Seattle Martial Arts 2008 Seminars and Events Calendar

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Aikido Demonstration and Open House

January 19, 2008
Watch a demonstration at 10:30am, or participate in a free introductory class at 11:15am. Adults and children are welcome.
More information: Emerald City Aikido

Lion Dance

Chinese New Year Celebration at Factoria Mall

February 2-3, 2008
During the two-day 2008 Lunar New Year Celebration Year of the Rat at Factoria Mall, the Western Washington Toyota Performance Stage will feature multi-cultural entertainment such as a lion dance, martial arts, Filipino, Thai, Korean, Indian and Chinese cultural dance, and instrumental performances, fashion shows and pop vocalists.

The Yang Family Tai Chi Association will perform on Sunday at 2:35pm. Admission is free.

Chinese New Year Celebration and Dragon Dance

February 9, 2008
2pm-4:30pm

Bring the whole family to this free event. Enjoy Tai Chi, calligraphy, and face painting. Participate in the Lion Dance and win prizes in our raffle.
Open to the public, please RSVP if possible.
Contact: Wu Hsing Tao School

Chinatown/I.D. Lunar New Year Celebration – Year of the Rat

February 9, 2008
Featuring arts and crafts demonstrations, local businesses and community organizations, and performances by:

  • Mak Fai Washington Kung Fu Club (12:05pm)
  • Seattle Wushu Center (2:30pm)

Admission is free. For additional information, please visit www.cidbia.org or call 206-382-1197.

Free Meditation Classes at the Sri Chinmoy Centre

February through April 2008
Regular meditation practice fosters confidence, happiness, inspiration and achievement. Morning, evening and weekend classes are offered. To register, call 206-322-2600.

Alberto Crane

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Intensive

February 16-17, 2008
Ever wanted to train with one of the best grapplers in the world? Have you had the opportunity to learn from one of the King of the Cages top champions? This is your chance as Alberto Crane will be visiting Seattle for the very first time to offer intensive hands-on workshops on two of his best positions, High Mount and Cross Guard!
Cost is $55 for one session, or $95 for the entire weekend. To register, contact Jake Burroughs at 206-941-3232 or three_harmonies(at)hotmail.com.

Xing Shen Zhuang Foundation Training with Jette Brink Moller

March 8-14, 2008
Xing Shen Zhuang is a principle of Daoist cultivation and a seminal concept of Zhong Jiao Xuan Xue, which is the counterpart of Daoist philosophy and metaphysics. The goal of the practice is to embody the Shen Guan, or the light of the Shen, within ourselves. The process of reuniting the separate alienated self-mind-consciousness with the body is the ultimate representation of the materialized spirit and soul in Daoist cultivation.

Jette Brink Moller is a senior student of Qigong master David Verdesi. This week-long retreat will be held near Portland, Oregon. For details, visit the Traditional Tao website.

Training Day – MMA Seminar with UFC Champions Anderson Silva and Antonio Nogueira

March 15-16, 2008
Event will be held at Mieko’s Fitness in Lake City. Limited space available. For more information, leave a message at 206-440-3358.

Shen Wu Mixed Martial Arts with Tim Cartmell

March 22-23, 2008
Workshops will include:

  • Sun Bagua Form & Application (Snake & Hawk): Both the form and a multitude of applications will be taught including striking, joint manipulation, and throws.
  • Xing Yi Combat Applications: A comprehensive overview of locks, strikes, throws, and footwork will be covered. Xing Yi is known for its aggressive nature, which relies on sensitivity and skill over brute force.
  • Clinch Clinic 201: Clinch fighting is arguably the single most important factor in sport and street fighting because it bridges the gap between striking distance and grappling distance, and is considered by many the key aspect to dominating your opponent.

Tuition is $145 for the entire weekend, with discounts for single sessions. For more information, contact Three Harmonies Chinese Martial Arts Center.

Body Mind Spirit Expo

Body Mind Spirit Expo

March 29-30, 2008
Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion (305 Harrison St)
Featuring over 90 holistic exhibitors and 50 free lectures. Weekend admission is $12. For a complete schedule, visit www.bmse.net.

Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Push Hands

March 29-30, 2008
Learn push hands from master Yang Jun, 6th generation inheritor of the Yang family style. [More Information]

7th Annual Kyokushin Challenge – Full Contact Karate Tournament

April 5, 2008
Northwest Kyokushin is hosting an international knockdown tournament in Spring 2008, at Ellensburg High School. Open to all styles, regardless of affiliation. For tournament rules, applications and other information, visit the Kyokushin Challenge website.

Tai Chi Workshop with Grandmaster Sam Tam

April 12-13, 2008
Workshop topics include zhan zhuang (standing meditation), Soaring Crane qigong, Yang style Tai Chi hand, sword and fan forms, tui shou (push hands), and other demonstrations. Workshop will be held at Northwest Fighting Arts in Portland, Oregon. Cost is $220 for the full weekend. Contact Jeff Patterson at 503-740-2666 for details.

Tai Chi Core Principles with Grandmaster Chen Xiao Xing

April 19-20, 2008
Chen, Xiao Xing is a direct line to the source of all Taijiquan. He is the most noted master in the Chen Village and a leading representative of Chen Taiji within China and throughout the world.

Join Embrace the Moon in welcoming Grandmaster Chen for study in Standing Meditation Form Correction, Chan si Gong & Push Hands. Beginners gain the advantage of incorporating these priniciples into their practice immediately; seasoned practitioners go deep. No matter your skill level, this will be an engaging & fun experience for all!

Chinese Divine Arts

Chinese Performing Arts Spectactular

April 23-24, 2008
The Divine Performing Arts Spectacular is dedicated to exploring and rediscovering the essence of the true, traditional Chinese culture. Thus, it creates and performs pieces that center primarily on classical themes and divinely-inspired culture. It uses the expression of Chinese classical dance, showcasing genuine traditional Chinese culture with pure truthfulness, pure compassion, and pure beauty, devoid of any elements of the communist party culture.

Performances will be staged at The Paramount Theatre. Ticket prices range from $38 to $108. [Preview Video]

Battle in Seattle Dang Soo Do Championships

The Battle in Seattle: World Dang Soo Do Championships

April 25-26, 2008
This WDU National Championships promises to be a premier event in the great Pacific Northwest showcasing the talents of the World Dang Soo Do Union. Over $2,000.00 in Awards will be given out at the Championships. With four (4) National Championship titles, Youth and Adult Black Belts will have the opportunity to vie for one of the WDU Championship’s 4 coveted National Championship Titles.

Event will be held at the Bellevue YMCA. See the flyer for details.

Seattle World Tai Chi Day Events

April 26, 2008

  • 9:30am, Gas Works Park; Soaring Crane Qigong, Turtle Longevity Qigong and Essence Qigong with Tiantian School of Qigong. [details]
  • 9:45am, Grass Lawn Park, Redmond; form practice with Yang Family Tai Chi. [map]
  • 10am, Myrtle Edwards Park; form practice with Embrace the Moon. [details]

Women’s Self-Awareness and Preservation with Jake Burroughs

April 26, 2008
This one-day seminar intends to inform and educate you on how to confidently avoid potential violent situations. If avoidance is not an option, then we will offer a few tools to help you defend yourself from larger, more aggressive opponents, and escape dangerous situations. This $40 seminar is open to all ages and physical abilities, to both women and men. Contact Jake Burroughs at 206-941-3232 for more information.

Xing Yi Studies: Dragon and Tiger

April 27, 2008
The classics state the the Dragon represents vertical energy, while the Tiger represents horizontal energy, thus these two animals are considered the root of Xing Yi practice outside of the Five Elements. Learn the complete forms, along with applications. For more information, contact Jake Burroughs at 206-941-3232 or three_harmonies(at)hotmail.com. Workshop fee is $40, and open to all styles and experience levels.

Cardboard Tube Fighting League Tournament

May 4, 2008
What to bring: Water, cardboard armor, costumes are highly encouraged. Tubes will be supplied.
What to expect: Welts and possibly bruises.
More information at the Cardboard Showdown website.

Unlock Your Spine and Unleash Your Inner Healing Power

May 6, 2008, 7pm
Free! Learn undulation, a gentle movement that massages tissues from the inside and restores your vitality. This empowering exercise will help you heal from repetitive motion, workstation stagnation, and past injuries.
Class will be held at Roosevelt’s East West Bookshop.

Master Henry Wang’s Search Center Tai Chi Workshop

May 17, 2008 – 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Henry Wang

Master Wang became a national push hands champion in Taiwan while still in his twenties. Although he won that title several times in succession, he was dissatisfied with his achievement. He realized it depended on strength and technique, and not on relaxation and softness.

After learning the methods of Grandmaster Huang Sheng Shyan, Henry Wang moved to Canada, where he further developed his extraordinary skills. Wang has devoted over thirty-five years to the study of tai chi chuan and to the development of what has now become the Wang Style method. He is one of very few tai chi masters who actually use chi and not li (physical force).

Enrollment is limited to 30 people, and beginners are welcome. Email Ted Libby at tigermt.taichi(at)yahoo.com to register and guarantee your spot, or to ask a question. Walk-in registrations are can only be accepted on a “space available” basis. Workshop will be held at the Yesler Community Center. Doors open at 9:10 am, cost is $160 (check or cash in exact amount).

Bellingham Workshop with Master Fong Ha

May 17-18, 2008
Contct Dani Riggs at 360-671-4710 for more information.

Shen Wu Mixed Martial Arts with Tim Cartmell

May 17-18, 2008
This seminar is open to all styles and all levels of prior experience. Topics will include Bagua combat applications, Taiji combat applications, Muay Thai clinch / neck clinch fighting, and grappling solo practice. Tuition is $135 for the entire weekend, less for single sessions. Contact Jake Burroughs (three_harmonies(at)hotmail.com) to register.

Systema with Vladimir Vasiliev

May 19-21, 2008
Systema does not teach “martial arts” as commonly understood. The purpose of Systema is to enhance your survival, whoever you are, whatever you do. Many fighting systems are mainly applicable to security professionals. Survival, on the other hand, is for everyone. Systema can free the mind, strengthen the body, and cleanse the soul, creating individuals that are the foundations for building stronger families, communities and nations.

Seminar will be held at Bellevue’s Systema Northwest.

Martial Arts at the Northwest Folklife Festival

  • Capoeira Males: Monday May 26, 7:30 to 8pm, International Dance Stage

Modern Arnis with Grandmaster Remy Presas

June 13-14, 2008
Seminar to be held at Karate Quest in Ferndale, Washington.

Extreme Improv Ninja Challenge

Most Extreme Improv Ninja Challenge

June 14 through August 23, 2008

Three disgraced ninja
forced to perform comedy
against their own will.

Clever old Master
leads them through their punishment.
The ninja obey.

Points are the reward
for the most pleasing improv.
Who will win honor?

Like young bamboo shoots
in the Rausu-dashi wind,
your sides will split.

Come laugh your ass off
Saturdays, Midnight-thirty.
(Sunday morn, really).

Performances are at Saturday nights at midnight:30 at the Historic University Theater (5510 University Way NE) and ticket prices are $8.

Most Extreme Improv Ninja Challenge is created/directed by Mike Christensen and brought to you by Wing-It Productions, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enlightening, educating and entertaining audiences of all ages by producing theatrical events which explore theater by utilizing its improvisational roots.

Developing and Training Fa Li with Li Gui Chang’s Xing Yi

June 14-15, 2008
Taught by Martin LaPlatney. For details, contact Jake Burroughs at 206-941-3232 or three_harmonies(at)hotmail.com.

The Soul of Youth Sport: Discovering the Life-Giving Dimensions

June 27-29, 2008

Seattle University Soul of Youth Sport Conference

We are at a crucial time in the U.S. with respect to how we think about sport. This fact is clear from the headlines we read every day about steroid use and other forms of cheating that athletes have been engaging in at the professional and Olympic levels. In these contexts, winning is associated with wealth and status and can tend to become the only thing that is important. Some participants deem any behavior which will lead to winning or being successful to be justifiable.

It is time to take a different approach to sport, one which has as its focus the ways in which sport participation can contribute to the growth of our young people. This is the focus of the conference The Soul of Youth Sport.

Our view at Seattle University is that sport practices should lead, as John Paul II has put it, to the “integral development of the person.” We will be making use of the wisdom of experienced coaches, administrators and scholars in philosophy, moral development, and theology/spirituality to explore how youth sport participation in the contemporary U.S. context leads to personal and spiritual development or to human diminishment and desolation with respect to the spiritual life. We will attend, in particular, to issues related to community and the experience of play.

For more information about the conference, visit the Seattle University web site.

Cheng Man Ch’ing Taiji Seminar with Scott Meredith

July 12, 2008

The secret of tai ch’i ch’uan is this – never apply nor accept more than four ounces of force.

Scott Meredith has studied martial arts, energy, and movement systems for over 30 years, and is certified as an instructor under Benjamin Lo. In this seminar, Scott will show and tell the meaning of the above quote from Professor Cheng Man Ch’ing, how it applies to both form and push training, and provide answers to perpetual questions:

  • Should we be practicing the combative applications of the Taiji techniques contained in the form?
  • What is the relation if any between Taiji and Qigong?
  • What is the best way to arrange/allocate your practice time?
  • Must I do the entire form to get benefits?
  • Isn’t the Zheng shortened form less useful than the longer forms out there?
  • Practicing non-Taiji calesthentics or exercises while on the Taiji path: Useful? Harmful? Irrelevant? Essential?
  • Why is Zheng style or approach radically distinct from any other Taiji approach out there?

Seminar will be held at Embrace the Moon Taiji and Qigong Studio. Details here or here.

The Revolution: A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling Tournament

July 12, 2008
Event will be held at West Seattle High School. No registration on day of event. For details, visit the Liberty Events and Promotions website.

Bruce Lee Foundation 35th Anniversary Celebration

July 18-20, 2008
Summer 2008 marks the 35th anniversary for the release of Enter the Dragon as well as the passing of Bruce Lee. To commemorate these milestones, the Bruce Lee Foundation has put together an elaborate event at the Seattle Art Museum and Lakeview Cemetery on July 18, 19 and 20.

Included will be seminars, a 35th Anniversary Bruce Lee Exhibit, screenings of Enter the Dragon, the first-ever JKD Instructor Summit, a graveside memorial and celebration banquet, an Exclusive Limited-Entry Preview Night, and much more!

Lion and dragon dancing
Lion and Dragon Dancing: How It’s Done

Lion and Dragon Dancing in the Chinatown Seafair Parade

July 20, 2008
Parade starts at 7 p.m. in the Chinatown International District, beginning at 10th Avenue South and South Jackson Street.

Mt. Washington Tai Chi Summer Camp with Henry Wang

July 20-26, 2008
Since 1990, Tai Chi students have been attending Master Henry Wang’s summer camp on Vancouver Island. The program offers formal instruction in the Tai Chi form, Chi Kung and “search center” principles, as well as stimulating discussion and informal practice in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Camp participants must have at least a two-year background in Tai Chi, and be in good health. Tuition of $1300 (CAD) covers the cost of instruction of instruction, 6 nights lodging and all meals. To register or for more information, contact Henry Wang.

Self-Defense Class for Women

July 26, 2008
The chief instructor, a 5th dan Aikido black belt, will present techniques and tips to help you escape from possible violent attacks. Seminar material will be drawn from inside and outside traditional Aikido. This $50 seminar will be held at West Seattle Aikikai, from 10am to 1pm. For more information, contact Darren McKee (info at westseattleaikikai.com).

More Shen Wu Mixed Martial Arts with Tim Cartmell

August 9-10, 2008
The term Shen Wu is Chinese in origin, and translates as “essence of the martial arts”. This is the term Tim Cartmell chose to describe his system of teaching, which incorporates the ground fighting of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with the stand-up principles and techniques found in the Chinese martial systems of San Soo, Taiji, Xing Yi and Ba Gua. Join Tim and company for a weekend of training in the Shen Wu system. Workshops will include:

  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Crab Guard
  • Sun Bagua Intensive: Dragon and Bear
  • Effortless Combat Throws: Entering Strategy and Setup

Tuition is $135 for the entire weekend, with discounts for single sessions. For more information, contact Three Harmonies Chinese Martial Arts Center.

Tai Chi Principles and Sotai Workshops with H. F. Ito

August 11-12, 2008
Saturday’s session will focus on Tai Chi principles, and Sunday’s session will provide an introduction to Sotai, a Japanese body healing system.

Workshops will be held at the Whatcom Hills Waldorf School in Bellingham, WA. Cost is $160 for the full weekend, with discounts for single sessions. Contact gbeatty(at)earthlink.net with questions.

Su Zifang: Queen of Tai Chi

August 15-17, 2008
Known as one of “China’s 100 Best Wushu Practioneers” and the “Queen of Tai Chi”, Master Su is the 4th generation descendant of the well- known Bagua Grand Master Sha Guozheng and Wushu Great Grand Master He Fusheng.

With over 45 years of training & teaching dedication, demonstrating, competing and winning over 30 gold, silver and bronze medals, Master Su is internationally known and sought out for her skill in Taijiquan (Yang, Chen, Sun, Wu), Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan.

For more information, contact Sifu Melinda Johnson of Seattle Kajukenbo: sifu(at)seattlekajukenbo.com.

Qi Dao Labor Day Weekend Retreat

September 2008

Qi Dao

In the best traditions of the Bon, Buddhist and Daoist retreats, Qi Dao Academy presents a unique opportunity to learn and practice in one of the most beautiful areas on the Oregon Coast. It is going to be an invigorating adventure combining Shamanic journeys with the healing power of Nature. Bring your fears, attachments and old beliefs to let go of in the wilderness. Come prepared for moderate hiking and more intimate connection with Mother Earth through the practice of Qi Dao outdoors.

During the retreat, you will explore a number of different aspects of energy arts with the emphasis on the communion between your inner nature with the world of nature at large. This unique event will also combine the meditation and rejuvenation aspects of Qigong and Tai Chi. In addition, you will be able to learn wilderness survival skills and develop friendships with other kindred spirits within our international community of adventurers.

Take advantage of the early bird discount – only $300 if you register before July 31, 2008. After that, the registration is going up to $350. No registration after August 23. The first ten registrants will receive another bonus gift: Lama Somananda Tantrapa’s bestselling book entitled Qi Dao – Tibetan Shamanic Qigong for FREE! To register, or for more information email academy(at)qidao.org today.

Traditional Chinese Martial Training with Mike Martello

September 5-7, 2008
Mike Martello fell in love with the Chinese martial arts at an early age. Thirty years later, he brings a multi-dimensional perspective to the teaching of martial and healing arts. Seminar material will include:

  • Yin Fu Bagua Intensive (Single and Double Palm Change): Yin Fu Bagua is characterized by swift strikes, deceptive footwork, quick throws, and devastating joint locks. In this workshop Mike will take you through the basics, sharing both the form and the function.
  • The 8 Hard and 12 Soft Principles of Northern Praying Mantis: The core of Northern Tanglang theory is the spontaneous application of the eight hard and the twelve soft into one. Mike will teach Pai-An two-person drills that convey and refine the underlying principles.

Cost is $55 to $165, depending on how many sessions you wish to attend. To register, schedule a private lesson, or for further information, contact Jake Burroughs at 206-941-3232.

Korean dance
Korean dance

Korean Cultural Celebration at Seattle Center

September 6, 2008
Ch’u Sok or Harvest Festival Day (Fifteenth Day of the Eighth Month by the Lunar Calendar) is one of the great Korean national holidays of the year. On this day a feast is prepared and families hold memorial services at the family gravesite. Viewing the full moon is a feature of the evening. Koreans used to say “The sky is high and the horse is fat.” The celebration, including a Taekwondo demonstration, will be held in the Center House from 11am to 7pm.

Igniting Our Energetic Presence, Transforming into Our True Being: a 5-Day Intensive of Expressive Arts, Healing and Qigong

October 9 – 14, 2008
Presence is tangible—this wisdom comes from thousands of years of practitioners. It is experienced easily through tangible practice rather than cerebral exercises. Energy carries our presence. We will move our energy using tools such as sounds, images, words, external and internal movements. We will strengthen our energy and thereby deepen our presence through energetic meditations. Learning to master the balance of stillness and movement in our daily lives brings grace into each and every moment.

Join us in this 5-day energetic cycle, shifting all aspects of our being, releasing into our authentic self, igniting our energetic presence. Cost is $550, plus lodging. More information at Breitenbush Hot Springs.

World of Martial Arts Showcase

October 11, 2008
Watch performances of Kung-Fu, Karate, Tai Chi, Ju-Jitsu, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, Kajukenbo, Native American fighting arts, European & Japanese swordsmanship. Event will be held at Miller Community Center from 6pm to 8pm. $10 admission.

Wing Tsjun Seminar with Dai-Sifu Thommy Luke Boehlig

November 8, 2008
Any level, background, or interest is welcome. Seminar will be held from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. $55 per person. The address is 2040 84th Ave Se, Mercer Island, WA 98040. For more information on Wing Tsjun, visit www.wingtsjun.com.

Revolution BJJ and Submission Grappling Tournament

November 8, 2008
Held at Bonney Lake High School, this event will include men’s, women’s, teen’s & children’s Gi and No-Gi divisions. Adult Gi divisions are White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black belts. Pre-registration is required. More information at Leap LLC.

Hapkido House Belt Sparring Tournament

December 6, 10:00am – 2:00pm
For chlidren and adults. Matches are organized by age and experience level. All participants are guaranteed at least 3 matches, and a participation medal. Fee is $45; half-price for beginning martial arts students. Headgear and mouthguard are required for participation, and available for purchase and the tournament.

For further information or to register, contact Mark Power at Hapkido House, 1507 Queen Anne Ave North.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Beginners

December 6
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a style of grappling that offers very effective self-defense skills and develops the practitioner’s fluidity and athleticism. Bruce Bookman Sensei offers this basic primer on BJJ to the aikido community. This class is great supplemental training to aikido. Students from other Dojos welcome (local or out of town–regardless of affiliation).

Cost is $35 per session–register on the Tenzan Aikido website.