The arts cover a wide range of subjects: forms, weapons, strategy, tactics, Chinese medicine, hypnosis, and Chinese philosophy. There is literally a minimum of 20 years worth of learning involved (it took me 21 but I did achieve it before I turned 40 which had been my goal since I was 19).
In September 2003 I attempted and was successful in gaining a Masters Degree (Gold-sash) in all three arts after 28 hours of examination by a most enigmatic Grand Master from Shanghai. Now days I contribute to the arts by volunteering to teach at the centre two to three nights per week as well as keeping my own training up to speed. Inspiring young people to achieve is my passion.
Apart from teaching me to defend myself, the art/s have been instrumental in guiding me in the way of life I now choose to lead. I wouldn't describe myself as religious but over the years I have been inspired by the teachings of Lao Tzu, the father of Taoism.
If you are interested in taking up kung fu please feel free to call the Gary Martin Kung Fu Centre (based in Moorebank NSW) on: (02) 9605 6193 or 0416 227 872.
Below is the transcript of an interview I did for Blitz magazine, Australia's leading glossy on martial arts.
Blitz: How did you get started in martial arts and with Sifu Gary?
Scott: Pretty much by accident, a mate of mine at the time rang me and said he was going down for a look and did I want to come along? I was a bit reluctant but thought, what the heck. Like most people I suppose, I was looking for fitness, discipline and a method of defending myself. I found much, much, more.
Blitz: Did you think in the beginning that you would come this far?
Scott: At first, my overriding goal was to become a Brown-belt, the level at which you start to learn the “internal” aspects of the art. Once I became a brown belt, it was clear to me that my path was to become a Red-sash – a disciple to study to become a master of the art (Gold Sash).
Blitz: Was the grading difficult and what did it involve?
Scott: Of course the grading was difficult. What in life that is worth achieving is not? If I had to nominate the one thing that was the most difficult, it would be the sustained pressure involved in the 28 hours of examination, not knowing if you had met the requirements along the way or not. For those who have not been through it, you cannot begin to imagine the pressure of being able to demonstrate and pass the components during the 28th hour (Edit: It's an all or nothing thing, the pass mark is 100%). As positive as I am, I couldn’t help the thought passing through my mind to falter now after so much would not just be a disaster, it would be a catastrophe.
Blitz: What does Gold Sash represent to you?
Scott: Very little and everything! That might sound a bit dichotomous, but to me, the grade you are is not as important as who you are. You become a Gold-sash in mind, body and spirit; you pass the exam to demonstrate it to others.
Blitz: What is the greatest attribute and/or opportunity kung fu has given you?
Scott: To be the best that I can be, no matter what it is I choose to be. I am in control of my life, I have choices. To quote an old cliché; “if it is to be, it is up to me”.
Blitz: What function/s does kung fu serve in your life? What would you do without it?
Scott: People do great things everyday for a variety of motivations, but for me, kung fu keeps me motivated to be exemplary in my art, to be dedicated to my family and to excel in my career. I just can’t imagine life without it.
Blitz: What is the most difficult aspect of the journey to Gold-sash? What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Scott: When I look at the few mates that have made the journey with me and the multitudes that didn’t make the cut, the answer to this question is apparent: It’s about balancing your training with your home life and career. It is no coincidence that my brother and sister Gold Sashes are all successful in all three areas.
Blitz: How much of kung fu is mental, and does it differ for the various elements?
Scott: To give this answer a slightly Western slant, the goal is to become unconsciously competent. When you don’t have to think, but just do, you are there. This state can only be achieved however when you have eliminated all doubt. Bottom line, kung fu is 100 percent mental; your mind must control your body.
Blitz: Of the long time it takes to reach Gold-sash, is it necessary to reach the required skill level, or is it more about perseverance and personal growth?
Scott: You need it all. To quote Sifu Gary, “you need to be able to put up, or shut up”. Going back to one of my earlier answers, it’s not what you are, but who you are. However, you need to be able to demonstrate all the aspects, nuances and intricacies of the art, just like you would expect of a Gold-sash and you can’t do that unless you persevere, grow and reach the required skill level.
Blitz: What is your next goal and the steps you are taking towards it?
Scott: I’m 40 years young and still believe the best that I can be has not yet been achieved and is still attainable. I wake up every morning and think, what is it I can do today that will make a difference to my world? Then I go out and direct my energies to achieving it.
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