Shaolin Chan Wu Yi - My friend, Laura, from Japan joined me in China for the next round of martial adventures. We spent the first week training at the Wugulun School. I learned the first part of an internal Shaolin Ghun form (long staff) and Laura learned how to stand still for long periods of time, and some Wudang sword moves (there was a guest teacher from Wudang at the school).

After the training period we took some time to walk around the Song mountains for a few days. As you could have guessed, the Song mountains are stunningly beautiful and one of China’s 5 sacred mountains. We found strange mountain hermits, a cave and many classic temples. One very exciting place high up in the mountain is the Chan Wu Yi centre which is being built by Master Shi Dejian, training brother of my teacher, Wu Nanfang. The centre is similar in purpose to the original shaolin temple. It is not built for tourism, but for the pursuit of Chan (Zen), Wu (martial arts) and Yi (shaolin medicine). I hope to return there some day with some students, perhaps.

Wudang - Next up we took a train down to the Wudang mountain and spent a week exploring this dragon-back natural wonderland. Wudang is a Taoist mountain and the birth place of taiji quan. I cannot describe the beauty of this place. All I can say is go and see if that is your cup of tea! We did not train at any of the Wudang schools but the martial atmosphere of the area was very strong. We met a mountain hermit called the Bee Taoist and I got stung by three of his bees. We met an Australian reiki expert, Scott, who explained to us why the world will end in 2012. The theory was complicated and involves two stellar systems colliding (or something). It is predicted by the Mayan calendar, and they were correct the last time round….

One highlight in Wudang was sleeping in the ruins of the Temple of the Eight Immortals and weeding the garden the next day. Wudang is special.

Swimming Dragon Sword – After the Wudang adventure we took the train to Changsha where we were received graciously by my friends Daisy Wu and Mr Zhu. We spent the days in Changsha park in a sword lesson crash course. I learned the Swimming Dragon “Riding the Wind” sword form. My teacher was Master Zhu Ming, training brother of Li Yong Liang, my Melbourne swimming dragon master.

A week is not enough to learn even the exterior shell of this graceful form, but we tried. Unfortunately we did not meet Master Yu Anren this time round. My sincere thanks to my friends and teachers in Changsha!!!

Beijing – the final destination in China was Beijing, training in the park with Master Han Yanwu, my teacher of bagua, xing yi, and praying mantis gongfu. Master han was in top form and he took very special care of me. In his teaching he was stressing an energy which is new to me and very difficult to manifest- fali- explosive power. This skill involves generating power from the dantien (body centre) and bringing it to the extremities in very explosive bursts. There is a very difficult spiral motion created inside the body. That is all I will say about it. In short I realise that my skill level is very basic compared to Master Han’s. Master Han took good care of me and we had many great meals and beers in restaurants around the park area. Master Han is a great teacher!

Hans Menck yoga on a Hong Kong beach:

Hong Kong – Before setting off to France I had one last stop over in Hong Kong and stayed over at the home of my friend, Philippe Couture. Philippe had been a great support throughout my China missions. He helped me out of trouble when my wallet got stolen in Japan and I got stuck in China without money… Philippe also spent two days with me on Lantau Island to film footage for Freedom Style Martial Yoga and Stick Fighting DVD’s. He is a professional film maker and his camera work is very good! I will finish editing on the DVD’s and present them in the Merchandise section when I find the time. Thank you, Philippe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!