BUJUTSU Jan / Feb 2006 - Grand Master Henry Sue Master of Masters.

Part Two

What does a Grand Master pass on to Masters? "Students who grade to Master Level have their own understanding of the knowledge that has been acquired over the years of training. However, to put this energy to use in the most efficient and powerful manner is not always totally within their grasp. This is when the 'new understanding' of the art begins. The 'new skill', the 'new energy', is added to their knowledge. By strengthening the mind, the 'true ging' or 'inner energy' is able to be released. Ging is an uninterrupted energy created through relaxation. Techniques are tailor made to the speed, height and length of the arm. Moves are analysed, weaknesses are made into strengths, speed and sensitivity are improved, inner energy and chi trained - the whole body and mind become and react as one.

Every Master is an individual, with varying levels of skill and knowledge. Once Master level is reached, any further training is on a very personal basis, one to one training. This is the time that I find out why the student is not reacting in the correct way. It is a time for redirection of energy and thoughts. The character of each Master is very evident in the style of his Kung Fu - and it is up to me to bring it out to its peak performance and develop a total understanding of the techniques. Kung Fu has to be 'tailor made'. It is not 'one size fits all'.

That is why it takes so long to complete the art of Tong Long - and become a 'true fighter'. After over four decades of teaching, many students have passed through the Chinese Kung Fu Academy. In that time, I have observed how students respond to different training methods. I have discovered how to improve my own skills and develop methods to pass on, so that individual students can benefit by receiving a full understanding of techniques and applications."

How would you describe a Tong Long Fighter? "A Tong Long fighter is the 'ultimate of fighters'. The moves are quick yet subtle and compact, but the energy generated is dynamic. Their hands are like those of a magician."

Were do you see Kung Fu going? Our organisation supports the same common vision as Mr Walt Missingham the National Federal President of the AKWF. I am pleased to be the Queensland Chairman of the AKWF, and through this position support the Accreditation process of all martial artists and look towards promoting Martial Arts through well organised events and future representation in the Olympics.

TONG LONG MASTERS

Tong Long Masters come from a range of backgrounds and have joined for varying reasons. Grand Master Sue trains only 14 Masters, who have been graded through his hands. Of those 14, all have put in a minimum of 13 years to achieve their current levels.

Si Sook Ben Sue 3rd degree Master, on the Senior Masters Committee, brother to Grandmaster Henry Sue, has trained for over two decades, currently third degree and consultant engineer to the local council he works with, also runs a successful school in North Queensland.

Dai Si Hing Greg Barry, 5th degree Master & oldest brother, consultant and member of the Senior Masters Committee, Masters Committee, member of the Tong Long fighting Sub Committee and expert past exponent and Champion of Tae Kwon Do, currently works as the area manager for a large building supply company. He has been training with Grand Master Sue for 23 years, and runs two successful schools.

Yee Sihing Stephen Locke, 5th degree Master & second oldest brother, has been training for over 23 years. Master Stephen Locke is a member of the Senior Masters Committee, Masters Committee, and works as a History teacher. Both he and Dai Si Hing Greg Barry train together. Yee Sihing Stephen Locke runs a successful school on the Sunshine Coast.

Sarm Si Hing Paul Laird 2nd degree, is 3rd Oldest brother is on the Senior Masters Committee and current Chairman of the Chinese Kung Fu Academy Masters Committee, member of the Risk Management Committee, training with Grand Master Sue for a total of 15 years. Sarm Si Shing Paul Laird is the Construction and Maintenance Manager for Queensland's six major sports stadia and runs his own Kung Fu school in West Brisbane.

Sei Si Hing Tim Grubi, 2nd degree, 4th oldest brother is on the Senior Masters Committee and secretary to the Masters Committee, heads the Marketing Committee. Sei Si Hing Tim Grubi left the art after grading to Masters Level in 1991. For 9 years he travelled the world developing his business and in 2000 he returned to Tong Long. He has seen the art evolve and recognises this is the ultimate fighting art. He runs his own specialised global uniform business and assists Grand Master Sue in the Brisbane Headquarters.

Both he and Sarm Si Hing Paul Laird are grading to 3rd Degree shortly.

Master Glen Lange, 3rd degree, maintains two prominent and successful schools on the Sunshine Coast.

Master Richard Walker, 1 st degree, member of the Masters Committee, runs a school and is a manager for a Queensland Government company. He regularly trains together with all of the 1 st Degree Masters.

Master Chris Mentor, 2nd degree, member of the Masters Committee is representative for the Academy in the AKWF NSW when required. He works in his own successful company and runs two schools in Sydney, grading to 2nd degree level.

Master Jason Stinson, 2nd degree, trains with Grand Master Sue when they catch up in China or in Australia. He devotes his life to his family and career and trains daily but currently has no school. Master Jason Stinson is an Executive in a 5-star Global Hotel group currently stationed in China. He is in touch with the Masters Committee through the e-mail loop.

Master Mathew Hanson, 3rd degree member of the Masters Committee, heads the Lion Dance Committee; son in law to Grandmaster Sue and is a Master Chef. Master Mathew Hansen runs three very successful schools on the Gold Coast and Southern N.S.w.

Master Terry Verlander 1 st degree, member of the Masters Committee, and the Lion Dance Committee. Master Terry Verlander has devoted his life to Kung Fu. He runs his school at Ashmore on the Gold Coast.

Master George C Pharmacis 1st degree, member of the Masters Committee and Lion Committee, he also assists the AKWF as administrator of which Grand Master Sue is Chairman.

Master Jason Mcinnes 1st degree, member of the Masters Committee and a police officer, maintains a small but successful school at Biggara Waters.

Master Mark Webster 1st degree, member of the Masters Committee and the Lion Committee, has also devoted his life to the Chinese way of healing and maintains an acupuncture practice as well as a successful Kung Fu school at Mudgeeraba.

Other Masters who have graded under Grand Master Sue remain dear to the Grandmaster's heart as they have each expended so much sweat to achieve that level.

In the words of Grand Master Sue, we must first have the love of the Art, life devotion, and the balance will follow. Grand Master Sue promotes the school's motto "to respect your elders, teachers and their teachings".

We talk about many things when we talk about 9th Degree Grand Master Henry Sue and Tong Long Kung Fu. We talk of the total understanding of fighting techniques, the true importance of ma or stance and the focus of chi and inner energies.

However, not often can we experience the true essence of a Grand Master - one that does not need to fight. Not many are able to carry this air of confidence, but just by looking into the eyes of Grand Master Henry Sue 9th Degree, you sense without doubt that you have been defeated before the contest has begun.