Zhang San Feng Cultural Festival

06/04/2024

I have about five more weeks before the event in Malaysia. At this point I’m excited and overwhelmed. I know it’s not going to be easy to medal in Malaysia. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of high-level performers at this event.

There are some really talented players in Malaysia and other Asian countries. I’m looking forward to competing against them learning and sharing.

I’m sure there will be foreigners from other countries, but I’ve been to these events and don’t see many of my shade. If any, Lol
The event is a Chin Woo traditional tournament there, will be no Wu Shu there.

For my weapons performance I usually display my skills through the straight sword. GM Wong said it might be wise for me to do my fan routine. GM thought I would place with my performance. He has seen it many times.

I thought about his view and decided to compete in tai chi empty hand… however I never medaled in Asia competing in tai chi.
I believe that my movements are fluent/meaningful and shows the intent of the poetry presented.

I the won my World Championship in Korea, foreigners dominate the heavyweight divisions overseas. When it comes to the form routines…. it is not the strong point for foreigners.

My full contact days are over far as competition, and only hope to avoid real life situations by being mindful.

The world of tai chi and the brotherhood of martial arts has fulfilled my life. I hope that it does the same for you.

I am seeking🥇🥇🥇 I know that it will take more than luck. Skills☯️

Keep sending those blessings🙏🏾

09/10/2022

03/25/2020

To combat COVID-19 coronavirus, doctors worldwide are saying that exercise is the key to increasing your immune system.

Doing exercises like Yoga and especially Tai Chi will help keep you healthy now and beyond this crisis.

Schedule an online class with Master Clarke, who is a specialist in teaching Tai Chi and Chi Gong for wellness, stress reduction, and internal healing. This is the time to take advantage of an online practice - without needing to be in Denver!!!

Channel 9 News Denver recommends and endorsed this practice just tonight on the 10:00 news!!!!

Just because there is a stay-at-home order, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay healthy! You now have access to this amazing program - take advantage now for yourself and for your family!!!

See the video below to spark your interest:
“Principles of Tai Chi WELLNESS to help combat COVID-19”

Contact Master Clarke direct: 720-244-3927
or
[email protected]

And please share with others, so they will have the opportunity to stay healthy as well.

03/17/2020

UPDATE:
Unfortunately, due to all things surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus, we are forced to cancel the ZSF event (as planned) this year. As things improve, we will consider a more local event later this year, still with the goal of supporting and connecting our community.

If we are able to make that happen, we will announce it here and let you know. Otherwise, we look forward to the big event now in 2021.

Stay safe and healthy! Keep moving and doing those practices - like Tai Chi, Chi gong, etc. - that will help boost and maintain your immune system!

07/10/2019

Some great photos of our 2019 event from Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine!!!

07/07/2019

What a great day for us to "Exchange" together and then end with an outstanding performance show!!! Thanks to everyone who came out to support this vision of Exchange and Community!!!

And, remember, there are workshops Sunday, July 7 - options from 10am to 3pm. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the masters!!!

Workshops are at a separate location:
Rocky Mountain Movement
4380 S Federal Blvd
Englewood, Co 80110

07/01/2019

ATTN: MARTIAL ARTS EXCHANGE PARTICIPANTS, JUDGES, SCHOOLS, MASTERS, AND TEACHERS

To help clarify the schedule for Saturday's daytime events, the language below is taken from our website (along with a link to the site for additional information).

Also, Masters and Teachers, make sure you are there by 9:30am for the scheduled group photo! We want everyone represented!

Details...

Martial Arts EXCHANGE (Daytime Events)

(For the martial arts community and participants, along with their families, friends, and supporters)

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

8:00 – 9:00am: Same-Day Registration and Check In

9:30am: Opening Ceremony

9:50am: (immediately after ceremony) Group Photo of Masters and Teachers; Judges Meeting

10:00am – 4:00pm: Daytime Participant Exchange and Finals

Since many people wait to register the morning of the event, we do not have exact times regarding when each division will begin. Generally speaking, we will start with (1) the Opening Ceremony, then (2) Kids Forms and Weapons, then (3) Adult Forms and Weapons, then (4) Push Hands, then (5) the Finals. However, we suggest that EVERYONE arrive by 9:00am to check in, then stay for the Opening Ceremony, where there will be more detailed announcements regarding the specific daytime schedule. Then, of course, stay for the Festival and Performance Show from 4:00-8:00pm after the Daytime Exchange is over.

Martial Arts EXCHANGE (Daytime Events) (For the martial arts community and participants, along with their families, friends, and supporters) SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 8:00 - 9:00am: Same-Day Registration and Check In 9:30am: Opening Ceremony 10:00am - 4:00pm: Daytime Participant Exchange and Finals Sin...

06/28/2019

Attention: MARTIAL ART SCHOOLS

Remember - this Monday, July 1, is the deadline for Group School Registrations in order to receive a group discount!

Attached below is a link to our website, where you will find all the documentation to include with your group signup.

Please use this weekend to gather your group together, so that you can register by Monday!!!

Looking forward to seeing how all the students have advanced this year, and having new students participate for the first time as well! See you next weekend!!

Please read the Personal Letter from Chairman to Martial Arts Community, so that you will understand the significance of this Festival and the Martial Arts Exchange. Below is the registration information for both SCHOOLS and INDIVIDUALS to participate in the Martial Arts Exchange portion of the Fest...

06/28/2019

If you are traveling to attend our event next weekend, we highly suggest you get hotel reservations in advance since it's a holiday weekend.

We do not have any blocked rooms, but below is a link to the page on our website, where we list 6 hotel options that are within 10 minutes of the event location....

Englewood Elks Lodge 3690 S Jason St Englewood, Co 80110

06/16/2019

EXPLANATION OF THE ZSF MARTIAL ARTS EXCHANGE JUDGING AND SCORING SYSTEM (and why our vision is an educational exchange - not a competitive tournament)

The intent behind the scoring system for the Zhang San Feng event is to help you reach a higher level of martial arts achievement.

The whole goal of the event is to raise awareness to the functions and foundation of Chinese martial arts and other systems. We want this experience to help guide participants on their journey to martial arts excellence.

This is not a tournament that pits people against each other and creates more separation among martial art players. Instead, it's an exchange of information that will help each practitioner develop a higher level of understanding of his or her own routines. Receiving information that will elevate your own performance is what is most important here.

SCORING FOR FORMS/WEAPONS
When developing our scoring system, we realized that receiving a generic numerical score like "7.5" or "8.6" or whatever, doesn't give a practitioner any information as to how he/she can improve their skills.

Therefore, we created a new system for judging, with score sheets where judges can (a) award a numerical score that is actually connected to a foundational skill, and (2) write constructive comments and suggestions to each practitioner with instruction on how to improve, what to practice moving forward, etc.

Specifically, there are five categories that each participant will be judged on:
1. Appearance
2. Foundation of stances
3. Tai chi flow / Kung fu power
4. Martial intent
5. Hand/eye coordination and continuity of form

A maximum of 20 points will be awarded for each category, with a possible maximum total score of 100 if each category is met successfully.

Final Scoring Award Ranges:
70-80 bronze
80-90 silver
90-100 gold

If you are the only participant in your division, you will NOT receive an automatic gold medal. Your award must still be earned by the score that you received.

Here are more detailed descriptions of each category:

(1) Appearance:
This should be an easy 20 points for each practitioner. We require all practitioners to wear a traditional uniform and be well-groomed.

(2) Stances:
No matter the style or form, every routine must still have root and stability.

(3a) Tai Chi Form:
Must be centered, smooth, soft, and connected.

(3b) Kung Fu or Wushu Form:
Must show power, focus, and spirit.

(4) Martial Intent:
True martial art forms and routines must have intent with each move. Without this, it is just a dance. It's important that we show the application within the moves.

(5) Hand/Eye Coordination and Continuity of Form:
It is important that your body and spirit is connected throughout your entire routine.

PUSHING HANDS DIVISION:
Across the country, push hands divisions at other events have gone away from the principles of Tai Chi. The reason: most practitioners who sign up to compete in this division do not have a Tai Chi background.

At our event, you will have to qualify as a Tai Chi player in order to participate in the push hands division. This is important in order to honor the integrity of the art and to protect people from injury by those who do not understand the principles of this practice. There will be absolutely no roughhousing or sumo wrestling at our event.

The push hands division will show sophistication and finesse. It will be like watching a chess game, tennis match, or golf game.... it's all about your level of skill. There will be no injuries or bad attitudes at our exchange.

This event is designed for the scholar warrior - those who understand softness and the continuous flow of Tai Chi. Beginner practitioners will be guided to keep one speed and will be penalized for change of speed and aggressive behavior. This is an educational event, and each participant should leave this event with a higher level of awareness and ability.

The Moving Step Push Hands division will be open to advanced players only! Judges will be looking for your ability to show effective footwork and connection to your opponent. If a pairing gets into a sloppy wrestling match, the action will be stopped and both players will be disqualified.

On the day of the event, before the division activity begins, there will be a demonstration and detailed explanation of all of these rules. We believe that you will find our vision to be tasteful and meaningful, as the goal is to elevate our abilities in the safest and most effective way.

Pushing hands at the ZSF Festival will be a great experience for beginners and advanced. Guaranteed!

05/17/2019

Zhang San Feng Cultural Festival, in association with DaoUSA and the WuDang San Feng Friendship Association of China, have joined forces to promote "Tai Chi for Humanity" in a celebration of unity, balance, and harmony.

We come together this year to host our cultural festival in Englewood, CO, inviting participants and spectators from around the region, and also with our eyes set on the biggest national/international Zhang San Feng festival ever held in America - in the mountains of Estes Park - at the Dao House in July 2020.

You have saved the date for this year's event. Now we're getting closer!

Join us again for the 22nd annual Zhang San Feng Cultural Arts Festival - July 6th and 7th, 2019 - to experience a "taste" of China.

Gene Ching, from Kung Fu / Tai Chi Magazine, will be here again this year covering the event. Also, new for this year, we are incorporating a "regional championship" into our program, specifically looking for upcoming stars and champions (both children and adults) to be featured in Kung Fu / Tai Chi Magazine. GET READY!

We are introducing TWO NEW DIVISIONS that are open to all styles (including Kung Fu, Karate, Kenpo, Taekwondo, etc.): Musical Forms division for individuals, and Group Performance division for 3 or more participants. There will be a CASH PRIZE for these two events.

The main vision of the Zhang San Feng Cultural Festival is to highlight Tai Chi and other internal styles, showing the quality, sophistication, and finesse of this ancient and mysterious art. Our goal is to make this event the premiere Tai Chi exchange in the United States of America, creating a true Olympic-level Push Hands event that eliminates Sumo-wrestling and rough housing. Push Hands is "the art of being pushed" - not pushing.

Come celebrate the Five Excellences. Dress in your favorite Asian style garment to be a part of the festival and enjoy the Lion Dance and the 'Masters of Martial Arts' amazing demonstrations - even bigger and better than 2018.

"Tai Chi for Humanity" is an important goal of the Zhang San Feng Cultural Festival. We want to show how a gathering of conscious minds can help heal the world of stress/despair, and promote unity, balance, and harmony amongst people and life itself.

Remember, this event is a chance to educate the public and offers opportunities to celebrate, experience, and learn about the Five Excellences: health, calligraphy, poetry, music, and martial arts. This is a family-friendly event and there will be something for everyone!

On Saturday, we invite all schools, families, and friends to feel the harmony and unity that we will share in the Rocky Mountain region - coming together in an exchange of ideas, skills, and talents - to improve and elevate ourselves to a higher level of personal and physical growth.

On Sunday, sign up for one or more of our workshops and expand your martial art and physical health education.

For more information, contact Master Clarke:
Phone: 720-244-3927
Email: [email protected]

We will be continually updating and expanding our website to include the latest edits and details, registration options, new workshops offered, etc. - so be sure to check out the website as we get closer to July 6-7:
www.zsffestival.com