Alaska Chi Kung

A Special Thank You, and Video Links

jennlawlor — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:46:54 +0000

I’d like to thank everyone who participated and helped with Grandmaster’s recent course here in Sitka, 18 Shaolin Techniques for Health and Vitality. And thanks so much to everyone who helped to organize a meal or event for our special guests.

It was a tremendous course. Not necessarily easily, but I’m reminded of what Grandmaster said, that he didn’t select the techniques to necessarily be easy, but as a set of patterns for Health and Vitality.

I myself have been surprised how fully I remember the sets from the course with these videos to jog my memory.

Again here is the link to the videos from Grandmaster’s website:

Click Here To Access The Videos.

It’s looking like these videos will be more productive for practice than anything we can edit from the 12 hours of instruction during the Sitka course.

I know that a couple of you were having difficulty viewing the videos. Here’s a few tips:

Make sure that you have the latest version Quicktime installed on your computer. If you run an older Mac, Perian may help convert the .avi files.
For Windows, follow the instructions and download links: Click here for instructions. (NOTE: you’ll have to scroll down a little after clicking the link)

Finally, Sifu Anthony has asked me to pass on a special message about practicing the 18 Techniques.

Enjoy yourselves, and your practice,

Zach and Jenn

——

Here’s your message from Sifu Anthony:

Hello all Sitka students who participated in the events surrounding Grandmaster’s once in a lifetime visit to Sitka.

Thank you to all who prepared special meals and hosted us in your homes. I know that it took a lot of effort from those who did the meal preparations and I thank you for your efforts. This is not normally done for Grandmaster and is not the custom. Normally students do not get such close access to Grandmaster, as Grandmaster commented to me. So, besides the fact that Grandmaster traveled so far to a very remote and small town this was another generous gift that Grandmaster did as a favor to me. I intended the visit to be special gift to your community.

So, you took the special course and now you need to know what to do? Naturally all attendees understand that they need to practice what they learned in order to get the benefits. The question may be, how do I practice? Although Grandmaster spent a lot of time explaining how one may practice I will reiterate at least some of the points.

Download the video links that Zach sent out. They are an excellent review that walks you through the set in 3 sections. I’m using it now for my own review. The benefit of these videos is that you can play them over and over as needed.

Practice each pattern within each section as best you can.

If there is interest I can return to Sitka and conduct a course (probably shorter than the original) and spend time as we work through the finer points of each pattern.

Don’t try to do too much. Practice as you are able. Perhaps you can work on the first section for some time until you feel comfortable to continue to the next section.

At first it may be best for many to practice at the gentle exercise and form level in order to get familiar with the patterns.

When you are ready, move to practicing at energy level.

Besides working on learning all of the patterns together in one continuous set you can also select one pattern and simply practice it as Chi Kung. You may select it and practice the pattern perhaps 10-30 repetitions as a pattern in your usual Chi Kung practice session.

I encourage you to set a goal. You determine when you will achieve your goal, of learning and practicing the entire set. It is remarkably useful on many levels and can bring you many more benefits than the daily Chi Kung sessions that you enjoy today. However, please continue your usual Chi Kung practice as you do today. You can simply add the 18 Technique set to your daily practice. Furthermore, you may choose to do the 18 Technique set only several times a week. After you grow adept at performing the set and all of the patterns you can then “slice and dice” it, as it were to suit your personal needs and fancies.

Regards,

Sifu Anthony

If you have any questions or would just like to share your experience AFTER having taken the course, we’d love to hear from you. Simply leave a comment below…

Introduction To Shaolin Chi Kung – November 21 & 22.

jennlawlor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:40:55 +0000

Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung
Learn a skill that will provide you with the many benefits that Shaolin Wahnam Chi Kung is famous for. This course is for both those who haven’t learned from Sifu Anthony before and also for those who want to refresh their practice by deepening the skills and techniques that they learned previously in this same course. 6 hour course.

Saturday, November 21, 2009, Centennial Hall, Maksoutoff Room
8:30 to 9:00 am— Sign in and registration for Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung 
9 am to noon— Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung Class 
Noon to 3 pm—Lunch break. (Lunch is on your own) 
3 to 6 pm— Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung Class (continued)

Cost: $300 per individual, $500 per couple — married/domestic partner

We offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

IF FOR ANY REASON YOU ARE NOT FULLY SATISFIED WITH THE COURSE WE WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY IN FULL. ALL THAT WE ASK IS THAT YOU REQUEST YOUR REFUND PRIOR TO THE COMPLETION OF THE COURSE AND REQUEST THE REFUND FROM SIFU ANTHONY DIRECTLY.

You Can Also Earn Discounts On The Workshop:
 All you need to do is refer a friend or family member to sign up for the Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung course and we’ll give you either a $50 credit or refund for each referral on your choice of either courses. This applies even to friends or family members if you choose to give the course as a gift.

How do you get the discount?
Sign up and pay for your course(s) in full. At the course, when you sign in please indicate who you referred to the Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung course and we will provide you a refund for each referral. There is no limit to the number of people you may refer!

Paypal buttons, Individual:

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Two Opportunities To Learn Chi Kung In Sitka RIGHT Now!

jennlawlor — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:28:01 +0000

This is exciting.

Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit, who teaches Chi Kung courses all over the world, is teaching a course THIS weekend right here in Sitka.

The course is called: The Shaolin 18 Techniques for Health and Vitality.

This course has never been taught in North America before.

We could describe the outward appearance of some of the techniques, but the Shaolin Arts are experiential. Like much that comes from the East, describing the appearance is a distant second to actually experiencing the art.

These patterns are practiced for health, vitality, stabilty, agility, reduction of pain, better sleep, lessening stress, increasing spiritual joy and much more. Results and benefits range from the practical right to some students experiencing a satori.

Students who recently took an Introduction to Chi Kung course will find the 18 Techniques to be a good supplement to their existing practice. Long-time students will also find plenty to take home. These techniques are both gentle and powerful all at once.

Something that is hard to explain—but quite easy to experience—is the heart to heart transmission of the 18 Shaolin Techniques by a true Grandmaster.

Grandmaster Wong has been practicing for some 55 years, and learned under some of the most respected grandmasters of their time. This lineage of grandmasters extends unbroken some 1,500 years to Bodhidharma, who brought Chi Kung from India to China. And the lineage goes back further still to the historical Buddha 2,500 years ago.

One final thing to note is that Grandmaster Wong is well know for his ability to teach to all levels of students in a single classroom. In addition to Sifu Anthony being at the course, Sifu Michael of Australia will also be attending.

——-

Here are the pertinent details for Grandmaster Course.

Dates and location: Saturday and Sunay, November 14 and 15 8:30 AM to Noon, 3 PM to 6 PM at Harrigan Centennial Hall in Sitka.
A graduation dinner will follow the course for attendees and their families, Sunday, November 15th at 7:00 PM. We’re still working out details on the dinner location and price.
Registration is limited to 50 students. Cost for the full course is $600, plus tax, for individuals, and $1000 for married couples and domestic partners.
There is a money-back guarantee. If you attend the course and aren’t satisfied, just inform Grandmaster Wong before the course concludes. Your money will be refunded without question.
Registration is online, and payment is by credit card, through Paypal. You don’t need an existing Paypal account, just follow the instructions if you don’t have one.
If you prefer to pay by check, that’s fine. Please call Zach and Jenn to reserve your place in the course. You can mail a check after confirming.

We offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

IF FOR ANY REASON YOU ARE NOT FULLY SATISFIED WITH THE COURSE WE WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY IN FULL. ALL THAT WE ASK IS THAT YOU REQUEST YOUR REFUND PRIOR TO THE COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.

You’ll find the payment button below.

And Now…If You’re Already Committed This Weekend, And Still Want To Learn Chi Kung:

We’re pleased to announce that Sifu Anthony Spinicchia will be offering Sitka’s sixth Introduction to Chi Kung course NEXT weekend. Find out why 100 Sitkans have already taken this course.

This course has become possible the week after Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit’s course due to the scheduling of Grandmaster Wong’s departure from Alaska through Anchorage. Sifu Anthony will be returning South from Anchorage and has agreed to stay in Sitka an extra two days to teach this course.

Here are some details about the course:

Cost: $300 per individual, $500 per couple — married/domestic partner

We offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

IF FOR ANY REASON YOU ARE NOT FULLY SATISFIED WITH THE COURSE WE WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY IN FULL. ALL THAT WE ASK IS THAT YOU REQUEST YOUR REFUND PRIOR TO THE COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.

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Paypal buttons, Couple:

Quotes: Sinew Metamorphosis – Las Vegas, Nov ‘09

jennlawlor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:47:11 +0000

We’re in for a real treat with Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit’s course in Sitka this weekend. Here are some comments from his most recent course, Sinew Metamorphosis, in Las Vegas last weekend.

Diego from Long Beach commented that since he took a course from Grandmaster last year that his mental clarity now allows him to make important decisions with confidence and in a minimum amount of time. His co-workers have been coming to him for his advice and positive attitude.

Molly from Minneapolis stated through tears of joy that she gained an important insight from the course. She observed that while little has changed in her physical life in the past year–her home, job, partner, day-to-day activities–she know realizes that she is living a truly beautiful life. What’s the difference? True perspective and gratitude; a change in focus from what’s missing to what’s beautiful in her current life.

What participants said about the course:

I was amazed at Sifu Wong’s patience and positive encouragement.

—S.P.

Amazing. Healing. Unspeakable gratitude.

—M.H.

Best experience of my life. I will never forget the generosity of Sifu Wong and everybody else.

—S.P.

I really enjoyed the chi energy present in the room. Just being in Sifu Wong’s presence was a special experience.

—J.T.

The energy was amazing and so were the results.

—A.B.

Wow x 12.

—C.D.

What participants said about the effect chi kung has had on their Work Performance:

I realized to take myself less seriously and enjoy myself in my work. Also to be less critical of myself and others.

—S.P.

I am so much more calm and unafraid.

—D.M.

My work performance has improved a lot since I started practicing chi kung. I have more stamina and staying and working longer hours and still have extra energy to do other things like housework.

—A.R.

I feel physically better, sharper, more energy.

—J.L.

More peace with myself and in stressful environments – plus I’m willing to take chances my brain would try to talk me out of. That is, my intuition is stronger.

—M.R.

Less stress, more patience and compassion, more energy, sharper mind.

—M.H.

Not only my work, every single aspect of my life has gotten better.

—S.P.

I have more energy even after long hours.

—H.H.

I can now work circles around employees a third of my age. They wonder how; don’t really believe me.

—S.P.

Life is a wonderful gift now!

—D.P.

Energy level increased for daily activities, requiring less sleep.

—J.T.

Better jobs, better work, confidence to work for myself, more $$.

—C.D.

Much better at diagnosis ad treatment. My patients get healthier much faster.

—C.B.

Shaolin Etiquette

jennlawlor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:29:19 +0000

I thought it important to discuss some concepts and etiquette for our guests.

While it’s true that Grandmaster Wong is one of the highest level Grandmasters of the Shaolin Arts alive today, above all, relax!

While we will extend our best efforts toward organizing the best possible visit, rest assured that Grandmaster is a kind and compassionate guest. You would never think to shake his hand (a Shaolin salute is customary), but if someone does, Grandmaster will not be offended. But please don’t let it happen!

The following is a list of Shaolin Wahnam conduct compiled by three senior Sifus from our school.

Reminder – Notes on conduct during Grandmaster Wong’s visit

Please be punctual for each session of the course (be ready 5 minutes before the course at the latest)
Please stand up when Grandmaster Wong enters or leaves the room. If you know the Shaolin salute, it’s a great time to use it.
Please do not touch Grandmaster Wong in any way unless you are practicing Kung Fu! That means no handshakes, hugs, pats on the back, etc.
When seated, it’s considered best etiquete to sit up straight with good posture and both feet on the floor. Crossing your legs and especially stretching your legs outward is considered disrespectful.
If you need to leave the room (toilet, etc.) please let the organizers know beforehand.
Please turn off all mobile phones before the course begins.
Don’t worry unduly about your conduct. If you mean well and yet unknowingly act in a way that could be construed as disrespectful, Grandmaster Wong will surely be understanding. Above all, we treat Grandmaster Wong with a traditional level of respect because we recognize his high attainment in the Shaolin Arts that came as a result of many years of diligent practice. We are grateful because Grandmaster Wong so freely shares what was never shared with the general public in the past.
It may sound odd, but know that observing the respectful practices above actually increases our openness to receiving Chi Kung teachings. For example, sitting upright opens the chest which naturally allows the student to be more open to the teaching.

Kung Fu Family
As there is often much confusion surrounding how one should address fellow members of the Shaolin Wahnam family, the table below should help you decide how to address those family members you meet.

If unsure of the person’s seniority, err on the side of safety and use the more senior of the possible titles (e.g. Sipak instead of Sisook). Seniority (age) is the date of entry in the school and not date of birth.
On the other hand, don’t worry too much about the use of titles with the exception of:
It is important to address Grandmaster Wong and your own Sifu correctly.
For anyone who first learned Chi Kung from Sifu Anthony, the correct way to address Grandmaster Wong is Sigung.
Sifu Anthony is best address as Sifu.

English Title

Sifu: Your first Chi Kung or Kung Fu teacher

Simu: Your Sifu’s wife

Sing-San: Your Sifu’s husband

Sigung: Your teacher’s teacher (This is the correct address from Grandmaster Wong for everyone who first learned from Sifu Anthony

Sitaigung: Your Sigung’s teacher (ie. The title you use for Grandmaster Wong’s teachers)

Sipak: Your Sifu’s older brother

Sikuma: Your Sifu’s older brother
Sisook: Your Sifu’s younger brother (such as Sifu Michael Agar, from Australia, who will be in Sitka)

Sikujie: Your Sifu’s younger sister

Siheng: Your older brother (a man who learned Chi Kung before you from Sifu Anthony)

Sije: Your older sister (a woman who learned Chi Kung after you)

Sidai: Your younger brother (a man who learned Chi Kung after you)

Simui: Your younger sister (a woman who learned Chi Kung after you)

For a complete list of proper titles you can refer to the SWI forum here for a list compiled by Sifu Michael Chow: Click Here To Access.

Announcing: Introduction to Shaolin Wahnam Chi Kung November 21, 2009

jennlawlor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:16:05 +0000

We’re pleased to announce that Sifu Anthony Spinicchia will be offering Sitka’s sixth Introduction to Chi Kung course. Find out why 100 Sitkans have already taken this course.

This course has become possible the week after Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit’s invitation-only course due to the scheduling of Grandmaster Wong’s departure from Alaska through Anchorage. Sifu Anthony will be returning South from Anchorage and has agreed to stay in Sitka an extra two days to teach this course.

Keep reading to find out how to save some money on the course.

Cost: $300 per individual, $500 per couple — married/domestic partner

We offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

IF FOR ANY REASON YOU ARE NOT FULLY SATISFIED WITH THE COURSE WE WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY IN FULL. ALL THAT WE ASK IS THAT YOU REQUEST YOUR REFUND PRIOR TO THE COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.

Want to earn additional discounts on your seminar?
 All you need to do is refer a friend or family member to sign up for the Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung course and we’ll give you either a $50 credit or refund for each referral on your choice of either courses. This applies even to friends or family members if you choose to give the course as a gift.

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Paypal buttons, Couple:

Registration Begins for Grandmaster Wong’s Sitka Course: 18 Shaolin Techniques

jennlawlor — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:50:00 +0000

This is exciting.

Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit teaches Chi Kung courses all over the world. And in North America, he has taught in Nevada, California, New York, and Florida.

So announcing the opening of registration for a course taught by Grandmaster right here in Sitka is indeed exciting.

How did we get here so fast?

Sifu Anthony Spinicchia first came to teach a Chi Kung course in Sitka back in March, 2008. As we know, Sifu Anthony is one of only instructors in the US to be authorized to teach Shaolin Wahnam Chi Kung.

In that time, Sifu Anthony has come back four more times to teach Chi Kung. Indeed, we’re fortunate to have both a beautiful place and vibrant Chi Kung community that is bringing these Chi Kung masters to us.

So a little more about Grandmaster’s course, The Shaolin 18 Techniques for Health and Vitality.

This course has never been taught in North America before. Understanding what is best for his students, Sifu Anthony asked Grandmaster to teach this course specifically for Sifu Anthony’s Alaska students.

Something that is hard to explain—but quite easy to experience—is the heart to heart transmission of the 18 Shaolin Techniques by a true Grandmaster.

If you have any questions about the course or your practice, ask away! Just scroll down to the bottom of this page and ask your toughest questions. Sifu Anthony has promised to answer all of your questions.

——-

Here are the pertinent details for Grandmaster Course.

This is an invitation only course, with the pre-requisite being a current Shaolin Wahnam Chi Kung student. If you’ve taken a Chi Kung course from Sifu Anthony or another authorized Sifu, you are invited to take this course.
If you haven’t taken a course before, Sifu Anthony will be returning through Sitka after a visit to Anchorage on the Saturday following Grandmaster’s course.
Dates and location: Saturday and Sunay, November 14 and 15 9:00 AM to Noon, 3 PM to 6 PM at Harrigan Centennial Hall in Sitka.
A graduation dinner will follow the course for attendees and their families, Sunday, November 15th at 7:00 PM. We’re still working out details on the dinner location and price.
Registration is limited to 30 students. Cost for the full course is $600, plus tax, for individuals, and $1000 for married couples and domestic partners.
There is a money-back guarantee. If you attend the course and aren’t satisfied, just inform Grandmaster Wong before the course concludes. Your money will be refunded without question.
Registration is online, and payment is by credit card, through Paypal. You don’t need an existing Paypal account, just follow the instructions if you don’t have one.
If you prefer to pay by check, that’s fine. Please call Zach and Jenn to reserve your place in the course. You can mail a check after confirming.

——-

You’ll find the payment button near the bottom of this page.

Here’s our suggestion—don’t delay in your decision to attend.

Attendance at Grandmaster Wong’s course is limited to 30 people only. And we expect the course to fill up quickly.

We’ve done our absolute best to make Grandmaster’s course as economical as possible for all of you. But it’s still a fair amount of money to invest, we understand. Here’s how I’ve always looked at this sort of investment in myself (Jenn writing).

$600 for the insurance that I’m doing EVERYTHING I can to promote health and longevity for myself. It’s like a ‘love ticket’ for myself. A way of showing myself gratitude for putting up with all the demands of maintaining health in today’s world—where everywhere I look there are people suffering from all sorts of different ailments. From minor aches and pains…to full fledged cancers.

The opportunity to have Grandmaster Wong teach a course in Sitka may never happen again. The cost of Grandmaster’s courses in Malaysia begin at 1,000 Euros and then there’s the time and expense of travel, lodging, and such.

Finally, don’t forget to ask Sifu Anthony a question by leaving a comment below this post!

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Update on Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit’s Sitka Visit.

jennlawlor — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:13:13 +0000

For more information about Grandmaster’s visit, also visit our previous post: Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit To Visit Sitka.

As you know, Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit will be making a VERY special visit to Sitka to teach current Shaolin Chi Kung students.

When?

On November 14 and 15, Grandmaster will teach both days from 9AM-noon and then again from 3PM-6PM.

What will the class be like?

Grandmaster has dedicated the last 55 years of his life to the Shaolin Arts. He’s been teaching for decades, with thousands of students worldwide. Match this understanding and experience with a Zen mind, and you’ll be amazed how much you can absorb in a single hour.

Grandmaster has the unique ability to tailor the class to every participant, so regardless of your experience, age, flexibility, etc., you will receive individual attention.

How much will the class cost?

At this point, we’re still determining how to match the best price of this course with the demand and limited space available.

We have many people planning trips from abroad to come to this class–and we can only make it available to approximately 30 students.

As soon as we determine the final pricing, we will let you know.

I REALLY want to attend the workshop–any suggestions for ensuring I get a spot?

Well, we’re not taking any sort of early registration at this point. However, our suggestion is that you keep your eyes on your email inbox for our next post. We’ll let you know as soon as we release registration details.

The sooner you register, the better chance you have of getting a spot.

How can I help make Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit’s visit to Sitka special?

First of all, we REALLY appreciate that so many of you care! There are a LOT of ways you can assist us–and we’ll have more organized details in a bit.

Here are a couple ways you’ll be able to contribute:

Prepare a delicious meal and host Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit for brunch or dinner.
Arrange sightseeing outings. This will of course be weather dependant. Grandmaster would love to see some whales.

As you’ll learn–doing something special for Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit is really the biggest gift you can possibly give yourself as you will be honored with more of his time…and energy. This is truly a gift.

So, with that said, we will be in touch as soon as we have more details to share.

By the way, if you know any fellow Chi Kung students who don’t regularly check their email, make sure to let them know the best way to keep in touch is by registering their name and email address in the box at the upper right of this page.

In the meantime, please leave a comment below and introduce yourself–let’s build our Chi Kung community into something we all feel a part of.

Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit To Visit Sitka.

jennlawlor — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:18:11 +0000

We’re very honored and pleased to announce that Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit will be making a very rare visit to Sitka, Alaska.

On November 14 and 15 Grandmaster will conduct a course he has never offered in North America before.

World famous author and Shaolin Grandmaster, Wong Kiew Kit has thousands of students throughout the world. He is the author of 10 books on Shaolin Arts and wisdom including the best selling The Art of Chi Kung and The Complete Book of Zen.

Grandmaster Wong is also the teacher and Sifu Anthony Spinicchia who has many students in Sitka, Alaska.

As a very high level Master who has practiced Shaolin Arts for 55 years and has learned from 4 Patriarchs of rare styles of Kung Fu and Chi Kung, Grandmaster Wong’s breadth and depth of understanding is unequaled in this Age. An opportunity to learn from Grandmaster is a difficult to comprehend honor that no one should miss.

The “Shaolin 18 Techniques for Health and Vitality” will be a 12 hour course conducted over two days that students will find very enjoyable and useful. The “Shaolin 18 Techniques for Health and Vitality” is a collection of Chi Kung techniques which have been composed into a flowing set by Grandmaster Wong . Taught in our school, this set includes the basics of form, energy and mind practice in Chi Kung, and also provides insight into the principles of body use and combat application found in Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan. The set can be used for many purposes, aims and objectives, but attaining good health and vitality is shared by all approaches.

Shaolin 18 Techniques for Health and Vitality can be practiced at the following levels:

1. Gentle physical exercise
2. Chi kung at form level
3. Chi kung at energy level
4. Chi kung at mind level
5. Martial art

For beginners this course offers a good alternative and supplement to our Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung course. The patterns are practiced for good health, vitality, poise, flexibility, agility and stability as well as relief of pain, restful sleep and dealing with stressful situations, increasing spiritual joy and much more.

Indeed, the benefits of learning and practicing this Set are even more comprehensive than those learned in our Introduction to Chi Kung course. Those more advanced in the basics of our schools of Chi Kung and Kung Fu may benefit greatly from this set by applying their higher skill level, and performing it on energy, mind or martial art levels.