Shaolin Long Island

It's All About Attitude

2012-02-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

The Oscars will be held on Sunday of this upcoming weekend and it seems everywhere you look you will see a reminder. There is buzz about who will host, who will attend with who, what people will be wearing, who is nominated, who should have been nominated and so on. This is the movie industry's moment to shine and recognize the best talent within it.

The nominees and winners should all feel pride in their accomplishments and be allowed to bask in their moments. Unfortunately, so often this is not the case. Instead of congratulations, often they will hear how they did not deserve to be nominated or to win. The talk shows and websites will be full of the "worst dressed" lists. Should a performer have an unfortunate moment, even if off camera, you can be sure it will highlight the talks. Although there is a tremendous amount of positivity and encouragement offered, the negativity usually gets more press and takes away from what should be a magical moment for those involved.

This upcoming weekend will hold another special event as well. This one is is not well known or publicized, but has just as much, if not more, meaning to those involved. The Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School will be testing students who have prepared to move onto a higher level. The students who pass their test will be honored at a Sash Ceremony in the weeks to come.

The attitude at the kung fu school is one of support and encouragement. The students, teachers and even family members can be heard offering words of encouragement and cheering each student on. The students are evaluated on their own merits as opposed to be being compared to others. The students are given their time to feel pride in their journey culminating in their recent accomplishments.

As a family member to students of the school, I am so appreciative for the environment created by Shi Gung Gregg Zilb and his student teachers. I wish there were more models of support and encouragement in our society today. I hope that the teachings of Shi Gung, as well as what they learn at home, will guide my children on their own paths to lives filled with support and encouragement both given and received.

Best of luck to all who are testing this weekend. No matter the outcome, feel pride in your commitment to train and know that your shaolin family supports and loves you.

Some Thoughts for Valentine's Day

2012-02-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Each year, February 14th evokes strong feelings in people. Valentine's Day tends to make people feel that they should be in love, be loved, and have a fantasy styled perfect relationship. Everywhere you go there are reminders of what marketers have decided would make your Valentine's Day special. For many, this means a frustrating and lonely day.

Fabulous relationships are not created in a mold. What works for one may not work for another. Each person must gain the understanding of what is best for him/her and then hopefully find a person who's ideals will blend well.

Buddha taught that attachment is suffering. Exaggerated desire and craving is suffering. Yet for most people, this is love. The feeling of "my life has no meaning with out____" , "I can't live without _____", or "I desire you so much, I will do anything!" So it seems that a romantic loving relationship would be contrary to the Buddhist teachings. This is not so.

The belief that people and things will provide us with more happiness and satisfaction than they truly can is the obstacle which we face. The teachings of Buddha illustrate human relationships offer opportunities to practice loving-kindness, generosity, and support. Relationships give us a chance to look deeper within ourselves and gain a greater understanding. The challenge is to create a space in which you complete yourself and still have the ability to flow and connect with another.

As February 14th approaches, take time to look within for your happiness and satisfaction. Find opportunities to offer love and support to others. Create relationships, whether romantic or platonic, where there is no NEED of the other, rather an openness of love and support freely given and received.

Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School wishes you peace and love.

Party Time!

2012-01-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

The Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School held it's annual Holiday party this past weekend. True to form, the party had a welcoming, family feel to it. It all began with Shi Gung Gregg and his amazing family.

Year round there is a closeness among the students and teachers which was highlighted at the party. It was a wonderful opportunity for the teachers to socialize with the students in a more relaxed environment which created an even stronger bond. It doesn't take long for a new student to feel at home at the Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School, but Shi Gung Gregg kept close watch and casually brought everyone into the fold. Shi Gung Gregg's wife worked feverishly all night to keep the food flowing and refused all offers of help allowing everyone else to sit back and relax. Shi Gung Gregg's children walked around and greeted everyone.

An example of the closeness within the kwoon was the large makeshift table created by some of the students. Usually a large group of people break down into many small groups at a party. Not at this one. Many students sat together at the table and laughter was heard from their direction all evening. Those who were not at the table congregated in a few small groups, but it seemed that everyone spent time with everyone else.

It was touching to see the happiness and gratitude in Shi Gung Gregg. It was apparent that he was pleased with how many students participated in the party and even more pleased at the harmony and cohesiveness within his school. Shi Gung Gregg took the time to offer his thanks to the group a few times and of course, to everyone individually.

The party was just one more example of the environment Shi Gung Gregg creates at the Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School.

Should My Child Compete In Martial Arts?

2012-01-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

Should my child compete in martial arts. It’s a valid question parent’s ask themselves when their child is learning and progressing in martial arts. More questions arise: Is it safe? Will he do well? Is he skilled enough? Will he enjoy it?

Let’s address the safety question. In any type of competition sport there is a risk of injury. Whether it’s baseball, football, soccer or lacrosse. To minimize the risk of injury, practicionors typically wear safety gear. Just as in football, a martial artist wears safety gear when he competes. This is usually an array made up of hand and feet protectors, shin guards, mouth guards and can include head guards and chest guards. (And a cup to protect the groin).

One might think that competing in martial arts is more dangerous due to the punching and kicking. Statistically, there are more injuries in traditional sports. In addition to the protective gear, an expert is overseeing the match and is responsible for the safety of the competitors. He will stop a match if he feels that there is a danger to their safety.

Also, a competitor has the option of stopping the fight himself, usually by tapping out or surrendering. This is an option a football player does not have when holding the ball and having three or four opposing team members trying to tackle him.

There are no high speed objects in Martial Arts competition, such as a baseball or a lacrosse ball to worry about.

Sparring at a young age is usually kept light. The object is not to knock out the opponent , but to score a point by striking a part of the body. It is not required to hit hard to score the point, but to land contact.
Sparring is also not the only way to compete in martial arts. There are forms competition, performed with or without a weapon. The child is simply displaying his skill as a martial artist and is judged against other children and their forms. This is a contact free competition if your child does not like to spar.
Your child could also be part of a demo team . There are no winners or losers in a demo team, a demo team puts on a show for pure entertainment purposes.

Next blog we will discuss judging if your child is skilled enough to compete.

Thomas Peterson

Student at Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School

Welcome to the Shaolin Tactical Combat Class!

2011-12-06T10:29:00.001-08:00

Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School is proud to announce the start of the Shaolin Tactical Combat class! The class is offered on Friday nights beginning at 7:00 pm.

The system of Shaolin kung fu is over 1500 years old. Some people feel that this old style of martial arts is ineffective in combat situations. However, the Shaolin system was developed during war time and was created for harsh and intense situations.

The Tactical Combat class offered by Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu is just one part of the total Shaolin system. Shi Gung Gregg Zilb stated that he is offering this class as a stand alone component because he has come to realize that although Shaolin Kung Fu is made for everyone, not everyone is made for Shaolin Kung Fu. Shi Gung Greg Zilb sees a need for people to learn true self defense and welcomes students to learn effective skills in a caring environment. The students at Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu feel many may come to learn Shaolin Tactical Combat, but will see the beauty of the system and choose to learn it all.

Come down and join us! We look forward to training with you!

Thoughts For Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with friends and family. It is a time to reflect and hopefully move forward in a positive light. Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu would like to share the following Buddhist quotes with you and yours.

A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another. If these minds love one another the home will be as beautiful as a flower garden but if these minds come out of harmony with one another it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden.
Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
You should respect each other and refrain from disputes; you should not, like water and oil, repel each other, but should, like milk and water, mingle together
Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.
Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind. Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten.
There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.

Happy Thanksgiving from our families to yours!

Thank You Shi Gung Gregg Zilb

2011-11-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

I believe that training in martial arts is a great way for a child to learn important life lessons. Therefore, I believe that choosing the right teacher is imperative. When looking for a school for my children, I watched many classes and spoke with many instructors. I ended up choosing the Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu school in Holstville, NY for many reasons.

First and foremost, I chose this school for my children because of the owner, Shi Gung Gregg Zilb. He has an impressive background in shaolin kung fu. He has earned 20 Grand Championship trophies and over 100 first place trophies as well as been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame. As impressive as his kung fu resume is, his technical skill is only a part of why I chose his school.

Shi Gung Gregg Zilb is also an extraordinary teacher. He is patient, kind, and encouraging and demands the same from the other instructors in the school. The passion for shaolin king fu is evident in all of them and Shi Gung Gegg Zilb teaches his instructors how best to train the students.

Shi Gung Gregg Zilb, and his school Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, stand out from all others because of the way he trains his students and the skill that he himself has. But in addition, it is Shi Gung Gregg Zilb's ability to understand each student on an individual basis that makes him an all around great teacher. I was truly amazed at how quickly he seemed to understand each of my children and how to connect with them to bring out their best. One of my children recently went through a difficult experience. Shi Gung Gregg Zilb picked up on it right away and he asked my permission to talk individually with my child. Shi Gung Gregg Zilb suggested ways that he and the school could work in conjunction with us at home to help my child through this time. He kept a close eye on my child and acknowledged his hard work in a very meaningful manner. It meant a great deal to me and my child.

I would love my children to learn kung fu skills as well as Shi Gung Gregg Zilb, but even more, I want them to learn his patient ways, dedication, and commitment. Thank you Shi Gung, for being such a positive influence in all of our lives.

Monks Come to the World of Warcraft!

2011-10-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Authentic Shoalin Kung Fu would like to welcome a new playable class to the World of Warcraft. Monks! Most people have heard of World of Warcraft, even if they have not played it. Blizzard has recently announced the games fourth expansion, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, which introduces the martial arts focuses monk.

Here is an excerpt from Blizzard's press release:

All of us gamers here at the Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu school are excited to give it a try!

A Beautiful Ceremony

2011-10-18T05:42:00.000-07:00

My husband, two children, and myself all attend the Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School. I have been incredibly impressed by the level of personal attention and care they each receive. The instructors are skilled in both Kung Fu and in teaching. For me though, the feeling of family, care, and commitment espoused is what truly separates this school from all others.

The Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School held a Sash Ceremony last week. Although none of my family members had tested, I was privileged to be a spectator of this beautiful ceremony. The tone of the ceremony was an example of the care and respect felt by both the instructors and the students.

Shi Gung Gregg Zilb offered a heartfelt welcome to his students as well as their friends and families. Shi Gung explained the meaning of the items used and the steps taken in the ceremony. Unlike other rank ceremonies which I have attended, each student was spoken to individually by an instructor who clearly had a close connection with him/her. The students personal journey was told and encouragement was offered. Each student experienced their own moment to shine and enjoy their accomplishment.

After the students received their new sash, they performed for us spectators. Each belt rank performed a different demonstration. Even the instructors and Shi Gung did demonstrations. This is another example of what sets the Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu School apart. All of the instructors are skilled and practice daily. The instructors are out on the floor with their students working side by side. It is a great encouragement that the instructors can model what they teach.

I feel so fortunate that my family has found Shi Gung Gregg Zilb and his fabulous school. I know my children will benefit greatly from his teachings and I look forward to watching them receive their first sash.

What is "Chi"?

2011-09-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

Shi Gung Gregg Zilb often speaks of "chi" to his students in an effort to help them achieve balance. Chi (also spelled qi) is a person's internal energy within their mind, body, and spirit. Chi is the life force in all living things.

Tai chi is a manner of gathering and managing life energy. Chi is drawn into our bodies with our breath and runs down fixed channels or meridians in the body. The movements of tai chi regulate the flow of chi by speeding it up, slowing it down, or removing blockages.

According to Tai Chi philosophy, there are three main centers of energy in the body. These are called "tiens". The "tan tien" lies just below the navel and all tai chi movements proceed from here. The movements derive their strength from this tien and at the same time, the movements increase it's power.

Tai Chi classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu in Holstville, NY. Shi Gung Gregg Zilb takes his students through tai chi movements and exercises while teaching the value of chi.

How easy was your belt test?

2011-09-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sash tests recently rolled around Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu. Let me assure you, they were not easy. To give you an idea, the test for white sash was well over the four hour mark. The red sash test was over eight hours! Now some may say this is excessive. But one thing Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu and Gregg Zilb stress is really knowing your art.

Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu will not promote anyone before it is time, and when it is time, it's a real challenge. Endurance, strength, agility and Lohan Chuan Kung Fu are all pushed to the extreme on test day, no matter what sash you are testing for. The instructors want to make sure you are solid in your knowledge and abilities before they pass you to the next level.

I've been at schools where the test has lasted as little as 45 minutes. Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu school really demonstrates it's commitment to it's students by taking an entire day to test. If your school is promoting is testing in under an hour, giving belt tests every month, or want's to enroll you in an accelerated black belt club or program., perhaps that school is more concerned with money than your progress or self development.

Even when a low yellow sash is earned, they tell you: "This just means your are a really good white sash and you are ready to learn yellow sash material."

If you want a martial art school that really cares about your development, that will be a great challenge and equally rewarding. Look no further than Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu.

Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu

Martial Arts vs. Martial Sports

2011-08-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Practitioners of martial arts receive many benefits, flexibility, strength, agility, endurance, the capability and skills to defend oneself. Some look forward to emotions that go along with victory over an opponent, they feel the psychological need to boost their ego.

These are benefits of all Martial Arts. There comes a great divide when you bring up the terms of Martial Arts and Martial Sports. Some scoff at forms and kata's. Some turn their heads at Martial Sports. But both have their unique value proposition for the martial art practitioner.

Martial Sports: Boxing, MMA, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, Judo, Kick Boxing, Karate are all very popular and legitimate sports. The vigorous training one goes through to reach a proficient level of skill to compete is a long and brutal journey. Anyone skilled enough to compete on a professional level can more than adequately defend themselves on the street.

Martial Arts: Kung Fu and it's various styles, Karate, Kempo, Tai Chi, Tai-Jitsu, Ninjitsu, Aikido are all effective martial arts. The people who lean toward martial arts are more interested in self defense, the artistry and elegance of Martial Arts. People who look to improve their physical condition. The forms and katas they practice are training their reflexes to react a certain way. Self defense involves up to limb breaking joint locks, nerve strikes, and strikes to vulnerable areas of the body that are off limits to sport practitioners.. such as the eyes, throat and groin. Self defense also involves small joint manipulation, the breaking of fingers.

To claim one is superior over the other is a statement of ignorance. It comes down to the practitioner, his skill level and dedication to the outcome.

At Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, we take great pride in the rich and long history of Shaolin. The forms we practice are those that build our strength, agility and train our bodies to respond. The self defense is real practical self defense. We spar in full gear to get used to the feel of combat, train our reflexes.. as result we have become competent at competition sparring.

Shaolin, Lohan Chuan Kung Fu provides a solid, well rounded martial art. Chin Na provides joint locking, the origins of Aikido, Brazilian Ju jitsu. Tai Chi provides strength, agility, grace and health. Come train at one of the most well rounded martial art schools in the country.

Get To Know Shi Gung Gregg Zilb

2011-08-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

Shi gung Gregg Zilb has been practicing traditional northern Shaolin Kung Fu for30 years. In those years he has taken home 20 Grand Championship trophies, and over 100 first place trophies all over the U.S.
Shi gung Gregg branched out on his own in 1995, and his school, Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu in Holtsville, NY is growing strong. Shi gung Gregg learned his love for Shaolin from his teacher Shi gung Moses Arocho who has been his instructor since Shi gung Gregg was 10. Shi gung Gregg has appeared in the off Broadway show Once Upon a Time In Chinese America and has a love for acting and performing martial arts. His major goal in life is to promote Shaolin Kung Fu in the United States. He believes in the traditional ways of training and promotes the same esoteric practices that Shaolin was known for.
With all of his accomplishments Shi gung Gregg has also received the honor of being inducted within the United International Kung Fu Federation Hall of Fame, and 5 other halls of fame all over the U.S.