A Workshop 'Down Under'

One of the great things about being a member of the Society is that you can do Tai Chi in so many wonderful parts of the world. Here, Sue Denny, a member from Suffolk, reports on her recent visit to Australia.

As my trip to Australia to visit family was fast approaching, I received an email advising that there was to be an additional two-day workshop taking place on the last weekend of my holiday. Tony Kwong was coming over from Canada to lead us. I could not believe how excited I felt at this news, what an opportunity to learn more from another leading instructor.

I did have a twinge of doubt as to whether I would prefer to spend my last weekend with my family but Tai Chi won out on that score. And I sent off my ‘Rego Form’ securing my place ensuring that I would take advantage of the 20% discount for early booking – I am always one for a discount if available!

The workshop was in Canberra and I traveled from Sydney by coach – a mere 3 hour journey, where I was met by my hosts with whom I was billeted. Such friendly, kind welcoming people with whom I immediately felt comfortable.

A total of 49 people attended the workshop, from Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and of course me from the UK. A few of the people I knew from previous workshops in Canberra but it is always a pleasure for me to be able to walk into a group of ‘strangers’, be accepted and feel as if I have known them all my life.

Of course a Tai Chi workshop would not be complete without food and members from Canberra provided us with a magnificent spread for morning and afternoon tea and the catering team came up trumps with a delicious hot lunch on both days. Saturday night was spent socializing over a meal in a local hotel.

Tony’s teaching was amazing and to watch him do a set (with TV cameras present) a real joy. Continuing Instructors in Training were taken to one side at one stage and given practice while the rest of us were able to watch and learn. To see them doing moves with such unity made it all look effortless and brought home to me the importance of keeping the timing and thus helping each other.

A wonderful workshop – but aren’t they all wonderful? I came away feeling relaxed, very open and with a sense of having been amongst my extended family. Thank you guys for all your organization and yes I will be back for more!

Mike Lavocah reports from one of the Society's newer locations:

Less than 18 months after starting our first class in Norwich, the members – on their own initiative! - gave their first public demonstration. The occasion was the Mousehold Fun Day, a fete celebrating Mousehold Heath, a large area of public land on the edge of the city.



The demonstration went off really well - you can see the smiling faces! We were first on, so not that many people saw the demo, but we were still able to chat to the public and give out a few leaflets. The demo came about on the initiative of one of our members, who was also helping to organise the Fun Day. Slowly but surely, we seem to be establishing ourselves well here in Norwich.

A Grand Day Out

It's not all workshops and good food....! The Society has many other activities, one of which is an important way in which we fulfil our aims and objectives - the public demonstrations that local members put on throughout the year. Here, Jos Halls sends us news of a typical such event:

On Sunday 19th July members of the Suffolk Branch were honoured to be invited to open the Town and Bridge Project ‘Healthy Lifestyle Have a Go’ event in Ipswich. This event was held at the newly opened Suffolk University Campus site, by the town’s rejuvenated waterfront. The day started with about 60 members demonstrating a double Tai Chi set outside the beautiful showcase building.

The wind doth blow...........

.......and we shall do Tai Chi!

Due to the less than ideal weather conditions – now let’s face it what would expect in England in the middle of summer? – we were not joined outside by many observers, who instead chose to observe us from the warmth and shelter inside the building (especially as it is fully glass fronted). To explain; despite the sun shining overhead there was a roaring gale, which was accelerated around the gentle curves of the building from the river. So the biggest challenge was keeping one’s balance and feet firmly on the ground! By not being too ambitious with the kicks and working together everyone managed to stay upright, bearing the brunt of the breeze face on as we turned into every single-whip.

Part of the brief from the organisers to the various groups concerned was to encourage visitors to ‘Have a Go’, so throughout the day a relay of instructors and members held interactive sessions at our indoor display stand. We were certainly kept busy all day with many people coming to join in. This was the third of a series of demonstrations held by the branch in recent weeks so we are hopeful that we will stimulate good interest locally - as the branch is running three 6 week taster courses over the summer break in readiness for the autumn term.

Taking part in demonstrations and promoting the Society is another facet of what we do. So we were very pleased to welcome some relatively new members who came out to join in for at least part of the day. Learning the set for the first time around in the relative safety of your local class is one thing, but for a few having only just completed the set for the first time only a few weeks ago meant taking an even ‘bigger step’, so well done. Also thank you to the numerous members who took part in a very enjoyable day.

members demonstrating how the Set can be adapted for sitting

The Branch has been fortunate over the last few years in establishing some good links with other local community groups including the local Borough Council. Such contacts are proving to be invaluable, as it gives us many more opportunities to allow others to experience the health benefits of our Tai Chi. We all had a lot of fun, shared many laughs and went home feeling rejuvenated but somewhat windswept.

Where instructors come from.....

It's been a busy summer so far, lots to catch up on. First off, Edyta and Crispin Barker report on the instructor training workshop they led recently at our Western Region Centre in Newport.

The first Assistants Workshop to be held at the Western Region Centre this year was a great success in more ways than one. It was a truly regional event as far as the organising was concerned. As well as locals, members travelled from Kent, Sussex, and London to help with the organisation and cooking, and others came from as far afield as Ireland and Scotland to take part.

Getting down to work for some of the participants

Discussions around what it means to be an instructor for the Society and the importance of our Aims and Objectives were interspersed with the foundation exercises and practising the set throughout the weekend. The enthusiasm of the 14 participants made up for the small size of the group. Stories about Master Moy and his teachings were mixed in with dan-yus and snakes using the wall bars to allow the group a chance to balance the movement of the spine throughout the exercise. The group had lots of opportunities to study the differences between the Continuing and Beginning form. Talks and discussions about the other Taoist Arts were also included.

And of course, there is always the food - an essential part of any workshop

Our thanks goes to all those who helped to make it such an enjoyable weekend, but particularly to Sandra, Mark and Janice for their commitment in travelling up to help run the event.