2005 has brought another great year for Wushu – Chinese Martial Arts. The year's events started with the World Taichi Qi Gong Day on the 30th April. This year saw the largest participation since we started holding the event four years ago. As each country begins at 10:00am local time, New Zealand plays an important role as the first in the world to begin. Thank you to all the groups who attended, not only at the Auckland venues, but also in other centres around the country. I look forward to seeing even more groups participating in next year's event.

Australasian Wushu Taolu Judging Course – Melbourne, May 19th – 22nd 2005

From the 19th – 22nd May 2005 the Australian Kung Fu Wushu Federation hosted the first Australasian Judging Course in Melbourne, which on this occasion was specifically to study, analyse and interpret the new IWUF rules and regulations for Taolu (routines) Wushu competitions.

The NZKWF (New Zealand Kung Fu Wushu Federation) was invited, and thanks to the sponsorship of the Asia:NZ Foundation (formerly Asia 2000 Foundation), Lucy Hannah and myself, Orlando Garcia, attended the course representing the NZKWF. Accompanying us in attendance at the course was James Montgomery from the Wushu Culture Association, a constituent member of the NZKWF. The course was held at the Carlton Crest Hotel and attended by 43 people. The lectures were conducted by Wushu teachers from China, Professor Xu and Professor Su, as well as the Director of the IWUF Technical Committee, Mr. Huang. The lectures were conducted in morning (9am – 12.30pm), afternoon (2.30pm – 5.30pm) and evening (7pm – 9pm) sessions. At the conclusion of the course there was a practical examination.

Through these new rules and regulations, Wushu has taken another important step towards a much stronger future in the international arena.

The importance of New Zealand adopting these new rules and regulations in all Wushu Taolu competitions is vital in order to keep our Wushu competitors at international standard.

If anyone is interested in attending training courses to become a Taolu judge please contact the NZKWF, through www.wushu.org.nz

Auckland Wushu Festival – May 28th 2005

This year heralded the 3rd time the Wushu Festival has been held and once again there was a step up in participation and quality. Ten distinct clubs from Auckland took part in the event, showcasing some of the variety that is Wushu – including different styles of Taiji Quan, the "other sisters" of Xing yi Quan and Bagua Zhang as well as both Northern and Southern Shaolin systems, short and long weapons and Wing Chun. Unfortunately, there were not as many spectators as last year, but this was made up for by the enthusiasm and size of the different groups participating. Thank you very much to those members of the Chinese Martial Arts Community of Auckland who came out to support the event. We are continuing to encourage participation from clubs in other cities in New Zealand as well as our friends across the ditch and will continue to improve and provide more opportunities to showcase our wonderful art.

Thanks to:

• NZ Shaolin Kung Fu led by Mr Matt Molijn – Mr Tori Marsh
• Yang Tsin Su Taichi-Holistic Health led by Dr Lee
• NZ Chinese Martial Arts Centre led by Mr James Chen
• Wang Li Nan Taichi Group led by Madame Wang
• Lo Man Kam Wing Chun led by Mr Bruce Cheng
• Wu Jiao Kung fu Academy led by Mr Chris Eagle
• NZ Chinese Martial Arts Society led by Mr Mickey Lee
• Waitakere Taichi Group led by Mr Ke Cheng Liao
• Chen Style Taichi Academy led by Mr Li Lu Lai
• Wushu Culture Association led by Mr Orlando Garcia

Sanshou Judging Workshop and Accreditation

To clarify any interpretations of the Rules & Regulations, the Wushu Culture Association, in conjunction with the New Zealand Kung Fu Wushu Federation, is running a judges, coaches and competitors workshop on Saturday July 9th at the Howick Recreation Centre, 563 Pakuranga Road, Howick, Auckland from 1:00pm-3:00pm. The cost is $5.00 per person.

Potential judges must complete both the skills practice and theory parts of the workshop. At the end of the workshop there is an accreditation exam that involves a written test and the demonstration of a form from any style of Chinese Martial Arts (other Martial Arts styles not eligible). The cost of the accreditation is $20.00.

Please register online by email to [email protected] or by phoning 021-560200.

Auckland Sanshou Tournament – July 30th 2005

Our busy year continues with the Auckland Sanshou Tournament on July 30th at Avondale College. This is the second year that we have held this dedicated Sanshou event to promote Sanshou at all levels for boys and girls, men and women. There are divisions for children, juniors, adults and a 36-45 year old division.

Registrations are now open. We will follow the IWUF Rules and Regulations and this Tournament is open to anyone interested in competing under these rules.

Detailed information about this Tournament, registration forms and the IWUF Rules and Regulations are available on www.1wushu.co.nz or for any inquiries phone 021-560200.

Pushing Hands Seminars – August 4th – 14th 2005

In order to establish, develop and promote Taichi Pushing Hands competitions in New Zealand the Wushu Culture Association has invited a top Pushing Hands exponent from China, Mr. Huang Kang Hui to run seminars in Auckland and Wellington. The seminars will include Basic Pushing Hands techniques, including one hand skills, two hand skills, restricted step techniques and free sparring techniques, as well as standing solo skills training for Pushing Hands and an explanation of the rules and regulations for Pushing Hands competition.

For further details on these seminars please contact Orlando Garcia (Auckland) on 021-560200 or Terry Young (Wellington) on 027-2489577.

Sanshou and Taolu Judging Seminars – 6th & 7th August 2005

The NZKWF is running seminars in Wellington to accredit judges for Regional and National Tournaments. For anyone interested becoming an accredited judge for Chinese Martial Arts in New Zealand, please contact Mr. Glen Keith, National President of the NZKWF, through www.wushu.org.nz

New Zealand Kung Fu Wushu Federation National Tournament – September 10th 2005

This year's National Tournament is being held in Wellington and includes Taolu, Sanshou and Pushing Hands. For more detailed information please visit www.wushu.org.nz

Oceania Championships – September 2005

This event is being held in Sydney, Australia and hosted by the Australian Kung Fu Wushu Federation. All the details can be found on www.akwf.com

Auckland InterClub Wushu Competition – November 27th 2005

The second Auckland InterClub Wushu Competition is being held at Howick College Gymnasium. This event is open to all clubs within the Auckland region. All age groups are welcome to compete in Kung Fu Wushu Taolu (forms), including both empty hands and weapons. There will be no Sanshou in this Tournament. For further information please contact the Wushu Culture Association at www.1wushu.co.nz

8th World Wushu Championships – 8th – 15th December 2005

This event is being held in Hanoi, Vietnam. For detailed information on this event please visit the official website of the International Wushu Federation www.iwuf.org

I am very thankful to Fight Times for giving us the opportunity to keep up to date with Chinese Martial Arts events and activities in New Zealand. This new online magazine is a great way for all styles of Martial Arts to see what is going on.