SEMINAR/WORKSHOP PROGRAM

The Staff program consists of stationary techniques to familiarize students with the staff. These exercises help to build comfort and confidence in the handling of the weapon. During the seminar, we will be discussing:

• Sliding your hands on the staff to change orientation and direction
• Striking with a good connection between your body and the staff
• Stinging, using different grips
• Blocking/Bouncing your opponent's weapon away
• Basic staff-sparring drills
• Concepts of sealing your opponent's weapon

In this seminar, we will also cover the basic White Crane staff sequence Qi Mei Gun (Equal Eyebrow Staff). Qi Mei Gun integrates a subset of the basic techniques covered into a fluid sequence of movements, including footwork.

WHO'S TEACHING?

YMAA instructors Nicholas C. Yang, Ben Warner, Aaron Damus, and James Yang have been studying with Dr. Yang for over 10 years and will be leading the seminar exercises.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Everybody is welcome to attend this Staff seminar. Previous martial arts experience is a plus, but not required. Attendance is limited, so register soon. This seminar will benefit:

• Martial artists of all styles who would like to build and develop a traditional foundation in staff training
• Martial artists who are interested in pursuing other long weapons training
• Martial artists with no prior martial arts weaponry experience
• Martial artists who are looking to learn White Crane staff techniques
• Martial artists who want to learn the first basic White Crane sequence Qi Mei Gun

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

If you have your own staff and can bring it, please do! We have a limited quantity of staffs at the school. We recommend wearing loose practice clothing (T-shirt and pants) and a pair of indoor shoes, unless you prefer training barefoot or in socks. Street shoes are not permitted on the training floor.

TRAVELING TO BOSTON

YMAA Boston is located approximately 20 minutes South of downtown Boston. If you are traveling by car please visit YMAA Boston webpage for detailed driving instructions.

Free on-street parking is available and there are several paid lots nearby.

A good alternative is to use the MBTA subway transportation system. YMAA Boston is about a 3-minute walk from the Forest Hill Orange Line station. Visit MBTA website for more information.

If you are flying to Boston, you can also easily access the MBTA subway system. After arriving to Boston’s Logan Airport take the free airport shuttle bus (Route #22, #33 or #55) to the MBTA “Airport” station. Then take the inbound Blue Line train to “State” station. At “State” station, board the Orange line outbound train to the “Forest Hills” station, the last stop. Exit the “Forest Hills” station, go upstairs, and proceed straight through the exit towards Hyde Park Ave. Once outside, turn right to proceed downstairs. Cross the street and walk 2 blocks right to YMAA Boston.

STAYING IN BOSTON

For information about hotels, guest houses and inn lodging, please visit the lodging page.

EXTRA INFO

If you need help making a decision about attending, have further questions about the Staff Techniques Seminar, or would like to register now, please contact us here or call (617) 524-8892 (for international calls please use +1-617-524-8892).

Staff training DVDs will be available for purchase on site.

Private lessons for individualized staff training can be arranged with instructors.