GRAND MASTER STATUS
After forty years of active training, Christine Gemmell is destined to become the second
Grand Master of "Kempo New Zealand." Most Kempoists in New Zealand running a
Branch of their own came through one of the Robert Gemmell Kempo Schools.A proud
father and Founder of the School Robert Gemmell has trained widely throughout the world
including China, Okinawa, Japan, USA and Taiwan seeking knowledge on the art of Kempo
wherever he could learn. At a meeting with his Senior Masters most of whom are thirty
year veterans, Senior Grand Master Gemmell told his closest disciples that his daughter
Christine was the most qualified person to lead his School into the future.Christine a highly
motivated person herself has a Masters Degree in Psychology with a post graduate diploma
in clinical psychology and is currently a consultant clinical psychologist. A high achiever in
Kempo Christine who earned her Black Belt at age fifteen was also named "Tai Chi
Instructor of the year' by the "Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame" of which she is an
inductee. Holder of many senior portfolio within the RGMA network of schools, which is
one of New Zealand's longest standing and largest Martial Arts organisations, Christine will
take the reins at a time her father steps away from the school. Though having celebrated
its first fifty years since founding "Kempo New Zealand" the school still needs a steady
hand to point the way, and Robert Gemmell believes he can still contribute at a senior level.
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TRAIN IN NEW ZEALAND
Simone and Lena from Germany have just trained at the RGMA Picton live in centre and enjoyed the training so much
they travelled to the Porirua Branch to further their knowledge. The New Zealand school is well positioned to expand
its International wing of the school with its expanding facilities in North and South Islands. 7th degree Black Sash Sifu
Debbie Scott is pictured (centre) with the two visitors.
PICTON SEMINAR HOSTS INTERNAL SCHOOL
The latest full time branch of the Robert Gemmell Martial Arts opened in Picton recently. Branches from Nelson, Auckland
Tauranga, Wellington, Porirua, Blenheim, Picton and Australia attended. The first two days saw a range of Instructors
conduct workshops according to their experience. Senior Master Stuart Gordon introduced many to the advanced principles of
Tai Chi Chuan. The Chen style (taiji) emphasises the low horse stance as derived from the Shaolin Chuan fa. Holding the tiger
stance was another training method that took some time to master. Master Gordon pointed out that phasing over forms to make
it easier was common place for less experienced students. Seventh degree black sash Thomas Rowe and eighth degree
Michael Fricker (Auckland) gave workshops in weaponry and Christine Gemmell M.A. Psychology who had completed
a masters thesis (published) on the effects of tai chi on traumatic brain injured persons, spoke on how the brain takes in information
to each segment of the brain. This followed Professor Gemmell's explanation on how Bagua Chuan (eight trigram boxing)
develops some of its theory and practice from how the brain connects either side and the two sides accumulate to eight (8).
Five days allowed sufficient time for an extensive study of the qi gong principles and techniques.
Two other live in centres are being developed with the Jade Court Centre in Porirua now in its 30th year of operation. Live in
participation is popular within the chinese martial arts taught by Grand Master Robert Gemmell. Ages at the seminar ranged from
seven years old up to eighty four years. Live in students have stayed at the centre for periods ranging from eight days to four years.
Above Senior Master Christine Gemmell leads group through the morning tai chi practice at the RGMA live in centre.
Below Aaron Korowhiti in foreground changes palm three times.
Below Grand Master Robert Gemmell demonstrates the low cat stance at his Waikawa Centre.
EVENTS 2014
a now in progress July 2014
BLACK BELT GRADINGS - PORIRUA NOVEMBER 2014
Instructors from left Wendy Hearn,Mary Davey, Christine Gemmell.
continued -new black belts Angel Love Fonoti,Elizabeth Rose Fonati, Queenie Filipo.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMES
Teaching children takes time and practise.
The Robert Gemmell system of teaching
has been developed over a forty year period
when the first under ten years old were
enrolled in 1972. Since then the age for
enrollment has extended down to four
years old.
This programme is now widely established.
For more information please telephone contact us
04 2375255 and 021312155
SELF DEFENCE FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS
PORIRUA BRANCH NOW IN PROGRESS
Tauranga Grading
encompassing students and Instructors from Tokoroa, Hamilton, Rotorua, and
Wairoa.