InMat and Shaolin

InMat started out bright and early, as Glenn, Marvin ,Helen, and I left for San Jose at 8am.  When we arrived the CPAA Facility was not ready for the Tournament to start....they were finishing up their aerobics class........which had seemingly over 100 students.........the place is well used as it houses classes of all kinds.............dance,music, calligraphy,and martial arts..........all being taught by professional artist from China. Turns out we did not have to worry too much as only about 50-60 competitors showed up for the event....probably the smallest number since InMat began 3 years ago.  This was fine as it gave the San Jose Shaolin Monks a chance to showcase their own students...........and for the Judges it would mean a short day!!

Shaolin Monks taping down the rug for the traditional Wushu Ring.  The CPAA Facility also has a Stage on the left side that we used for the awards ceremonies.

On the other side of the room was the Wushu Ring with a nice cushiony wushu rug!  Every Wushu School needs one (drool......... =) ).

Some of our Wushu Judging Panel.

Judges and volunteers.......

Emilo and I talked to Shaolin Monk He Zheng, he is the Wushu Coach now teaching at CPAA....the San Jose Shaolin Academy.

Finally, at around 10:30am, we got the Tournament stated.  It was a good event for beginners and intermediate level students.

Only, thing too bad was the 3 guys from Chima who had no one to compete against....so they gave a three man wushu show!!  We finished around 2pm..............which was great, that gave me some time to go by Master Li Xu Dong's Kungfudirect Warehouse and pick up wushu supplies.....always fun as he has lots of stuff!!

OK, 12 days and counting to the Olympics......weather still not cooperating as fog and haze still fill the air in Beijing.............August is one of the worse months to be in Beijing it is usually extremely hot, and humid..........it is considered the dog days of summer!!  All right cya all later!