Newsletter - 1st January 2015
News From Fire Dragon Australia
NEWS FROM 2014
As usual, the National Multicultural Festival on 8 -9 February opened Fire Dragon Australia's public appearances, and was a good opportunity for students and instructors to start serious practice for the year. The demonstration on Saturday 8th started with a fire break by Sifu Stephen Wells, and 11 students and other Instructors worked with Grand Master Hardy to bring Pai Lum to an appreciative audience. A good selection of forms and defences were shown, finishing with more breaking by Grand Master Hardy.
Sifu Stephen Wells performs an opening break - two concrete blocks without spacers
Showing a strong punch!
2 down; 1 on the way, and 1 left - Alison defending against large males, in Tiger Form 1.
Escaping an attack - over your opponent!
Graeme - no longer a spring chicken! - showing age is no boundary!
The Fire Dragon team
The Sunday demonstration was a more elaborate affair - Fire Dragon was warmly welcomed by the Chinese community, and awarded the prized spot of last performer. Grand Master Hardy commenced with Chi Gung exercises with his students, and the audience, and then everyone got busy! 15 students and Instructors were on stage with their Teacher; Sifu Elinor Jean drumming and also in the thick of action. Beginners joined Seniors; Sifu Wells led the breakdown of Dragon Dance for the first time. 2 man forms, self defences, and a weapons skit (with live weapons) entertained the audience, and Grand Master Hardy cut a melon off Wasu O'Connor's stomach with a very sharp katana, finishing with a serious concrete break, and hundreds of kilos of concrete broken on his chest while on a bed of nails. A good work out for all!
Fire Dragon leading the audience with some Chi Gung
Fire Dragon putting their basic techniques out
Ray demonstrating how to resist force
A senior two man form - throwing a larger opponent.
The power of mantis - breaking an elbow
White Dragon Kick
Fighting Fans - Sifu Elinor Jean
Cutting a melon - with a very sharp sword
Fire Bans stopped the fire - but not the break!
A comfortable bed is better with a weight off the chest!
Fire Dragon students and teachers enjoyed lunches and dinners together, just to enjoy Family company - in March, June, and on 11 October. Just good to eat and talk together.
Grand Master Hardy with Sam Wong AM, and Chin WOng
Father and son
On 30 November, Fire Dragon helped out at the Wanniassa School Fair with a demonstration. Warm day, and scant grass, but everyone did well. A good lesson, however, in fixing directions to ensure forms start and finish facing the same way!
Sifu Elinor Jean - our Drummer
Can we punch?
Govinder showing how it's done!
Wasu Kilimnik tying up his opponent in Leopard
Sifu Jean with her fighting fans
The Fire Dragon group after the dust has settled - but on a hard grass substrate!
Fire Dragon's annual Christmas Dinner was held on 20 December, at the Dickson Dumpling House. There was a good turn-out, excellent food, and very good cheer! Grand Master Hardy announced the winner of the 2014 Niket Rewal Award for excellence in following the way of the White Dragon, which was given to Jack, the youngest person to have earned it. He shows great promise, as a young person, as a Martial Arts student.
Happy families
The 2014 recipient of the Niket Rewal Award - young Jack
Grant and Peter - from the old Queanbeyan Club, and training well
Even the Mantis needs some food!
And then, on the other hand, we have ...........
Bear, with a satisfied smile on his face!