Pic. Wild Dragon; by Gerard
Wild Lotus Arts Touring
with
Gerard
Menzel
BA
Dip Ed. Cert. ESL Cert Ed. Asia Studies Masters Education
Mobile 0407734479
Email gmenzel@hotmail.com
PO Box 633 Stawell Victoria 3380 Fax 03 53583306
PO Box 2030 Magill North 5072 Sth Australia
Dear School Co-ordinator,
Gerard Menzel Aikido Sensei, Tai Chi Sifu and Sumie artist directs Wild Lotus meditation martial arts and is an eastern arts specialist and a qualified teacher having worked in
Japan,Korea,Taiwan, India, and Europe.
We offer workshops in Asian multicultural studies. Gerard is a specialist in the field of Indian and Asian arts
with a Graduate Certificate in Asian studies and completed a Masters
Education Asia Studies at Flinders Uni. He has studied/lived overseas in China, India,
Japan, Korea and Thailand. He has worked in Australia since 1987 teaching all ages in schools, colleges & university.
ie; Flinders Uni. Adelaide uni. Preston TAFE Vic
Over the years Gerard has taught thousands of students Sumie painting and demonstrated Tai Chi and Aikido in schools and given Indian drumming performances. Gerard has worked in the Adelaide festival Education program, Asia in Schools week as well as performing at the Canberra National folk festivals, and ABC radio, Channel 9 and 10. He has received 2 artist in residencies, and a touring grant from Carclew - S.A Ed.dept. Arts. His workshops are recognized by the Asian Education Foundation. The Lotus workshops have been - quality assessed - in both the Independent Schools and S.A.arts Education unit. They are quality assured by SA Youth arts center.
Triple AAA Rated by Arts Bodies
You
are guaranteed
Quality and Professionalism
He has been an accepted member of the Associations; of India, Japan, Indonesia, Multicultural Arts Center, Community Arts Network. Tai Chi Assoc. Aus. He has had 10 Exhibitions of Oriental style art, Gerard can make your day special, and something to remember - just ring 1 number and the day is arranged with a number of interesting workshops to choose…. from a recognized and professional artist.
Booking gmenzel@hotmail.com
Performances
and Workshops
How
to Book
Ring
or email Gerard 0407734479
A
minimum 50 students and a $50 per day booking deposit is
required
1
- 200 students costs $3 per student
201
to 300 students costs $2.50 per student
For
example; Prices start from $2.50 per child for a large school over two
days with 300 students.
.
A small class of 30 students could cost $3 each for 50 min. 30 students per class by 4 times
with 50 min. classes $3 each student = $360 day
Usually
4 by 50 minute workshops fit into one day.
A one off, single 30 minute performance of Tai Chi swords and fan with
200 kids would cost $1 per child or $200 total.
Booking form at the bottom of this page
-
Your
Guarantee of Quality
Gerard is a trusted
professional artist who has toured and worked in hundreds of schools
since 1985, received govt. touring grants and arts residencies. He
has been selected by the most discerning schools & foundations including
peak arts bodies; the Asia Education Foundation, CARCLEW, Playful
Touring Programme, Artists in Schools, S.A's, Australia Japan society,
Australia India Society, National Folk Festivals Canberra, The Multicultural
Arts Centre S.A. Flinders University Asian Studies Course.
Wild
Lotus has been Quality approved by S.A arts CARCLEW for Touring Arts
and has received multiple arts grants from Carclew.
''Gerard is a contemporary aesthete espousing ageless (artistic) values."
Arthur Kavouris Multicultural Traditions and Visions July 1991
The
children benefited greatly from seeing an artist at work and from
working alongside him. It appeared to awaken something in each
one of them. The program was also a great benefit in a
cultural sense for it has helped children examine their own
prejudices and learn something about another culture. ........
The program was indeed a "a many splendoured thing" It helped
to break down barriers of prejudice....
Pat
Shepherd Principal Campbelltown PS S.A. '92
Multicultural Asia Workshops
Aikido -
' The way of spiritual harmony '
non-violence in movement. - Japan
Aikido teaches the way of non-violence and harmony between 2 bodies. It is like a dance of harmony and balance. It is round and relaxing as movements are based on the Japanese principles of Budo. It includes graceful stretches and warm ups - breathing - smooth movements in pairs, learning to be gentle, soft and still being centered, confident and peaceful. Japanese sword and stick demo is included. Gerard has studied with famous Aikido teachers from Japan and runs his own school.
Aikido For Kids
Aikido is a way of
non-violence and is a special way for kids to find themselves via
movement. It trains the body to be supple and flexible and the mind
to flow with things around it in life. Children learn to defend
themselves and have confidence in their personal strength without
being aggressive.
It is a perfect way to
keep fit, achieve mental calm and train the body to be alert in
times of stress. It does this by working together in pairs where the
opponents force is redirected into neutral ground and the partner
rolls gracefully away or is taken peacefully to the floor and held in
a pin. It is totally non aggressive and the aim is to find
inner strength and peace through a real solid martial training of
the body and the mind.
Children learn to find their
own self confidence and release tension. They learn not to
fear tense situations and to react in a calm manner. It is suitable
for both girls and boys because it is soft. Most of all it is fun,
non competitive and fosters a community spirit of caring for others,
including oneself.
Curriculum focus; Excellent for interaction skills, teaching non-violence, mental &physical balance, dance, discipline,
Japanese ritual. Health, fitness social skills, culture and environment.
Aikido swords are
based on the Katana Samurai sword.
Picture Mr Ueshiba founder of Aikido
Tai Chi Chuan -
'Supreme
peaceful movement for health'
Tai Chi is a health system and a way of moving and relaxing from China. It has its origins in the world of nature as people tried to move like the animals and flow like the water and be still as a mountain. It is like a dance but even more ...It is a martial art and has a rich philosophy of Peace behind the physical form relating to nature, dragons, birds, and the environment.. Gerard has studied in Asia with masters of the art and includes sword and fan displays.
The Chinese swords and fan is displayed and its history explained.
Curriculum
Focus; Chinese language / culture, dance, drama arts, history,
.........beautiful swords and fan display
More info. go to;Welcome to
Wild Lotus Tai Chi.
Picture Gerard Tai Chi fan form
Long Dragon
Sword or Xian
Broad
sword or Dao
Oriental Brush painting -
Sumi-E ' Zen Arts'
The origins of Japanese Zen and brush painting lay in Chinese calligraphy and Zen arts. It is fun and simple to learn the basic steps. It can be a Zen ritual to center the mind, rid one of distraction and develop spiritual calm. Black ink is robustly painted on rice paper spontaneously as feelings guide the brush. Sumie is very free and informal ..and fun ! It improves visualization, gives an appreciation of nature. We paint nature, birds, landscapes, dragons, flowers, mountains, and bears. Gerard can also incorporate Haiku poetry into the classes and explain the historic / arts background of this poetry.
Focus curriculum; Visual arts, religion, history, Asia, Japan. Its fantastic fun and helps kids focus, find their creativity and release emotions - China Japan
More information
see; Welcome to Wild Lotus Sumie.
Indian
drums ’Tabla & Harmonium organ '
Picture
Gerard plays Tabla
Indian
drums are the most sophisticated of any drumming systems in the world.
They have a verbal language of their own, a mathematical basis and a
tradition of teaching. The variety of Indian drums is vast and it is a
delight to the ears to hear the subtle nuances, infinite rhythms,
speed and trance inducing beat of the skins as it is first recited and
then played. The number of rhythms includes over 300. The formal
teaching by the Guru is a tradition in itself as Gerard has undertaken
in India. He explains the history and tuition system. He is one of the
few Australians who has studied at a classical Indian music college.
Gerard
showcases many Indian drums including the pakawaj, nal, cymbals,
harmonium organ and the flute. We sing ancient temple songs used
for ritual and meditation Bhakti Yoga.
Focus Curriculum; music, art, performance, multiculturalism instruments, classical music, world music
Below; Tabla
set, Harmonium organ, Bansuri bamboo flute, manjira cymbals, monkey
drum,
More
information go to;
Welcome to Wild Lotus Tabla & World Music.
Instruments used in Performances
Yoga
Yoga ; three sections; Yoga nidra (relaxation) Hatha yoga (postures) Dyana (meditation / mind) Yoga means union and Hatha means Sun and moon in sanksrit. It is a way of life with its origins in the ancient medicine and philosophy of India. Relaxation ; one relaxes each part of the body / mind while lying comfortably.
Gerard
explains the history of Yoga and the ancient books called Vedas and
where Yoga came from. We practice the poses and understand the
heritage of peace and personal liberation found through the philosophy
of Vedanta (World Knowledge)
Postures; The body is placed in various positions to release tension, emotions and increase energy flow and flexibility. Students learn different animal postures, breathing and calming positions. Some postures include the crocodile, sun salute, cobra, mountain, cat, tiger etc.. plus ways of calming the mind with breathing. We work in pairs and learn to direct emotions.
The Yoga philosophy of non violence, vegetarianism, meditation and the stages of personal development toward complete wholeness called enlightenment is explained in a fun way.
Gerard is
an advanced Yoga teacher who has studied in India since 1978. (See
Yoga page on this site.)
Curriculum Focus; Yoga is a way of finding poise, health and
peace, health culture, ancient history, religion, multi-culture, art
See Yoga page;
Welcome to Wild Lotus Yoga.
Ganesh is the Indian elephant diety to remove obstacles
Below; Yoga at the Taj Mahal 1997
Gerard Menzel
Arts Specialist BA Dip Ed TESOL Grad. Cert Ed. Asia studies, Masters
Asian Studies Education
PO Box 2030 Magill North SA 5072
PO Box 633 Stawell Vic 3360
Mobile 0407734479 Fax 03 53583306
Email gmenzel@hotmail.com
Exhibitions & Residencies by Gerard Menzel Artist
1978
Began study of Aikido a Japanese art
1981 Embarked
on the study of Tai Chi.
1985 Student of
Andre Sollier Melb. C.A.E Sumie artist/author.
1987 Solo
exhibitions in Wadenswil and Zurich Switzerland
1988
Sumie Zen Exhibition
in the Shiatsu centre Adelaide
1989
Sumie The art of Meditation Indian Dance studio
1990
Combined writers
artist exhibition M.A.C. space S.A
1991 "Watermarks" M.A.C.
space Adelaide / Kapunda Gallery
1992
"The Sound of the Wind", the Prospect Gallery Adelaide
1993 "Sunya...Empty
Space" at the Lotus Sumie Gallery Adelaide
1993 A Retrospective Sumie Adelaide lending Library
1994
Serenity is not a Raging bull exhibition Lotus studio S.A
1995 Sumie and Haiku
Lotus studio '' ''
1998 Sumie
Meanderings - Golden light studio Adelaide
Artist in residence
Greenoch primary 1991 via CARCLEW grant
Artist in residence
Campbelltown primary 1992 via CARCLEW
Sumie art teacher
W.E.A. Adelaide 1989 - 97
Numerous Special Sumie,
Aikido & Tai Chi w/shops in S.A schools
Taijiquan Assoc. S.A.
(Tai Chi) founding president
Recipient of CARCLEW
S.A Youth arts touring grant 1998
Demonstrations of Sumi
and Aikido Aust Japan Assoc 1991, '97
Music performance
National Folk festivals 1992 1996 Bamboo Ochre
2005
Grant Dept. Ed. Artist in residence St Bernards college Melb.
Ishoni Project
Wild Lotus Touring Schools
Aikido
Touring World Music Performance for Schools
Indian Drums and Music
with Gerard Menzel, Classical Indian Tabla player
Gerard gives you the background to these ancient drums, which are steeped in history and religious connections. He tells you of his experience in India finding a master drummer and becoming a student in the traditional way in 1980. The Guru and the Student (shisya), is a special relationship of trust and love.
Gerard explains the different drums and their significance in classical, religious, and folk music as there are different drums for special occasions. The Tabla is a 2 piece classical drum as is the Pakawaj, a long drum. The dolak's for folk music and religious festivals. The chimera or little cymbols are used in the temples and so on.
The parts of the drum are explained and what they are made from. Most of the Indian drums are hand drums,and are famous for their unique sound and the variety of rhythms, some 350. Then Gerard shows you how a teacher gives the student the music in a special language only used by the drummers of India and it is often a highly kept secret between Guru and student. Schools have a special rivalry and try to out invent music and play special things, which other musicians don't know. These rhythms are never written traditionally but must be memorised and only special students have access to the knowledge of the Gharana or school.
Gerard shows you various rhythms and the timing for them with clapping of the hands, this is time for audience participation. Then everyone is given the sound of the rhythm which is eight sounds or 12 or 10 etc and then everyone sings the special language of the drums called Bols. One such combination is // Dha Dhin Na Dha Tin Na // A six beat rhythm which is movement of a bird. Many of the rhythms relate to animals and these are explained. There is a beat for a horse, donkey, a camel etc...
Gerard then explains the religious nature of music and the way it is played in classical performances. Then he shows you other Indian instruments called the Bansuri a flute made from bamboo and a harmonium or reed organ where we sing a devotional song and a tamboura.
This is a unique chance to listen to the real sounds of India from a classically trained musician in India. Gerard has traveled all over India and learned in the music colleges from a Guru teacher and goes back each year for study.
Email me this enrolment to gmenzel@hotmail.com
Gerard on tabla with Dang Tao
Other world music
Japanese Flute & Arabic Percussion
Mark Barnett Shakuhachi Gerard Menzel taaz,
Listen to the haunting sound of the shakuhachi a Zen classical Buddhist instrument and Arabic, percussion.
List of some schools where the Wild Lotus has presented.
Reynella East Maryann Pearson Ph83815255
Linda Polain Prince Alfred College 83341203
Port Elliot Prim. Heather Wood 85543399
Seymour College Jane Nehmey 83790011
St Peters Girls Lee Clark 83342234
West Beach Prim Thai Choong 83567930
Willunga High Cindy Taylor 85562105
Westminster school Gabriella Patti 82760251
Woodville High D Mahmedi 84459833
Balaklava PS Val Zagepoulas 88621660
Antonio School T Robinson 83847 633
Daws Rd High Naomi Van Dirrman 82768822
St Brigids Kilburn Meliss Strudwick 82623812
Rose Park PS Japanese teacher 83317521
Pulteney Grammar Cris Meadows 82165536
Organisations
Asia education Foundations Victoria and Adelaide SA
Australia Japan Association
National Folk Featival Canberra, Adelaide
Carclew SA Education Department Arts centre
Australian Indian Society
Teachers Preparation
Teachers & Workshops
'Be Prepared' Read Carefully Please
Aikido ,Tai Chi, Yoga
· large room with carpet or mats if possible
· PA if demonstrating to large hall
· Carpet or mats for yoga
· Good ventilation
· Music Mat or carpet for music with a platform or raised stage, adjustable microphones to bend to floor
Painting
· Access to water, flat tables, water containers, news-paper for tables, cassette player,
open airy room,
· Tray to carry ink and brushes
· Newsprint paper called butchers paper for students 5 to 6 sheets per hour per
student
How to Book ?
1. Ring or email me to discuss your needs.
2. Send me back the contract by fax / snail mail or scanned attachment
Email gmenzel@hotmail.com
Phone 0407734479 mobile Fax 03 53583306
Send or fax, email by attachment the booking form
Booking deposit of $50 per day to ;
Enrolment with $50 deposit per day
Duration of performance 45min. to 75min usually but may vary
upon negotiation with you..
Special discount for larger groups No of students at @..........
The Booking Agreement
Organization, school_______________________________________
Address__________________________________________________
Contact Person___________________________________________________
Phone____________________________________________________
Fax __________________________________________________________
Email______________________________________________________
Days Dates booked
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Exact Students numbers_________________
Class Day time room and teacher
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Conditions Please read and sign
booking deposit $50 per day (non refundable) You will be billed on the
number of students stated here.
1 The Lotus school takes no responsibility for participants injury
although reasonable care will be taken. Participants know there are
some risks in participation.
2 The lotus reserves the right to reschedule a booking, cancel a
booking or refuse a booking at any time.
Signed by authorized School person / Principal
________________________________________Date
/ /
Signed by Lotus Representative
__________________________________________Date /
/
______________________________________________________________
Application and
Indemnity
for Participants
Name;
_______________________________________________
Address;
______________________________________________________
Tel;
_________________________ Email; __________________________
Please read
carefully
Wild Lotus classes, seminars, workshops (Aikido,
Tai Chi, Yoga, Eastern massage, Sumie); are arts with certain
principles, traditions which have to be understood and observed at
all times. Any physical activity and eastern art has an element of
danger and unpredictability in its practice so permanent and serious
injury could possibly result from your participation in this
practice you are participating in with Wild Lotus Arts. For this
reason we ask you to carefully read the indemnity below and indicate
your assent to signing your name. Participants under the age of 18
years must have a parent of guardian sign to indicate their consent.
To be completed by
participant
I______________________(name),
the undersigned, of the above address, hereby recognize that this
activity/ class I involve myself in could by its nature produce
serious and permanent injury. I realise that I should I sustain any
injury, no matter how caused, through participation in the
classes/workshops, no liability, neither tortuous nor contractual,
will attach to any of the instructors of or participants in the said
seminar/class/workshop
ٱ I have the
following illness, disability or injury that could place me at risk
of injury during training;
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Notwithstanding such injury(s), I agree to assume
the risk of such injury(s) being aggravated and indemnify the
instructors of, and the participants in, the said
seminar/class/workshop of any liability with respect to this or any
other injury I may sustain no matter how caused. I realise a serious
and disciplined attitude is required at all times to minimise the
risk of injury.
Signature of participant;
_____________________Date; ____________
Signature of parent of guardian;
____________________________
(Sign if participant is under 18 years)
