Shaolin Master's Fundraiser Ends in a Few Hours

This was posted a few months ago, but it seems that a reminder is in order, just in case there is anyone out there who intended to donate, but has not done so just yet.  The fundraiser for the Shaolin Master, Shi Xing Long, is coming to an end very soon.  There are only about 65 hours left.  So far $3000 has been raised,which is wonderful, but Master Shi Xing Long needs about $15,000 to restart his school.  The possibility of raising all of the money needed within the next 65 hours is slim, but every little bit helps and even a $10 donation will go a long way.  Master Shi Xing Long will continue working and saving money to restart his school and anything we can donate will allow him to open his school that much sooner.  Please consider spreading some Christmas cheer to the other side of the world this holiday season.  Let's show Master Shi Xing Long what Christmas is all about.  Thank you for your donations.

To Donate and to find out more details:  http://www.indiegogo.com/p/250366

Below are some pictures of Master Shi Xing Long:

 Thank you for your help.

To see the previous post about this fundraiser: http://ancientwisdom-aplitt.blogspot.com/2012/10/fundraiser-for-shaolin-masters-school.html

Update #2 for Amador County's 2013 World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day Celebration

Another exciting new update for Amador County's 2013 WTCQD celebration!  Massage Therapist Andrea Newman will be offering free 5 minute chair massages to anyone who attends this event.  Andrea Newman owns Waves of Healing Hands Massage in Pine Grove and offers massages at the KSW Karate Dojo in Pine Grove.  She is a very talented massage therapist and has been kind enough to offer her services to anyone who comes to enjoy World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day with us.  You can find her facebook page for Waves of Healing Hands Massage at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/WavesofHealingHandsMassage?ref=ts&fref=ts

January 2013 Qi Gong Workshops in Amador County

In January of 2013 two, weekend Qi Gong workshops will be available in Amador County.  The focus of these workshops is to teach as many people as possible simple Qi Gong routines for health that have been used in China for centuries to maintain healthy, strong, flexible bodies. 

The first workshop will be held on Sat. Jan. 5, and will be focused on "Deer Qigong."  This form of Qi Gong is part of the "Wu Qin Xi" or "Five Animal Playing" Qi Gong set.  The Chinese developed the Deer Qigong routine to mainly focus on balancing and strengthening the kidneys, but many of the exercises are also good for balance; coordination; and back, core, and hip flexibility.

The second workshop will be held on Sat. Jan. 12, and will be covering the "Ba Duan Jin" or "8 Pieces of Brocade" Qigong set.  This set is very popular all over the world for its simplicity and the safe nature of all the exercises.  This Qi Gong set can really be viewed as a whole body tune-up, with exercises that help improve range of motion, strength the body, improve balance, improve circulation and balance the body's energy flow. 

More information about these workshops and their location, time and price of attendance can be found on the new "Workshops and Seminars" page.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Update on the 2013 World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day.

Great news!  We just added another workshop to Amador County's World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day celebration.  From 11:00 to 11:30am Sensei Rodney Peoples will be giving an introduction to breathing exercises that are used to cleanse, balance and recharge the body's energy systems.  These breathing exercises come from Sensei Peoples' martial arts training, which is predominately in Japanese styles, and offer a different perspective on these types of exercises than that which is generally seen in Chinese Qi Gong.  This is sure to be an exciting and informative workshop for all who attend.

If you would like to know more about Amador County's World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day 2013 celebration, please visit our World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day page.

This is Sensei Peoples practicing Karate at his school in Pine Grove.

Amador County's World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day Celebration in 2013

We are now in the planning stages of preparing for the 2013 celebration of World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day in Amador County.  This event will be taking place on Saturday, April 27, 2013 and even thought it is several months away we are already very excited about it.

For more information about this event please visit our "World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day in Amador County 2013" page.

If you are a Tai Chi or Qi Gong instructor and would like to lead a workshop, seminar or demonstration please contact me as soon as possible so I can add you to the event schedule. 

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy this celebration with us.

EUSAIMAA Black Belt Hall of Fame Induction

On November 10, 2012 at a reception held in Pittsburgh, PA, Andrew Plitt was inducted into the Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association's Black Belt Hall of Fame along with five other members of the KSW Karate Dojo.  During their time in Pittsburgh they had the privilege of attending several seminars taught by masters from around the world including seminars in Wing Chun, Kendo, Hapkido, White Crane, and many more.  Below is a picture of all six inductees with their awards at the award ceremony. 

(left to right) 

Clarance and Andrea Newman both received special recognition for their dedication to the martial arts, Andrew Plitt, Sensei Rodney Peoples, Sensei Will Laskbrook and Sensei Rhonda Lashbrook all received inductions into the EUSAIMAA's Black Belt Hall of Fame.

The KSW Karate Dojo (located in Pine Grove, CA), where Andrew Plitt teaches evening Tai Chi Chuan classes, is a family oriented martial arts school that offers Karate classes for adults and children.  The instructors at the KSW Dojo put a great deal of emphasis on the importance of personal development and offer classes that are not only focused on martial arts training, but also provide  excellent training for physical fitness and coordination that can help improve performance in on other sports activities.

If you would like to learn more about the classes offered at the KSW Karate Dojo, please Click Here.  

An interview with Master Chen Xiao Wang

The video below is a clip from a CCTV (a Chinese television station) show called "Journey of Civilization", in which Chen Xiao Wang (A direct descendent of the creator of Chen style Taijiquan who has never been defeated at push hands) discusses many of the principles upon which Tai Chi is founded.  He discusses some of the martial concepts of Tai Chi briefly and offers historical information, as well as tips on how to better practice Tai Chi.

Because it is a Chinese television show everyone is speaking Chinese, but if you can read fast there are English subtitles that allow you to follow along with the discussion.  The whole clip is a little over 40 minutes long, but if you are interested in learning more about Tai Chi from one of the greatest masters in China, it's well worth your time.

Enjoy!

2 Students Earned Their White Sash in Tai Chi Today

Today at 5:00pm two students began the test for their White Sash rank.  One student has been training with me for about 10 months and the other has been training with me for nearly two years.  Both have put an incredible amount of time and effort into their training and it was very obvious during the test. 

During the test they were required to show proficiency in the following:

• Yang Tai Chi 24 form
• 5 directional stepping
• Zhan Zhuang Qi Gong
• Tai Chi Qi Gong set
• and more...

At about 6:30pm the test was complete and both students had passed.  Below are some pictures of them receiving their sashes.

Laura receiving her White Sash after the Test.

Laura receiving her certificate.

Rhonda receiving her White Sash.

Rhonda receiving her certificate.

Learning to tie their new sashes with a little help from someone who has done it before.

Laura showing the new certificate with me.

 Rhonda showing her new certificate with me.

Congratulations, ladies!  You did an excellent job earning this rank.  Keep up the good work!

Fundraiser for a Shaolin Master's School

While I was training in China there was a Shaolin master at the school who was unbelievably skillful and powerful. His passion for his training and his heart for his students were inspirational. He had the admiration and respect of every student, whether they were training under him or not. His dream is to start his own school and while I was in China he did, with the blessing of his headmaster. Recently, however, his business partner has left him in a lurch and he is about to lose his school. This school is the life dream he has poured his heart and soul into since he was a child training at the Shaolin Temple and it seems a great injustice that he should lose it because of another man's greed. Below is a link to a fundraising drive put together by his students who don't want to see their master lose his dream. Whether you are an avid martial artist or simply believe in people realizing their dreams any contribution you can make is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 To find out more about this master and his school, or to donate, click here.

 A Picture of Shifu Shi Xing Long and four of his students in China.

2 Students Earned Their Yellow Sash Ranks in Tai Chi

It has been over 6 months since they tested for their white sashes.  Six months filled with hard work, sweat, perseverance, and dedication to  practicing the same things over and over..... and it has paid off.  The two students who earned their Yellow Sashes today have truly earned this new rank and I'm very proud to have helped them reach this point in their training.

The skills that are required to earn a yellow sash include:

• Knowing and being able to perform the first part of the traditional Yang Style Long Form
• Learning 10 basic Tai Chi stepping sets that enforce many basic moving patterns of Tai Chi
• Rocking Qi Gong Sets that begin to prepare a student many aspects of pushing hands and sticking hands practice
• New stance practice routines that help strengthen the legs and coordinate body movements
• The 8 Doors, or fundamental moving concepts, of Tai Chi.
• And more...

Both of these students have been training with me since the beginning of 2011 and I'm very pleased with the progress they have made and the hard working attitude they have diplayed in their training so for.  It has taken them more than a year and a half to reach their second rank in our sash system.  This is not because they have not worked hard, on the contrary, it is because of their hard work that they have been able to reach this rank so quickly.  It is so important to make sure each skill is truly learned and not just briefly touched on and it can take a long time to get these things down.

Below are some pictures of the sash promotion ceremony.

In this picture my dad is giving me his old white sash and receiving his brand new Yellow Sash.

 Here my dad is receiving his rank certificate.

 

Here Kathy is receiving her new Yellow Sash.

Kathy looking over her new Yellow Sash rank certificate.

Dad and me showing off his new yellow sash and rank certificate.

 Kathy and me showing her new yellow sash and rank certificate.

Congratulations to you both!

Amdor County's Online Health Food Store Brings Smoothies to the Farmers Market

On August 19, 2012 Amador County's Online Health Food Store  (andrew.awarenesslife.com) was once again brought to the Farmers Market in Jackson, CA to make ice cold smoothies using the nutritional Pure Trim Wellness Shakes to help people stay cool and nourished during this warm summer weather.  We were also selling Iced Herbal Lattes using the Mediterranean herbal blend Harmony to keep everyone refreshed and balanced.

We were honored to be a part of the Amador County Farmers Market to bring some cold, healthful treats to all the wonderful people that attended.  Below are some of the pictures that we took while we were out there.  Enjoy and please let us know if you have any questions about the Pure Trim Wellness Shakes or the Harmony herbal blend.

This is what our booth looked like right after we set up.

Here Sam (a Tai Chi student) and Pete (A Tai Chi Chuan Student and Andrew's dad) are taking a break between customers and enjoying the warm summer weather.

A glimpse of the table.

One of the signs Sam made for our event.

Another awesome sign from Sam.  :)

Here Andrew is manning the table for the next customers who want some cool, refreshing nutrition.

Tai Chi Class Schedule Change for New York Fitness

The Tai Chi classes at New York Fitness in Jackson, CA are going to change to different days and different times starting in August.  The Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays now, from 7:00am to 8:00am.

The following is what the schedule transition will look like:
Wed. July 25th class scheduled as usual 7:30 to 8:30 am
Mon. July 30th Class Scheduled as usual 7:30 to 8:30 am
Wed. August 1st No Class
Thurs. August 2nd new class schedule 7:00 to 8:00 am

From the August second class on, classes will follow the new schedule of Tue. and Thurs. mornings from 7:00 am to 8:00 am.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Two Summer Classes Have Come to an End

Two of the Classes on our Summer Class Schedule have come to an end.  The First is the Lunch Break Qi Gong Classes that were held at the Motherlode Holistic Connection in Jackson, CA and the second is the Aqua-Aerobics Weight Loss Boot Camp.  The registration time for the July Aqua-Aerobics Weight Loss Boot Camp passed last week and because the Sutter Creek Pool will not be open through the end of August there will not be any Aqua-Aerobics Weight Loss Boot Camp in the month of August.  However, the regular Weight Loss Boot Camp at the KSW Karate Dojo in Pine Grove will continue to the end of August and you may register for the August Boot Camp any time this month.

Amador County's Online Health Food Store and the Farmers Market

Today we brought Amador County's Online Health Food Store to the Jackson farmers market and made cold, refreshing smoothies and iced, herbal lattes to help keep everyone cool during this intense summer heat.  We had a great time and we really appreciate everyone that supported us by buying one of our smoothies or lattes today.  :)

The Lattes were made using Harmony from Amador County's Online Health Food Store mixed with almond milk and ice as a healthier option for you latte lovers out there.

Our smoothies were based on the Pure Trim Mediterranean Wellness Shakes which are an awesomely nutritious meal replacement option for people on the go or for those who are looking for a healthy way to lose weight.  We mixed these wellness shakes with some almond milk, fruit and ice to make a nice variety of drinks for everyone to enjoy.  We were definitely out to prove that being healthy doesn't have to be boring or bland.  :)

We're going to try to frequent the farmers markets in the future so keep an eye out for us and we hope to see you there!  :)

Here's a picture of our booth.

 Here's our Fresh 'N' Wild Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie in a sample cup.  Soooo tasty!  :)

And there's Andrew showing off one of our smoothie samples and the Pure Trim Shakes we used to make it.

A Video for the Morning Tai Chi Class

Here is a video for the Morning Tai Chi and Qi Gong lessons I teach at New York Fitness on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30am to 8:30am.  Enjoy.  :)

Pine Grove Training Room Face Lift

Because of the Summer Weight Loss Boot Camp sessions and Tai Chi classes we decided to give the training room up at the Pine Grove Dojo a bit of a face lift.  Here are some of the pictures we took during the face lift.  It's still not completely done, but we thought you all might enjoy seeing the progress made so far.  If you're interested in joining us for any Tai Chi, or Weight Loss Boot Camp Classes in our newly refreshed room check out our Class Schedules and Locations.

This first picture will give you a feel for what the room looked like before.  Grey floor and white walls.  In this picture Andrew Plitt is reinforcing a post that will be used for fist conditioning.

This is one of the wall scrolls that will be used to decorate the room.

A Yin Yang symbol with the Ba Gua that we painted on one of the walls.

Our product display for Amador County's Online Health Food Store.

Here is the new entry-way into the training room with benches made from recycled building material and a shoe rack.

When you walk into the room and look to your right this is what the room looks like after its "face-lift."

This is the view from the other side of the room. 

There is still more to be done, but we're very happy with how it's turning out so far.  :)

Lunch Time Qi Gong Classes

For the Months of June, July and August I will be offering a lunch time Qi Gong class at the Motherlode Holistic Center in Jackson.  This class is designed to give people a break from their work day and better equip them to cope with the stresses they may experience at work.  Each class is only 30 minutes long to allow time to get to the class from work, recharge your mind and body in class, grab a bite to eat for lunch, then return to work with a calmer mind and better focus with which to face the second half of your work day.

These classes will be on Mondays and Fridays, from 12:10 to 12:40.
The classes are either $7 per class or $25 for the month.

Click here to Register for the Lunch Time Qi Gong Class

Happy World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day!

A big THANK YOU to those who came out to celebrate World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day!  For those of you who couldn't make it I want to wish you all a Happy World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day and I hope you can join us in the celebration next year!  :)

A big THANK YOU to Brandy Astwood for allowing us to use the Motherlode Holistic Center for our celebration this morning!

Below are some pictures of us practicing the Yang Style Tai Chi 24 Form in the side parking lot.  The weather was just too beautiful today to stay inside.  :)

 This is the beginning of the form.

 This movement in called "Parting the Wild Horse's Mane"

 More Tai Chi...

 ...And even more Tai Chi...  :)

These are some of the awesome ladies who celebrated World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day with me today. 

If you were at the event today and would like to order a T-Shirt for it just let me know.  They'll cost about $20 each.  :)

World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day is THIS Saturday! :)

Just a friendly reminder that we are celebrating World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day at the Motherlode Holistic Connection this Saturday at 10:00am.  Everyone is welcome to come join us for a morning Qi Gong session and find out what makes Tai Chi and Qi Gong such popular forms of exercise around the world!  I hope to see you there!  :)

Click here to view more info about this event.

Amador County's Weight Loss Boot Camp...

It's coming... Are you ready for it?  This summer from the 1st of June to the 31st of August Amador County's Weight Loss Boot Camp will be here to get you in the best shape of your life and transform you into the healthiest you.  If you're ready to do what it takes to shed those unhealthy and unwanted inches.....it's time to "Give them the Boot"! 

Read all about it Here. 

World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day in Amador County

On April 28, 2012 at 10am Tai Chi and Qi Gong enthusiasts around the world will gather to celebrate these ancient Chinese arts by having public practice sessions that anyone can attend and enjoy.  This is our way of spreading our love for these arts in hopes they they will change lives by introducing people to these ancient practices for a healthy mind and body.  For this event I'm planning to host a free Tai Chi and Qi Gong Session (at a currently undecided location) in Amador County and I want to invite as many people as possible for this experience.  This is an experience that I would love to share with all of our Amador County community and with anyone from any other county who would like to join us.  I will be posting further information about this event (such as the location) in the near future.  If you know anyone who would be interested in an event like this please let them know about it to begin to raise awareness.  :)

Also, on a rather fun side note, I want everyone who attends this event to have something they can take with them to remember their first World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day in Amador County.  So I've put together a T-shirt for anyone who attends.  Anyone who is there will be more than welcome to order one if they want.  Below are some pictures of a possible design and I would love to hear any suggestions any of you might have.  :)

This is the Front View

This is the Back View

Lacey Schwimmer Mentions the Pure Trim Shakes in SELF Interview

Here's an awesome bit of news I just found out about, Lacey Schwimmer from Dancing With the Stars talked about the Pure Trim Shakes when she was interviewed by SELF magazine.  During the interview she was asked,

 "How do you eat healthy with your busy schedule?"

Check out her response,

"When I'm short on time, I'll swap out a meal for a health shake.  I can drink it on the go and they're packed with nutrients.  The one I like best is the Pure Trim shake by Awarenesslife.  Chocolate is the best!"

The Pure Trim shakes she is talking about are the very same ones carried by Amador County's Online Health Food Store (Andrew.Awarenesslife.com).  There are several celebrities who use these shakes and like them so much that they have said so publicly without being paid to do so. 

You can order the Pure Trim Shakes to try them for yourself at:   www.Andrew.AwarenessLife.com.

You can see a list of other celebrities who are fans of the Pure Trim Shakes by clicking here.

And you can read the entire article in which Lacey Schwimmer is interviewed by SELF by clicking here.

They Did It!!! :D

Today was the day that three of my students tested for their White Sash Rank.  The test lasted for 2 hours and they worked like crazy demonstrating the skills they have learned over the past year.  I am very pleased to announce that after 2 hours of demonstrating (and explaining everything they were demonstrating in detail) they passed their first test and have each reached the rank of White Sash!  :)  Congratulations to each of them for this achievement!

Below are some pictures of them receiving their sashes and certificates:

 Paula receiving her Sash and her "Sash Speech"

 Just after Kathy received her sash.  :)

 Just after my dad received his sash.

 Here is where everyone is learning to tie their brand new shiny sashes. :)

 Offering a helping hand.  :)

 There's everyone with their new sashes!  :)

 Paula receiving her Rank Certificate.

 Kathy receiving her Rank Certificate.

My Dad (Pete) receiving his Rank Certificate.

It doesn't get much cooler than that.  :)

I want to extend my thanks to these students for all the hard work they've put into their training to reach this point.  They've really been wonderful and I'm completely thrilled that they have made this step in their training.  Good Job Gals and Guy!!!