Crane Kung Fu and Weaponry Specialist
Si Jeh Vanessa L. Cook
Hi and thank you for visiting my home page. You are the
Vanessa Cook commenced her training with Liang-I Shaolin Kung Fu in March 1993. From the very beginning, Vanessa fully embraced her Kung Fu training, so much so that in her first grading she was the first student in Liang-I to be invited to grade a double grading. Vanessa passed her White Sash grading with Distinction (first Liang-I student to ever achieve this) and Yellow Sash grading with Credit.
Vanessa continued to be a strong achiever regularly training 4 to 6 times a week. She advanced quickly to class assistant (Orange Sash) and then to assistant instructor (Red Bar) by late 1995. In late 1996 Vanessa graded for her Red Sash and again passed with Credit (85%+).
After completing her level 2 First Aid Course and the Instructors Degree Course Certificate she qualified and fulfilled all requirements for Red Sash with Red Tassels, instructor level in Liang-I Shaolin Kung Fu. Her official registration coincides with Liang-I Shaolin Kung Fu's 5th birthday party on Saturday 21 June 1997.
During this time Vanessa consolidated her training by competing in the National All Styles. she achieved various excellent achievements, including; - 1995 NAS* Victorian State Champion Novice Division - Forms
- 1995 NAS* Australian National Champion, Novice Division - Forms
- 1996 NAS* Victorian State Champion, Intermediate Division - Forms
- 1996 NAS* Australian National Champion, Intermediate Division - Forms
- 1997 NAS* Victorian & National Champion Intermediate Div - Forms
- 1997 NAS* Victorian & National third Open Div - Weaponry
26 December 1996 - Vanessa was voted in unanimously as the 8th member of the "Order of the Liang-I Tigers". All agreed that Vanessas spirit, combined with her dedication to Liang-I Shaolin Kung Fu earned her this honorable membership!
9 March 1997 - Although Vanessa graded for her red sash in 1996, she wished to compete all requirements to become a Liang-I Shaolin Kung Fu instructor! She was presented with her Instructors Certification at Liang-I's fifth birth day party.
15 June 1997 - Already before Vanessas red sash grading she had been working on the Liang-I Crane Kung Fu. On Sunday 15 June, in a intensive grading Vanessa passed with Credit as a Liang-I Crane Kung Fu practitioner. 22 August 1997 - Vanessa was registered as a full Judge and Referee for the National All Styles.
Vanessas Reflections 2
Deaf Students in Martial arts
So far this year I have been heavily engrossed in learning Auslan Sign Language. My vision or purpose for this is 3-fold. Firstly, the course will complement my University course in Disability Studies and Psychology. Secondly, I will be able to teach Kung Fu to deaf students. Thirdly, I would like to expand the use of sign language to our Cyber videos so we can welcome overseas deaf cyber-students to our group.
I can not possibly see deafness as a disability, as it is just a communication problem! The fact that the deaf community in Australia has been largely overlooked my the martial arts world is ironic to me, and I feel it’s time to correct this. Regarding deaf martial art classes, my vision is this: I want to set up classes and teach until I have at least 5 seniors (red sash). At this time I would prepare them to assist my classes, and eventually work together to take the classes themselves. I would be able to step back from the action and watch a new chapter of Liang-I write itself. The students would grade with the students from the other venues and would be invited to partake in parties, activities and ceremonies with the whole Liang-I club. The deaf students would be part of a large and integrated “family”, not a separate club.
I write this article because these plans very much rely on the interest and opinions of YOU! I cannot teach a class without any students. Whether you are deaf or not, please tell me what you think of my ideas. These thoughts are relatively new still, and you may be able to point out an area of thought I haven’t yet explored. I am open to suggestion, and I need your imput to help my visions become realty.
If you are deaf, or are familiar with this area, please tell me if you use a sign language other than Auslan. Do you think Auslan signs would be comprehendible in conjunction with one-handed fingerspelling if used on videos? I am aware that many different systems are used, but also that the users of sign language are very adaptable and may be able to follow.
Once again, please give me your opinions, feedback, expressions on interest and improvements. Your imput is imperative to the reality of these possibilities.
My e-mail seems to be having a mid-life crisis and is not working, so please use the club e-mail: Vanessa or Master Robert Z.
Vanessa Cook.
Vanessa with her 1997 Championship Trophies.
A simple Tiger style controlling routine.
Vanessa and Chris in the Chinese Gardens
In front of the Moon Gate
Flashing Swords on the Bridge
Swords and Water, on a Stone Bridge in a Garden on a hot day.
Vanessa on Twisting Gorilla Punch
Vanessa has written other "personal reflections". Just click on the title to access them and just click on "back" to get back to this page.
My Journal (reflections)
Cure for Old Age
