South African YMAA President

Mr. Corlius Birkill

Corlius Birkill was introduced to the martial arts at age 8, practicing Karate for a few years. He then started his chinese martial arts training in 1984 at the age of 13. The first systems he studied were the southern division style, Wing Chun and a northern division style, Lune Whan Kune. His dedication in these disciplines led to him being awarded provincial colours in 1990, and then being invited to represent his country overseas. Due to his passion for the art Corlius Birkill decided to expand his knowledge which led to his first visit to Boston, USA in 1995. Here he started his intensive study of the following systems; the southern division style, White Crane (Bai He) and the northern division style Long Fist (Chang Chuan) as well as internal systems Tai Chi Chuan, and Baguazhang under the personal tuition of Dr. Yang Jwing Ming. Besides the different martial arts aspects Corlius Birkill has also learnt several qigong systems as well as healing arts such as Tui Na and Dian Xue massage from Dr. Yang. Since 1995 Mr. Birkill has visited Dr. Yang on a regular basis, furthering his studies and training. In March 2008 he completed the YMAA Shaolin Syllabus when he was awarded the rank of Instructor.

Corlius Birkill hosted annual seminars presented by Dr. Yang in South Africa from 1996 until 2007

Corlius Birkill is a graduate of the University of Pretoria with a B.Eng.Hons(Electronic).

(Pascal Plee, Dr. Yang, Corlius Birkill) Early morning training, Bakgatla, South Africa 2003	Learning San Cai Jian form Grandmaster Li, Drakensberg, South Africa, 2004	Dr. Yang demonstrates Chin Na on Corlius at Taste of China, Virginia, USA 2003
Back: Marco Kavalieratos, Corlius Birkill Front: Master Chen, Grandmaster Li, Master Yang Long Fist Lineage in South Africa: Marco Kavalieratos is the head of Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre, his teacher Master Chen was a student of Grandmaster Li. Corlius Birkill is the head of Yang’s Martial Arts Association South Africa, his teacher Master Yang was also a student of Master Li	Corlius Birkill and Aiden Lottering learning Saber against Spear from Grandmaster Li, Poland 2006 Grandmaster Li correcting San Cai Jian, Poland 2006	(Corlius Birkill, Julian Petifour) Training at YMAA Retreat Center, Humboldt County, California, USA, 2005
Meeting Grandmaster Gao Tao in Taipei, 2008	Competing in Push Hands at the 2nd World Tai Chi Federation Competition in Taipei 2008	Visitng Grandmaster Li in Taipei, 2008