Quintin Derham School of Martial Arts

I grew up watching Chuck Norris movies as a young martial artist in the 80s.

Like many of us, I was inspired by his presence, his discipline, and the way he carried himself both on and off the screen. He represented strength, integrity, and what it meant to walk the martial path.

Along the way, I also enjoyed the many Chuck Norris jokes that became part of martial arts culture.

Chuck Norris didn’t get tested for COVID…
COVID got tested for Chuck Norris

Beyond the humour, he has always been deeply respected by his peers and admired by generations of martial artists around the world. His contribution to martial arts and film has left a lasting legacy.

A true icon of martial arts

The Kārearea – Falcon Spirit in Martial Arts

New Zealand’s Kārearea, our native falcon, has just been crowned Bird of the Year, a well-deserved honour for an extraordinary bird. Known for its incredible speed, sharp eyesight, and fearless spirit, the Kārearea is one of the most skilled hunters of the skies. It can dive at speeds of over 100 km/h, using precision, timing, and power to capture its prey.

The Kārearea teaches us powerful lessons in courage. Despite its relatively small size, it will confront much larger birds to protect its territory. It reminds us that true strength is not about size or brute force, but about confidence, determination, and fearlessness in the face of challenge.

Equally impressive is the falcon’s mastery of timing. It waits, watches, and strikes at the perfect moment, conserving energy until action is most effective. This mirrors martial arts principles: knowing when to move, when to hold, and when to act decisively can be more powerful than acting too soon or relying on raw strength alone.

Just like the Kārearea in flight, martial artists learn to combine courage with timing. Every strike, block, or step is purposeful, balanced, and intentional. The falcon reminds us that awareness, patience, and boldness together create true power.

A stern, middle-aged man, arms crossed arrived for some Qigong treatment that his wife recommended.

Weighed down by chronic back pain, low energy, and the constant stress of financial pressure. Every day felt like a struggle. He had tried “everything”.

He was sceptical at first. Qi Gong seemed… strange, almost too simple to make a difference.

“What you just stand and breathe?”

After just a couple of weeks of practise, something shifted. His shoulders relaxed, his movements felt lighter, and he carried himself differently. He appeared lighter energetically like something had shifted.

“I don’t know how it works,” he admitted, “but it’s the only thing helping.”

Qi Gong isn’t about chasing quick fixes for a single symptom. It’s about flow. When Qi is stagnant, it creates tension and discomfort. When Qi moves freely, the body and mind begin to restore themselves naturally.

But energy can’t flow without structure. Like a river needs banks, Qi needs posture, breath, and mindful movement to guide it.

The ancient masters knew this. Their simple, consistent practices kept energy moving, strengthened the body, and built resilience—even in the face of life’s pressures.

Today, we all face stress, fatigue, and the demands of modern life. Qi Gong offers a way to release tension, recharge energy, and cultivate inner strength, so you can move through life with balance and vitality.

Start experiencing it yourself, watch the introduction to Qi Gong exercise focuses on the spine.

Spine Compass - Week 1. Mobilises the spine from neck to tailbone, building full-body awareness • Releases tension in the waist, diaphragm, and midline • Builds…

Lessons from a Childhood Bully

Back in the early 1980s, when I was a student at Primary School, I had to face something many children still deal with today, a school bully.

He had been making life difficult not only for me but for many others for quite some time.
At that stage, I had just begun learning martial arts. I was a quiet boy, and martial arts gave me a sense of strength and confidence. But in those days, martial arts wasn’t common. For most people, it was something they associated with Bruce Lee movies. When the bully found out I was training, I became his new target.

The physical training helped me enormously. I felt stronger, more self-assured, and capable of standing tall. What I didn’t yet understand, being only eight or nine years old, was how to apply those skills on a mental and emotional level. The bully, on the other hand, was a seasoned pro. He knew how to intimidate and manipulate, and he thrived on fear.

Later, I learned that his aggression came from his own suffering. He was beaten by his father and grew up without much love or care. When I realised this, I felt two things at once. On the one hand, I thought he was an absolute menace who needed to be dealt with. On the other, a quieter voice inside me urged compassion.
That experience taught me something I’ve carried into my martial arts journey and teaching ever since:

strength without compassion can harden the heart, but compassion without strength can leave you powerless.

True martial arts and true self defence requires both

At our Kempo school, we believe self-care is the foundation of true health and resilience. When children learn to care for their body, mind, and emotions, they don’t just grow stronger, they carry themselves with mana and learn how to honour and respect others.

Our programme blends martial arts with timeless practises that promote balance: flowing movements to unlock tension, Qigong breathwork to steady the mind, and strength-building exercises that help children feel capable and confident. These skills are not only for the dojo, but also for school, home, and everyday life.

We teach through the Code of the Warrior, upholding values such as respect, courage, humility, and compassion. These are qualities that once stood at the heart of communities but are quickly being eroded in modern life. By reconnecting young people with these principles, we guide them to stand tall, act with integrity, and look out for others.

With bullying such a challenge in schools, we encourage our students to recognise both sides: how to respond to unkind behaviour in healthy, confident ways, and also how to ensure they themselves are not the source of harm. This values-based approach fosters responsibility, empathy, and respectful leadership in every child.

As we approach the final school term, I’ll be sending out practical tips and short messages for children to reflect on and take action with. These small steps help build focus, resilience, and respect day by day, so they finish the year stronger in body, calmer in mind, and clearer in values.

Sifu Q

Spot the young Black Belt 1986

Free Gift 🌟

Your spine is the core of movement, balance, and energy. Yet for many of us, it gets stiff, tired, or overlooked.

That’s why I’ve created the Spine Reset — and I’d love to share Week 1 with you for free.

In this first week you’ll learn the Spinal Compass exercise 🧭 — a simple, flowing movement that:

✅ Releases tension
✅ Improves posture & mobility
✅ Strengthens your core
✅ Boosts energy

It’s gentle, effective, and suitable for all levels.

I’d love to hear how your body feels after giving it a go — share your experience in the comments below!

CLICK this safe link

https://mailchi.mp/2f946d865fc7/7x0rp4q3bp