Tiger Claw's KungFuMagazine.com Championship III & Shark City Nationals

[GeneChing]

JUNE 4, 2011
McEnery Convention Center
San Jose, CA

Shark City promoter Tony Kattengell just signed the contract for us to return to South Hall.
See you there.

Tiger Claw's 2nd KungFuMagazine.com Championship and 7th Shark City Nationals (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56385)

Tiger Claw’s KungFuMagazine.com Championship & Shark City Nationals (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53126)

[GeneChing]

TCKFMCIII is now listed as an event on our facebook site (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169671159728526&index=1). If you're on facebook, friend us!

[GeneChing]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs076.snc6/168606_10150132616119363_135964689362_7908609_5190 553_n.jpg
2011: 1/27 L-R: Gene Ching, Gigi Oh, Tony Kattengell, Jonny Oh

See also WildAid Tiger Claw Champion (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1075027#post1075027) & March April 2011 (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59589)

[SIFU RON]

Excellent.

This is a great event. For those of you that can't attend, get a subscription to the Magzine. Gene sends a free DVD of the highlights to subscribers with an issue of the Magazine each year. It's really very well done and great to watch.

For those that attend you'll see what the future of M/A and meet some fine people.

See you their Gene.

My best to all

Ron Shewmaker

[GeneChing]

Help spread the word. Tiger Claw's KungFuMagazine.com Championship III (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/index.php) is June 4th, 2011 in San Jose, CA.

More to come. :cool:

[GeneChing]

Wahque Kung Fu Association is our first TCKFMCIII sponsor (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/sponsors_2011.php).

[GeneChing]

This year, we'll be holding four new special divisions:

The Songshan Shaolin Champion (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60021)

Mulan Quan

Health Qigong

Special Skills Qigong (which includes iron crotch....seriously!)

Stay tuned. More to come.

[GeneChing]

We've just updated the following on the TCKFMCIII site:
Welcoming letter (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/index.php)
2011 VIP Guests (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/VIP_2011.php)
2011 Divisions (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/Divisions_2011.php)
2011 Sponsors (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/sponsors_2011.php) (Thanks O-Mei (http://www.usaomei.com/)!)

[Shaolin Rasta]

What's up Gene? Yeah man, your shaolin rasta bredren will be there! Bringin' a small team to compete this time, too. An old school like myself might just jump on the floor! That shaolin division sounds interesting. Don't know if I've got what it takes for what I expect will be heavy competition from those young uns out there, but maybe.... Lookin forward to it!

[GeneChing]

Maybe you can take home one of these:
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215670_1548663891143_1671477733_984002_8235961_n.j pg

;)

[Shaolin Rasta]

I don't know about all that. Maybe, like, 20 years ago! But, hey, who knows? I'll do my best and just leave it at that.

[GeneChing]

Online registration (http://register.baskaonline.com/)

[GeneChing]

I'll be ttt-ing this constantly for the next month with updates.

Welcoming Banquet (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/VIP_2011.php)
If you'd like to join us for a special intimate Welcoming Banquet with our honored guests, we will be hosting this on Friday June 3rd at 7:00 pm at China Stix Restaurant , 2110 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA. Cost is $30 a seat. Drinks not included.

DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS SATURDAY MAY 28
Contact Gigi Oh at Gigi@TCMedia.com or (408) 209-8150

THIS YEAR, TIGER CLAW'S KUNGFUMAGAZINE.COM CHAMPIONSHIP IS PRE-REG ONLY!
There is no 'at door' registration

REGISTRATION DEADLINES:
May 10: Register early for the biggest discount.
May 20: Last chance for discounts on registration fees.
June 1: Last chance to register.

[GeneChing]

See our new promo vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXJzKtThW08), courtesy of Wushu Shaolin Productions.

[Dale Dugas]

Brother,

you have 50 bottles of Dit Da Jow coming your way via UPS.

Let me know if they get broken at all.

[GeneChing]

Once again, your donation will go to support our WildAid Tiger Claw Champion (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57416). Dale, I took the liberty of copying your previous post to the thread above.

Every competitor in this special benefit division will get a gift bag. We're still accepting donations for this gift bag as well as for prizes (all for promotional consideration, of course). Donations to WildAid are tax deductible.

[SIFU RON]

Hi Everyone

We are getting close, it is going to be great day. If any of you are going to be their, stop by and say hello to me, it will be nice to meet you.

Thank you

Ron Shewmaker

[GeneChing]

THIS YEAR, TIGER CLAW'S KUNGFUMAGAZINE.COM CHAMPIONSHIP IS PRE-REG ONLY! There is no 'at door' registration.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES:
May 10: Register early for the biggest discount.
May 20:Last chance for discounts on registration fees.
June 1: Last chance to register.

To register online, click here (http://register.baskaonline.com/).

SEE OUR NEW PROMO VIDS, courtesy of Bad Ass Bunny Productions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnHpbwsdQF0)& Wushu Shaolin productions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXJzKtThW08).

[GeneChing]

I just posted some photos of Berkeley CMAT (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1095503#post1095503) on our facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kung-Fu-Tai-Chi-Magazine/135964689362). We had a display for Tiger Claw's KungFuMagazine.com Championship III & Shark City Nationals. Here's Tony & Theresa Kattengell at the display table. Check out the grand trophies. These actually look larger in person.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228108_10150244078024363_135964689362_8796481_2898 839_n.jpg

[GeneChing]

THIS YEAR, TIGER CLAW'S KUNGFUMAGAZINE.COM CHAMPIONSHIP IS PRE-REG ONLY! There is no 'at door' registration.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES:
May 10: Register early for the biggest discount.
May 20:Last chance for discounts on registration fees.
June 1: Last chance to register.

To register online, click here. (http://register.baskaonline.com/)

I know, I know, I'm repeating myself. Gotta work it, doncha know?

[GeneChing]

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222214_10150246867259363_135964689362_8815711_4376 013_n.jpg 24 days to go...

[GeneChing]

EXTENDED MAY 15 PRE-REG: save time and money by Pre-Registering ONLINE!! (http://register.baskaonline.com/)

[Lucas]

look at Gene in all his pimpin glory!

[GeneChing]

Meanwhile, back OT...

The Songshan Shaolin Champion rules and awards have just been posted. (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/DIVISIONS_1.pdf)

[GeneChing]

Don’t miss 2011 Tiger Claw Kungfu Magazine Championship (http://www.examiner.com/tai-chi-in-national/don-t-miss-2011-tiger-claw-kungfu-magazine-championship?CID=examiner_alerts_article)
May 12th, 2011 5:34 pm ET
Violet Li
Tai Chi Examiner

Last year, Tiger Claw Kungfu Magazine Championship (TCKFMC) added three extra divisions for the tournament. This year, its effort has extended further to include four new divisions (Songshan Shaolin Champion, Mulan Quan, Health Qigong, and Special Skills Qigong) in addition to last year’s standard Chinese Martial Arts divisions. With ten competition rings, this year’s tournament is probably the largest in North America. In cooperation with Tony and Theresa Kattenlgell’ Shark City Nationals, the third Annual TCKFMC will be held on June 4th at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. It will be webcasted from the event.

The Chinese Martial Arts divisions include Tai Chi (empty hand, weapons, and Push Hands), Wing Chun (empty hand, Chi Sau, and team competition), traditional Chinese Martial Arts (empty hand, short weapons, and long weapons), and Contemporary Wushu (empty hand, short weapons, and long weapons). In each of the categories, there are divisions by age group, style, rank and gender. For Push Hands and Chi Sau, there are divisions by body weight. The TCKFMC is working hard to encourage participation of all martial artists regardless their gender, age, style preference or weapon choice. There are champions in each division. There will also be 45 grand champion titles and 27 Blackbelt Grand Champion titles. The Blackbelt Grand Champions will also receive cash awards.

With the success and reputation of the past two tournaments, this year’s VIP list is extremely impressive. So far Grandmaster Chu Chi Ling, Master He Tao, Shaolin Monk Jin Le, Grandmaster Helen Liang, Grandmaster Liang Shouyu, Grandmaster Ming Lum, Grandmaster Al Novak, Grandmaster Alexander Tao,
Grandmaster Tu Jin-Sheng, Grandmaster Wang Zhihai(Chairman of Cang County Wushu Association, Director of Cangzhou Roaring Sea Martial Arts Academy, Honorary President of World Martial Arts Research Association),
Master Grace Wu-Monnat, Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, and many other masters will be attending this event to judge and/or to demonstrate. It will be an eye opening experience for Kungfu aficionados.

It is quite exciting to see TCKFMC adding four new divisions for this competition. The rules are stricter as the following:

Songshan Shaolin Champion: This title is open to anyone competing with a classic form currently practiced at the original Shaolin Temple in Songshan, China. This includes (but is not limited to) empty-hand forms such as Xiaohongquan, Dahongquan, Luohanquan, Qixingquan, and Taizu Changquan, as well weapon forms such as Yinshougun, Meihuadao, Tamojian, and so on. Competitors will be judged by a panel of Songshan Shaolin experts. In the event of a tie, competitors will face off with different Songshan Shaolin forms until a winner is determined. The champion will receive a special Shaolin prize including being featured in a showcase article in the next Shaolin Special issue of Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine.

Mulan Quan: Mulan Quan is traditional fusion of martial arts and dance, inspired by the legendary 5th Century heroine, Hua Mulan. Mulan Quan will be judged alongside the internal divisions.

Health Qigong: This division is open to practitioners of any of the four standardized qigong regimens - Five Animal Frolics (wuqinxi), Muscle-Tendon Change Classic (yijinjing), Six Healing Sounds (liuzijue), and Eight-Section Brocade (baduanjin). Health Qigong will be judged alongside the internal divisions.

Special Skills Qigong: This is an INVITATION-ONLY exhibition event, overseen by Grandmaster Tu Jin-Sheng. Under his direction, this will be the 2nd Annual Golden Dragon Cup, and will feature such unique competitions as bending steel rods, throwing chopsticks and iron crotch.

To support the WildAid effort to protect endangered tiger, this year’s tournament will hold the 2nd Annual WildAid Tiger Claw Champion to benefit the effort.

You can click on links (link1, link 2, and link 3) here to realize the size of this event. For more information about this year’s tournament, you can visit its website or contact Tony & Theresa Kattengell at 408-313-5272. In case you can not attend in person, you can watch it online.Once again, Violet Li was kind enough to give us some publicity.

[GeneChing]

This is an emailblast from Tony Kattengell, promoter of Shark City

NEW FLASH!! A CHANCE TO WIN FREE REGISTRATION FEE For The 8th Shark City Nationals

GO TO BASKA ONLINE Registration and REGISTER NOW!!! For the Shark City Nationals or KungFuMagazine.com and be one of 5 competitors that will be chosen to have ALL of their registration fees paid for!!

EVERYONE THAT PRE-REGISTERS ONLINE WILL RECEIVE RAFFLE TICKETS FOR OUR AWESOME SHARK CITY & KUNGFUMAGAZINE.COM RAFFLE!

Winners will be announced on June 4th at 12:00noon on the Main Stage and will Receive a FULL REFUND... if you are chosen

Don't wait!!!, hurry now and get in on this action!!!!!

Go To: www.baskaonline.com/registration

Opening Ceremonies at 9:00am Sharp!!

First Divisions to run at 9:15 am

Men's Black Belt Fighting at 10:00am SHARP! on THE MAIN STAGE

[Shaolin Rasta]

Hey Gene, do the traditional weapon divisions have the stipulation that swords must be able to hold their weight on the blade? In other words is a distinction made between the light weight foil-types and the heavier blades? I notice that most Shaolin practitioners do not use the heavy bladed swords even though they are performing traditional taolu. I am asking because I plan to do Shaolin dan dao but I have always used the foil type dao.

[GeneChing]

While many Songshan Shaolin schools use wushu type blades, classical Shaolin can easily adapt to something more sturdy and if they wish to secure their hold on being traditional, now is the time to adapt. It is my firm belief that if the form cannot be done with a traditional weapon, it's not traditional. And by traditional, I mean that the weapon is tough enough to punch through a car door. Car doors are lighter than medieval armor. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to control for modern wushu entering into traditional rings. Here in the Bay Area, it has discouraged the traditional community away from competition. Heck, when I was competing here (and this was back when mammoths still roamed the earth) I remember losing to modern wushu players in traditional divisions. Drawing that distinction is very difficult. With weapons, it's very challenging, but the current standard is this 'blade must support it's own weight' rule. It's only effective at weeding out the blatantly wushu style blades. If you have a sword with a really light hilt, it can be supported by a pretty light blade. In fact, that's what our Stainless Steel Kung Fu Broadsword (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-66ss30.html) is - that would pass the standards for a traditional weapon in competitions, but it couldn't punch through a car door. Ironically, our Wushu Competition Tai Chi Sword (http://www.martialartsmart.com/45-56tc.html) can support its own weight too, so that's the flip side of the issue.

In our class, we practice Meihua Dao, which is showcased in the current issue (Shaolin Special #12 (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=955) - Shaolin Plum Blossom Broadsword By Shi Yanguang, with Zhao Xiaohu). There's a dearth of traditional weapons at our school, so we practice it with bokken (http://www.martialartsmart.com/40-03.html). Some of us practice with suburito (http://www.martialartsmart.com/40-07.html) too, for the extra training. Note that wooden dao (http://www.martialartsmart.com/40-04.html) will meet the requirements of traditional weapons in our tournament too.

BTW, there's a discussion of traditional swords happening now on the Question for Gene (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1097176), but just stop reading before hskwarrior totally derails it.

[Shaolin Rasta]

Thanks for that insight, Gene. That's about how I see it, too. Just wanted to know if that was the rule here also. I should have known. I can't wait to try that punch through the car door thing! I'm gonna start riding with my heavy blade & when some idiot takes my parking space, watch out!
I looked at the other thread on the subject, and, you're right. What is wrong with that hskwarrior?

[GeneChing]

What is wrong with that hskwarrior? What is wrong with any of the members here? Just kidding....well, sort of. :rolleyes: hskwarrior is my S.F. dragon brother, so I'm hoping he'll show up for our tournament. His Sifu came down last year for our welcoming banquet (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/VIP_2011.php). If you're in town for that, you ought to join us for that.

I'm really hoping to keep our traditional rings wushu-free this year. It's more challenging than you might think. Two weeks ago, I was at Berkeley CMAT (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36106&page=6), and I was standing next to Shi Yanran, headmaster of the Shaolin Cultural Centers here in the Bay Area. One of his pupils competed with jinggang, and did a great version of it. He was beaten by some new wushu competitor, FOB, who opened his form with a series of backflips. Yanran was put off as it was a traditional ring - AND HE WAS RIGHT - but I couldn't help but be amused as when some of the early Shaolin disciples first came out here, they were beating everyone using borderline wushu in the traditional rings too.

[GeneChing]

This is a vid montage from the Sport Karate side. It's really about last year's event (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56385), but I'm going to use it just to ttt this year. Shark City promoter Tony Kattengell facebooked (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kung-Fu-Tai-Chi-Magazine/135964689362) it on my page and I just gotta share.

Shark City Beautiful People.mp4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9TkFHNY9s4)

[GeneChing]

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196370_1521191764357_1671477733_952194_3455162_n.j pg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230568_1599074791384_1671477733_1041459_129406_n.j pg

For some reason, in the Bay Area, they don't give out trophies in Chinese martial arts, only medals. Because our tournament is a co-op with Shark City, and sport karate is all about trophies, we award trophies too. You can also win plaques in certain divisions, as well as prizes in select exhibition divisions like the Songshan Shaolin Champion (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60021) and the WildAid Tiger Claw Champion (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57416).

[Shaolin Rasta]

I can dig it. My late shifu told me that when doing a "traditional" taolu, one should still perform it with "modern wushu" - like exuberance and dynamics, and when performing a "modern wushu" taolu one should still perform it with real power and martial intent. That said though, just "tricking" without any context or at least minimal martial application should not win any one a high score or victory in my opinion.
I have always been one to downplay the apparent schism between "traditional" and "modern" wushu. I still basically see them as one. I know that might be a bit radical in today's environment, but I get it from my late shifu and shizu, what can I say. The modern approach is very sportlike I'll admit, but, honestly, I love it. Its more of a young man's game of course, but I still do as much as I can. I sort of compare it to the evolution of other sports like basketball or even say boxing. Bob Cousy was great in his day, but may not fair so good if he could be transported some how to today's era. Same with old style boxing greats. I don't know, that's how I see it.
In any case, traditionalists just have to make sure they are dynamic in their own right, and I see a resurgence occuring which is good. Count me in!
And, yes, we (a much smaller group now) will come to the banquet. Looking so forward to that. Only myself and my grandson are actually competing now, and I expect him to greatly outshine me! I think I remember extinct species around the last time I seriously competed too! I did compete at the Great Lakes tourney in April, and I learned it's been a long time! But I will just enjoy participating out there with so many preeminent masters and practitioners. Its all about my grandson for me, actually.
Peace, bredren, and we'll see you there!

[Shaolin Rasta]

Gene, help! He's at it again!

[hskwarrior]

hahahahahahahahaha

Blame it on the Pain Meds man!!!!! LMAO

[Shaolin Rasta]

I just read your story, hskwarrior on your link. You are actually a deep dude! Hoping to meet you. You might want to reduce your doses, though, bruh!

[hskwarrior]

I just read your story, hskwarrior on your link. You are actually a deep dude! Hoping to meet you. You might want to reduce your doses, though, bruh!
Reply With Quote

I'm legal, i'm legal. LOL. thanks brudda.

[GeneChing]

I'm deleting those posts above, hskwarrior. There are a lot of kids that come to our tournament - it's a family show. Parents are reading this thread from links from our website. I know the rest of the forum is the wild wild west, but please, mind your manners on this particular one.

[GeneChing]

Sponsored by Tiger Balm (http://tigerbalm.com/sg)!

[GeneChing]

...will win an iPad 2.

:cool:

[GeneChing]

THIS YEAR, TIGER CLAW'S KUNGFUMAGAZINE.COM CHAMPIONSHIP IS PRE-REG ONLY! There is no 'at door' registration. REGISTRATION DEADLINES: NEXT WEDNESDAY: June 1: Last chance to register. To register online, click here (http://register.baskaonline.com/).

WELCOMING BANQUET (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/VIP_2011.php). Friday June 3rd at 7:00 pm at China Stix Restaurant, 2110 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA. $30 a seat (drinks not included). DEADLINE FOR BANQUET RESERVATIONS IS THIS SATURDAY: May 28 - Contact Gigi Oh at Gigi@TCMedia.com or (408) 209-8150.

Tiger Claw`s KungFuMagazine.com Championship III & Shark City Nationals is JUNE 4, 2011 in San Jose CA! (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/index.php)

[GeneChing]

Unfortunately, we missed getting a photo of the meeting group that was held last Sunday. :o
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249377_10150265468649363_135964689362_8958572_4459 034_n.jpg

We're taking good care of our judges this year. Each one will receive a 'thank you' gift bag with a Tiger Balm (http://www.mytigerbalm.com/) water container, a cool flashlight/tape measure keychain and a pen & pad set from California Bank and Trust (http://www.calbanktrust.com/), a lanyard from Tiger Claw (https://www.tigerclaw.com/home.php), a subscription to Kung Fu Tai Chi (http://www.martialartsmart.com/19341.html), and a few more goodies hopefully, if more sponsors come through.

[GeneChing]

Every registered contestant in our special benefit exhibition divisions for the WildAid Tiger Claw Champion (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1098747) and Songshan Shaolin Champion (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60021) will receive a special gift bag.

In addition to gifts from Tiger Claw, all WildAid entries will receive a baseball cap from Tiger Balm (http://www.mytigerbalm.com/) and all Songshan Shaolin entries will receive a T-shirt from Tiger Balm (http://www.mytigerbalm.com/).

[Dale Dugas]

Brother,

Next year I will send you out more Dit Da Jow and a Tui Na Oil.

[GeneChing]

Your generous support of the WildAid Tiger Claw Champion from the beginning is noble. All the overage that isn't given out to contestants is distributed at the WildAid booth at our tournament for donations to WildAid. I've had several people come up to me since to ask "Where do I get more of that stuff?" You really need to place your website on your label. Keep in mind that we cooperate with Shark City Nationals, which is a sport Karate event and that community isn't as aware of Chinese Jow as they should be (plus I guess they can't just google CDIA :rolleyes:). I love turning Karate guys on to Jow.

I have two announcements for today.

#1 Tomorrow is the deadline to register for our Welcoming Banquet (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/VIP_2011.php). It's always a lot of fun, great food, great company, and not too formal (but dress nice). If you're in town on Friday, please join us!

#2 The day after the tournament, Grandmaster Liang Shou-Yu will be leading a Qigong Seminar right here at the Kung Fu Tai Chi office. It's open to all levels. If you're interested, contact Gigi Oh, same as above.

[Dale Dugas]

Gene,

I will add the website address to the new labels on the next batches of jow.

Let me know how I can be of service to you and your tourney.

[GeneChing]

Meanwhile, check out my latest Tiger Claw Blog as it concerns our Championship: Kids vs. Drunken Style (https://www.tigerclaw.com/blog/2011/05/kids-vs-drunken-style/)

[SIFU RON]

Your a great writter Gene, you really get one's attention and keep it. Well done.

My best to you

Ron

[GeneChing]

This year, make sure you hang out for the after party. ;)

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR TIGER CLAW'S KUNGFUMAGAZINE.COM CHAMPIONSHIP! This year, we are pre-reg only! For final registration, contact Gigi Oh at Gigi@TCMedia.com or (408) 209-8150.

[GeneChing]

Mickey Lee is one of our previous champs. After winning here, he went on to kick ass and take names using tai chi in sport karate circles. We did news story on him in our 2011 Shaolin Special (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=955): Internal Champion Mickey Lee wins NASKA World Men’s Overall Forms Grand Champion By Zhao Xiaohu


Martial Foodie’s Martial Arts Post: Tiger Claw’s KungFuMagazine.com Championship and Shark City Nationals June 4, 2011 (http://culturemob.com/martial-foodie%E2%80%99s-martial-arts-post-shark-city-nationals-and-kungfumagazine-com-championship-june-4-2011)
by Mickey Lee | 05/27/11 |

BASKA and Tiger Claw come together to bring a dynamic marriage of open tournament and Chinese martial arts competitions to San Jose.

BACKGROUND HISTORY

BASKA & Shark City Nationals
The Bay Area Sport Karate Association is a regional open martial arts tournament circuit that began in Northern California but has expanded into Nevada and Southern California as well as Mexico and Guatemala. While not the largest in size, BASKA’s strength lies in striving to maximize the experience of the competitors. It is this quality customer service that makes this league standout among the plethora of tournaments and circuits throughout the country.

Tiger Claw & Tiger Claw Elite Championship
Owned and operated by the Oh family (Thomas and Gigi along with their children Jen and Jonny), Tiger Claw is a martial arts supply company with branches on both U.S. coasts and the nationwide publication “Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine” (by Gigi Oh and Gene Ching). From 2006 to 2008, Tiger Claw hosted the Tiger Claw Elite (TCE) Championship, which held qualifiers throughout the country at various Tiger Claw-sponsored tournaments and hosted the season-finale TCE Championship Final at Walt Disney World’s Wide World of Sports Complex. While open martial arts tournaments have been nominally inclusive of Chinese martial arts, it has been vastly dominated by Japanese, Okinawan, and Corean stylists. In contrast, Chinese martial arts tournaments by nature have been closed, meaning only practitioners of a specific style compete against one another (e.g. Taijiquan vs. Taijiquan, Contemporary Wushu vs. Contemporary Wushu, etc.). What made the TCE series unique was that it brought the separate worlds of open tournaments and Chinese martial arts together, culminating with practitioners of all styles competing against one another in the TCE Championship Final’s Grand Championships.

Birth of KungFuMagazine.com Championship: Marriage of Tiger Claw & Shark City Nationals
Since 2009, Tiger Claw has narrowed its tournament focus to one event, working with Master Tony and Theresa Kattengell in having a combined open tournament-Chinese martial arts competition in San Jose, California. Tiger Claw established an all-Chinese martial arts tournament to take place at the Kattengells’ signature BASKA tournament, forming the Shark City Nationals (SCN) & Tiger Claw KungFuMagazine.com Championship (TCKFMC); thus, bringing an exciting competition with divisions for open tournament competitors and Chinese martial artists (Traditional Kung Fu, Contemporary Wushu, and Internal Martial Arts such as Taijiquan) all under one roof.

Hosted by Tiger Claw matriarch Gigi Oh (wearing pink), the Welcoming Banquet has featured VIP guests of honor, including Great Grandmaster Ming Lum (2009-11, left in inset) and Grandmasters Lily Lau (2009-10, far left) and Wu Bin (2009, center).

2011 SCN & TCKFMC

This year, the tournament returns to downtown San Jose’s McEnery Convention Center on June 4, 2011. This tournament is outstanding for experienced competitors (seasoned locals to NASKA World Champions) and newbies alike (special first-timer divisions for those new to competition). The pre-registration deadline to get lower pricing for all events is May 29th.

As with all open tournaments competitions, the 2011 Shark City Nationals will feature forms, weapons, and sparring divisions. One of the highlights is the beautiful awards—plaques that can be personalized with customizable photo insert (to be taken at the tournament) for top competitors and grand champions as well as custom Italian silver cups (see inset of cover photo) to the five Overall Grand Champions (13 and under forms/weapons, 14-17 forms/weapons, 18 and over forms/weapons, Women’s Sparring, and Men’s Sparring). All registering adult Black Belts can compete in a “Super Forms” division and registering Black Belt men can compete for a “Super Fight” division—both of which feature one-of-kind 5-foot Championship Cups.

The 2011 KungFuMagazine.com Championships will feature forms and weapons for Internal Martial Arts, Traditional Kung Fu, and Contemporary Wushu as well as sparring for Taijiquan (push hands) and Wing Chun (Chi Sau). There will also be separate divisions for Mulanquan, Health Qigong, and Songshan Shaolin. Tiger Claw will also host a Welcoming Banquet with honored VIP guests on June 3rd at 7pm in China Stix (2110 Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA). The cost is $30 per seat (drinks not included).

In the spirit of open competition, Tiger Claw’s charitable arm (Tiger Claw Foundation) established the WildAid TigerClaw Champion division last year from which all proceeds will be donated to WildAid’s mission of saving wild tigers. This special showcase division is open to all styles and forms with the four finishers all receiving exclusive awards, from SKAGEN watches and $100 gift certificate for TigerClaw.com to an iPad 2 and exclusive media coverage in “Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine!”

[GeneChing]

There was a slight glitch in the BASKA online registration we were using this weekend so we've switched over to manual. Register with Gigi Oh at Gigi@TCMedia.com or (408) 209-8150.

[Taijiren]

Is there going to be a Master's demo? If so, what time will it be?

[GeneChing]

There will be additional demonstrations throughout the day.

For competitors, the First Timer Competitors and the WildAid Tiger Claw Championship (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57416) will begin first. All First Timer entrants should be ready to go at 9AM - WildAid Tiger Claw contestants should be ready to go soon after.

[GeneChing]

KFM TV (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/index.php)

We should have some coverage up there tomorrow evening - the set-up and some banquet vids - and then on Saturday, you'll be able to see the action as it happens.

[Dale Dugas]

Gene,

Good Luck with the tourney, and all that it entails.

Missing you in Albany, brother!

[Taijiren]

What is the spectator fee? Does spectator admission include the night time demo or is that separate?

[GeneChing]

I'm still tired, still picking up the pieces.

Thank you to everyone who participated - competitors, judges, volunteers, spectators - and all of you who watched us and are still watching us on KFM TV (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/index.php).

More to come as the week progresses. We still have some VIPs in town we must take care of, so I'll check in with you all more later.

[webcastGreg]

As of 10am, there are ten videos on KFM Tv (http://kungfumagazine.com/info/tournament/index.php) for your enjoyment. There are more to come. Please enjoy.

[wenshu]

Dahyuum,

Gene!

Went for the full tonsure!

[webcastGreg]

Doesn't tonsure imply some hair?

[GeneChing]

The new hairstyle will be explained in the Banquet vid... ;)

[wenshu]

No sound at work.

At least no one can hear me procrastinating.

[webcastGreg]

And counting......

[GeneChing]

I've uploaded a few pix to our facebook album (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150246867124363.374164.135964689362). For some reason, it crashed on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/kungfumagazine/). :mad: I'll try that again later.

[SIFU RON]

The tournament was great. Well ran, professionaly done. It's quite different as it is not ran by a specific school or schools. Everyone has an equal opportunity. The first time competitors division is extremely beneficial to new people. It builds confidence and pride.

The night show was fantastic with some great performances.

Watch us grow.

[GeneChing]

Hope you enjoyed that fat judge's 'thank you' gift bag. We were pleased to be able to give such a full one this year.

[GeneChing]

America Kungfu Competition Held in Silicon Valley (http://en.qqgfw.com/NewsInfo.aspx?NewsID=1723)
全美功夫大赛在硅谷举行
Source： Author： DATE:2011-6-6 HITS: 2020335次

America Kungfu Competitions was held in Silicon Valley on 9 am, local time. It was sponsored by TC Media and Kungfu Magazine and will be reported by Global Kungfu Website and GTVS. Guests attending the event include Zhu Gansheng, Senator of San Jose City, California; Jian Qi, Proprietor of Kungfu Magazine; Liang Shouyu, Chairman of International Wushu Sanshou Dao Federation, Doctor Yang Junmin, President of Yang Style Wushu Association; Wang Zhihai, Vice President of Cangzhou Wushu Association; Pei kangkai, Dean of American Wushu Institute; Pen Wen, president of American Tai Chi Association; He Tao, Dean of U.S.A Wu Chi Kungfu Academy; Zhu Xiaojun, Vice Director of Global Kungfu Website and GTVS, deputy President of Beijing Shaolin Wushu School; Shi Yanliang, Director of Yan Liang Martial Arts Club; Tu Jinsheng, famous American martial artist; Chen Xinghua, Assistant Publisher of America Kungfu and Tai Chi Magazine; Emmy, American athlete and others.

There were more than 100 teams and 1600 participants. Both the scale and the competitive level were the best. There were more than 40 events including Tai Chi Push-hands, Sanda, Taekwondo, Kendo, Aikido, Tao lu, Taiji Boxing and others. The ages of participants were from 4 to 60. Team of Beijing Shaolin Wushu School formed by 11 members sent by Fu Biao, Vice President of Chinese Wushu Association has gained 9 first and 4 second and 1 third. Zhu Xiaojun, Vice Director of Global Kungfu Website and GTVS, deputy President of Beijing Shaolin Wushu School introduced Global kungfu Magazine, GTVS to all participants, gave Global Kungfu Magazine to them as a gift and show them the way to be a member of Global Kungfu Website which was warmly received.

The participation of the team of Beijing Shaolin Wushu School aimed to strengthen the communications with America, expand Chinese Wushu, promote the development of Wushu organizations both in China and America and the competitive levels of wushu athletes and strengthen the friendship of the world.

The event was the new platform to making friends and competitions for wushu atheletes and the the integration of Chinese and Western cultures. Global Kungfu Website and GTVS will bring a live report. Please concern it.

http://en.qqgfw.com/Upload/IMG_5989(1).jpg
Zhu Gansheng, Senator of San Jose City, California; Wang Zhihai, Vice President of Cangzhou Wushu Association; Jian Qi, Proprietor of Kungfu Magazine; Zhu Xiaojun, Vice Director of Global Kungfu Website and GTVS, deputy President of Beijing Shaolin Wushu School;

http://en.qqgfw.com/Upload/IMG_6119.jpg
Shaolin Rasta LIVE UP! (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58144)

There are more photos if you follow the link

[Shaolin Rasta]

They just had to get the Rastaman out there, huh? Like I said, I don't know whether to be happy or embarrassed! All I can say is I'm honored and humbled. I'm pretty sure it was my locks and not my skill that got me on!:D But, hey, glad to represent such a positive and upfull competition such as this. Big, big respect & honor goes out to Gene, Gigi, Sal, Chris, I mean the whole Kung Fu Magazine crew. You made us feel more than welcome! It was all one love vibes! I will ever speak highly of all of you! (But what the hell was I doin right there? :D)

Blessed Love!

[SIFU RON]

Well Shaolin Rasta ---tell ya what ------- you were having fun their, enjoying KF with all of us and you found out what a great friendly event this is -------- thanks a million for posting on the forum , great to see you here.

Love the " fat Bag " Gene.

My best to all

[GeneChing]

I'm posting photos on our TCKFMCIII facebook album (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150246867124363.374164.135964689362) over the next few days. Be sure to 'friend' and 'like' us there.

@Ron - it's all about the 'fat bags' - got to take care of our judges, you know. Thanks again for your unwavering support!

[GeneChing]

I've just started our second facebook photo album: TCKFMCIII (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150246867124363.374164.135964689362) & TCKFMCIII album 2 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150283209929363.384933.135964689362)

Our WildAid Tiger Claw Champion 2011 is Zhang Yongbiao. (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1102744#post1102744)

Our Songshan Shaolin Champion 2011 is Yang Chengjun. (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1103728#post1103728)

More results coming soon!

[GeneChing]

It's nearly 3 and finally, finally, I'm getting down to clearing some work off my desk. The real bummer about this morning's forum skirmishes was that it bumped this thread off the first page. So here I am to ttt it with more photos, just posted in TCKFMCIII album 2 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150283209929363.384933.135964689362).

[GeneChing]

Special thanks to our Platinum sponsor this year, Tiger Balm (http://www.mytigerbalm.com/). For any of the judges, competitors in some of our special benefit divisions, and several of our hardest working vols, Tiger Balm provided many of the gifts in our perk package.

Here are a few more. Enter to win a Tiger Balm T-shirt and Cap (http://www.kungfumagazine.net/index.html)! Contest ends 6:00 p.m. PST on 06/30/2011. Good luck everyone! Next year is our 20th Anniversary, so watch for our date announcement!

[Ray Pina]

While many Songshan Shaolin schools use wushu type blades, classical Shaolin can easily adapt to something more sturdy and if they wish to secure their hold on being traditional, now is the time to adapt. It is my firm belief that if the form cannot be done with a traditional weapon, it's not traditional. .

Reading this brings joy to my heart. I hope it's something that is adapted.

Will there be any form of full contact competition, either standing kick boxing, San Da or MMA?

[GeneChing]

As for full contact events, it's unlikely we'll attempt that in the near future. Full contact brings in the boxing commission, and that gets to be a whole other animal. Frankly, there's plenty of full contact in our area now. There are always fights - kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai - I could probably go to one almost every weekend in our area, if I was so inclined. As for Sanda, that's in an entirely different state. Technically, it's illegal, but it would be simple enough to run one under adjusted MMA rules, barring the key element of a leitai. Several people have discussed doing something like this. I know Cung was talking about doing something like that at one of his Born To Fight events. The problem is that it wouldn't be much of a draw with so many other fights going on at the same time. For us, it would be a ton of work with little added return.

[GeneChing]

Dr. Yang and Students Attend Tiger Claw Tournament (http://ymaa-retreatcenter.org/news_events/2011/06/23/dr-yang-and-students-attend-tiger-claw-tournament)
23 June 2011

The 3rd Annual Tiger Claw Kung Fu Magazine Championship was hosted at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, CA along with the Shark City Nationals. This competition featured competitors from around the country who came to test their skills in External Martial Arts, Taijiquan, Wushu, and Pushing Hands. This is about a five hour drive south of the YMAA Retreat Center.

Retreat Center students Jonathan Chang, Santiago Costello, Patrick Manriquez, and Javier Rodriguez all participated in the competition activities. Dr. Yang joined his students in the trip down this year. This marks Patrick's first time competing in the Tiger Claw tournament, and the second time for Jonathan, Santi, and Javier.

The night before the tournament, there was a Welcome Banquet at the China Stix Restaurant in Santa Clara, CA. In attendance were Dr. Yang, Grandmaster Liang, Shou-Yu, Master He, Tao, Grandmaster Chu, Chi-Ling, and Master Grace Wu.

Dr. Yang attended this tournament as a guest of honor, and he demonstrated Yang Taijiquan with Jin during the tournament. Each of the students competed in several categories and won several awards.

Jonathan: Taijiquan (1st place), Short Weapon (2nd), Wild Aid Division (3rd)
Patrick: Southern Barehand (1st), Taijiquan (3rd)
Santi: Northern Barehand (1st) Long Weapon (1st), Push Hands restricted (2nd)
Javier: Push Hands Moving (1st), Taijiquan (2nd), Push Hands restricted (3rd)

At this year’s tournament, the group met with many other students and masters, including Grandmaster Liang from Canada, and Master Chi from Hong Kong. It is was a pleasure to watching these masters in action during the Masters Demo.

Special thanks to Ms. Gigi Oh, Mr. Gene Ching, and their Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine for hosting and inviting us to their tournament. Thank you also for their continuous support of the YMAA Retreat Center. The Retreat Center students talked to interested people about the YMAA Retreat Center program and the new Five-Year program which is slated to begin in 2013.

We also want say thank you to those who donated this year. The extra funds went toward fuel and lodging costs and competition fees. Special thanks goes out to the Kiely family who housed the disciples for one night.
I want to add a big personal thanks to the YMAA disciples for livening up the after-party with their presence and their distinctive contribution to the party libations.

[GeneChing]

See Tiger Claw's KungFuMagazine.com Championship III (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=966) Video by Greg Lynch Jr. for the final cut of our webcast.

A free DVD insert of the Master's Demo and the WildAid Tiger Claw Champion (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57416)will be included in our November December issue - SUBSCRIBE TODAY! (http://www.martialartsmart.com/19341.html) NOTE: This is completely different footage from what is on our webcast.

[enoajnin]

Going by a completely non-mathematical survey, basically I looked at the viewposts, I think Chiu Chi Ling was the most popular thing at the tournament and we definitely need more CCL videos.

[GeneChing]

TCKFMCIII album 2 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150283209929363.384933.135964689362)

That's 400 photos on facebook. And enoajnin is right - most are of Chiu Chi-Ling (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=944). One of his kung fu skills is getting in front of the camera ;)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270953_10150303057969363_135964689362_9310725_1781 513_n.jpg
Each one of those plates is 33 lbs.

More to come. :cool:

[enoajnin]

I'm in that picture!!

[GeneChing]

A new highlights vid from Sal Redner.
Kung Fu Championships 2011 San Jose CA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIG8Qmf9LNY)

[Punch.HeadButt]

Check out the left side of that pic...Chiu Chi-Ling snuck his way into another shot! :D

There is not a friendlier, more cheerful and more social man that I have met.

Said it before and I'll say it again: I had a blast. Already looking forward to next year.

[GeneChing]

TCKFMCIII album 3 on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150310098819363.392451.135964689362)

Astoundingly, no pix of Chiu Chi-Ling in this one... at least not so far...

[GeneChing]

An informal lesson with Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling (http://www.youtube.com/user/KungfuMagazinedotcom#p/a/u/0/-ohTAPtH5IU)

GM Chiu schools a few of my shidi. More to come. :cool:

[SIFU RON]

GM Chiu Chi Lin's performace on stage in the evening show was awesome . His power, knowledge, and experience speak in his movements.

[GeneChing]

Read TCKFMCIII (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=977)by me ;)

[GeneChing]

TCKFMCIII Part 2 (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=980).

I figured if Deathly Hallows (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=978) could be split into two parts, why not TCKFMCIII?

[GeneChing]

For those of you who didn't get the free DVD with our November December 2011 issue (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61952), it's now available at MartialArtsMart.com.

Tiger Claw’s KungFuMagazine.com Championship 2011 (http://www.martialartsmart.com/dvd-ca118.html)

[Dale Dugas]

Brother G,

Let me know when you need more dit da jow for your next years event.

I can custom brew up a formula just for you and your peeps.

Just say the word.....

[GeneChing]

Next year is our 20th Anniversary (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61402), so we're going big.

Stay tuned. More to come. ;)

[Dale Dugas]

oh yes, a custom brew.

A Shark Nationals liniment to heal all the hard earned bruises in Cali.

Just say the word brother.