Southern Shaolin And QiGong Club is a health and martial arts club located in Balwyn North, Melbourne, Australia. The club focuses on teaching Wu Chu Chuan, a style of kung fu that originated in the southern Shaolin temple in Fujian, China. Led by Master James Chee, the club is associated with the International Shaolin Wu Chu Chuan based in Sydney.
The club welcomes individuals of all ages and organises classes twice a week in Balwyn North from 8 – 10pm. These classes aim to practise and promote the techniques and principles of Wu Chu Chuan and Qi Gong.
One of the key features of Wu Chu Chuan is its reliance on the Sam Chian stance, also known as the “three battles” stance. Derived from the Fujian White Crane, this stance symbolises the three stages that practitioners must master: combat preparation, combat tactics, and combat strategy. It encompasses physical, conceptual, and spiritual aspects and is crucial to achieving a high level of proficiency.
The club also focuses on developing mobility, balance, and reflexes through the 20 Punches set. This set emphasises maintaining correct footwork, hip, and arm movements while being pushed by an opponent. It also teaches the importance of maintaining a centerline position and acting only when within the combat range. Students learn to resist and attack from various directions simultaneously.
Qi Gong, a Chinese practise of cultivating and utilising Qi (life energy), is an integral part of the club's activities. The club offers two levels of Qi Gong training, covering both hard intention (Gan Yi) and soft intention (Rou Yi). Members of the club also have the opportunity to participate in Qi Gong seminars conducted by Master James Chee, with a focus on practical Qi Gong techniques.
In addition to regular training, members of the Southern Shaolin And QiGong Club actively participate in official Shaolin Wu Chu Chuan competitions held every two years in China and other Southeast Asian countries. These competitions provide a platform for members to showcase their skills and represent the club on an international level.
The club also emphasises chi development, energising the entire body through three elements: inaction (mind), action (movement), and Lohan breathing. These practises aim to build inner strength, enhance healing, and improve overall mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises are taught to increase cleansing within the body and boost the immune system.
For anyone interested in joining the club, classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:00 to 10:00pm at 115 Maud Street, Balwyn North, VIC 3104. The club can be contacted through Philip Tan, who can be reached via mobile at 043 358 6920 or email at goldtan@gmail. Com. Additionally, the club can be reached at ssqc115@gmail.
com.