I began my life in martial arts at a very young age with watching my father Grand Master Robert Gemmell at his regular 'home' practise sessions. Before I could even walk he would place me on his feet as a human balance while he did his many sit-ups. The martial arts movements just seeped in to my being like osmosis and I became imprinted with the same desire to learn the martial arts, living and breathing it as part of ever' day life and have done so for the past 35 years.

Grand Master Gemmell's Shaolin Chuan Fa is a system of great depth developed  over many intensive years of study, analysis and travel to China, Okinawa, Taiwan, and the U.S. A . As I train in this system my understanding continues to expand. There is no end to the learning as Grand Master continues to build and refine his work.

Shaolin Chuan Fa encompasses the arts of Kempo and the Internal Arts of Tai Chi,
Ba Gua and H'Sing I. Training in complex physical movement develops great sensitivity of feeling and awareness, with a capability to predict situations and intent.

We discover that each move draws on whole body action, with flow, rhythm and impact. The options for any one move in these art forms are infinite as they are based on the  circle principle with no beginning and no end. Any move will continue to flow, changing shape and returning on a different trajectory with as much hitting and deflecting power as when the move began. It is this complexity and variation which is so fascinating and so different from the linear styles.

The Self Defence capabilities of Grand  Master's Kempo (Fist Way) are well documented. Grand Master impresses upon us that there will always be dangers in our environment. No two situations will always be the same. Kempo's flexibility of thought and action are vital in dealing with these times of danger.

Kempo bases its effectiveness on the returning fist with hand technique as the prime weapon in an offensive or defensive technique. Using this principle where one move flows into another, multiple attacks on the move can be implemented. Kempo kicking is also very effective but forms a smaller part in the arsenal of weapons and is not used as the number one striking power. Kempo self-defence moves operate in the medium to short range sphere where, in fact, most of the action takes place.

In my life I am both a teacher and a student. My teaching began in the neighbourhood  among friends and acquaintances and later continued into my own classes at the Headquarters Dojo under the tutelage of my father. He set up the Junior Programme of Tigers, Dragons and Warriors - selective age groupings for children, with their own distinctive coloured uniforms, age groupings and syllabus. In time I took over a large part of the junior teaching programme and achieved good results with many of the juniors at our National Championships really excelling, and often holding National titles.

My first Black Belt grading was at the age of 15 years where I was tested in the "traditional way". This was a very tough and gruelling grading, but you really felt you had earned this belt once you had been presented with the coveted 1st Degree.

Some years later I became a full time teaching professional, and managed the Jade Centre,  a live in martial arts training centre where I also hold the position of Branch Chief at  the S.C.F. Association Headquarters. I am currently graded 8th Degree Black Belt and hold several titles including "Senior Master".

My interest in martial arts is complemented by my university studies in Psychology; and Women's Studies at University. I have a B.A. Degree in Psychology at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand and a Masters Degree at Massey University,' Palmerston North majoring in Psychology. This knowledge helps me to understand women's problems and during classes and discussions with them I can advise how martial arts helps to achieve their goals in life and to deal with the stresses of daily living. Chuan Fa (Kempo) as taught by our school is very popular with women due to the power not strength generated. I also intend to study for a Ph.D at a later date.

India has always held a fascination for me and on several visits I used this opportunity to exchange martial arts technique and to study the art forms and teaching methods there.
In later years Tai Chi, has grown in interest in this country. Tai Chi draws more of the elderly people than some of the other art forms in the system, which is a very good thing as it shows that martial arts can be for everyone. This interest in Tai Chi has led me to use it as the subject of my thesis for my Masters Degree. My thesis on Tai  Chi, will be published in American Journals. This is a world first.

Mulan Fan Boxing was introduced New Zealand by Grand Master Gemmell. This art is not very well known as yet in this country but Grand Master predicts it will be a big thing for women in the future. It is similar in some ways to Tai Chi and with hand held Single  and double fans the graceful movement of Mulan is enhanced. This is an art. more closely geared to women because of its beauty of form and technique but men can study the art also.
Our school continues to grow. Students from the many branches meet and train regularly at Live in Seminars. Many students stay with the school, some for life, some for a shorter period but all are deeply touched by the training and the wisdom and philosophy that is passed down by all of the instructors.

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