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.