Mantis with Mike Martello

[Three Harmonies]

I want to thank everyone for your patience, so here is the final schedule for Mike Martello's ONLY US visit and workshops! Two wonderful weekends of training with one of the best I have ever touched hands with. Not to be missed.
To get a view of what Mike is all about visit youtube.com and search Mike Martello, and you will see hours of footage he has graciously shared.
Mike will be with me for two weeks, so anyone interested in private lessons please contact me, and if you have further questions, please contact me.
Cheers
Jake Burroughs
206-941-3232
three_harmonies@hotmail.com
www.threeharmonies.com

Three Harmonies Chinese Martial Arts Center proudly presents
Two weekend workshops on:
Applied Martial Theory
From the Chinese Martial Arts

w/ Mike Martello

October 5-7, 2007
&
October 12-14, 2007
Seattle, WA.

Workshop Tuition
1-3 Sessions: $55 each
4-7 Sessions: $35 each
8-10 Sessions: $25 each
*Location and other information provided with registration*

Contact Jake Burroughs to register, to schedule a private lesson with Mike Martello, or for further questions:
206-941-3232 / three_harmonies@hotmail.com / www.threeharmonies.com



About the Instructor Mike Martello:
Mike Martello grew up in NYC boxing and fighting, and fell in love with the Chinese martial and healing arts at an early age. Today, 30 years later, he is still studying, teaching, analyzing, and learning from the world’s most respected teachers. He brings a multi-dimensional perspective to the teaching of the martial and healing arts, and is known for thoroughly explaining the combative, as well as health aspects of the ji ben gong or basics!
Specializing in Babu Tanglang (Eight Step Praying Mantis), Shuai Chiao, Chin Na, and White Crane under Wang Jie Laoshi of Taiwan, Mikes understanding of the applications are second to none. Mike spent many years with the legendary Wutan teacher Su Yu Chang Laoshi learning Baji, Taiji, Bagua, Northern Mantis (Meihua, Liuhe, Babu, Qi Xing), weapons, as well as qigong and some Chinese medicine. Mike’s attitude is the same as teacher Wang’s; “I am now, and forever a student of the martial arts.”
Mike has won every major Chinese Martial Arts tournament in North America finally retiring with well over 100 championship titles. He no longer competes, spending his time and energy teaching and studying the subtleties of the beautiful Chinese arts in Antwerp Belgium.
Mike will be visiting his good friend and student Jake Burroughs in Seattle, WA. for the first time, and this will be Mr. Martello’s ONLY stop in North America so register early before spaces fill up! For more info on Mike Martello, clips, and historical information please visit both www.babutanglang.com and www.wutang.be, also search “Mike Martello” on Youtube.com to see his teachings in real time.


Session I: Shuai (Throwing) Techniques & Training
Friday Oct. 5th, 1-5pm
Mike will draw from the arts of Bagua / Taiji / Xing Yi to offer lessons on not only technique, but also how to enhance your understanding and application of Shuai (throwing) training within your art. The basic (ji ben gong) principles will be thoroughly explained, and then Mike will lead us through solo strength building exercises, partner sensitivity drills, and will teach a number of applications drawn from various forms and movements common to all styles of Taiji, Bagua, Xing Yi, Tongbei, and Baji. Open to all levels and stylists, if you are interested in improving your throwing skills this is not the seminar to miss!

Sessions II-V: Exploring the 13 Combative Postures & Silk Reeling of Taiji via Push Hands Training
Session II: Saturday Oct. 6th, 12-3pm Session III: Saturday Oct. 6th, 5-8pm
Session IV: Sunday Oct. 7th, 10am-1pm Session V: Sunday Oct. 7th, 3-6pm

The heart of Taiji arguably lies in the study of the 13 Combative Postures (Peng / Lu / Ji / An / Cai / Lie / Kao / Zhou / and the five stepping methods) common to all systems of Taiji. Coupled with Chan Si Jin (Silk Reeling Power), these principles build the foundation of understanding how to use the techniques and theories found within all systems of Taiji, and really all martial arts!
This seminar will NOT be an overview of the postures, but rather an in-depth study of the mechanics and applications of the principles taught through the medium of push hands with special emphasis on using silk reeling power to generate power, opening the pelvic and shoulder girdles, and building sensitivity and root when applying these techniques.
Mike will draw upon his 30 years of Taiji experience in the arts of Chen and Yang, as well as his many victories in international push hands competition, for this seminar that is open to all levels and styles. This is a great opportunity to train with one of the best push hands players I have ever touched hands with, as well as a chance to enhance your understanding of one of the most popular Chinese Martial Arts in the world. Your sensitivity, rooting, and power generation will improve dramatically along with increasing your ability to apply the devastating techniques (throwing / joint manipulation / striking) of Taiji in combat situations.

Session VI: Shuai Shou Tanglang (Throwing Hands of Mantis)
Friday Oct. 12th, 1-5pm

Originating from Meihua (Plum Blossom Mantis) Tanglang, "Shuai shou" means to turn the body to one side and throw out the arm, using the lower arm to turn the wrist, and hit the opponent while crossing a long distance at the same time. The power generation is described "like a rooster picking rice, like a dragonfly scratching the surface of water". While throwing the hands, the body is relaxed and soft, but at the moment of impact power becomes solid and crisp. The hands move out as palms, but they return as hooks.
This is a rarely taught aspect of Mantis that focuses on footwork and a few basic techniques that are used to open the opponent’s gate and set up various throws and / or join manipulations. Mike will teach the first 6 Rows along with a multitude of applications focusing on Chin Na (joint locks) and Shuai (throwing), both specialties of Mike Martello’s, found within all systems of Mantis.
Again this seminar is open to all styles and levels. Mantis is renowned for its fast hands, elusive footwork, and aggressive nature and this seminar will give you a good taste of the basic principles of Mantis. If you are a Mantis practitioner this workshop will only build upon your base knowledge making you a better fighter and Mantis player.

Sessions VII & VIII: 12 Soft Principles
Session VII: Saturday Oct. 13th 12-3pm
Session VIII: Saturday Oct. 13th 5-8pm
The 12 Soft Principles (Shi Er Rou) are common to all Mantis systems, and can actually be found in most all martial arts. Combining offensive and defensive techniques, Mike will lead us through various drills that encapsulate the ideals of staying loose and relaxed until the moment of contact, stealing your opponent’s root (balance), opening avenues of attack in your opponents defense, and using defense as offense just to name a few.
Practitioners of other arts should participate in this seminar, as principles are universal regardless of stylistic differences. Remember that styles are merely different expressions of the same energies. This seminar will enhance your fighting skills, and understanding of the Chinese martial arts.

Sessions IX & X: Combative Theory & Technique of Babu Tanglang
Session IX: Sunday Oct. 14th 10am-1pm
Session X: Saturday Oct. 14th 3-6pm
Eight Step (Babu Tanglang) Mantis is the most recently developed system of Northern Praying Mantis, combining aspects of Tong Bei, Xing Yi, Bagua, and Plum Blossom Mantis. Known for its sensitivity, smooth footwork, aggressive hands, and devastating throws and locks, Babu Tanglang is a complete system of combat made famous by Wei Xiao Tang out of Taiwan.
In this seminar series Mike will lead us through various theories and techniques found throughout the Babu system, covering the four methods of attack (throwing / joint manipulation /kicking / striking). The workshop will stress the importance of position, proper generation of power, and listening power (Ting jin) in hand to hand combat.

[Three Harmonies]

Under two months away. Also want people to know that Mike will be staying with me for two weeks, and on the weekdays/nights he will be available for private instruction one on one, or small groups. Contact me for more info and to schedule times.
Cheers
Jake Smiley

[Three Harmonies]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpPPQCak5mI

Here is a montage clip of the trip to Northern China Mike Martello organized. A little bit of everything. I have heard it was great. Mike is working the sword.

BTW Mike will be here in just over 6 weeks! I remind you all this is his ONLY North American workshop until I host him again next year. Make sure not to miss out, unless of course you frequent Belgium and then you can train with him whenever!

Cheers
Jake

[Three Harmonies]

Great news folks. We are currently working on getting a visa for Mr. Zhang Xin Bin to visit along with Mike Martello on his ONLY visit to the US here in Seattle, WA. Now nothing is set in stone yet, but as I stated, we are working on getting a visa and as long as that goes through he will be here throughout the training sessions. The tuition nor the curriculum will change, so this is purely a win-win situation for those of you coming to this great two weeks of training! Those of you who are not.................................well.......... ...........................your loss!!
For those unfamiliar with Zhang Laoshi here is a short bio and clip of his teachings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33nOHyoRl2I

Master Zhang was born in Beijing in the year 1954. In his late teens, he became a student of Master Zhang Guizeng and started his training in Baiyuan Tongbei.In addition to Master Zhang Guizeng's teachings, he also studied traditional Chinese wrestling (Shuai Jiao) from Master Yang Guozhen, pushing hands (Tui Shou) from Master Jiang Qimin and Internal Fist (Yiquan) from Masters Li Jianyu and Yu Yongnian.

Master Zhang is currently a 6th-dan(level) Wushu Coach and Chief Instructor of the Beijing People's Martial Arts Association. He is known for his excellent methods of building martial power and superb fighting skills.




As stated this is all up in the air, but I was too excited not to share this great news with you all. Register ASAP to reserve your spot! Surely this will be one of the best training experiences this year!!

Cheers
Jake Burroughs

[German Bai Lung]

GREAT NEWS!

Now this is a special features you sure would not like to miss americans!! I trained with both now, and all I could say: its worth a lot of effort and money to meet just one guy, but both?

Zhang Laoshi is a real deal when it comes to Tong Bei (remember: it is said TB is the mother of Mantis!) and his skills are amazing!

Jake: keep up the good work to host people like this!

[monkeyfoot]

ahhhh i wish i was able to attend these seminars they sound absolutely awesome

mikes going to be teaching Miao Dao in the UK this october, it will be the first time i get to see him in person......cant waiiitt



craig

[Three Harmonies]

Craig - you are always most welcome here with us Yanks!

Jochen - You are a lucky dog to be so close to such great teachers. Wish I could make it to Europe more often! I miss beers with all you crazy Germans

Jake

[German Bai Lung]

Jake: whenever you want to come over: let me know! You are most welcome here!

[monkeyfoot]

ah kung fu love....so nice

I plan to take trips all over the place once my level gets a bit better (3 years training so im a 'youngun'), germany, antwerp, usa - i'd love to meet all you guys

one day one day

have a great seminar

craig

[Three Harmonies]

Just confirmed this AM, Zhang laoshi will be in Seattle with Mike Martello! Not an opportunity to be missed gus and gals! He is extremely talented Tong Bei, Yi Chuan, and Shuai Chiao coach. Lets put it this way.....if Mike is training under him he must be the shnizel!!

Cheers
Jake

[Three Harmonies]

I also have a number of slots open for private instruction from Martello and/or Zhang Laoshi while they are here in Seattle. Please contact me for more info at three_harmonies@hotmail.com
Jake

[Three Harmonies]

FYI
Zhang Laoshi got a visa from the Chinese government, and then the US government revoked it. Unfortunately he will be unable to join in our festivities
Jake

[German Bai Lung]

Jake, thats too bad!

But hey, if anyone MUST meet Zhang Laoshi: he will be here in Osnabrueck, Germany in November for two weekend Seminars and also his Kung Fu Brother Yu Shaoyi, a well known a extremely good Shuai Jiao / Sanda Teacher!

So I got three Top Level Teachers here in November ...

[Three Harmonies]

I really want to extend my heartful gratitude to Mike Martello for taking two weeks out of his busy schedule to come to the US and share his knowledge with all who were willing to be receptive. We had a great time training, and hanging with a teacher whose is himself still a student.
In the last 1 1/2 years Mike has gotten better and better. Everytime I touch hands with him his skills have improved. The groups we had both weekends were great and very willing to open their minds and learn some new things about body mechanics and structure.
I thank all who supported the events, for without you cats none of this is possible. I look forward to next year when Mike visits again. Hope you all can make it.

Cheers
Jake

[Michael Dasargo]

I wanted to say a public thank you to Martello Laoshi for exposing me to deeper levels of Fa Jin and Ting Jin.

The tongbei excercises will change my tendons from rubber bands to rubber tires, and the experience will evolve my power from mechanical to organic.

Thank you Jake, for making it possible for all of us to get together and play.

Special shot out to the guys who made the experience equally hilarious!

All in all, you had to be there.

Good times,
Mike D.