Home to Neijiaquan; taiji, xingyi, bagua, and Fu style
Support
Chinese Martial Arts in the
Why support Chinese
martial arts?
Martial arts are more than
an effective means of self-defense. The practice of martial arts can improve
health and physical fitness, increase mental focus and clarity, and even
cultivate spirituality. The practice of martial arts enriches the overall
quality of life for the individual and the community.
Many people practice
martial arts recreationally – a couple of times a week, but few pursue martial
arts as a way of life. The martial artist's way of life means hours of training
everyday, private coaching on a regular basis, studying classical and modern
texts, seeking out other high-level masters to supplement their primary instruction,
and attending competitions to test their skill and earn recognition. All of
this is in addition to a full-time job in order to make a living.
Intense training is
expensive. An athlete who attends class four nights and one private lesson
every week could easily spend more than $300 each month just on tuition. Add to
that figure three special workshops with visiting masters ($1,050), four
competitions with travel expenses ($1,400), and equipment ($500),
and a serious athlete could spend more than $6,500 on training expenses each
year.
Support and sponsorship
frees an artist to focus on perfecting their art. How much more could an artist
achieve and give back to the community if he or she could put more time and
energy into their art? Jet Li (Once Upon
a Time in China, Fist of Legend, The One) was a state sponsored martial
artist. From the age of eight he put all of his energy into training and has
become one of the best martial artists of the late 20th and early 21st
century. Jackie Chan (The Tuxedo,
Understandably, most people
do not choose to pursue martial arts with such a single-minded focus, but such
dedication and learning yield benefits to the community as well as to the
martial artist. The school where I train and assist, The
Chinese Martial Arts Center, enriches the community by offering classes every week
at local senior and community centers and holding special
workshops for the public with visiting masters. Recreational students benefit
from the experience of teachers who have dedicated their lives to practicing Chinese
martial arts. Students come to class to improve balance, flexibility, and
strength, lower blood pressure, learn to manage stress, study cultural
traditions and arts, cultivate discipline, patience, peace, and focus.
Returning what we have learned to the community is a central part of Wude
(martial ethics).
How can you help?
Volunteer:
Your local martial arts school and the competition circuit
need people of all backgrounds and experience levels. Your time and
enthusiasm are welcomed.
Services:
Handy? We could all use a hand. Put your skills to use.
Nothing is more appreciated than your time and sharing.
Here are just a few areas of expertise that are always in demand: communications, graphic design, computer skills, grant writing, knowledge of non-profit organizations, management, secretarial, and customer service skills. Do you run (or work at) a
business that could offer services, products, gift certificates, or sponsorships to athletes or events? Good examples are grocery stores,
restaurants, athletic suppliers, automotive repair, and health care services.
If you want to help, we can find an application for your skills.
Participate:
Nurture your body, mind,
and spirit. Take a taiji, qigong, or other class on a regular basis.
Attending competitions and
demonstrations just to watch shows your support.
Join:
The United States Wushu
Union is the only Chinese martial arts organization working to implement judges
training, national athlete ranking, and representation of athletes at the
national level.
Financial Donations:
Financial donations are
always welcomed.
If you
would like to help out in any way, please contact me. I will direct you to the most appropriate venue for your help.
I am only one small part
of the martial arts community, but if you'd like to help support my training and competitions
contact me at: asmeltz@hotmail.com
All donors will be listed
among my sponsors (unless you request to remain anonymous). Sponsors receive
personal thank you letters, a photograph of me that may be shown in a place of
business, and annual
updates on training and competitions that I have attended. Sponsors are
also mentioned in press
releases following competitions.
Red Belt
Sponsors donating $250
will receive a certificate of participation, two copies of the annual
newsletter, a listing in the newsletter, and an optional speaking engagement
with Andrew Smeltz – 2002 Men's Internal All-Around National Champion.
Brown Belt
In addition to the
benefits of a Red Belt sponsorship, sponsors donating $500 will receive an
optional 2 hour workshop on your choice of topics including: Taiji (T'ai Chi),
Qigong (Chi Kung), basic Daoist philosophy as related to taiji, or strength and
flexibility training.
Black Belt
In addition to the
benefits of Red and Brown Belt sponsorships, sponsors donating $1,000 will have
their logo embroidered on the warm-ups worn by Andrew Smeltz during the
competition season.
Those who wish to make a
larger donation may negotiate how I can best thank them. I am grateful for all
contributions and support of any kind. I'd especially like to thank my wife, my
family, and my friends who provide me with the most important kind of support.
