of up-and-coming martial artists, but never really taken credit for it. We saw the opportunity and the need to formalize our charity work after 9/11. Of course, we get solicited by many, as does any charity group, and given that we are a martial arts company, we had to focus our efforts with our mission statement. All charity organizations do this. Take a look at our past projects: We supported Jet Li's ONE Foundation. We supported Jackie Chan's work with Self-Help for the Elderly. We supported the Blind judo team. Of course, we wish would could take care of poor underpriviledged kids, and we might be supporting some organizations that are using martial arts with at-risk youth, but your suggestion is unfocused. It's not realistic.

As for Nicole, sure, she's supported by her parents. She's only a teenager. But her parents aren't millionaires. I wouldn't say that she's a rich kid at all. Her dad is a career martial arts teacher, and you don't make that much money in the martial arts. Her only priviledge was to be born beautiful and if you envy that, you've got some weird issues. Right now, she's working to promote martial arts within beauty pageants, akin to what another TCF supported martial artist, Jayneen Lee (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=673)was doing. If we can get more beautiful women doing kung fu, it would be just like the yoga economic boom. Unfortunately, too many men in the martial arts are card holders of the lonely hearts club (just look at our forum members :p )

[lunghushan]

I don't have any problem with people being born beautiful, but I don't think they should get any reward just for having good genes. To have a beauty pagent, IMHO, is a complete farce.

Anyway, for the Nicole thing, she has the support of her parents. I never had the support of my parents for any endeavors. In fact, my mom kept me down, kept me from testing for the Gifted and Talented Program (they snuck me in as long as they could), from competing in sports, from doing MA, etc., because she was a nutcase.

So why would I want to laud somebody who did something great with a lot of support who won the genetic lottery?

So what I am for is equal access. I don't think parents should be allowed to mess with their kids like mine did. I think there should be government mandated equal access to education opportunities so people can achieve their full potential.

Of course, that I guess isn't going to happen.

Anyway, whatever. Like you said, it is unfocused and unrealistic, like I put in my next post. "There's no foundation that can solve the inequities of the world." But don't expect me to laud some person because they won the genetic and parent lottery.

Anyways, kudos for your charity work. I thought long and hard about doing charity work such as teaching kids martial arts, and I searched for charity work around Seattle but found that there is actually a ton of competition for charity work and I am unqualified compared to the others.

Ironic, ain't it? I couldn't find one thing that they would let me do. Not Habitat for Humanity, not teaching classes, not MA, not PC support, not helping old people, NOTHING. LOL

What they need, is $. They want $ not bodies. They have a ton of bodies, at least around Seattle.

Anyways, I am a little person compared to people who have houses like this: http://www.seattlestreetofdreams.com/historicalgallery3.cfm. I mean, if everybody who had a big house just bought a small house, and put the rest of the $ towards social programs, these charities would have more than enough $.

The problem is people are GREEDY. That is the problem.

[GeneChing]

This is why I think you're projecting. You don't really know a thing about Nicole's parents and the possible hardships she might have faced/be facing. She might not be a 'have' - she might be a 'have not'. Whatever the case, she's working hard to promote martial arts and we salute that.

There's always openings for charity work. There's always a need for more volunteers. If you cannot find a place to do volunteer charity work then either you aren't looking very hard at the needy or you aren't looking very hard in the mirror.

If you want government mandated equal access to education, perhaps you shouldn't be looking hungrily at the mansions of others. Perhaps you should be figuring out how to relocate to a communist country.

[lunghushan]

This is why I think you're projecting. You don't really know a thing about Nicole's parents and the possible hardships she might have faced/be facing. She might not be a 'have' - she might be a 'have not'. Whatever the case, she's working hard to promote martial arts and we salute that.

There's always openings for charity work. There's always a need for more volunteers. If you cannot find a place to do volunteer charity work then either you aren't looking very hard at the needy or you aren't looking very hard in the mirror.

If you want government mandated equal access to education, perhaps you shouldn't be looking hungrily at the mansions of others. Perhaps you should be figuring out how to relocate to a communist country.

I'm not looking hungrily at the mansions. I actually found that link because that is one of the VOLUNTEER opportunities because those $ go to charity.

If you look at the page, http://www.seattlestreetofdreams.com/charityinvolvement.cfm you will see the image of the Make a Wish foundation and the Children's Home Society.

[GeneChing]

There's always needy so there's *always* charity work. Personally, my own martial arts practice didn't even begin to come together until I started doing charity work. There may be a "a ton of competition for charity work" and you maybe "unqualified compared to the others" for some strange elite charity work, but the last time I volunteered at a soup kitchen, they certainly didn't check my resume.

There seems to be a consistent tone with your posts, things like "I am a little person" and "my parents never let me" and "14 and already more accomplished than I am at over 30." That's not a proper attitude for the warrior path. Everyone starts somewhere. Volunteer work can be very fulfilling spiritually. It can focus your practice. It can find applications for your practice that you didn't see. Start building some memories. Help those in need. That's what wude is all about.

[lunghushan]

That's not a proper attitude for the warrior path. Everyone starts somewhere. Volunteer work can be very fulfilling spiritually. It can focus your practice. It can find applications for your practice that you didn't see. Start building some memories. Help those in need. That's what wude is all about.

I use self deprecating terms as a conversation piece, not because I really believe them. In fact, I am way too lazy to accomplish much. :)

[lunghushan]

So yesterday I discovered a very nice feature of Google called maps. Satellite imaging. It used to be they only had so much of the world, but now it appears they have most of the world.

So I did a little searching around, just for curiosity, and it was interesting how little of the natural trees and foliage of the world is left.

Then I did some more searching and comparing 2nd growth to first growth and checked out the Amazon basin. Then with some concern and panic as I suddenly found that there is little, if any, first growth left anywhere in the world anymore.

How can people do this to the world? Don't they realize that destroying the plant and animal life they are only destroying themselves?

So I have a new idea for charity. Charity begins with birth control. I will only support birth control and abortion from now on.

[GeneChing]

We've posted the photos for the Ka Open / La Sheriff's Cup here (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Profiles_KAOpen2006_Page01.html). I hear Kick/USA went well. Watch the TCEC site for an exciting announcement about the Disney's Martial Arts Festival. Mark your calendars: Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, FL. October 26-29, 2006. Even if you can't go to Florida, keep that Saturday night free. I'll tell you why very soon. ;)

[GeneChing]

First up, there will be Cirque Du Soleil talent scouts looking for martial artists at the DMAF in Florida. I've posted info on that on our Cirque Du Soleil casting thread. (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=707744#post707744)

Secondly, The Tiger Claw Elite Grand Champions will be showcased on a LIVE WEBCAST. (http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/martialarts/events/detail?name=MartialArtsFestival2006UpdatesDetailPa ge) The webcast will be free access so check it out. Tell your friends. Support live martial arts on webcasts! If our viewer numbers are high enough, we can do more groundbreaking events such as this!


This year Saturday Night Showcase will be broadcast live via Web Cast on October 28, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

The Web Cast will include live voice and video and can be accessed through both the Disney's Wide World of Sports® homepage and Disney's Martial Arts Festival event information page.

High speed internet access is necessary to view the live web cast.

[GeneChing]

You can still qualify for the Tiger Claw Elite Championships, this Friday at the Disney Martial Arts Festival. Be sure to tune in on this Saturday, October 28th, for the live webcast of the Festival Showcase! See our official website for the details (http://www.TigerClawElite.com)!

[Shaolinlueb]

You can still qualify for the Tiger Claw Elite Championships, this Friday at the Disney Martial Arts Festival. Be sure to tune in on this Saturday, October 28th, for the live webcast of the Festival Showcase! See our official website for the details (http://www.TigerClawElite.com)!


i might actually be at this festival on saturday. my first sifu qualified for this and he is competing in it.

[GeneChing]

Now I wish I was going even more. It would have been fun to hang with you in the land of Mouse.

[GeneChing]

Of course, there's nothing on it yet and there won't be until tomorrow evening. But here it is (http://aabd.disney.go.com/media/dwws_v0220/en_US/streaming/index.html), for your reference.

[GeneChing]

Adult
Armando Anselmo- Forms & Weapons
Donald Kiolbassa- Musical

Juniors
Monique Magallanes- Forms
Justin Lam- Weapons
Zachary Miller- Musical

Youth
Venessa Loza- Forms & Weapons
Sammy Smith- Musical

I should have the sparring results later today, assuming I get it with the office Halloween party this afternoon. We'll have a full report on the TCEC site (http://www.tigerclawelite.com) soon. Also, I'm told that Disney plans to keep the webcast available on their site for a month. The played it initially LIVE - the first time Disney has attempted a live webcast. I'm told that the are re-editing it a little and will have it available soon.

Congratulations Champions! I KNOW we'll be seeing more of these people. ;)

[GeneChing]

FI-001 Sims, Michelle
FI-002 Ortiz, Melanie ava
FI-003 Angel, Yesenia
FI-004 Simmons, Tamika
FI-005 Varma, Jessica
FI-006 Bergolla, Nikolas
FI-007 Castellon, Anthony
FI-008 Yasaki, Erik
FI-009 Waldon, Reggie
FI-010 Dean, Jim
FI-011 Cooper, Steve
FI-012 Youngblood, Sylvester

Congratulations to all the competitors! We look forward to the 2nd Tiger Claw Elite Championships in 2007! You'll find the Tiger Claw Elite Championship Qualifiers already listed in our Calendar (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/news/index.php).

[acepossm]

Did I hear this weekend at Disney that Tiger Claw is having the Chinese divisions for one more year and ending it unless they get more people to enter those particular divisions?

[GeneChing]

Chinese stays!
This year was a huge experiment for TCEC. It was the first time. We didn't expect that high of a turnout yet. Frankly, we couldn't have handled that many more this year. People need to learn what TCEC is. We need to learn that too. It's an experiment, in progress. Integrating all the different styles and levelling the playing field is a crazy undertaking. But we learned a lot and we'll be coming at you even harder in 2007.

Actually, we're looking seriously into improving our Chinese sections. Here's a few to the changes that we're working on:
- Clearer parameters to distinguish between traditional kung fu and modern wushu
- Clearer parameters to distinguish between modern wushu and open.
- Integrating the other internal arts into our Tai Chi divisions so that becomes more of an open internatal event.

Of course, we hope that more people come out to play at TCEC, especially the Chinese divisions. I only did one - the local one here - and I was disappointed that there was such a small traditional kung fu showing. Our judges were disappointed about that too, since we had some decent traditional judges like GM Lily Lau, Sifu Bryant Fong, Sifu Art Novak. If a solid traditionalist had shown up, they could have cleaned house.

[Shaolinlueb]

Chinese stays!
This year was a huge experiment for TCEC. It was the first time. We didn't expect that high of a turnout yet. Frankly, we couldn't have handled that many more this year. People need to learn what TCEC is. We need to learn that too. It's an experiment, in progress. Integrating all the different styles and levelling the playing field is a crazy undertaking. But we learned a lot and we'll be coming at you even harder in 2007.

Actually, we're looking seriously into improving our Chinese sections. Here's a few to the changes that we're working on:
- Clearer parameters to distinguish between traditional kung fu and modern wushu
- Clearer parameters to distinguish between modern wushu and open.
- Integrating the other internal arts into our Tai Chi divisions so that becomes more of an open internatal event.

Of course, we hope that more people come out to play at TCEC, especially the Chinese divisions. I only did one - the local one here - and I was disappointed that there was such a small traditional kung fu showing. Our judges were disappointed about that too, since we had some decent traditional judges like GM Lily Lau, Sifu Bryant Fong, Sifu Art Novak. If a solid traditionalist had shown up, they could have cleaned house.


my sifu did pretty good at this past one in orlando.

[acepossm]

Sorry, I must have heard that in the small crowd of Kung Fu guys I was grouped with. That news is good to hear, but there was only a handful of us traditional guys in Orlando and a couple of Tai Chi people there. With such a small turnout, they must have thought that it wouldn't last much longer.
I am really happy to see a tournament like the ones that have been put out lately. I posted a question earlier on another forum asking why more traditionalist don't show up and it quickly turned political. I was hoping to see more traditional Kung Fu at this tournament especially but they were a no show. Coming down from Minnesota, I thought Orlando , along with this being the final Tiger Claw Event, would bring out the big guns from the big schools. Didn't happen. Not sure why some schools are willing to put on a night show exibition but won't compete in the tourney.
Oh well, what do you do? I will try and show up when the finances are there.
Thanks for the great CMA divisions. Hope they fill up in the future.

[GeneChing]

We're still working out the bugs in delivering a good solid TCMA division. I think everyone in the tournament circuit is challenged by this to some degree. We'd be interested in your insights on how the finals went for TCMA and how you might think we can improve. I wasn't at this one, as you know, and I've yet to see all the results, video, etc.

For one thing, I understand we're going to eliminate running a qualifier at the DMAF near Orlando. That TCEC event will just be prequalified competitors - a true finals! We tried it this year and it made things too complicated.

Thanks for your support, gentleman. Hope to see you next year!

[acepossum]

I thought the whole tourney went well. I prequalified in California so I was expecting to compete with the other prequalified competitors but I don't think I did or not enough people showed up. I think that is the biggest issue with the TCEC is that it sounds good saying you pre qualified but if nobody else that qualified shows up what are you supposed to do. I don't really know how to make changes if the biggest problem is having enough people to fill the traditional divisions.
The one problem that I didn't care for in the traditional division was having enough room to do my form. The Wushu guys had the main stage which was a nice size, but we had to do our traditional open hand forms and weapons on two smaller areas. It was nice that they tried to make it bigger for us but please, I am 6 foot and shaolin forms take up a lot of room. That certainly was not an excuse as to how I did, I should know how to adapt but it did make it a little bit harder. I am not asking to be on the main stage just to have enough room to do a form without worrying about taking the judges out.
Again, I thought you put on a great event for CMA to advertise for itself, it is just up to us to use these events to their full potential. I will certainly be to as many as I can make it to wether or not the room is increased for us. I amazes me to read these forums hearing people talk about how great CMA is but nobody will show up at a tournament that is not sanctioned by someone to help further CMAs future. Thanks again. See you in California.
Minnesota

[GeneChing]

I think the TCMA divisions are the most challenging. We're working on making lots of improvements there. Thanks for supporting our experiment. We'll be coming at you next year with improved rules, and hopefully more competitors. Hope to see you out there.

Which CA tournament did you qualify at?

[acepossm]

The Disney Land tourney last Febuary was the one I qualified at.
One other thing I thought of that might make the TCMT a little more exciting would be to make the championship competitions a bigger deal. This last tournament, if it hadn't been announced nobody would have known that our divisions were competing for the final winner of the season. Just for the Championship at the end of the year anyhow, maybee to have the TCMT divisions on the main stage. Just a thought, might give a little more motivation for people to enter rather than just the open events. But on the other hand it might scare some people away.
Darren

[Silent Assassin]

Disney's Martial Art Festival Live Broadcast (REPLAY) can be seen here: http://aabd.disney.go.com/media/dwws_v0220/en_US/streaming/index.html

Enjoy!!!

BTW, please give you feedback on the show.

[GeneChing]

Disney only keeps the replays up for a short period, so if you haven't seen it, I believe this is the last week. It's free and Disney is probably keeping track of how many log on to it, so it will contribute to our efforts if you go have a look-see.

[GeneChing]

Check out the TCEC website (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/). It's been revamped for 2007. More updates to come.

See you all at Disneyland Martial Arts Festival @ Disneyland® Resort, Anaheim, CA, Feb. 3-4

[GeneChing]

The Tiger Claw Foundation is supporting four seminars at the Disneyland® Martial Arts Festival, February 3rd, 2006, at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. The Disneyland® Martial Arts Festival is the first Tiger Claw Elite Championship Qualifier for 2007. See the official Tiger Claw Elite Championships website for more (http://www.TigerClawElite.com) or the Tiger Claw Foundation website (http://www.TigerClawFoundation.org) for more.

The four seminars include The Cane by Cane Master Mark Shuey (http://www.martialartsmart.net/dvdcm04.html), Nunchaku by Sensei Chuck Hansen (http://www.martialartsmart.net/tcdh001.html), Iron Body by Grandmaster Tu Jin-Sheng (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=690) and Sparring by multiple title holder Kyle Richards.

To register, contact Jonny Oh (510) 669-1100 jonny@tigerclaw.com or go online at www.tournament.info/clinics. (http://www.tournament.info/clinics.)

[GeneChing]

If you pre-register now, you still may qualify to receive a FREE limited-edition Tiger Claw Elite Championship Shoulder Pack (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Free_Shoulder_Pack.html).

Please note that the contact person has changed to Manny Melendez at manny@tigerclaw.com (same phone number as above).

[GeneChing]

February 3-4 2007

The Disneyland® Martial Arts Festival (http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/westcoast/events/detail?name=Disneyland2007MartialArtsQualifierEven tInfoEventDetailPage) combines the positive atmosphere of competition with the magic of the Disneyland® Resort for competitors, spectators, families and volunteers. This event is open to both children and adults, from White Belt/White Sash to Black Belt/Black Sash. Whether you are a competitor, family member or a fan there is something for you at Disneyland® Martial Arts Festival.

Martial artists from multiple disciplines will enjoy the very best seminars, clinics and competition from all over the world. Competition will include the following disciplines:

* American Kenpo
* Self-defense
* Classical Japanese and Okinawa Karate
* Taiji, Contemporary Wushu and Traditional Gung Fu
* HitMaster's® S.T.A.R. Fastest Punch Event Qualifier (Complimentary to all Registered Competitors)
* Open Karate including Traditional, Open, Musical Divisions, and Point Sparring
* Taekwondo
* Kajukenbo Sports Martial Arts
* Savate Sports Martial Arts
* Sports Grappling
* Sport Jujitsu
* Filipino Martial Arts
* Koshiki (Contact Karate) Bogu Kumite
* Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
* Filipino Martial Arts
* Tiger Claw National Qualifier and Elite Championship (Black Belt Only)
* Seminars and Clinics

*The first of eleven national qualifiers for The Tiger Claw National Elite Circuit Championship part of Disney's Martial Arts Festival, October 25-28, 2007 at Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex located at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort near Lake Buena Vista, Fl.

[GeneChing]

April 20 & April 21
Ogden, Utah Carlos Ferrer and the Excel Karate League are proud to present the Rocky Mountain National Challenge (http://www.eklkarate.com/).

This 2-day Martial Arts tournament will be held at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center in Ogden, Utah - just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake Airport. Over 250 Divisions! This event is part of the 2007 NBL Rocky Mountain Conference, the Excel Karate League 2006-2007 Triple Crown and Great Salt Lake Conferences as well as being a Tiger Claw Elite Qualifier event.

This is an open event - anyone can enter, any age, rank or style. You do not have to be a member of any league to compete at this event. 100% Awards - Participation Awards will be awarded if you don't place after all of your divisions.

[GeneChing]

Good luck everyone!

[GeneChing]

Ray & Debbie Delgado present Ultimate Internationals (http://ultimateinternationals.com/index.html) at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA, on May 11-12.

Total Team fighting $1500 cash! Total cash $5500! All 1st Place Black Belt Division Championship will receive a FREE "Ultimate International" Prize! 1st 300 Pre-Reg.'s will receive a FREE "Ultimate International" T-shirt.

And as always, all online pre-regs will receive a FREE TCEC Shoulder Pack (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Free_Shoulder_Pack.html).

I'll be at this one and look forward to seeing you there. :cool:

[GeneChing]

See forum members in action! I'll be running about putting out fires at the RDK Ultimate Internationals this weekend. Hasayfu (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/member.php?u=6297) will be shaking his lion booty. Ok, perhaps I should rephrase that since it sounds more repulsive than enticing. Whatever. We'll both be there. Hope you can be there too!

[GeneChing]

But don't worry. Next week is our TCEC double header. I'll be ttt-ing this again for that, of course. ;)

San Diego Grand International (http://www.prokenpo.com/sd_menu.html)
San Diego, CA, May 19-20

Western Wyoming Championships (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Western_Wyoming_Championship2007.html)
Green River, WY, May 19

[GeneChing]

The founder and president of Tiger Claw, Thomas Oh, and our KFTC's Tiger Claw correspondent, Jonathan Oh will be at the Western Wyoming Championships.

Our publisher, Gigi Oh, and our Tiger Claw Sales Manager, Manny Melendez, will be at the San Diego Grand Nationals.

Be sure to say 'hi' if you see them. Good luck to all the TCEC competitors!

[GeneChing]

Tiger Claw Elite: Grand Champions 2006 (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=714) by Elly Duchamp

[GeneChing]

Check out our new update of the Tiger Claw Elite site (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/). It's much more dynamic now.

[GeneChing]

I'm told that both Long Beach and M.A.A.D. went well. We'll have a report in the next issue. Next up, America's Cup Hosted by Tiger Kim 8/25/2007 Denver, CO.

[GeneChing]

Presenting to you the Tiger Claw Elite Performance Team (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQUKPfLFU-o)(on youtube ;))

[GeneChing]

Here's the unexpurgated version of the Tiger Claw Elite Performance Team. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm5qDN5jrZE)

[GeneChing]

This week: America's Cup (http://americascupma.googlepages.com/), 8/25/2007, in Denver, CO

Next week: U.S. Capitol Classics/Chinese Open (http://www.uscapitolclassics.com/home.shtml), 8/31-9/2/2007, Washington, D.C.

After these, there's only one more chance to qualify and that's in September at Kick International Florida State Championships (http://www.kickusa.com/)9/28-29/2007, Tampa, FL

Hope to see some of you forum members out there.

[GeneChing]

Last chance to qualify for 2007! Good luck all.

Meanwhile, check out the Tiger Claw Elite Champions Showcase (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3xE9UZLspY) at the Capitol Classics.

[GeneChing]

The Disney Martial Arts Festival is this weekend.

Good luck to all the competitors! I'll have some results up here as soon as I receive some.

[GeneChing]

Youth Traditional Forms (11 & Under M/F)
Sammy Smith

Teen Traditional Forms (12-14 M/F)
Jasmine Magallanes

Young Adult Traditional Forms (15-17 M/F)
Samson Lee

Adult Traditional Forms (18+ M/F)
Mickey Lee

Youth Traditional Weapons (11 & Under M/F)
Anthony Magallanes Jr

Teen Traditional Weapons (12-14 M/F)
Jasmine Magallanes

Young Adult Traditional Weapons (15-17 M/F)
Samson Lee

Adult Traditional Weapons (18+ M/F)
Jack Tu

Youth Contemporary Forms (11 & Under M/F)
Sammy Smith

Teen Contemporary Forms (12-14 M/F)
Jacob Ellis

Young Adult Contemporary Forms (15-17 M/F)
Becca Ross

Adult Contemporary Forms (18+ M/F)
Jack Tu

Youth Contemporary Weapons (11 & Under M/F)
Joshua Lam

Teen Contemporary Weapons (12-14 M/F)
Jasmine Magallanes

Young Adult Contemporary Weapons (15-17 M/F)
Becca Ross

Adult Contemporary Weapons (18+ M/F)
Daniel Graham

[GeneChing]

This flicker slideshow (http://flickr.com/photos/ggee/sets/72157602827908224/) of the 2007 DMAF was posted by Cecilia Quinn on iMartial (http://www.imartial.com/player-profile.aspx?uid=2246).

[GeneChing]

At the DMAF - see Tiger Claw Elite Championship 2007 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCJ6RS94Cus).

[GeneChing]

Here's a nice article on TCEC Champion Sammy Smith. There's video too if you follow the link.

For more on TCEC Champion Jack Tu, check out the Jackie Chan's Disciples Thread (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45829).



Dix Hills girl goes for gold in martial arts (http://www.newsday.com/community/news/northshoresuffolk/huntington/ny-hlkarate0203,0,4127994.story)
BY JULIE JANOVSKY | Special to Newsday
8:35 PM EST, February 2, 2008

She's only 10, but Samantha Smith of Dix Hills is already an accomplished martial artist.

Her kinetic back flips and explosive kicks, strikes and spins have been dominating the North American Sport Karate Association junior circuit since she started competing nationally four years ago.

She's a six-time NASKA world champion, competing in 12 tournaments last year (in seven divisions at each tournament) and landing 43 first-place finishes. Now, the precocious junior black belt, who goes by the nickname Sammy, will be heading to St. Petersburg, Russia, in April, representing the U.S. junior team in the Martial Arts Olympics.

"I have forms \[a series of self-defense moves\] with karate and flips. I really like the flips," Sammy said of her self-defense moves on a recent Friday night between bites of pasta in Plainview, where she was having dinner with her father, Steven, and her mother, Sheryl. The fifth-grader -- who has a tutor and travels once a month to compete -- said she favors "extreme martial arts," a freestyle martial arts form that mixes elements of gymnastics and dance with traditional karate. One of her favorite moves is a flip inversion, where she twists and flips backward.

Inspirational performer "She's a crowd pleaser," her mother said. "Adults come up to her at competitions, telling her how much she inspires them." Sheryl Smith enrolled her daughter in traditional Kenpo-style karate lessons at Busto's Karate and Fitness in Plainview when she was 4 years old.

Sammy says her fascination with martial arts began when she saw a television commercial featuring a young martial artist doing flips and karate. She told her parents she wanted to do that, too. "At the time, she [had] just started soccer and was riding ponies," Sammy's father said. "I figured she would try it [karate], and it will last a couple of months." But karate wasn't a passing fad for Sammy, who is an only child. "She never wanted a Barbie doll," her father said. "She was more into sports."

So much so that when she was 5, Sammy -- a petite, blue- eyed blonde who wears her hair in a ponytail -- pleaded with her parents and instructor Shihan John Busto for her first martial arts weapon, a foam-covered pair of nunchakus (two wooden sticks attached to a metal chain).

"She kept asking to learn more," said Busto, who is a sixth-degree black belt. "She would be mesmerized watching the \[higher-ranked\] kids. She wanted to copy them. She would always come to class early and stay late asking questions." When she was 7, Sammy expanded her traditional training and began studying extreme martial arts with instructors Matt Emig on Long Island and Daniel Sterling in North Attleboro, Mass.

Busto said it's been fascinating watching Sammy's transformation as a martial artist over the years. "A minute before she goes in the ring or onstage, she's just a 10-year-old girl. But once she's in the ring, there's this intensity about her," Busto said. (See her competition videos on samanthasmith.org.)

A big break When she was 6, Sammy made her national competition debut as a junior orange belt. A year later, her confidence and skill caught the attention of martial artist/promoter Charlie Lee of Herndon, Va., who gave Sammy her first break by thrusting her into the spotlight in a solo demonstration at the World Series of Martial Arts in Reston, Va. "I was surprised by her energy and the potential she had to be a top competitor," Lee said.

Sammy's intense training regimen -- she practices karate five days a week and gymnastics twice a week -- appears to have paid off. Her domination of NASKA's junior black-belt circuit, whose competitors are generally younger than 16, in recent years drew the attention of Martial Arts Olympics scouts. "We were looking around the country for the top U.S. martial artists. She won every major martial arts competition in juniors on the East Coast," said Tony Abel, U.S. director for the Martial Arts Olympics.

Organizers of the three-day event, which starts April 18, expect to have 6,200 martial artists from more than 35 countries compete. Abel said Sammy will be the youngest member of the U.S. team.

Sammy's supporters say her chances to win an international medal this spring are good. "I know when a martial artist is special, even at such a young age," Lee said. "Samantha Smith is destined to be great."

[GeneChing]

Disneyland Martial Arts Festival
Disneyland® Resort
Anaheim, CA
Feb. 15th, 2008
The first Tiger Claw Elite Championship (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/) Qualifier for 2008

I won't be there, but Gigi will. Say 'hi' if you see her. Tell her that the KFTC associate publisher needs a raise. ;)

[GeneChing]

...so are the pics. Go to www.tigerclawelite.com for our season opener: Disneyland Martial Arts Festival, Disneyland® Resort, Anaheim, CA Feb. 15th.

Next up, Rocky Mountain National Challenge Ogden, UT, April 18-19. See you there!

[LaylaConn]

Cool pictures! I can't find any footage from the event as of yet, but hopefully I'll be able to find some before long.

I see that Jack (Tu) wasn't listed in the official results this year, but I suppose that's to be expected what with him being on "The Disciple" and all. I'm glad to see that his sister, Jenny, was able to compete. I haven't seen her perform for a while, but the last time I saw her, I thought she was really good. :)

With the Disneyland competition out of the way, I can hardly wait to find out what happens with the next tournament. :D


"To be nobody-but-myself - in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting."
--- E.E. Cummings

[GeneChing]

Next up is our double header on May 17th.

Western Wyoming Championships in Green River, WY

San Diego Grand International in San Diego, CA

C you real soon!

[GeneChing]

We have three CA TCEC qualifiers coming up fast.

Next week is our double header:
May 17: Western Wyoming Championships (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/Western_Wyoming_Championship2007.html), Green River, WY
Our CEO, Thomas Oh and our TC rep, Manny Melendez will be representing Tiger Claw.

May 17: San Diego Grand International (http://www.prokenpo.com/), San Diego, CA
Our publisher, Gigi Oh, and correspondent, Jonathan Oh, will be representing Tiger Claw and Kung Fu Tai Chi.

May 24: RDK’s Ultimate Internationals (http://events.imartial.com/event-home.aspx?ehid=29&eid=44), Santa Clara, CA
This event is just a few miles south of our Fremont Headquarters, so we'll all be there, including me. Hope to see you!

[GeneChing]

Martial Arts Benefit for Quake Victims (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50969) turned the Ultimate Internationals into an amazing event (not that it wasn't amazing to begin with). I'm pleased to report that there was an increased turn out for the Chinese style divisions, as well as a demo from the Tiger Claw Elite Champions, which was put together here in our warehouse, just the day before the event.

Now TCEC takes two months off until August.

Long Beach Karate Internationals (http://www.longbeachikc.com/), Long Beach, CA - August 1-3

U.S. Capitol Classics/Chinese Open (http://www.uscapitolclassics.com/), Washington, D.C. - August 8-10

Visit TigerClawElite.com (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/) for the latest updates.

[GeneChing]

This weekend is Long Beach Karate Internationals (http://www.longbeachikc.com/). Gigi will be there. I think Jonny will be there too, along with more Tiger Claw (http://www.tigerclaw.com/) staff. Grandmaster Tu Jin-Sheng of Iron Crotch fame will be there, along with his son, Jack Tu, who is a TCEC Champion (http://www.tigerclawelite.com/) and was just named Jackie Chan's official disciple (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=875723#post875723). He's giving a seminar with Crystal Liu Yifei (Golden Sparrow from Forbidden Kingdom (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=765)). If you're interested in attending that seminar, contact Jack's sister, Julie at 1-626-215-7970.

[enoajnin]

You can see pictures from the Long Beach Tiger Claw Elite Championships as well as some of the other West Coast Qualifiers at http://www.greglynchpics.com

For videos of some of the Long Beach Participants you can go to: http://www.youtube.com/geejunior
Please enjoy

[LaylaConn]

Fantastic pictures, enoajnin! Thanks for sharing. I especially liked the ones featuring Jack and GM Tu. Well, them and pretty much every other martial arts master you presented. :D

Hey, Gene. I think you should make use of the ones with Jack in the "got qi" shirts. Makes me wanna' buy a few. :cool:

By the way, would you mind if I forwarded a few of them to a friend of mine for duplication? She's really good at pencil sketches, but not so good when it comes to drawing Asians for some reason. ;)

[enoajnin]

I think you'll have to ask Mr. Ching on the whole forwarding thing, especially the Got qi?

[LaylaConn]

That's cool, I understand. You did a really good job on the photographs, though. :)

[GeneChing]

In terms of forwarding pics, enoajnin, you own the rights to your own pics, but once it's on the web, anyone can forward anything. You just can't publish them without permission. If you friend's intention is to copy them for drawings, that's not really a problem. If you modify an image significantly (I think the legal is 25% but I've never been clear on how that's determined) it can become yours. It's only a real problem if you sell the drawings, if you make money, especially if it's a celebrity image. So forward away, LaylaConn. If the images turn out, it'd be cool if you posted them here. Thanks for asking.

[GeneChing]

America’s Cup Hosted by Tiger Kim (http://www.denvermartialartsevent.com/)
Denver, CO - September 27

Kick International Championships (http://www.kickusa.com/)
Naples, FL - September 26-27

Kentucky State Championships
London, Kentucky - October 11

AND OF COURSE, THE FINALS!
Disney’s Martial Arts Festival (http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/martialarts/events/detail?name=MartialArtsFestivalEventInfoEventDetai lPage&CMP=OTC-vMartialArts1001&bhcp=1)
Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex
Near Orlando, FL, October 24-26

[woliveri]

http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/martialarts/events/detail?name=MartialArtsFestivalEventInfoEventDetai lPage

Anyone going?

[18elders]

you know the spectator fee?

[woliveri]

Hey 18E,

I was told 22.00 for one day admission, 29.00 for the 3 days.

I don't know if there's a parking fee or not.

Looks like all the Chinese stuff is on Sunday if I read this thing right.

[woliveri]

Here we go.. Finally!! I don't know why they make these things so difficult.


http://tournament.info/madoc/current/DLBV_current_fee.pdf

[18elders]

thanks woliveri,
much more reasonable than Scrima's tournament.
Not sure if i will make it though

[woliveri]

I gotta go see something so I'm going.....


I'm dying here in Florida. It sucks :eek:

After living in China I'm bored out of my goard here. In China you can see so much, talk to so many martial artists, and watch them work out, no problem. Here everything is a big secret and most have hairs up their butts.

Sorry for venting but.........

[GeneChing]

Our TC crew is about to leave for Disney. Mr. Thomas Oh, Gigi Oh, Jennifer Oh, Jonathan Oh, Marcus Callis and Marc Arsenault are all headed to Florida in a few hours.* Our TCEC Fund (http://tigerclawfoundation.org/) recipients are Becca Ross, Anthony Magallanes Jr., Jasmine Magallanes, Monique Magallanes, Chrystina Yu, Michael Yu and Robert Yu.

Good luck to everyone for the 2008 Tiger Claw Elite Championships!

*party at our CA office tomorrow

[woliveri]

Gene,

Do you happen to know what building the Tigerclaw event will be?

It's so difficult to find out anything about this event :mad:

Thanks,

[GeneChing]

Truth be told, I've never even been to this event. All I know is it's held at the Milkhouse, but I gather that's a pretty big complex.

[woliveri]

Milkhouse, that's what I was looking for. There apparently are two resorts Milkhouse and another one.

Thanks,

[GeneChing]

Glad to be of service there. I was embarrassed not to have the proper answer and everyone who might know just left.

[woliveri]

As far as internal Arts go, the tournament was Embarassing.

There was at the most 4 in any one Taiji class and in Xingyi, Bagua there was only one guy.

He was cleaning up golds left and right because he was the only one in that division.

wow. Anybody who didn't go didn't miss anything (IMO).

[TaichiMantis]

I'm not shocked that numbers were down. It costs too much to travel to these events. :rolleyes:

[GeneChing]

Adult men's sparring: Dre Graham
Adult women's sparring: Nancy Lee Ross

Youth traditional forms (11& under m/f): Mackensi Emory
Teen traditional forms (12-14 m/f): Michael Yu
Young adult traditional forms (15-17 m/f): Alex Whitlow
Adult traditional forms (18+ m/f): Rui Chen

Youth contemporary forms (11& under m/f): Mackensi Emory
Teen contemporary forms (12-14 m/f): Jasmine Magallanes
Adult contemporary forms young (15-17 m/f): Alex Whitlow
Adult contemporary forms (18+ m/f): Rui Chen

Youth traditional weapons (11& under m/f): Sammy Smith
Teen traditional weapons (12-14 m/f): Michael Yu
Young adult traditional weapons (15-17 m/f): Becca Ross
Adult traditional weapons (18+ m/f): Tammy Lee

Youth contemporary weapons (11& under): Mackensi Emory
Teen contemporary weapons (12-14 m/f): Anthony Magallanes Jr
Young adult contemporary weapons (15-17 m/f): Max Ehrlich
Adult contemporary weapons (18+ m/f): Adam Munoz

[GeneChing]

Marc Arsenault of Tiger Claw posted his pix from Tiger Claw Elite. Check them out. (http://flickr.com/photos/wowcool/collections/72157602230089009/)