The Union Martial Art Association is a sports club located in Sydney, Australia. With roots in traditional martial arts from the 1940s and 1950s in Hong Kong, the association has developed a comprehensive martial arts system that combines self-defence and physical health. Building on the wisdom of the past, the club incorporates modern training practises to provide a well-rounded martial arts education.
At the core of the association's training is a comprehensive tactical combat system. The curriculum includes techniques for mobile attack and defence, hand-to-hand combat, long-distance and short-distance movements, and the ability to adapt to various situations. The goal of the association's training courses is to allow practitioners to immerse themselves in the essence of martial arts through practical application, combining theory and practise.
The association's training instructors have all been students of the founder, Mr. Lin Defu. Mr. Lin himself received training from renowned martial artists such as Mr.
Wang Ruixun in Hong Kong in the 1970s. His training includes Shaolin Nanquan, weapons, Wudang Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and various Chinese traditional combat techniques. In the early 1990s, he also became a direct disciple of Yao Zongxun, a prominent figure in the Yao family's branch of the Yiquan style. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Mr.
Lin has developed a training system that emphasises both physical health and combat skills.
The Union Martial Art Association operates training centres in three locations: Zhongshan, China; Hong Kong, China; and Sydney, Australia. This multinational presence allows the association to provide access to its training programmes to students from different regions.
The association focuses on delivering high-quality instruction and passing down the knowledge and skills of traditional Chinese martial arts. The curriculum is designed based on military strategies, with a focus on refining the offensive and defensive techniques found in traditional Chinese martial arts.
According to the association's head coach, Mr. Lin Defu, the significance of practising martial arts in the modern world lies in its ability to cultivate the spirit and willpower that can support individuals during challenging times. While hand-to-hand combat techniques may have limited practical use in today's civilised society, martial arts training also serves to purify and strengthen the mind. It provides individuals with inner and outer resilience that can assist them in various aspects of life, including health, career, and personal challenges.
Therefore, martial arts can be seen as a profound force that goes beyond combat skills and contributes to personal growth and well-being.
The association recognises the historical origins of traditional martial arts as techniques developed for battlefield combat. As times have changed, these techniques have evolved into methods for self-defence and physical well-being. The concept of physical strength has been adapted to suit different needs and backgrounds, yet it remains deeply rooted in traditional Chinese cultural values. Martial arts training is not just about physical techniques but also allows individuals to explore traditional culture and provides them with a concise and direct means of mental and physical adjustment.
In today's fast-paced and technologically advanced society, there is a lack of spiritual nourishment, making martial arts an essential practise.
For those interested in delving deeper into the topic, the Union Martial Art Association offers a range of literature and resources on martial arts. Additionally, they document their activities and training sessions, including their winter training and academic research on martial arts in 2020.
To contact the Union Martial Art Association, individuals can connect through various channels, including social media and WeChat. The organisation encourages potential students to reach out with inquiries or to visit one of their training centres located in Zhongshan, Hong Kong, or Sydney.
Overall, the Union Martial Art Association in Sydney provides a comprehensive and well-rounded martial arts education that combines traditional techniques with modern innovation. With a focus on self-defence and physical health, the association aims to cultivate the spirit and resilience of its students through practical training and theoretical understanding.