ZHONG DAO
ZHONG DING NORTH WEST
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2000
Contents: page
A personal Journey by A.Hague 1
Slow Dance annon 2
Master Koh (part 2) N.Sutton Advanced course 3
Events to come 4
Classes / Books etc., Membership & Insurance 5
Classes & contacts 6
Diary, Courses 7-8
Welcome to the final newsletter of the year, with articles, training tips and a round-up of events to occupy the winter months.
As usual John is spending a couple of months in the
All classes will continue as usual whilst John is away.
If anyone has articles of any interest for inclusion in the next issue of the Newsletter, such as reviews of any events you may have attended, all contributions would be most welcome!
A PERSONAL TAIJI JOURNEY by Andy Hague
Remember when you went to your first tai chi class and - for some - the first time your saw the form being practiced?; the seemingly effortless grace of the class members? I remember seeing my first teacher moving through the form in demonstration and by the time he reached descending single whip I was hooked! I remember seeing the deceptive ease with which he performed the postures of the form with a sense of awe.
With this in mind, I took my first steps in the opening movements of the 37-posture form. As an experienced martial artist, I was used to learning a kata or form in the space of a few hours and expected no problems. Oh, was I wrong! Some years on, I look on that younger man with a kind of indulgent affection for his innocence and his arrogance.
This young man worked through the basics, and worked through the basics, and worked through the basics until like the laying on of layers he began to see the shape of what he was doing and finished the form with a real sense of achievement and satisfaction. What I did notice was that the more I practiced the worse it seemed I became in my own estimation! I hear phrases like "I can't do that" or "I'll never be able to do that!" in classes on a regular basis. Believe me when I say that I know what you are going through because I've also been there. That arrogant young man I mentioned earlier came down to earth with a resounding thud (normally on his backside)! Postures I thought I was good at began to escape me and nothing felt right - I felt I was going backwards and would never get it right. Again I was wrong!
Without noticing, the layer upon layer of practice was paying off and my skills were improving despite my own sense of failure. What was happening was that my own analytical skills were improving and I became my own worst critic (yes, even worse than John!). Even now I look at things I thought I was competent at performing last year and realise that I may be improving with every repetition, but so is my awareness of just how far I have to go, how much I still have to learn. But, improving I am, and will as long as I practice.
I felt that I was moving backwards when in fact I was moving forwards. What was changing was me! As Professor Cheng Man-Ching always advised, invest in loss; learn from it and grow as a person.
I understand now the cost of searching for that effortless grace I first saw in pain (that interesting sensation in the legs!) and training, and although my goal may be elusive, it is still as attractive as ever.
Don't give up; let things happen as they may. In the meantime, you'll see me in classes and on courses enjoying the journey for its own sake. What I find may not be what I was looking for, but may be what I need. Wouldn't that be strange?
SLOW DANCE
This poem was printed in the November issue of the magazine
"Combat", and was written by a young girl who is terminally ill in
a
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short,
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask 'How are You?'
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short,
The music won't last.
Ever told your child
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see their sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
'Cause you never had the time
To call and say 'Hi'?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short,
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry
through your day,
It is like an unopened gift…
Thrown away.
Life is not a race,
Do take it slower,
Hear the music,
Before the song is over.
HELP!
Does anyone have a copy of "Cultivating the Chi" by Stuart Alve Olson that they no longer want? If you do, or if you see one to buy anywhere, please let John know since he has lost his and it's now out of print. Thanks!!!
Tai Chi Chuan - The Evolving Art
(A 2nd Interview With Master Koh Ah Tee)
by Nigel Sutton - Part 2
NS: Master Koh, you have mentioned your encounter with Huang Hsing Hsien, can you tell me more about this?
KAT: When I pushed hands with Huang six other people were present. Three of them were Huang's students, indeed two of them were instructors; the rest had come with me to visit him. Zhen Yuan Liang and Chen Hua who taught for Huang were there with Chen Siu Lan, a student of his. The others present were Qiu Jing Bao, Huang Wen Yong and Feng Da Hun.
When I talk to you about Wu Guo Zhong or Huang Hsing Hsien, what I say about them is based on my actual experience with them. I pushed hands with Huang and although I have heard people say that pushing hands with him was like being uprooted by an iron bar, I would have to say that this is nonsense. All of this happened in front of those people that I have already listed. They had all been flung here and there by him, but he was unable to move me so he started hitting me.
All of the people present heard Huang admit that his skill was 70%White Crane. They also heard his response when I asked him why he didn't teach White Crane exclusively. His reply was that it was easier to make money with taijiquan.
You know a lot of teachers use their own students to demonstrate their "amazing skills" on and all that you end up with is at best an exaggeration and at worst what amounts to a con-trick. You only have to think about empty force for example. I don't believe it because I have never met a teacher or exponent who could do it to me.
NS: So what should we emphasise in our training if we are to progress?
KAT: In practising your form emphasise the circular. A circle has no angles so that you can move a great weight or deal with a great amount of force without using strength. Grandmaster Zheng Man Qing illustrated this, giving the example of a pulley-system using ball bearings, in his "Thirteen Chapters".
Movements in the form that use explicit horizontal circles include rufeng sibi (apparent close up) and the change from roll-back to press; but note that these movements are based on internal circles not external flowers.
The more circular something is, the smaller the area in contact with the ground and therefore the more light and agile the object can be. In taijiquan we try to use our body to exemplify the same principle.
But we must also be careful to distinguish between agility and floating. We are not talking about a balloon filled with gas. If you want to be able simultaneously to borrow your opponent's strength (jie jing) and discharge it (fa jing) then you must be round.
If you have a shape there will be angles but if you are round every part of the body that comes into contact with the opponent may be used.
When you can do this then all the various aspects of the art will be on the inside. Peng jing is something that is on the inside not the outside. When you really use taijiquan you cannot see peng, lu, ji and an. These are all on the inside. When you can see something it has a shape and the highest level of the art has no shape and no form.
The smaller the movements, the higher the level of gong fu.
If your fa jing is correct then your opponent will have no opportunity to be "song", no opportunity to yield or relax.
Even if you face an opponent who seems completely still, they still have movement you can exploit as they must still breathe. Only a dead person is completely motionless.
NS: Is partner-work important then?
KAT: Recently one of my students asked me this very question. He wanted to know if it was necessary to repeatedly practise defensive or attacking moves with a partner in order to learn taijiquan for fighting. My answer was a categorical no. In fact I would say that if you practise like this it is very far from the real taijiquan.
Many teachers say that pushing hands equals fighting but in saying this they merely demonstrate that their taijiquan skill is based on hand methods, on techniques; but remember the teaching - in taijiquan there are no hands!
When we say in taijiquan that the hand does not move it doesn't mean that the arms are held in a fixed position, but rather that we take what the opponent gives us and give it back; we don't set out to do this or that to the opponent.
Even if you are a pushing hands tournament champion it is not necessarily true that you can use the skills of taijiquan in application.
Being good at pushing hands does not equate to being good at fighting - especially if we are talking about the bullfighting contests of strength which often seem to pass for pushing hands. If you use those kinds of skills against a skilled opponent you just give him force to use against you.
NS: Finally Master Koh, how do you see your art progressing?
KAT: Things improve and evolve and taijiquan is no exception. If Zheng man Qing were here today what would his taijiquan be like? Compare Zheng's art with that of the Chen family, which seems more akin to Shaolin boxing.
People ask me why I am so intent on studying Zheng Man Qing's art when I never met the man himself. But let me ask you: There are millions of Christians in the world who have never met Jesus, millions of Buddhists who have never met the Buddha but they still regard their teachings as being worth following - are they wrong? Zheng man Qing left a record of his teachings, his books, which point to the Dao he followed. I think these teachings are worth following.
Ask yourself why did Zheng Man Qing choose to call his last taijiquan book "A New Method for Self Study"? Because all the answers are there - this means that you can study the art yourself and reach the highest levels, providing you follow his teachings.
My students sometimes ask if I'm not worried that Zheng Man Qing's students will come to visit me, maybe to call into question the things I say; but I can honestly state that I would welcome their visit!
NS: Master Koh thank you.
ADVANCED TRAINING COURSE 2001
2001 brings a change in emphasis on the advanced-level course. This new-look course gives advanced level students and instructors an opportunity to work together intensively at a level not possible in the average class.
The course will be divided into six days, and each day will be in one or two parts; each part will work intensively on a single subject, e.g. staff form and drills, fast form and applications, hand form, push hands, etc.
The course will be held on a Sunday, however, on each weekend where the advance course is held, there will be activities available on Saturday daytime and evening, including advice for those Instructing, qigong, massage, meditation, and other related subjects, for those who are interested. (Please note that applications should be in by 20th December!)
EVENTS TO COME
On Saturday, 16th December and Saturday, 13th January, Vicky will be holding a two-part workshop, featuring Qigong in the morning, and Straight Stick Form in the afternoon on each occasion. Qigong forms will include the Swimming Dragon, Yang Family taiji qigong, 18-posture taiji qigong and the Eight Pieces of Brocade. The straight stick form will be divided into in two parts for easier learning. The pace of both days will be
relaxed, and students of all levels are invited to attend.
On John's return in February, there will be an opportunity to learn the full 32-step Yang-style Broadsword (Dao) form and for Bai Shi students, the two-person dao form or a different Dao form. (Anyone new to Broadsword can obtain some basic advice on handling the weapon in advance of the course when they book).
Apart from the usual workshop schedule,
for anyone with holidays to use up, how about a few days in sunny
The 3rd Zhong Ding Competition will be held on 18th February, 2001 (refer to the Winter '99 newsletter, Vol.3 No.4, Page 6 for some excellent reasons why you should enter!). Check out the Zhong Ding website on www.zhong-ding.com for full entry details, plus loads of other taiji info!
CLASSES
Several new classes in the
The times and venues for these classes will be announced shortly, so please ask your instructor for details.
TRAINING AIDS & BOOKS
We are currently 'giving away' GOLD and SILVER TAIJI SWORDS at £110 and £95 respectively, and TWO ENGLISH BATTLE SWORDS at £45, all made by the sword-smiths of Toledo, Spain. All have well-balanced steel blades, which are even capable of cutting stone!!
WHY NOT TREAT YOURSELF!
FOR XMAS
We also still have some of the heavyweight ‘ Telescopic’ straight swords at £17.50, as well as a couple of the ‘silk boxed’ Deluxe chromed ornate enamel swords (£70). We also have Wooden Fans in various colours (£15).
FORM MUSIC - AUDIO TAPES AND CDs
Digitally produced audio-tapes featuring two pieces of music to accompany the practise of hand form and weapons forms are still available at the modest price of £6 (£5 for Zhong Ding members). They have beautiful full-colour covers, and the playing time is approximately 25 minutes.
A few of the titles we have in stock! *Excellent for pressies!!* - please ask or ring 0161 860 4111
TITLE AUTHOR PRICE RecommendedTYPE
ROOTS AND BRANCHES N.Sutton £ 7.50 ** Form(basic)
COMPLETE T.C. S. McFarlane £ 7.99 ** Form
TAI CHI CHUAN Cheng Man Ching £ 9.99 Form
THERE ARE NO SECRETS W.Lowenthal £11.50 ** Gen.
MASTER CHENGS 13 CHAPTERS £ 7.99 * Phil.
GATEWAY TO MIRACULOUS W.Lowenthal £11.50
APPLIED TAI CHI CHUAN [2nd edition]
N. Sutton £ 9.99 ** Basis Of The
Searching for the way N.Sutton £15.00 * Meet Nigel (Mr. ZD’s) Teachers!
INNER WAY Xu S. Song / N.Sutton (Pocket classic )£ 5.00 ** TC Phil.
INNER WARRIOR Lau K H/N Sutton( “ “ ) £ 5.00 * TC Phil.
ESSENCE W.Liao ( “ “ ) £ 4.99 TC Phil.
HEALING MEDITATIONS T. Thondup( “ “) £ 5.99 New Healing
LAZY LAMA’s MEDITATION GUIDE Ringu Tulku£ 2.99 Meditation
Books below may be in stock!
TAI-CHI Cheng Man Ching & R.Smith £18.50 * Complete
T.C. THE SUPREME ULTIMATE L.Galante £10.99 Gen. & Form(basic)
TCC FORM TO FUNCTION N. Sutton £ 8.50 * Pushing Hands
C.M.C. ADVANCED FORM D.Wile. £ 8.99 * Form & Phil.
TAI CHI TOUCHSTONES D.Wile £ 9.99 * T.C.Phil.
T.C. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Chen Wei‑ming £ 6.99 * Phil.
C.M.C: ESSAYS ON MAN & CULTURE £13.99 Phil.
ESSENCE OF T.C.C. trans. Loo/Inn £ 9.99 Phil.
LAO-TZU Cheng Man Ching £10.99 Taoist
T.C.
I CHING ( “ “ ) £ 4.99 Taoist
TAO TEH CHING ( “ “ ) £ 4.99 Taoist
T.C.CLASSICS W.Liao £11.99 Phil.
ZEN MIND, BEGINNER’S MIND Suzuki £ 5.99 Meditation
ZHONG DING MEMBERSHIP AND INSURANCE
We have added a category of North West membership for people who are not actually members in our region, but who wish to receive our newsletter. This is because a significant demand has developed for our excellent news-sheet from other Zhong Ding regions (and also from non-Zhong Ding members!). It will cost £5-00 per annum to receive the newsletter for the year (usually three or four issues), to cover the cost of production and postage.
Instructor Insurance: Please Note: In order to qualify for insurance through the Association, all instructors are required to attend a minimum of two instructor-level courses each year with a technical panel member or overseas technical adviser.
Classes (
Monday Altrincham 7.30-9.00
Tuesday
Wednesday Altrincham
10.30-12.00 Unitarian Chapel,
Hebden Bridge 7.30-9.00
School Foundn., Birchcliffe
Centre,
Moss side 7.00-8.00 Moss Sid Leisure Centre Jong Deok Kim
Thursday
Friday
[Please ask for new classes- Daytime or evenings]
Registered Instructors: John Higginson (4th Duan); Vicky Holden, (3rd Duan)
Colin Hoddes, Terry Higgins, Ben Jones (1st Duan);
Anne Whitehead , Andy Hague (Advanced student)
Private tuition also available - Individual or group - Ring: John Higginson on (0161) 860-4111
LIST OF AREA CONTACTS (Zhong Ding classes for those away from home)
South West (
Home Counties (
North East (
España: (Asturias, Cantabrica) David Rodriguez (0034) 98-523-6218,
(Asturias,
(
(
Or E:mail zhongdao@globalnet.co.uk
ZHONG DING NORTH WEST ‘DIARY’
November
25/26 Master Lau Kim Hong in
December
16 AM - Qigong / PM - Stick form -
***** HAPPY XMAS & NEW YEAR *****
2001
January
13 AM - Qigong / PM - Stick form-
February
10/11 Dao (Broadsword) Form- Stretford
17 Form Work
18 Zhong Ding Competition -
24/25
March
3 Massage
4 Advanced Training Course- Stretford
10/11
17/18 24/25 31/1 [ESPAÑA -
April
7 San Shou - solo
8 Massage
14/15
21 San Shou day
22 Advanced Training Course- Stretford????
28/29
*** IN THE NEXT EDITION: A comparison of the taiji classics by Ben Jones;
Training Tips; A report on training in
TWO RELAXING WINTER WORKSHOPS
ZHONG DING NORTH WEST
Presents
- On -
QIGONG (a.m.)
These two morning workshops will feature a minimum of two Qigong sets each, including Yang Family Taiji Qigong, the Eight Pieces of Brocade, Swimming Dragon Qigong and Lin Hou Sheng's 18-posture Taiji Qigong.
STRAIGHT WALKING STICK FORM (p.m.)
These two afternoon workshops will introduce the straight walking stick form - in two easy stages!
So, if you've always wanted to have a go at learning this practical form, but were afraid you couldn't keep up - then this one's for you!
(Although I will be able to supply a few sticks, if possible please bring your own straight stick, measuring approximately floor-to-navel height)
The pace of both workshops will be (very!) easy-going, and students of all levels of experience are welcome to attend!
Instructor: Vicky Holden
Venue: The Scout Hut, (next to 184)
King's Road,
Time: QIGONG:
STICK FORM:
Cost: £20.00 - per day (if booked in advance!) (£25.00 non-members)
£12.50 - per session (if booked in advance!) (£15.00 non-members)
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BOOKING FORM (Please tick the sessions you wish to attend)
I would like to reserve .........…. places for the course(s) and I enclose £5 deposit per course.
NAME : ………………………………………. ADDRESS:……………………………….………………..
……………………………………………………………….. TEL. NO. ……………….…………………...
PLEASE RETURN TO:
Vicky Holden,
BROADSWORD
10th - 11th February 2001
BASIC
The simplest and often the first taught of the taiji weapons, the study of which enables one to take the principles, awareness and energy learnt in the empty hand form beyond one’s own body.
The 32-movement Yang style form will develop your strength and whole body co‑ordination, in particular honing the tremendous power made available by efficient use of the waist and 'rooting'.
· for complete beginners to learn the complete Yang style broadsword form.
· for more advanced students:- - to study/practise the broad sword forms and principles.
- to learn a different broadsword form!!
· learn to use more advanced techniques to deepen and check your basic understanding of Taiji.
· learn how to put principles and form into practice
Venue:
Scout Hut, (next to 184)
Time:
10th February
Cost: £55 (Zhong Ding members £45 - Booked in advance)
£30 / £25 for one day
**** LEARN TAIJI FROM AN AUTHENTIC SCHOOL WITH CLASSES ****
**** THROUGHOUT
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BOOKING FORM Sat 10th/ 11th February
**** Please book early as places will be limited. ****
I would like to reserve ........... places for the courses and I enclose £10 deposit per course.
NAME .......................................................................... Tel No ......................…....................………………....
ADDRESS ………………..........................................................................….....................................................
Please return to:
J.Higginson 74 Greatstone Rd. Firswood,
Saturday
3rd March, and
This course will give a basic but sound introduction to anatomy and massage for the complete beginner, or may serve to consolidate and advance skills already learned (it’s also an excellent way to spend a day in a relaxed friendly atmosphere!).
Over the two days, the course will cover a basic massage, although each day will be individually self-contained for those who are not able to attend both sessions.
The course instructor is a qualified 'remedial' and 'sports injuries' masseur who has also taught at massage college.
COST: £45(£38 ZD members booked in advance); £25/£20 one day.
TIME:
VENUE: 74,
As places are limited, to reserve a place send a £20 deposit to above address. Payable to "John Higginson"
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(SPARE)BOOKING FORM (please return) : 2001
I (name) _________________________________________ would like to reserve _______ places for the courses and I enclose £10 deposit per day on:- ________________
Tel. no. _____________________________ Address ______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
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BOOKING FORM (please return) Massage course: March - April. 2001
I(name) _______________________________ would like to reserve _______ places for the course/s
I enclose £10 deposit per day on:- March 3rd April 8th
Tel. no. _____________________________ Address ______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
FORM WORK
An opportunity to work on the Forms:-
Ø beginners are invited to learn and consolidated the next few movements of the slow form
Ø advanced students and instructors may check and work on their form
Ø how to present forms (slow, fast or weapons) for demonstration or competition
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SOLO SAN SHOU -Taiji Fast form
7th &
SAN SHOU :-
Ø for beginners to start learning the solo San Shou forms.
Ø for more advanced students to study and practise the forms, applications and principles.
Ø how to use more advanced techniques to deepen and check your core understanding of Taiji.
Ø a chance also to train applications
Venue: Firswood Scout Hut. (Next to
Time: Saturday
Cost: £50 (£40 ZD Members) £30 (£20 for one day)
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BOOKING FORM (cheques payable to J.
Higginson) 17th Feb & 7th &
I (name) ______________________ Tel No. __________________ would like to reserve ____ places
and enclose a deposit of £10 per course: Address _______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Please return to