|
July 2009 August 2009 • The Return of the 'Lucky 6' • The necessary PG-fee raising September 2009 • The new WT group Alphen a/d Rijn • The new clothes are now available December 2009 • The 'Master Intensive' also in 2010 & Xmas January 2010 February 2010
Maart 2010 • New schedule & passports in arrival • WT in Dinxperlo & Enschede and Almelo |
|
| Dear To-Dai, client and/or visitor, | |
|
Yes, it is now so far, we can show to you where we were so intensely busy with. We are very happy with our manifestations of the new NWTO Kwoon in RL (Real Life) and the new NWTO site in VR (Virtual Reality). It was surely not an easy thing to coordinate both core projects parallel with each other that the realization of both could flow together but we succeeded however brilliantly; thanks to the Tao! The NWTO academiy in Amsterdam will from now on work together with a special educated team in the Kwoon; made out of Lady-Sifu and me, two full time instructors (the TG-aspirants Amir Ebadi and Mehdi Ebadi) and two part time instructors (Ramon Groevenstein, 3rd TG WT en Bilal Davran 1st TG WT). All four are private students from us and have already gathered teaching experiences. Regarding the Kwoon I wish to thank for all the tremendous workmanship of my To-Dai Bilal Davran. Without his intense passion and the great effort of his work team was this form of the new WT academy on this way and so fast never possible. Like myself he was simply never satisfied with any less than the optimal possible result; that is also clearly to see in the Kwoon and directly to sense through the atmosphere. Regarding the site goes my very special thank for the inexhaustible support to my To-Dai Mehdi Ebadi. He can now easily tell how energy demanding it can be to work with such a 'Pietje Precies' as me together... How well he was able to put my nearly non-stop wishes, ideas and adjustments regarding design and content into the pages you can easily spot by yourself. The whole site was thus actually an 'only-2-men-project'... Regarding the Kwoon and the Site deserves also Anaïs G. López a special remark, because she took care that our needed new photo material is also again 'state of the art'. Another name should be mentioned here, the one of our graphic specialist Kenneth Oey, through him the logo's of our SCD modules got their final touch. And that both projects would have been nothing more than just a nice dream without Lady-Sifu´s active (mental and also physical) assistance is actually nearly unnecessary to mention here – but still I like to do it. In the past was our NWTO academy and also the NWTO site mainly known because of the offered content but not because of the outlook. Up to my own feeling we have preserved those 'fine-old qualities' with both, but putting them now also in a special 'nice-modern jacket'. This is what I was searching for so long and this is what we have reached now:: 'Complex Simplicity'... The best wishes and 'tot ziens'! Frank Schäfer Sifu,
NWTO-Amsterdam |
|
| Our first open weekend in the new Kwoon | |
|
Now we have also our first open days in our very new NWTO academy behind us. In spite of Whit(sun) week and the extremely nice weather there were still on this weekend about one hundred visitors coming through out portal. The larger group appeared on Saturday, inclusive visitors from Germany under guidance of Sifu Krause (WT-Heerlen) and even the main represent of the Wing Chun (Wang Kiu) direction Sifu Wachtberger. Herewith again my special thanks to both for the kind visit and the nice gifts. I was also very happy over the fact that we were able to show our web-design together with the official Kwoon-opening. There is still some work left, like some small spelling corrections and some enhancements and add-ons but this does not have to stop us using the site from now on for the NWTO already. The from me given presentation and question-hour was then guided by one or the other small incident, which caused by the question giver regarding 'sparring' luckily to no serious injuries, with the exception of some small 'marks'. ;^) By that opportunity I directly expressed quite detailed my own opinion with hardly to misunderstand words. It was related to the well or not justified usage of serious violence, and the factor fun doesn't belong here in any way! A nice little detail was also to see back one and the other old To-Dai of us, even if I have actually expected still a couple of people who promised to come along on the weekend... And from the NWTO self appeared also significant less people than originally thought by me but the literally tropical sun was then clearly a bit to attractive for many – to be honest: quite understandable, surely in NL... On Sunday there were then also in the end more WT people participating than curious newbies. That was leading to the situation that we directly used that opportunity to give a Chi-Sao intensive session. This was then for the WT participants an extra chance to cross their arms with their Si-Fu (thus me) a bit longer, and what else that was left to cross... Also Lady-Sifu was not willing to miss that en went into some sticky action. It is hard for me to evaluate which of both days I consider as the nicer one. The more busy Saturday had it's charm without a doubt, but the Sunday was super-relaxed, of course not without also some 'unwise appearing' visitors but also this belongs to it. :^D All together it was surely not a bad beginning for the new Kwoon. Shortly, I guess that we have offered quite a lot for the people who were visiting us on our open weekend, qustion-hours, specific explanations, demonstrations, liight and also intensive WT work-out's, old video-recordings (some shown for the very first time in public!), music, easy taking, a fine cold buffet with deft and sweet snacks, sweeties, coffee, diverse fresh drinks and for all a highly motivated academy team, which could stand through this first proof of cooperation brilliantly. It was then maybe not one of our most busy open days but clearly one of the nicest! After the summer holiday period there will also still follow a third open day, for all the ones who could not take those two chances. This event will only be on one (Sun)day, because the two folded open weekend was for our official Kwoon-opening. And this has now happened herewith! Kindly, Sifu Frank Schäfer |
|
| Dear To-Dai, | |
|
Here once again for the clearity a short summary of the new lesson fee adjustments in de Kwoon which took place from 01-06-2009 on. All NWTO members which were signed-in before the first of June this year have the following free choice in the academy:
- Choice for the 'Standard Classes': That means that the lesson fee stays the same, thus still starting from € 30,- per month. - Choice for the 'Sifu Classes': That means that the instructors stay the same, but then starting from € 45,- per month. - Choice for a combination: That means then an extra discount on the Standard/Fit4Fight Classes of € 10,- per month. If you wish to train WT on the cheapest available way is the Standard Class (especially for below SG6) the best choice. But if you wish to train under the group guidance of Lady-Sifu and me the Sifu Class (especially above SG6) is the right option to choose. If a stap-over from the Sifu Klas toward the Standard Class is wished, the old NWTO teaching agreement will stop and you have to make a new contract with the academy; the content of it stays the same, only the instructor details changes then. Start date van de nieuwe academie klassen: BTW: In reality the Sifu Class at the new Kwoon didn't became more expensive at all! Because in stead of 60 minutes for € 30,- we are now 90 minutes for € 45,- available... But if this price also will stay if we will be a PG level higher I don't dare to say by now. If there are still questions left I will be gladly to your service. Heartily, |
|
| Dr. h.c., Doktor, Prof. h.c. and now also Professor! | |
|
Since a while I know that this were very tensed times for my Si-Fu... But what can be still tension giving for a grandmaster who have already accomplished on the field of martial arts literally all what could be reached? Well, yesterday my Si-Fu Keith R. Kernspecht had a very special examination at the 'National Sports Academy in Sofia'. It is the second largest (after the one in Cologne, Germany) or maybe even self THE biggest (?) sports university at least in Europe. He went for the so-called "BIG" doctor's exam, what is the examination which take place after the "regular" doctor and equal is to 'habilitation' in many countries. The thesis he had to defend was: "Strategy and tactics of the martial art Wing Tsun as a means of Self-Defence". He got 17 votes of the 17 represented professors (not only from the Sofia Sports university but from the whole republic of Bulgaria). This academic success will surely open many doors for his martial art direction. I am very happy with this and wish to share this extraordinary news with you. BTW: My Si-Fu promised me for the case that he would succeed that he will visit our new NWTO Kwoon still this year1 I got thus even a double reason for happiness in relationship with this message. :^) The details regarding that special visit will be found on our site also without a doubt. Where else then under Special Events? Because we will also combine the visit then surely with a WT seminar at the new Kwoon in Amsterdam! Right now I guess that it will be a 'WT-members-only' event. But I am not completely sure of it at this moment. But what I am sure of is that it will be a very special WingTsun gathering. Thus if you want to be really sure of your participation, you can better sign-in in time, because full is full – surely with this unique WingTsun event. Translation: Grandmaster Kernspecht is now a "Doctor of Science" The subject of his thesis: "Strategy and Tactics of the Martial Art of WingTsun as a Means of Self-Defence" Sofia, 17.06.2009. On 17th June 2009, WingTsun Grandmaster Keith R. Kernspecht (63) successfully passed the examination for a doctorate in science (Dr. Sc). The examination took place at the National Sports University (NSA) in Sofia, and was conducted by a state examination board consisting of 17 professors from various Bulgarian universities. This public examination covered a number of different academic disciplines such as history, education theory, psychology, anthropology, biomechanics, games theory etc., and took the form of an oral defence ("disputation") of his doctoral thesis (approx. 300 pages plus Appendix) in a plenary session (in which outsiders were also able to ask questions) in the Bulgarian language aided by an accredited interpreter. The professors also asked questions on a wide variety of academic subjects (this is referred to as a "rigorosum" in Germany). As this oral examination was the second defence of the doctoral thesis, this title is also known as a "major doctorate" in Bulgaria. This is comparable to a "habilitation" under the German system, and is a prerequisite for recognition as a "full" professor. This examination in Sofia was preceded by the first oral defence at the Hilendarksi State University in Plodiv, which Grandmaster Kernspecht passed in early 2009. Having already been awarded an honorary doctorate in the martial arts in 1999, followed by an honorary professorship in 2006, Grandmaster Kernspecht has now achieved yet another first: he is the first master in the martial arts to have achieved "habilitation" in his discipline. With very friendly greetings, Frank Schäfer Sifu
EWTO nationaal trainer NL
|
|
| Unique NWTO team summer holiday Italy 2009! | |
| Dear To-Dai, | |
|
Independently from that great option (within The Netherlands) regarding the planned Kwoon visit of my Si-Fu I have also something else in mind with the new NWTO academy core team for still this year (outside The Netherlands). I wish actually to male an absolutely special experience together with Lady-Sifu and our academy instructors Ramon Groevenstein, Bilal Davran, Amir Ebadi and Mehdi Ebadi. To give our nice going team start still another extra 'booster' I have spontaneously decided to try to organize something very unique...
It is about a 6-day 6-persons small group session with minimum 4 hours Chi-Sao per day exclusively under the guidance of my very own Si-Fu, grandmaster Professor Keith R. Kernspecht! Through that the NWTO academy team can intensively and genuine enjoy to scoop from the same source than Si-Mo and me. To be able to really achieve that wanted growth-effect a shorter event will not be enough. And beside that a shorter time schedule than eight days will also not offer a really perfect holiday destination for us. Two weeks ago (17-06-2009) there was not even a concrete plan existing in my head, only a nebulous idea. As I was then chatting with my Si-Fu, all parts came by themselves on it's place (like so often in the last time). So it was a big pleasure but no really surprise that the four wanted To-Dai seemed to be spontaneously in state to take part of this unique gathering... Already five days after the 'habilitatie' of my Si-Fu the project was completely round (22-06-2009), inclusive hotel and flight ticket! We have now thus still one month to prepare us for the meeting and to enjoy the anticipated pleasure. Of course there will also be the opportunity with enough quality for one or the other to achieve the following TG level. With exception of Ramon, who knew to achieve his 3rd level just in 2007; but the event will bring him a big step closer regarding his preparations for the 4th TG. Also our final PG examen are not planned, but rather for 'that one' in The Netherlands... I have already participated on many WT events and have also brought many to life but this promises to become one of the greatest ever. The meaning of this is not to experience more of the broad of WingTsun but more of the depth of WingTsun! And who could be more fitting than my own Si-Fu?!? If I want to learn more of the (also fascinating) broad of WT ggm Leung Ting would be my very first choice, but the depth I prefer to explore with my Si-Fu, it is like it is. A reason for that is hard to find. Considering that ggm Leung Ting is Chinees it is for European students of course very entertaining but not always possible to really grasp the more holistic thinking way. Because my Si-Fu is European appears his more analytic as easier 'to let the coin fall'. But it is also always a matter of personal taste and I am then also very glad that the choice for one gm will not exclude the choice for the other gm, because I know how to enjoy from both sources a lot. And so I try to give also to my To-Dai the opportunities to make up such very special experiences. That's why I have through all those yeas, since 1987, organized over and over again special events with international WingTsun- and Escrima experts in Amsterdam and also visited seminars outside of Holland with a group To-Dai. In 2004 I took with for the first time 4 To-Dai to a Private Tutorial of my Si-Gung ggm Leung Ting and in 2007 I have shared with 2 To-Dai some private lesson with my Si-Fu. Now in 2009 I offer thus to 4 To-Dai a whole six-day private-session with my favorite gm; this is extremely hard to top. In the rubric August 2009 will then also be found one and the other about this event. Beside the related fun factor I expect that this WT intensive will have a remarkable strong impact on the overall abilities of the NWTO academy core team, what can be for all Kwoon members (Kwoonies?) only be an advantage. A level raise which would took through another way much more time! Of course I would have liked it to give that chance to more than 4 To-Dai, that would have also lowered the costs, but then was the impact lower or we had to plan in more days - but to get (spontaneously!) 6 days in-a-row was already a small miracle. So, I had to limit me for this unique happening to what would be best for the NWTO academy, by that I came then to the selection. Thus between 29-07-09 and 05-08-09, the NWTO Kwoon portal will be closed “unfortunately”shortly because of a kind of 'internal stock taking'! ;^D In really not to increase summer holiday mood, |
|
| Site Hack in the mid of July! | |
|
Now we have also our first 'hack attack' experience behind our back... A hacker group was able to change our password and to reedit our index page and. But luckily the hack was not really with evil intentions, so there was kindly nothing removed from our site. The main problem was not to undo the hack and password change but to find the security leak that made this unexpected hack possible. That's why we kept the corrupted index page there for a while (only removing their banner stuff) to research and solve this serious safety problem first. Otherwise we would change it and they could simply hack in again but this time eventually with creating reconstruction work for us. Even with our hard-copy back-up it would take a couple of hours to set it all up again. While that event itself was not exactly what we were looking for it served us well. Because it was a kind of 'free security check' for our new site; done by professional working people without leaving a trace of vandalism. So, dear anonymous hacker, good work and thank you for the given lesson regarding the leak in our site security structure and thank you for not making a mess out of it you easily could have done that too. Also the timing was actually ideal for it, because due to the quiet summer time we were able to focus directly on that important topic. By that 'forced focus' is also our site security level now quite up-to-date. And I really mean that if I say that I don't feel frustrations but happiness with that outcome! :^) Like you can follow on our site there are happening nearly daily some corrections, adjustments en even add ons; thus the site is still not completely finished but the design end stadium comes slowly closer. There is one essential task left to do, the other open things are regarding details (like extra security...) of the Member/Instructor section. BTW: The NWTO academy stays also during the summer month July open, but then 'only' on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Monday and Friday will continue from the third week of August on, when more people are back from holiday. Thus, where others go close on the summer holiday we stay open with the NWTO Kwoon; but then 3 (i.s.o. 5) days per week and from 18.00 (i.s.o. 13.00). Kind reg(u)ards, Sifu Frank Schäfer
NWTO.nl
|
|
| Dear To-Dai, | |
|
While 'the rigid form' of the written words are actually nearly always to limiting to describe really essential experiences I will nevertheless try to give an impression regarding our adventurous exploring journey in Italy quite soon.
2009 was then till now a quite unbelievable year for the NWTO! As you know there came up a beautiful new Kwoon and an excellent new site – but that was even not all. Because this year there went till now already six of our To-Dai with Prof. Kernspecht toward their first TG and one toward his second TG. Never before there were so many TG level in the NWTO!
Another unique fact was that Lady-Sifu and I were heading for the very first time together toward an examination! While it was first not planned the opportunity was still to tempting not to give it a try ('coincidentally' I had also a pair of double knifes in my luggage...).
That Si-Fu seemed to be pleased with our presented qualities was then of course 'the cream on the crop'! So it looked like that Lady-Sifu and I were able to enter in the presence of our four Kwoonies the next PG level. That we were heading together some of our To-Dai toward an examen is then again something what had never happened before! :^)
Yes, yes, yes! The intensive event (4 hours practice and 1 hour theory per day with gm Prof. Kernspecht (!) PLUS 2 hours practice and 3 hours theory per day with Lady-Sifu and me six days in a row; for Lady-Sifu were than once again two hours extra practice with our Si-Fu on the schedule) has reached the from me wanted quality jump of the academy-team!
That means thus also that all three TG test candidates have succeeded with great compliments! MISSION OVER-ACCOMPLISHED! But that even with Si-Mo and me a feel able 'shift' would be possible (not only in graduation) is then something what I by myself found most astonishing... :^o
That the weather was also absolutely fabulous and was so adding a real holiday atmosphere to the beautiful surroundings of Marina di Pisa made that event for all who were allowed to be there an absolutely unforgettable momentum; one which is now already on place 3 of my personal 'golden WT moments', if I separate the IWTA and EWTO moments, it stands even on place 2! :^D
So far just a short summary of this absolutely unique event. Within short there will follow more detailed articles from us about this small-group gathering.
With sunny greeting, |
|
| The necessary PG-fee raising | |
| Dear To-Dai, | |
|
Like you know is the WT lesson fee also somehow related to the WT graduation of the instructors Since my 5th PG the costs are actually unchanged with only some adjustments regarding the introduction of the Euro and the inflation. Now I was thus luckily able to advance toward the 7th PG (and Si-Mo toward the 6th PG).
I was sitting thinking a lot about that. Actually I don't wish to raise our prices even if the costs regarding the Kwoon are now higher. As you know is my seminar unit € 30,- (in stead of € 40.-!). And this I wish also – at least as long as possible – not to change. Thus what I do for now is, that what I have done already with the group lessons, I will not raise the basic price, but I lower some of the discounts. So I still have kept € 45,- as basic fee for the Sifu class, but I have decreased the 2-time-discount by € 10,- (thus still not 90,- but also not 65,- anymore but now 75,-) and I deceased the 3-times-discount by € 5,- (thus still not 135,- but also not 85,- anymore but now 90,-).
And like this I will do it with the seminar fee. The basic price of € 30,- stays the same but the 2-times-discount I will decrease by € 5,- (thus still not 60,- but also not 50,- anymore but now 55,-) and I will decrease the 3-times-discount by € 10,- (thus still not 90,- but also not 65,- anymore but now 75,-). These remarks are by the way only related to the Sifu Classes and our own seminars. Up to my opinion this is the most bearable way to deal in times of overall recession with some needed price adjustments. I hope that I was able to create a bit more clarity with this explanations regarding the 'what' the 'why' and the 'how. If there are still questions left, don't leave them behind but place them in front.
Another remark regarding our offered extra service: If it is not possible for a student to visit the Sifu class on a particular evening he or she has the opportunity to catch in the missed class within the same month on an extra evening; or eventually to exchange them for a Fit4Fight session! With friendly greetings, |
|
| The new WT group Alphen a/d Rijn | |
|
Yes, 2009 is and stays an unbelievable productive year for the NWTO :^).
- The new Kwoon is ready (with exception of the still needed wooden floor and of course eventually some still to arrange small fringes). - The new site is ready (with exception of the member/instructor section – and of course eventually some still to arrange small fringes). - The 7(!) new TG candidates are ready (with exception of 'the recent' - and eventually of course some still to arrange small fringes). - The exams of Lady-Sifu and me is ready (with exception of 'just fill it in' - and eventually of course some still to arrange small fringes). - The new WT article logistic is ready (with exception of yellow shirts - and eventually of course some still to arrange small fringes). So we have surely nothing to complain about. And still it looks like 2009 will not stop for us by all that already... 'Si-Hing' Robert van de Maarl (WT Trainer-1 aspirant), has added since begin September a contribution toward the NWTO representatives! After considerations with his Si-Fu he started-up a through the NWTO acknowledged semi-professional (regarding limitation of time but not regarding approach of lesson!) WT group. Robert is a talented, enthusiastic and for all kind person, who regularly lets his WT-skills enhance at the NWTO academy; and he has also followed a couple of advanced NWTO en SCD trainings. As well has he already collected some experiences with other martial-arts, which is never a disadvantage. We wish our To-Dai Robert heartily many nice teaching moments and growing successes! Heartily,
Sifu & Lady-Sifu Schäfer |
|
| The new clothes are now available | |
|
We have thus now finally refilled our supply of WT articles again, but this time with the new WT clothes! Like it was agreed at our last extra-ordinary NWTO member meeting in March (at that time still at the old school...), we will say farewell to our old 'out-look' and will follow from now on the new design of the EWTO. While the renewed dress-style is much more expensive to produce, the selling prices are still quite affordable. And like you can find out the NWTO members will pay with us even almost the same amount as the WT members who will order through the EWTO-Shop!
To start with we have replenished our supply for all with t-shirts, trousers and graduation signs. From next month on also other articles can be ordered, like shoes, gloves, jackets, bags and what else of the maybe nice things which could be found in the EWTO-Shop (stands also under 'WingTsun Links'), for as well comparable conditions as it is mentioned there. The NWTO delivers only to WT members within The Netherlands; orders from other countries have to been proceeded always through the EWTO or the national WingTsun leader. To We have most probably to move the quite spontaneously for the end of this year considered Kwoon-visit of my Si-Fu, with the connected seminar, toward the next year! First, I fear that Si-Fu wants to but that he will get this year a time-limit. Second, the time is flying also for us and we still have some tasks to accomplish, like for instance the wooden floor, some installation details and the outer side of the academy building. My own preference goes actually more toward the direction to be even ready with those still unfinished tasks, before grand master Prof. Dr. Sc. Kernspecht will bring us his visit. Kindly,
Sifu Frank Schäfer |
|
| The Open Day of the NWTO academy | |
|
On 4th of October was our Open Day planned. Because the planning of our Open Weekend in the end of May was mainly resting with Lady-Sifu and me, was the meaning to place this time the planning in the hands of our full time instructors Amir and Mehdi. Of course we have also filled-in the one or other detail but all together it was their event and we only took a guiding function on that day. That's why we were then 'only' between 15.45 and 17.00 present in the Kwoon, to let the first hours and also the last hour completely handle by the two brothers Ebadi (culinary supported by mother-dear). And the pre-made decision was, considering the reached result, surely not a wrong one. More about this even can be found soon at wt4life.nl. And it is possible that the Open Day will become a more regular event in the NWTO academy..
Both were very well able to apply the on the Open Weekend collected experiences on that Open Day. Yes, the academy is thus also surly in our absence in competent hands (but what do you expect with two TG-er). Actually this was already clear to me in advance, but it is still fine to see it verified due practice. I have had then some interactions but the visitors seemed to be quite informed due to the open day about WT already. While small snacks Mehdi bravely confronted himself with all questions of the visitors and was not shy for any answer. All possible (and also impossible) questions found at the spot an answer, sometimes in word en deed. Shortly: It was a successful Open Day of the NWTO Kwoon and the first where Si-Mo and I have had to add only a little (actually nothing). Heartily congratulations with this fine WingTsun presentation! :^). With satisfied greetings Si-Fu & Si-Mo Schäfer |
|
| The new SG programme 'ReakTsun' | |
|
In 2007 my Si-Fu gm Prof. Keith R. Kernspecht has started to structure the follow-up programme of BlitzDefence. While BlitzDefence is the self defence module of the SG-level 1 t/m 6 is, the BlitzDefence 7-12 was still a bit unstructured (with exception of the till now related anti-clinch programmes). Thus it was so far the task of the locale instructor, to let the elements of the learned Chi-Sao flow into it. The problem was, that the filling-in of those was strongly depending on the expertise of the local instructor. Through this the topic BlitzDefence 7 till 12 appeared mostly a bit misty, actually also for the lesson providers. This a bit unclear state belongs now with this welcome addition to the past.
Because the second half of the SG programme's have a different context than the first (and with this also a different reaction pattern) my Si-Fu had chosen another programme-name. And that name was then finally ReakTsun®. Considering that the 'Beta-phase' is finished in 2009, the time has also come now for the NWTO to integrate slowly but strictly this WT self defence module in the advanced SG programme's. From 2010 on ReakTsun will then also be a regular testing topic in the related NWTO SG levels. More details soon in our Member and Instructor section. Dear TG-er: PLEASE grade-up in time; to be ensured that you know in 2010 already exactly what the ReakTsun programme is about! With passion from Amsterdam, Sifu Frank Schäfer |
|
| The 'master intensive' on Sunday for all |
|
|
From November 2009 on there will be a special Sifu Stage on every first Sunday in the month between 12.00 and 15.30, also for students below 6th SG! With this option we wish to enable also regular some direct contact between the beginner and their (two!) Si-Fu. The costs of this project will be 20,- per hour (45 min.) or 80,- per stage. All daily academy lessons will stay as they were. This addition is thus only regarding the first Sunday in the month, given between 12.00-15.30. The amount of partitioner is limited toward maximum of 2 times 8, thus in total 16 persons with 2 PG plus 1 extra TG2 assistant!
This adjustment has for all two reasons: First, there were still a couple of disappointed reaction from some, who couldn't learn from us anymore before they would hit SG 6. Second, Lay-Sifu and I are missing the various interactions a bit which can accompany the trial lessons. Thus we will offer now also the opportunity to learn right from the start once a month intensively also directly from us. For all those people without any personal preferences or any hurry we will still advice to visit the professional guided weekly Standard Classes, because this is and stays actually the financially most advantageous way. These Sunday stages are free of obligation and even split able. That means, that the students can come on these Sunday stages regarding their need and budget. If someone wishes to visit only once every couple of months a Sifu stage it is allowed; if he or she wants to join just one or two of the four units it is also possible, but is less functional. Unlike as with the group lesson the topics (thus also TG matters) can be chosen to work on it. But if there are already 12 advanced sign-ins there can only participate 4 more beginners, the other way around also, that's why you can better sign-up before that Sunday, because there are no regular participation lists (and thus also no obligations for participating) regarding this regular Sunday stage. Tests are on those specific Sunday stages not possible, because it would disturb the wanted training structure, for that we have the seminars. But the Sunday stages can serve as complete day part for the regarding examen preparations and can be mentioned on the SG diploma or TG check list. I don't know for how long I can stay offering this, but I obligate myself for at least a half year to the offered conditions, for € 20,- per hour. Even without the minimum amount of normally 8 people but with the maximum of 16 persons, so the Sunday stage will be held guaranteed. Thus the price card, the frequency and the intensity is from the start completely transparent and agenda able. Just for the clearness: If a beginner wants to train more than once a month this is of course also possible, because the Standard Classes are accessible for all grades, t then with the main topic the SG programme's 1 till 6. Thus members of the Sifu Class can (even with a special discount) also follow regularly the Standard Classes. For beginners it is even advisable to do so, because then the some times quite intense Sifu Stages will be even more fruitful. This new extra-option is meant to be an expanding of the academy offer for beginners and advanced en no substitute, obligation or what so ever. With friendly greetings, Sifu & Lady-Sifu Schäfer
|
|
| The NWTO-voting 'our good purpose' | |
|
Because the NWTO is nearly a quarter century busy without having ever received any subsidies or anything like that, while we try already for a long time to offer a value for the youth in our area I have nominated a while ago the NWTO nominated for the good goal campaign of the G.G./tel.gids. Hoe knows, maybe that we can get this way a new use able wooden floor for our Kwoon. As sooner we can then also continue with our planned group for the 'street kids' in the area. That good purpose action seems to me worth a try. Because 'even if it wont help it wont harm' I would have to say and 'not giving a shot is always missing' could make here also some common sense.
Thus, till 11th of December you can still vote for our good purpose, it is even allowed that family members may vote too! The regarding URL stands also in our LINK section. A couple of kind people took already the effort for us – and what is about YOU? It will only cost 2 minutes of your time, and no single dime! Your voice could just make the difference for our good goal, thus give it (and our still hard needed wooden floor) PLEASE a chance! :^) And if it is not supposed to be for us it was some nice promotion for our NWTO activities. Also here we will surly find a way on our own strength, like we always did, even if it will take a little longer. With sportive greetings, Frank & Petra Schäfer
Leading NWTO & SCD
|
|
| The 'Master Intensive' also in 2010 & Xmas |
|
|
The first two Master Intensives were fine, finally an opportunity to work through a bit of more specific topics more detailed. Like I have already written before I will try to offer this at least for a half year, so thus also in 2010. There is only one little change needed regarding the 'part visitors', here I can't stay giving the same discount. Thus for those who will join all four units the price will stay € 20,- per unit, who books three pays 25,-, for two units € 30,- and who comes only for one unit 35,- per unit. The rest stays so far the same like I have already explained in the November month info. As long as the 'Master Intensive' will be offered it replaces the TR/TG stages because with two PG there is always the option to treat also eventually needed trainer topics. This keeps the agenda a bit more clear and the plannings easier. The first MI in 2010 is on: 10-01-2010.
Location: NWTO academy Amsterdam Day: Every first Sunday of the month Time: 12.00 – 15.00 Participants: Beginners and advanced Maximum 8 with 1 PG Maximum 16 with 2 PG Costs: 1 unit (45 min) = € 35,- 2 units (90 min) = € 60,- 3 units (135 min) = € 75,- 4 units (180 min) = € 80,- PS. NWTO Academy Xmas-time The NWTO Academy is closed on the following days in 2009: 24-12-2009, 25-12-2009, 26-12-2009 and 31-12-2009. First following academy lesson in 2010: Tuesday, 05-01-2010. We wish all To-Dai, clients, friends and visitors a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! :^) With heartily greetings, Si-Fu & Si-Mo
|
|
| The last stage, WTW 33 & plans 2010 | |
|
Despite of the surprising winter break-through and some unexpected illnesses there was still a couple of WT lovers who came to our last work-out sessions 2009, where the distance from Almere and even Nijmegen seems to be no obstacle at all. While outside the snow was ruling we had it nicely warm inside the Kwoon and we were able to a special WT year on a very homely atmosphere. We explained for the beginners for all the deeper meaning of an 'enhanced body awareness through Siu-Nim-Tau in theory en practice for the advanced we treated mainly the topic 'enhanced sensitivity' through Chi-Sao. Because of the presence of Lady-Sifu there was with every group always one PG. Shortly: a very successful last stage.
The WingTsun Welt number 33 is now arrived and this time the NWTO is represented very nicely! :^) Not only that we can be found (like the last year) with the Internationale Lehrgang but this time there are also two articles with photos about the NWTO, a report about Lady-Sifu and an article about our new WT-academy. Yes, 2009 finishes like it was starting, quite rich on impact. With all this as reference I am convinced that 2010 will become an outstanding successful year for the people of the NWTO. The base for it is in however well founded and is also already tested a bit by us on it's stability and flexibility – it feels fine and quite reliable so far. In 2010 there are also more activities planned, like the continuation of the Master Intensive, a new Wu-Wei intro, free open academy days and specific WT meetings for special target groups inside and outside the Netherlands. Also with the NWTO member and instructor section on our site I have some plans; it will maybe still take a while until we will be ready with it, but let yourself be surprised. Within soon there will stand the agenda for the first half of 2010 under EVENT and Events. To be really able to fill in all that I have decided to focus myself in 2010 even more on the NWTO and to do at least temporary less with the SCD (with exception of my Counselling and EMDR support). Again the best wishes for 2010, Sifu F. & P. Schäfer |
|
| The workshop Almere becomes WT-group Almere | |
|
Almere belongs to the oldest settlements of the NWTO. Sihing Hein Visbeek was in all those years busy as a kind of WT ambassador in Almere. This was in first instance not meant to teach WT on high level but to keep the animo for our art also in Almere alive. With surpassing the years the some less regularly workshop in Almere brought up (also with the temporary support of Matthias Lanuschny) some talents. So it was decide now to form out of the less regularly workshop a regularly group. I'm very happy with this development and will as far as I can support gladly the WT-group Almere.
This wanted professionalizing brings of course also risen obligations with it, because a group needs to fulfill (others than a workshop) an amount of quality norms. Because of this is Sihing Marcel Vrielink already a for while every week regularly in the NWTO academy to be able to enhance his WT qualities; also he started already in 2009 with his Trainer-1 education. In January there will come a new site regarding WT in Almere with all relevant info regarding this new NWTO group. We heartily wish Marcel with the WT group in Almere good success and we give our thanks to our one of our first To-Dai Hein Visbeek for his years of passion for the art of Yip Man. Without his adding this group was probably not emerged. Special greetings to NWTO-Almere, Sifu Frank Schäfer |
|
| The NWTO-group Wijchen in sport center Vivelli | |
|
Sihing René Rietveld is expanding nicely with his team. Next to Druten and Nijmegen there is now Wijchen added. Our René knew to convince the owner of Vivelli, mister Jan Reijs regarding the advantages of WingTsun; with the result that there will be established a complete WT-group in that center! We guess that this is a very fine project and will gladly deliver the needed support to this new NWTO gain. Congratulations with this nice development! René Rietveld (1. TG) belongs without a doubt to the most passionate To-Dai of mine. Since years he does not avoid effort or costs to deepen more and more his own WT knowledge in the academy in Amsterdam.
He visits not only most of the WT seminars but appears even every week with my evening class. On top of that he has brought up already not just a view motivated students. Another name that can surely mentioned here in this context is Remco van Wiggen (1. TG). Remcos effort can also be called extraordinary and he forms with René a fine team. But there are more people like Pim, John and others. My gratitude for all that goes also to our dear Richard Kunstmann. He is then on this moment 'passive' due to private circumstances but stays active in my thoughts. Richard is the Si-Hing of both and has placed the solid basement on which I was able to build further upon. Extra-greetings to WT-Wijchen, Sifu Frank Schäfer |
|
| EWTO event 2010 & NWTO meeting 2010 | |
| The international EWTO Event 2010: Also this year we will stick to our tradition to go at least once a year with a group of To-Dai toward a WT Event outside of Holland. And which stage could be better fitting than the yearly main event of the EWTO? The last two years our choice dropped on that and also this year it stands in our NWTO agenda. In 2010 is the date even better placed than with the last two times (in 2008 it started on Lady-Sifu's birthday and 2009 was an overlap with mine), namely in the second half of May, at Whitsun. Because of the great animo of the last times there came now the decision to let the international EWTO event happen in Hockenheim. The old students remember still our '25-Year-EWTO-Anniversary' which took place there too in 2001. Even if the location is actually secondary - as lond as the happening is fine - it is still for a time something else; for all for the people which have already joined the last couple of times. If you wish to join (again) such international WT event together with your Si-Fu, Si-Mo, Si-Hings and fellow To-Dai, this is surely an especially nice chance. It is of course also a splendid opportunity to get in contact with the most advanced Masters of the EWTO, like gm Prof. Dr. Keith R. Kernspecht, gm Bill Newman, master Guiseppe Schembri, master Oliver König and many other topper of the WT and Escrima world. The local-change means for all three things:: 1. Our actual favorite pension is then probably a bit to far away, thus we can better search an hotel in Hockenheim. This will bring with some extra seach work but this forms actually no real obstacle. 2. Considering the fact that the location (Stadthalle Hockenheim) is even larger than the one of Lobbach (Sauerland Stiftung) there can eventually come with more students. The last time we had a limit of 10-12 participants. This time I actually wanted to limit it even to 8-10 because that seemed to make the transport and rooms somewhat easier. But we have now enough time for plan making, thus who knows, maybe we go this time even with a group of 20... if there are enough people who want to come with. 3. Sign-in for the International EWTO Event 2010 (22-05 till 24-05) is possible form 01-02-2010 on through Email or personally in the academy ('dead line': 01-05). There is thus enough time for eventually needed preparations. We surely go minimum with a group of 10 people. I don't wish to limit already by now the maximum of the group; this also depends on the available hotel places. More details will stand soon in our member section. Extraordinary NWTO instructors meeting: To determine the new guide lines for 2010 any further we wish to held by the way already on Saturday 30-01-2010 from 12.00 on an extraordinary NWTO-instructors-meeting. The originally on this day planned Wu-Wei intro will be replaced on a later date. This particulare day there will be made (like also the last year in March) again a couple of very important decisions. But unlike the last year is this specific gathering then only accessible for the NWTO instructors resp. instructor-aspirants, because the aimed topics have mainly to do with teaching. To stimulate the joining as far as possible this extra meeting will be absolutely free. PLEASE try to be there on this special gathering, otherwise you can't bring in your vote regarding our future directions regarding WT in NL! We hope to be able to see you all on this day at our Kwoon. Zaij-Jian! Sifu Frank Schäfer, 7. PG & Lady-Sifu Petra Schäfer, 6. PG, EWTO national-trainer NL |
|
|
||||
Latest News
