3/22/16 Edition
Table Of Contents

1. Article: More Of The Wooden Trunk Man of Wing Chun
2. Philosophy: People take different roads
3. NEW SERVICES AT BODYSMART WELLNESS/Masters-Center
4. Great New Certification And Course Formats Make Learning Easier With More Flexibility
5. New Certification Course Dates
6. This Month’s Special Offers!
7. Wing Chun Kung Fu Class (Bruce Lee’s Foundation)

1. Article:

By Request:
More Of The Wooden Trunk Man of Wing Chun

By Philip Holder Ph.D
Grandmaster, North American Wing Chun Association
Copyright: Philip Holder 1996-2016

The Muk Jong or “Wooden Trunk Man” of Wing Chun is an amazing device that can help you to vastly improve your martial arts skills. Although many people think of the Muk Jong as a tool for developing greater proficiency with your hands, it actually has equal or greater value in developing terrific footwork and superb positioning. This is important because it is your body angle, relative to your opponent’s position, that can give you the ability to align your strongest area toward your opponent’s weakest area. This is critically important in gaining the ability to defeat a larger and stronger opponent. After all, you don’t need special training to beat someone smaller and weaker. If an attacker were smaller and weaker you could just smack them on the head and send them home. Your training should give you the ability to handle someone larger and stronger.

Creating angles of advantage is one of the key components in accomplishing redirection of force. The Muk Jong can give you the skills to redirect energy effectively. It can help you develop the skills needed to find the path of least resistance quickly and easily. It will train you to close off all windows of opportunity to your attacker. In short, it can make you a more proficient fighter and increase your overall skill level… that is if you know how to use the Jong properly. If you do not, it may simply become a very expensive coat rack.

The Wing Chun Muk Jong has become recognizable to martial artists and non-martial artists alike (even though many people see it in the movies without really knowing what it is). It’s been seen in Bruce Lee movies, with Jackie Chan, and in many other films as well. I’ve even seen them in martial arts schools where absolutely no one in the school had a clue about how to use it (not even the instructor). I guess they either hoped to learn what to do with it in the future, or maybe it just made a cool decoration… Who knows! Even people from styles other than Wing Chun purchase and utilize them. The problem is that most martial artists, even some within the Wing Chun system, don’t understand the Muk Jong. For this reason, they do not get full benefit from it.

Elegant Simplicity

The Muk Jong is both incredible and beautiful in its simplicity. The fact that this simple device accomplishes so much with so little is a truly amazing engineering feat. Once in awhile, someone will try to “improve” on the Muk Jong by adding an extra leg or two, or some additional arms, springs, mud-flaps, a CD Player, or other whistles and bells, in an attempt to invent a new improved model (Just kidding about the mud-flaps and CD player). These attempts simply indicate that the person “inventing” the new device doesn’t understand the Muk Jong or how it functions (or perhaps he or she is primarily looking for a marketing angle to set his or her product or organization apart from others). Either way, it demonstrates a great lack of knowledge about the Jong. [Note: Although some people may think it good sales/business to imply that they have somehow discovered something “secret” that others are unaware of, it can create confusion for students and detract from the true usefulness and overall philosophy of the Muk Jong. Those who truly understand the Muk Jong realize that it needs no new attachments, batteries or buzzers.]

In Wing Chun, each type of training exercise has a specific purpose. The forms teach position and movement, Chi Sao develops the ability to interpret intent through touch, etc. The purpose of the Muk Jong is to translate the movements and positions contained within the forms into “Root Applications.” This does not mean that there are only 108 applications within the Wing Chun System. It simply means that the movements taught on the dummy are the root or base applications from which others are derived. Once these root applications are mastered, others grow out of them, spontaneously, with relative ease.

One of the greatest misconceptions about the wooden Muk Jong is that it is for toughening your arms. This is pure nonsense. To realize this you simply have to look to the basic principles of the system. One of the primary principles in Wing Chun is “don’t fight force with force.” In Wing Chun we deflect rather than smash an attacker’s limb out of the way. It is logical then to assume that we would not smash into the arms of the Muk Jong. The object, in fact, is just the opposite of using force. The goal is to work around the arms and to find the path of least resistance. Any person who would advocate smashing into the arms of the Muk Jong would simply be displaying a dismal lack of knowledge about both the Muk Jong and about his or her understanding of the core principles of the Wing Chun system.

Another misconception is that the Muk Jong is primarily for improving hand positions. Although the Muk Jong does have great value in this area, it has equally important value in training footwork, position, and angle. Students who train the Muk Jong conscientiously will find that their footwork in both Chi Sao and in sparring will be enhanced dramatically.

The Muk Jong, like a form, is a prearranged sequence of movements. In Wing Chun training the footwork exercises play an important role in the overall training. This is true with the Muk Jong too. When the footwork is done correctly the hands seem to fall into place easily. If the footwork is done incorrectly, the hand movements become difficult if not impossible. In fact, it is the footwork that is the basis for the Muk Jong. [NOTE: Wing Chun also has a kicking dummy (Star Dummy) used specifically for kicking exercises that will be covered in another article.]

Three Armed Space Monster

Although the Muk Jong has three arms, the three arms do not represent fixed limbs. All three arms can, at times, represent one arm at various positions. The end of the arm(s) represents the elbow, not the hand. The presumed line of energy extends out from the elbow. This is why the arms are so short. As well, the leg represents the “active lower limb” or the leg in play at that time. A second leg therefore is not necessary (the Jong is not a one legged amputee from a lumber factory). In fact a second leg on the Muk Jong would be an impediment to footwork and movement around the device.

There has been some disagreement over just how many movements there are on the dummy. Again, in an attempt to create a “sales pitch” there are those who may claim to know extra dummy movements. The actual count of movements on the Muk Jong is subjective and is really unimportant. Classically, the accepted number of movements is 108, however, this number has more to do with Chinese numerology that it does with an accurate count of the movements. Because of this fact, debate over the number of movements is really a non-issue. [NOTE: In Chinese numerology, the number three (and multiples thereof), as well as the number 108 have spiritual significance. For this reason, you will find that the movements in the Wing Chun forms and on the Muk Jong are contrived to fit into these numbers. This is primarily for their numeric, spiritual significance. It is not reflective of the actual number of movements.]

Muk Jong Construction, Maximum Benefit

The dimensions of the Jong are not carved in stone. Remember… in days past, there were no facilities for mass production. Each dummy trunk was a little different. The critical factors are the relative spacing of the arms, and the construction and spacing of the leg relative to the arms. Basically, the trunk can be from approximately seven and a half, to nine inches in diameter. On a classical Muk Jong, the trunk will be about fifty-four inches tall. The arms should protrude approximately twelve inches from the trunk.

There is no specific height for the Muk Jong. Just as you wouldn’t use the same settings for every person on an exercise machine the Muk Jong needs to be set differently for people of varying heights. Your Jong should be set up so that the upper arm is at the same height as the crest, or top of your shoulder when you are positioned in front of the Muk Jong standing in a neutral stance. This will allow you to complete the series of movements without compromising your stance, balance, and positioning.

Although designed for Wing Chun practitioners, those of any style can benefit from the Muk Jong if they know how to use it properly. The following tips should help you.

1. Never use force against the arms
2. Focus on your footwork. It is equally, if not more important, than the hand movements.
3. Have someone proficient with the use of the dummy teach you its proper use. Especially if you are from a system other than Wing Chun.
4. If you are purchasing a dummy, get a high quality classical dummy. A good Jong, properly used, should last many lifetimes. Remember… “You can get oats for 20 cents a pound, or cheaper after they’ve been through the horse.” You get what you pay for.
5. Focus on position, balance, and quality of movement rather than power.

If you follow these basic tips, your Muk Jong training will add new dimension to your training !

2. Philosophy:

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.
Dalai Lama

3.

NEW SERVICES and PROVIDERS!

We Welcome
Athena Argyris
Who Is Now Providing Reiki
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BodySmart Wellness LLC / Masters-Center
Office In Yardley PA

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In the of Body Smart Wellness / Masters-Center

We Also Welcome

Diana T. Moore, Ph.D.

Offering

Nutritional Counseling
Hypnotherapy, Meditation
Yoga Classes
And More

Nutritional Counseling

“Imagine feeling your best, looking your best, all while eating the foods you love. Imagine understanding how your body really works and learning how to make it work for you. Think what it would be like to achieve all your health goals with a plan centered on your unique body and lifestyle.

Now it is all possible! Dr. Moore has partnered with Venice Nutrition to provide you with an education in Nutrition, Fitness and overall Health, as well as the customized plan, tools and support you need to live each day to the fullest.You’ll be able to let go of the frustration of “diets” and learn how to make your health a permanent part of your lifestyle.

Dr. Moore is an expert in, meditation and the mind-body connection.  She is a devoted and passionate teacher who is constantly continuing her education in academics and holistic health and wellness.  Dr. Moore is an instructor in the Distance Education Leadership program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and is a nationwide consultant in educational technology with expertise in online learning environments and adult learning theory.

Dr. Moore is a certified hypnotherapist (since 2003).  She is highly experienced in energy work, including Reiki, achieving the level of Reiki Master in 1999. She has studied shamanic healing and meditation techniques from a variety of nature-based instructors over the last twenty years, and has taught guided meditation and mindfulness techniques for over fifteen years. Diana Moore first began serious practice of yoga in 1999 with a focus on yogic philosophy and Pranayama. These studies combined with the Asanas and incorporated into her hypnotherapy and teaching practices provided a holistic and well-rounded understanding and practice of yoga, which is evident today.  Dr. Moore is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance (RYT 200) and is working toward completion of a 300 hour advanced teacher training in the Ashtanga tradition.  She is also working toward her Ayurveda Yoga Specialist certification though the Himalayan Institute. Influenced by several traditions, she offers yoga and meditation classes with a balance of gratitude and joy. Her classes are a masterful, artistic blend balancing the alignment of body, mind and spirit. As a passionate proponent of the balance between mind, body and spirit, Dr. Moore is an accomplished fitness instructor and avid runner.  She also teaches indoor cycling, barre and pilates.

4. New Course Formats – Easier And More Flexible

GREAT NEW
HYPNOTHERAPY
CERTIFICATION COURSES
With More Options And More Flexable
COURSE FORMATS
Make Enrolling and Participating
Easier Than Ever

We asked current students, past students and people inquiring about our training, what they felt the biggest obstacle(s) in committing to certification training was for them when considering enrollment. We listened to you and we think our New Course Format addresses the most significant reasons why potential students sometime struggle with the decision of enrolling.

Student Training Options

Option 1: 

For those wanting certification, advanced certification or instructor certification:

Register for a full certification course(s) in its entirety (As We Have Had In The Past)

NEW

Option 2: 

For those who want to study certain specific topics but already have certification.

For those who for, any other reason, are not looking for certification.

For those who cannot currently take the time and/or money to travel to our location(s)

For those who cannot currently devote significant blocks of time off from work, family
obligations, etc. to enroll in an entire certification course, but want to certify over time.

Now we offer you the ability to enroll in individual course modules where you can accumulate the course training and  hours needed for certification over time (Max allowed – 2 years). Using this option, students complete each module separately and take the exam for that module. When the student successfully completes/passes a module, he or she receives a certificate of completion for that class/module. When the student has fulfilled all certification course obligations and completed all of the required modules for certification, he or she is eligible to take the certification exam. Upon passing the exam, the student will then receive certification. 
Prerequisites for certification remain the same as with enrollment in an entire certification course.

We Make It Even Easier For You

1. Students attend the academic portion of the class online from home, a hotel, or the beach in Tahiti, via live class meetings by web-meeting technology. All classes are video recorded. If a student must, for legitimate reason, miss a class, he or she can study the class video recording and take a quiz on the content of that class missed (some restrictions apply). There are class sessions where students are required to have a volunteer subject present to practice and demonstrate with, so that the instructor can evaluate the student’s progress in terms of practical application of the academics learned.

2. The final stage of the Primary Certification Program called the “Practicum”, requires the student to be at the instructor’s location, but for students who for justifiable reasons can’t make the trip to the BodySmart Wellness offices, a special waiver can be requested. (approval at the discretion of the instructor). When a waiver is granted, the student does not have to attend class physically, but is required to have a volunteer subject present for the entire practicum portion of the course. (Practicum: Graduating students conduct hypnotherapy sessions with volunteer subjects from the general public, under the supervision of the course instructor.)

We’d be happy to answer any questions about our great courses. Please call or email us. We’d be even happier to have you join our course!

5. New Certification Course Dates – To Be Announced In Next Week’s Newsletter

Hypnotherapy / Hypno-Counselor Certification
Advanced Master Level Hypnotherapy / Hypno-Counselor Certification
Instructor Certification Course Dates – Hypno-Counselor Certification

6.

This Month’s Special Offers!

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A
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But That’s Not All !

Take Advantage Of This Offer
And
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Meditation Made Easy

Stress Eraser

Another Great Special Offer

Hypnotherapy

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Is Offering You

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From Now Through The End Of February 2016

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7. Wing Chun Kung Fu Class (Bruce Lee’s Roots)

Wing Chun
The Art First Studied By
Bruce Lee
And The Foundation For
His Martial Arts Expertise

Perhaps Some Of You Have Seen The Movies
About The Life Of Ip Man (Bruce Lee’s Teacher)

Now You Can Learn The Same Martial Arts System
That Got Bruce Lee’s Fame Started

Both The Physical And Philosophical Aspects
Of This great Art Are Included

Only 3 Openings For New Students Are Available
So Call BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center Today

Thank You For Your Interest
Have a Great Day
From All Of Us At
BodySmart Wellness LLC

Please email us at messages@masters-center.com with any topics that you would like to see covered in our newsletter. We want to supply you with the information that you need. Also visit our web site Masters-Center.com for other great information.

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Disclaimer Notice:
Although BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center does its best to select only responsible, quality practitioners to operate
their Business and/or practice within its office(s), BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center and its administrators and staff
take no responsibility for the services provided, claims made by, or ad content of, any providers and/or businesses conducting their
practices within the BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center office(s), or for that of any other practitioners, legal entities and/or
services that may at times appear in, or contribute to the BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center newsletter and/or other
marketing or educational materials. The opinions and statements expressed by these other practitioners and/or business entities
and/or contributors, may not reflect the opinions of BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center or its administrator and/or staff.
All practitioners except BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center administrators, Dr. Holder and Dr. Kimelheim,
are independent contractors. Furthermore, inclusion by BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center of any practitioner and/or
business in our newsletters, displays or any other marketing or educational materials, in no way constitutes an endorsement by
BodySmart Wellness LLC/Masters-Center or its administrators and/or staff, of any practitioner , either expressed or implied.
Clients/Patients/Customers must decide for themselves whether or not the service and/or
provider they are considering is the right one to fit their needs.)

Marie A Kimelheim MD.
Co-Owner

Marie A. Kimelheim, M.D. is a licensed psychiatrist who is also trained in Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine, Holistic Psychiatry and Functional Medicine. She received her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and her psychiatry training at Temple University Hospital. She is currently a fellow in the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine program.

Dr. Kimelheim has over 20 years in medical practice specializing in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Anti Aging Medicine, Mood Disorders, Integrative Psychiatry and Weight Loss. Dr. Kimelheim possesses a great understanding of patient’s weight loss and related health needs and combines her many skills to provide patients with exceptional service. Through patient specific specialized testing and treatment protocols she strives to determine the root cause of the patient’s symptoms and disease state rather than merely treating the symptoms..
Her interests include brain fitness for peak performance and optimal well-being, nutritional and alternative approaches for psychiatric disorders, bio-identical hormone replacement and spiritual attunement. Dr. Kimelheim merges mainstream and alternative medicine using functional medicine concepts, nutrition, and other natural approaches.

Grandmaster Philip Holder

Philip Holder: Personal

Philip lives with wife Marie, Dogs Dexter and Oscar and cats Nico and Luna. Philip and Marie have 5 children (1 girl 4 boys). Marie is a physician specializing in Psychiatry and in Anti Aging Medicine. As well, they recently began a real estate business called Family Comes First Homes. ( http://familycomesfirsthomes.com/ ). In their spare time they enjoy spending time with family, going to the movies dining out, shopping for odd and different things, dancing and traveling (when time permits).

Philip Holder: Therapy

Dr. Holder is a therapist specializing in Therapeutic Hypnosis and Counseling and Life Coaching. A sought after motivational speaker and teacher he instructs hypnotherapy & advanced hypnotherapy courses at Bucks County Community College as well as teaching at nationwide events.

He has been certified by The International Association of Counselors and Therapists, the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association, the National Guild of Hypnotists, National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists and other prominent organizations.

● Philip Holder was nominated for the Hypnosis Hall of Fame in 2000, 2001 and for 2003.

● He received the Hypnosis Hall of Fame’s prestigious Barton John Dutton award in 2001.

● He also received the award for “Outstanding Clinical Contributions” from NATH in 2002.

● In 2003 Dr. Holder was honored with the “Therapist Of The Year” award by the International Association
of Counselors and Therapists.

● Awarded the International Medical Dental Hypnotherapy Association “Presidents Award” 2009

● Awarded International Medical Dental Hypnotherapy Association “Life Fellow In Hypnotherapy” 2013.

Dr. Holder is an instructor of hypnosis, hypnotherapy, and meditation and offers regular certification courses. In his capacity as a professor he teaches hypnotherapy, advanced level hypnotherapy and instructor level hypnotherapy at Bucks County College and at other locations.

Dr. Holder is a lecturer and published author. He has appeared in many prominent magazines, on television, on talk radio, and is featured in a number of instructional videos and on audios. His book “Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy – The Power of the Subconscious Mind” has consistently retained a Five Star rating on Amazon.com and is used by both therapists and trainers as a source of information on hypnotherapy.

Over the years, thousands have benefited from Dr. Holder’s services. He regularly travels teaching seminars and workshops. As well, people travel from around the world to utilize his services and to study from him. He conducts workshops for corporations, public school systems and for private educational facilities.

Main Site: www.Masters-Center.com Also visit: www.HypnosisCenter.ORG

Philip Holder Martial Arts Bio

Philip Holder is an internationally renowned meditation and Kung Fu Grandmaster. He is published author (with books, numerous magazine and newspaper articles to his credit), He has been featured in Wushu Kung Fu Magazine, Black Belt Magazine, Martial Arts Training, Karate/Kung Fu Illustrated, Qigong Magazine, Inside Kung Fu, Karate Star, Karate International, Wing Chun Today, Martial Arts Masters, American Karate, and other prominent magazines. He has also appeared in the “Who’s Who in Martial Arts” on television and on radio. He has been featured in over 200 instructional videos.

Philip is one of the top martial arts instructors and defensive tactics trainers in the world. He has a reputation for quality in the martial arts that began over 50 years ago. He holds the position of Grandmaster of Ying Gi Ga Wing Chun Kung Fu and is both Grandmaster and chief instructor to the North American Wing Chun Association. He is the creator of the self defense and special defensive tactics program known as “The Six Zone Safeguard System”. He has provided instruction to group classes, private students, military personnel, law enforcement personnel, to executive protection personnel (Bodyguards) and other security agents. He himself has, in the past, worked as an executive protection operative. He also has experience as a personal trainer. His teaching encompasses the physical, philosophical and psychological aspects of personal development. His personal “hands on experience” gives a true sense of realism to his classes and seminars. Over the years, thousands have benefited from Dr. Holder’s teaching. He regularly travels teaching seminars and workshops. As well, people travel from around the world to study from him. He conducts workshops within various, corporations, school systems and for private educational facilities.

Philip has certification in Acupressure, Shiatsu and Oriental Diagnosis, as well as other holistic modalities and experience as a personal fitness trainer/consultant. His background gives him a unique ability to address the union of body and mind like few others.

Main Site: www.Masters-Center.com Also visit: www.WingChunCenter.com

MUSIC

Phil has played music since age 11 or 12. He plays, guitar, piano, organ, and drums and is an accomplished vocalist. He had his first band when 12 in which he sang and played guitar. He consistently played for many, many years thereafter, first as an amateur and after college as a professional full time musician. Deciding it was time to go to college he again went to playing music part time. Although he plays 5 instruments, for most of his music career he has been a lead vocalist and front man. He has a broad vocal range and can sing almost anything. Entertainment value is just as important to him as the music. Although a unique and original performer in his own right people sometime say he’s Mic Jagger-ish or Steven Tyler-ish. He enjoys music like Eagles, Aerosmith, Allman Brothers, Bon Jovi, Matchbox 20, and others old and new. Phil focuses on making quality music and providing great entertainment.

Main Site: www.Masters-Center.com Also visit: http://www.PhilHolderEntertainment.com

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