| Xiang Hua Chinese Martial Arts |
Jasper Liao
In the time that I've spent studying Kung Fu at Xiang Hua martial arts, I've grown considerably as a martial
artist. I attribute this growth to the quality of Master Lawrence's instruction, the dynamic between his
students, and the solid, no-frills techniques that make Gu Yi kung-fu an effective fighting system.
Gu Yi kung-fu is an art that is very blunt in execution, without the ornamentation found in many styles of
modern-day Kung Fu. It may not be showy, but it gets the job done. Also, it has many women and
small-framed men in its lineage, which has caused the system to specialize in overcoming larger opponents.
To me, this is key for people who want practicality in a martial art; 9 times out of 10 anyone attacking you
will be bigger than you.
My tutelage at Xiang Hua hasn't been just how to punch and kick (although those are covered thoroughly).
The Taijiquan training, qigong energy exercises, and class discussion have enhanced my physical health
and helped me gain a greater understanding of my goals and the paths I must take to reach them. Being
that many of us are in the early stages of our careers, the mental discipline and introspection fostered at
Xiang Hua is directly applicable to other aspects of our lives.
Master Lawrence is unique in that he is both proficient in teaching and doing. It is obvious that he is very
experienced with the reality of what he is teaching, as evidenced by his personal combat experiences he
regularly uses to illustrate the effectiveness of the techniques. He is careful to balance class material
between older and newer students, and has an excellent personal rapport with his school's members.
As a martial artist who has trained in a few styles at a variety of schools, I would highly recommend Xiang
Hua to anyone that would like to start or continue practicing Kung Fu in a refreshingly straightforward and
supportive atmosphere.
Brandy Baker
Being a student at Xiang Hua has had an enormously positive influence on my life. Physically, I have
experienced a great deal of improvement in my balance and muscle tone. This is extremely important to
me, since I have a neuromuscular disorder which causes my muscles to atrophy with age. Master Lawrence
has been a superb instructor--he has shown patience and encouragement, and has a great understanding
of the learning process for his art. In addition, the students in the school are very supportive of each other,
creating a positive atmosphere that has allowed me to feel peace, and without stress, while I am in class.
Tony Cotillo
I lack the words to adequately describe the impact that Xiang Hua and Master Lawrence have had on my
life. Prior to beginning my training in Gu Yi and Taiji, I was constantly restless, never at peace, and always
looking ahead to the future or backwards to the past. I reacted to life, rather than acting. This limited me
both personally, professionally and as a martial artist.
I have studied with Master Lawrence for many years. Through constant practice and meditation, I have
learned how to become present in the moment rather than always looking to the horizon. I have come to
know internal harmony, and to be able to work to restore harmony in the world around me when it is
disrupted. This has had a positive impact on my family life; I am a better husband, father, and student for it.
Master Lawrence is the most honorable man I have ever met. He is more worthy of emulation than anyone I
have ever known. His guidance, instruction and friendship mean more to me than I can express in words.
As an instructor, my greatest concern is to pass on these arts with the same level of care and respect for
students as he has shown me.
Brad Finkelstein
I think every day about what Master Lawrence and Xiang Hua have done for me. I had a good feeling about
the school from the moment I came across the website, and have had nothing but good experiences as a
result.
I came to Xiang Hua with a badly damaged back, hoping at first only to regain some mobility. I have come
away after over two years with so much more, and I want to thank Master Lawrence very kindly for all he has
done for me. I have gained an interest in martial arts that will, I believe, stay with me for all of my life, and
been given the privilege of being introduced to it by a mentor I respect. Master Lawrence's knowledge,
wisdom, and friendship are greatly appreciated. It is unfortunate my training had to come to such an abrupt
halt because of an employment move; but I consider it only temporary, and hope at some point I am
fortunate enough to continue. At Xiang Hua martial art is a way of life-- not a sport.
Robert Ekendahl
I'm a student of the martial arts who has been training in the arts since I was a teenager. George Lawrence
is my third teacher and Xiang Hua my third school. I have previous long-term experience with Aikido, as well
as some experience with Hung Gar kung-fu and Wu style T'ai Chi Ch'uan. George's teaching differs from
more traditional schools in that he incorporates a lot more theory and application into each class. Careful
attention is focused on correct form, posture and breathing; but it all stems from an understanding of the
underlying principles of the application. In the average Chinese schools a novice will spend more time on
form without as much (if any) explanation. In Aikido emphasis is more on right understanding and
abstraction of problem and less on direct application which can lead to a form-over-function problem.
The atmosphere at Xiang Hua is relaxed with no overt reverence to senior students or focus on
belts/grades. George is very open and approachable, and classes tend to be focused but jovial. For me,
George's teaching style and atmosphere at the school allow me to grow faster as a martial artist (while
keeping my ego in check). The fact that George also teaches all classes himself adds to the quality of the
instruction.
One of the things that impresses me the most about the arts taught at Xiang Hua is that there is no direct
conflict between the more external Gu Yi kung-fu and the international Yang style T'ai Chi Ch'uan taught, as
well as no conflict between form and application. Understanding and assimilation of one aspect of Xiang
Hua arts can be applied to the other (and vice versa). Important reasons for this are that T'ai Chi Ch'uan is
taught as a real martial art, as well as the art of Gu Yi kung-fu itself; but more importantly it speaks volumes
about George's understanding of the arts and his ability to teach. Combining internal and external aspect
of any martial arts without making it flowery and ineffective requires a very deep understanding, and being
able to teach it to student efficiently requires even more.
No martial art school or system can be everything to everyone: we all look for different things. But the
training and environment at Xiang Hua develop solid skills and cultivate self-exploration. If you are ready to
put in the work and time necessary, then I believe that George can teach you a self-defense art that works
without reliance on innate quickness, strength, coordination, or mind-set-- but develops these. Personal
growth and health will result from the same pursuit. A lifetime of self-improvement awaits!
Stefan Voss
I started practicing kung-fu at Xiang Hua nearly two years ago, and joining Xiang Hua was the perfect
decision. I found a great group of men and women from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities,
enhancing the social experience and improving the practice sessions. Master Lawrence has mastered the
arts he teaches, as well as the art of teaching. Training covers not just the movements, but the principles
behind them. If you are looking for a relaxed and non-threatening way to learn real kung-fu, then Xiang Hua
is the right place.
In the time that I've spent studying Kung Fu at Xiang Hua martial arts, I've grown considerably as a martial
artist. I attribute this growth to the quality of Master Lawrence's instruction, the dynamic between his
students, and the solid, no-frills techniques that make Gu Yi kung-fu an effective fighting system.
Gu Yi kung-fu is an art that is very blunt in execution, without the ornamentation found in many styles of
modern-day Kung Fu. It may not be showy, but it gets the job done. Also, it has many women and
small-framed men in its lineage, which has caused the system to specialize in overcoming larger opponents.
To me, this is key for people who want practicality in a martial art; 9 times out of 10 anyone attacking you
will be bigger than you.
My tutelage at Xiang Hua hasn't been just how to punch and kick (although those are covered thoroughly).
The Taijiquan training, qigong energy exercises, and class discussion have enhanced my physical health
and helped me gain a greater understanding of my goals and the paths I must take to reach them. Being
that many of us are in the early stages of our careers, the mental discipline and introspection fostered at
Xiang Hua is directly applicable to other aspects of our lives.
Master Lawrence is unique in that he is both proficient in teaching and doing. It is obvious that he is very
experienced with the reality of what he is teaching, as evidenced by his personal combat experiences he
regularly uses to illustrate the effectiveness of the techniques. He is careful to balance class material
between older and newer students, and has an excellent personal rapport with his school's members.
As a martial artist who has trained in a few styles at a variety of schools, I would highly recommend Xiang
Hua to anyone that would like to start or continue practicing Kung Fu in a refreshingly straightforward and
supportive atmosphere.
Brandy Baker
Being a student at Xiang Hua has had an enormously positive influence on my life. Physically, I have
experienced a great deal of improvement in my balance and muscle tone. This is extremely important to
me, since I have a neuromuscular disorder which causes my muscles to atrophy with age. Master Lawrence
has been a superb instructor--he has shown patience and encouragement, and has a great understanding
of the learning process for his art. In addition, the students in the school are very supportive of each other,
creating a positive atmosphere that has allowed me to feel peace, and without stress, while I am in class.
Tony Cotillo
I lack the words to adequately describe the impact that Xiang Hua and Master Lawrence have had on my
life. Prior to beginning my training in Gu Yi and Taiji, I was constantly restless, never at peace, and always
looking ahead to the future or backwards to the past. I reacted to life, rather than acting. This limited me
both personally, professionally and as a martial artist.
I have studied with Master Lawrence for many years. Through constant practice and meditation, I have
learned how to become present in the moment rather than always looking to the horizon. I have come to
know internal harmony, and to be able to work to restore harmony in the world around me when it is
disrupted. This has had a positive impact on my family life; I am a better husband, father, and student for it.
Master Lawrence is the most honorable man I have ever met. He is more worthy of emulation than anyone I
have ever known. His guidance, instruction and friendship mean more to me than I can express in words.
As an instructor, my greatest concern is to pass on these arts with the same level of care and respect for
students as he has shown me.
Brad Finkelstein
I think every day about what Master Lawrence and Xiang Hua have done for me. I had a good feeling about
the school from the moment I came across the website, and have had nothing but good experiences as a
result.
I came to Xiang Hua with a badly damaged back, hoping at first only to regain some mobility. I have come
away after over two years with so much more, and I want to thank Master Lawrence very kindly for all he has
done for me. I have gained an interest in martial arts that will, I believe, stay with me for all of my life, and
been given the privilege of being introduced to it by a mentor I respect. Master Lawrence's knowledge,
wisdom, and friendship are greatly appreciated. It is unfortunate my training had to come to such an abrupt
halt because of an employment move; but I consider it only temporary, and hope at some point I am
fortunate enough to continue. At Xiang Hua martial art is a way of life-- not a sport.
Robert Ekendahl
I'm a student of the martial arts who has been training in the arts since I was a teenager. George Lawrence
is my third teacher and Xiang Hua my third school. I have previous long-term experience with Aikido, as well
as some experience with Hung Gar kung-fu and Wu style T'ai Chi Ch'uan. George's teaching differs from
more traditional schools in that he incorporates a lot more theory and application into each class. Careful
attention is focused on correct form, posture and breathing; but it all stems from an understanding of the
underlying principles of the application. In the average Chinese schools a novice will spend more time on
form without as much (if any) explanation. In Aikido emphasis is more on right understanding and
abstraction of problem and less on direct application which can lead to a form-over-function problem.
The atmosphere at Xiang Hua is relaxed with no overt reverence to senior students or focus on
belts/grades. George is very open and approachable, and classes tend to be focused but jovial. For me,
George's teaching style and atmosphere at the school allow me to grow faster as a martial artist (while
keeping my ego in check). The fact that George also teaches all classes himself adds to the quality of the
instruction.
One of the things that impresses me the most about the arts taught at Xiang Hua is that there is no direct
conflict between the more external Gu Yi kung-fu and the international Yang style T'ai Chi Ch'uan taught, as
well as no conflict between form and application. Understanding and assimilation of one aspect of Xiang
Hua arts can be applied to the other (and vice versa). Important reasons for this are that T'ai Chi Ch'uan is
taught as a real martial art, as well as the art of Gu Yi kung-fu itself; but more importantly it speaks volumes
about George's understanding of the arts and his ability to teach. Combining internal and external aspect
of any martial arts without making it flowery and ineffective requires a very deep understanding, and being
able to teach it to student efficiently requires even more.
No martial art school or system can be everything to everyone: we all look for different things. But the
training and environment at Xiang Hua develop solid skills and cultivate self-exploration. If you are ready to
put in the work and time necessary, then I believe that George can teach you a self-defense art that works
without reliance on innate quickness, strength, coordination, or mind-set-- but develops these. Personal
growth and health will result from the same pursuit. A lifetime of self-improvement awaits!
Stefan Voss
I started practicing kung-fu at Xiang Hua nearly two years ago, and joining Xiang Hua was the perfect
decision. I found a great group of men and women from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities,
enhancing the social experience and improving the practice sessions. Master Lawrence has mastered the
arts he teaches, as well as the art of teaching. Training covers not just the movements, but the principles
behind them. If you are looking for a relaxed and non-threatening way to learn real kung-fu, then Xiang Hua
is the right place.
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| If you would like to join us, contact us at: info@xianghua.com |
| Copyright 2000-2007 Xiang Hua Chinese Martial Arts |
