Our most recent seminar with Grand Master Lee took place at our Nottingham school on Thursday 28th May 2009. It was a pleasure and an honour to host Master Lee once again and special thanks goes out to my teacher Sifu Frearson for bringing Master over to Nottingham. Having been training in Leicester on the Wednesday all day, Thursday all day, with Master Lee at Sifu Frearsons school the schedule was busy, espacially more so for Master Lee & Sifu Frearson as they were heading off for France the following day. On arrival, my students once again welcomed & aquainted themselves with Sifu Lee who they had met on previous occasions. After drinking some Chinese tea it was time to start the three and half hour class. The seminar this time was Yan Qing Dao, (Green Swallow Broad Sword) It was interesting to hear Sifu Lee explain the meaning behind the name and the history of the form. Importance was paid to correct posture, target areas and application of technique as well as quick foot work when advancing and retreating. Sifu Lee drilled us in the form over and over again until he was sure evryone (Including the less experienced) could remember the form from start to finish. As I say every time, "Where did the evening go "! As always Lee Sifu was open to questions from all, on any aspect of Seven Star Mantis of which students (And some elder members of the Chinese Association)eagerly listened to the masters answers and wealth of knowledge. As in true fashion we finished off with plenty of photos of another exceptionally memorable training session with our Grand Master. Photos to follow. Until next time.
On Thursday 22nd of May 2008, the Nottingham branch of the ITSWA once again hosted our yearly Seminar with Sigung Grandmaster Lee Kam Wing and Master Sifu Derek Frearson as part of Sigung Lee's, Seven Star Praying Mantis ITSWA european tour. Sigung Lee taught the Moi Fa Chi Ng Dao (Plum Flower Meridian Broad Sword) and its applications, lion dance drumming, aswell as giving an awesome drumming display which was greatly received both by students attending, and also members of the Nottingham Chinese Community Association. On sigungs arrival, tea was served, students had the chance to buy Sigung Lee's books, aswell as Sifu Frearsons new book on Seven Star Praying Mantis. This gave the new students a chance to meet Sifu Frearson, Sigung & also get used to the Darn Dao (Single Broad Sword) for the few which were not already accustomed to the Weapon. The Seminar started at around 7.15pm and before we new it we had come to and end (all to quickly) and it was 9.30pm. Time for photos, banner presentations from Sifu Frearson and Sifu Mark Stapleton (Ireland) (Many thanks) followed by a fantastic banquit of Chinese food. more tea and socialising before Sigung Lee, Sifu Frearson & Sifu Stapleton left back for Leicester before heading off to France the following day.
Special thanks to Sifu Frearson for arranging Sigungs visit. Looking forward to the next one already
To Iris & Boston Yu of the Nott'm Chinese Community association for helping arrange the food, fruit, tea etc
Also to all who attended making it once again a resounding success.
Sifu Riley
Below Seated From Left
Iris Yu, Grand Master Lee, Master Frearson, Sifu Riley, & Sifu Stapleton
Banner presention from Master Frearson to Sifu Riley & Iris Yu
Grandmaster Lee & Sifu Riley Banner presentation from Sifu Stapleton
Seminar being overseen by Grandmaster Lee & Master Frearson
Below. Sifu Riley with Darn Dao (Single Broad Sword)
Grand Master Lee's awesome drumming demonstation
Thu October 16th Sifu Malc Franklin one of Master Lee's closed door disciples visited us at the Chinese centre while on his stay in England. Accompnying him was Master Derek Frearson. Sifu Malc taught tactical mantis self defence of which everyone enjoyed. This was followed by a meal at Ocean City restaurant Nottingham. Pictures below
Left to right facing - Sifu Riley, Master Frearson, Sifu Franklin
Below - Meal at Ocean city (Notts) UK
Left to right - Master Frearson, Sifu Franklin, Sifu Riley & Nottingham students share a meal
Below front row from left facing - Sifu Riley, Grand Master Lee, Master Frearson, Sifu Stapleton with students on the Horse Chopping Knife seminar July 08
