Coventry Demonstration 2003

On arriving to the Demo I knew this would be a very organised and entertaining demonstration for me, and everybody else watching.

The first thing that caught my eye was the excellent stall which was set up with weapons and leaflets explaining most of SIL-LUM-KUNE’s classes. This was manned by some of our students, ready to answer any questions that the public may wish to ask.

The demo started on time with Alex Hyde giving a brief introduction of the club and then introducing the Lion dance. This was performed by Sifu Paul Burkinshaw and Kevin Redgrave in the Lion, with David Richardson on the drum supported by Sam Davis, Chelsea Baker and Leo Jefferies on cymbols. From the audience this looked fantastic; the children were mesmerized by it. Then followed a line up of our students who took the club bow and performed our blocking and punching exercise. Then followed a few of our club forms – Chat Yan (7 man) was performed by 9 year old Conner Baker. Gau-Yan (9 man) was performed by Leo Jefferies. Nathan Hill performed Lin-Wan-Kune. Sam Davies performed Dance of the Angry Tiger and finally Sifu Paul Burkinshaw performed a Praying Mantis Form.

To follow this was a perfect display of weapons from some of our very talented students, which included the Sickles by Stephen Hill, Nunchakus by Nathan Hill, Sai by Joe Reader, Spear by David Richardson, Straight-sword and Butterfly knives by Dan Amphlett, Broadsword by Kevin Redgrave and finally Kwon Do by Sifu Paul Burkinshaw.. All of these were fantastic and looked very professional from the crowd. Again Alex Hyde narrated all the way through and was very informative.

To follow this Kevin Redgrave gave a demonstration of Chi-Gung – which is a breathing exercise that gives you internal strength. These exercises are believed to get rid of any bad Chi in your body. This looked very relaxing and a few people were asking if we teach it in class – which we can do if asked.

To follow this was a brief sparring exhibition, which was performed by Nathan Hill and David Richardson, which showed two completely different people sparring each other very competitively and with a lot of control.

Finally was our display of body conditioning by using various breaking techniques. Firstly Dan Amphlett, performed a three directional star break with his hand, his elbow, and then his forehead. Then Sifu Paul Burkinshaw had pieces of timber broken across his arm and leg – and also a concrete block placed on his chest while resting his head and shoulders on one chair and his feet on another chair then the concrete block was smashed with a sledge hammer, this received great applause.

To sum the display up – It was a very interesting and informative demonstration – and I’m sure we created more interest in the club. The students presented themselves very professionally – and I am looking forward to the next one.                                                                      

Kevin Redgrave in front of club stand