Two days ago the Academy has a “closed door” seminar to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. And what did they practice? Tiger style Kung Fu of course. Around 35 students and instructors crowded in the studio at 11:00 to begin a two hour practice of the famous Kung Fu that imitates the actions of the Tiger. John Ottenberg brought his school and everyone paired up and tried out their “claw arts”. By the end of two hours everyone looked like roaring felines. Diana Moll showed us some great Tiger prints, a form of art she does by hand applying multiple impressions to build up each print individually. (We have some at the school if you would like to see them.) Narrye Caldwell followed with a view of the coming year from the Chinese Astrological standpoint. Not only did she explain how individuals should deal with the year but gave a detailed discussion on the Chinese method of astrological calculation. The last hour and a half was devoted to eating and milling, and everyone excelled at that, too.
(Click here for even more Tiger Celebration images…)
Chuck has the spirit of the tiger, or maybe it has him...
Ceci and Mary working hard while Ken tries to remember where he parked.
John explaining oneness to Diane.
Josh experiencing the Long Arm of the Claw.
Ted and John working on high level theory, "Say this is my hand..."
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Year of the Tiger celebration. It was not only informative, and just down right fun, it was refreshing. I have meandered around the martial arts world for 35 plus years, at times, inspired and full enthusiasm, and at other times scratching my head. As a student and friend of John Ottenberg’s I would like to thank you for the oasis of clarity you have created at your school. I look forward to this new year and the opportunity to study with John and all those at Santa Cruz Martial Arts Academy.