Tim ,

My primary background is in boxing and judo, but learned some ba gua and xin yi first in China, then in US (bagua-only here). I like both of them because they don't emphasize forms per-se, and seem to be good exercises for gaining position in stand-up and training force-generation mechanics. I limit my practice of them to (xin yi) dan ba, yao shan ba, and ying zhua ba; and (ba gua) ball-rolling/holding spc. I've noticed that my throws are quicker and smoother after Bagua, my pivots to my rear hand are quicker and cleaner, and my counterpunching better. I get tripped and swept less now, and sprawling is better. Also, I get cracked in the head less now. The ball-rolling was reccommended for me because of a lanky build: 190 cm and 82 kg.

So, I was wondering if you still cirlce walk, and if you teach your cma by perscription (body composition, natural strengths, so forth).
Cheers,

Hi Karl,

I rarely walk the circle.

My classes are all MMA based, with a balance between stand up and ground fighting.

I teach individual styles only in private lessons.

Tim,

That's interesting. Next spring I hope to come to LA area to check out your school. Any plans to do a seminar in Seattle again or the Midwest or Notheast?

I really enjoyed the Effortless Combat Throws book...changed how I look at integrating strikes, 'jams' and throws.

Tim may be up here (Seattle, WA.) in Dec. I am about 90% confirmed for it. I will make an announcement once it is 100%.
Jake

Oh, and the curriculum will most likely include some Sun Bagua in it when he does come up.
Jake

I will also be conducting a seminar in Rochester New York the weekend of November 10.

Three Harmonies Chinese Martial Arts Center
Proudly Presents a Weekend Workshop on:

SHEN WU
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

w/ Tim Cartmell

December 1-2, 2007
Seattle, WA.
*Location will be available upon registration*

Whole Weekend: $145
Saturday Single Session: $65
Both Saturday Sessions: $105
Clinch Clinic: $85
PRE-REGISTER BY NOVEMBER 21ST AND SAVE $20!

*Tim will also be available for a limited number of private lessons*

Contact Jake Burroughs for more information,
Scheduling of private lessons,
Or for further questions:
206-941-3232
three_harmonies@hotmail.com
www.threeharmonies.com



Sun Bagua Form & Application (Lion & Qilin)
Saturday December 1, 12:30-3:30 pm

Tim continues his Sun Bagua Intensive offering the first two animal forms: Lion and the Qilin (mythical Unicorn; think Kirin bottle). Both the form and a multitude of applications will be taught including striking, joint manipulation, and of course throws. Sun Lu Tang was arguably one of the most influential martial artist’s of his time learning Bagua from the famous Cheng Ting Hua who was known for his throwing skills. Sun went on to create his own sub-system of Bagua.
This seminar is open to any and all styles and levels regardless if you have studied Bagua before. Come with an open mind and explore the rich culture of Chinese Martial Arts taught by one of the most sought after instructors today!
Expect to learn:
• The complete forms and circle walking
• Real world applications for today’s society
• Gain a better understanding of how the body moves and its usage in combat

Xing Yi Combat Applications (Eagle & Bear)
Saturday December 1, 5-8pm
In the Hebei branches of Xing Yi the Eagle and Bear are taught together, where as in the Shanxi families they are considered two distinct focuses. Tim will be offering the combat applications for these animals, no forms will be taught and it is not necessary to know either the Eagle or Bear to benefit from this seminar!
A comprehensive overview of locks, strikes, throws, and footwork will be covered. The Bear is known for its direct attacks, powerful elbows, and full body power, where as the Eagle enhances the speed, agility, and maneuverability of the fighter. Combined the Eagle and Bear round out the animal forms and provide a complete combat package for fighters of all sizes. Join us for an afternoon of improving ones fighting skills, regardless of style or knowledge of Xing Yi.

Clinch Clinic 101
Sunday December 2, 12-5:30pm (There will be a lunch break mid-day)
Clinch fighting is arguably the single most important factor in sport and street fighting because it bridges the gap between striking distance and grappling distance, and is considered by many the key aspect to dominating your opponent. Every combat sport has their version of the clinch; Muay Thai, Greco Roman Wrestling, Folk Wrestling, even boxing! This proves that clinch work is one of the most critical aspects of any fighter’s repertoire.
This is the first in a series of clinics Tim will be offering on the clinch. In this hands on workshop you will learn:
• Basic arm and body positions
• How to gain the “upper hand” in the clinch
• How to strike in the clinch
• Attaining superior position and maintaining it
• Clinch strategy
• How to escape the clinch


ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Tim Cartmell has become one of the most sought after martial arts teachers in North America. Combining over 30 years of experience from the arts of San Soo, Xing Yi, Bagua, Taiji, and now Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tim has bridged the gap between theory and usage! After spending over 10 years in Asia studying various systems of martial arts and fighting full contact Lei Tai matches, Tim returned to LA to teach as well as begin his foray into the ground fighting game under Cleber Luciano. Eight years later he has become Clebers only black belt, and has won numerous grappling tournaments including the Copa (seven times), as well as taking silver in the 2005 Mundials (World Championships) in Brazil.
Tim is also a very accomplished translator and author with his latest translation “Chin Na Fa” on bookshelves now; he has also translated “Practical Chin Na” by Zhao Da Yuan & “Method of Chinese Wrestling” by Tong Zhong Yi. Tim has authored the pivotal book “Effortless Combat Throws” / “Passing the Guard” w/ Ed Beneville, and “Xing Yi Nei Gong” w/Dan Miller. His latest projects include a series of DVD’s on Stand up Grappling and Ground Proofing.
Tim teaches fulltime in Huntington Beach CA. where he has combined the stand up fighting of Xing Yi, Bagua, and Taiji with the ground work of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to create his Shen Wu curriculum of modern day combative’s.
For more info on Tim Cartmell, his products and what he teaches please visit: www.shenwu.com