Welcome to the ‘summer newsletter’. A lot has happened in a short space of time, with both Nigel’s return to Britain for a month (mainly on a family visit, but also taking the time to teach several excellent seminars around the country), and my three week teaching trip to the Espana Zhong Ding clubs (see Vicky’s review later).

Zhong Ding’s tenth anniversary year is coming together as we hoped, with plenty of opportunities to train and improve, including three visits from our far eastern instructors, and a chance to train with Zhong Ding students from around Europe, both at home and abroad. In September, the "Train with the Masters" course will be held in Malaysia, attended by most of our far-eastern technical advisers, and in October we are planning to hold a major international competition in the Midlands. (More news later - or see the Z.D. web site).

We have also seen the introduction of the very successful Dao & San Shou training days, both in Manchester and Birmingham. These have being introduced as a response to many requests for more in-depth training of the substance of these forms in addition to learning the outlines. It would seem that many Taiji practitioners in the U.K. are happy doing the empty shapes of forms which they don’t understand, rather than really training them; but, as with most activities, practising something with no understanding often brings only a small part of the available benefit. This is why Zhong Ding has always offered a chance to train and ‘understand’ the different aspects of Taiji to the highest level, so offering the possibility to advance from proficiency to mastery of Taiji - although as with any ‘Art’, this is only ‘bought with hard work and dedication’.

***SO HAPPY TRAINING!***

In May, John Higginson paid his second visit to Spain, at the invitation of David Rodruigez, Eduardo Monteiro and Javier Mesa, founder members of the Coordinadora de Tai Chi Chuan Y Artes Associadas, which now comprises Zhong Ding Spain.

During a lively three-week tour around the northern half of Spain, workshops were held in Oviedo, Mieres, Burgos, Aviles, Leon, Valladolid and Madrid, covering a wide cross-section of the Zhong Ding syllabus, including hand form and applications, sabre, the 8 pushing hand methods and the taiji classics. Along the way we made friends in many other martial arts, among them tai jitsu, choy le fut, judo and karate players who attended seminars along with their instructors in a spirit of friendship. Joint seminars with some of these disciplines were suggested and may be possible on future visits.

Interestingly, we came across Cheng Man-Ching style taiji which looked somewhat familiar – not surprisingly, as it turned out, since it was introduced to Spain by Master Li of Taiwan, who is a student of one of Zhong Ding’s technical advisers, Master Tan Ching-Ngee of Singapore! What a small world!!

Since Master Li has not visited Spain for several years, there is a great deal of interest among Cheng Man- Ching stylists in studying with others of a similar lineage, and a course was suggested for John’s return visit to Spain later this year.

David, Eduardo and Javier deserve much praise for their hard work in organising this extremely demanding tour, which included an open conference on taiji at the Periodico La Neuva Espana in Oviedo, a radio interview, two appearances on T.V. and extensive newspaper coverage in its hectic schedule. However, special thanks are due to Cristina Monteiro for making us so welcome and for taking so much time out of her already busy schedule to look after us, and also to Carmen Rodriguez and Crux Mesa for patiently accepting the loss of their husbands for such long periods!

The enthusiasm and commitment of the students of "Spanish Zhong Ding" is extremely impressive, and surely augurs well for the continued growth of authentic taijiquan across the world in the "Spirit of Zhong Ding" envisaged by Nigel when he founded the Association. So here’s to the next 10 years!

Tom’s Bike ride:- Tom Cahill had about fifty people take part in his sponsored bike ride around the Lancaster countryside, with all having an excellent day out [and raising £??? For ???]. Tom hopes to get more people for next year’s event.

Things to come: One of the things of which my visit to Espana reminded me was how useful the 8 Push Hands methods are. This was my first experience with Zhong Ding back in 1989, when I first met Nigel during Master Lau Kim-Hong and Tan Ching Ngee’s first visit to the U.K. I was shown that you could relax to dissolve any force – if you are fully aligned and ‘sung’. This was something I’d heard my earlier teachers philosophising about, but they could neither do it nor teach it to me. These excellent exercises are taught on the instructor course, however they will also be covered on two pushing hands days. The first, on June 21^st, will be solely devoted to the 8 push hands methods and their applications; the second, on July 5^th will allow a chance to practice the 8 Push Hands Methods plus both of Cheng Man-Ching’s push hand patterns, namely Si Zhen and Da Lu, which all hold keys to improving one’s taiji; by checking the exactness of the slow form and effectiveness of applications. (There will also be an 8 Push Hand Methods class in Birmigham on June 26^th from 7.00-9.30 p.m. at Kingsbury Road school at a cost of £12).

June 27th/28th is the date for this year’s Taiji Fan course in Birmingham. This eye-catching form was devised by Master Tan Ching Ngee to follow Cheng Man-Ching’s 37-step hand form. If students book in advance, we will make sure they have the opportunity to obtain fans and learn the basics beforehand.

On July 11^th / 12^th there is the first of two weekends devoted to teaching the two person San Shou (fast form). This is a wonderful form especially for those who have not practised any other martial art, and has been of great help to many senior Zhong Ding people in understanding how taiji works as a fluid and effective art. (It is not necessary to have learned the solo san shou forms before attempting the two-person form, but it can help). This is the first time that this form has been taught in Birmingham.

On 15^th August, there is another of the very successful San Shou and Broadsword days in Manchester, where you can train either or both of these aspects of your taiji, followed on the 16^th by a day of massage – the first this year.

August 22^nd/23^rd is the second of the two-person San Shou weekends, including on the Sunday morning a chance to learn the Taiji Qigong Second Routine, which is not often taught or seen in this country

Jasnieres: (see last newsletter) Still places left – an excellent opportunity to raise the standard of your taiji at an international taiji camp in France.

Taiji Summer Camp in beautiful exotic Derbyshire: this will be held over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August (28^th-31^st), and promises to be a really good event, with a chance to work on most parts of the syllabus and more besides - including the 15ft Dolphin form! (See Summer Newsletter no 2, 1997). Family, friends and animals welcome!

SWORDS: We have managed to get (at a large discount), a few of the ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ Taiji swords based on a Taiwan design, but made by the sword-smiths of Toledo, Espana. (As wielded by Zhong Ding’s founder, Nigel Sutton, as well as John Higginson and several other Z.D. instructors!) The ‘Gold’ ones are £119 (instead of £150), ‘Silver’ £99 (instead of £115). We also still have some of the ‘heavy’ Telescopic straight swords at £20, (rather than the two lower grades you normally find in the shops these days), at the same price, and a few of the crome-plated broadswords at £40.

BOOKS:- ‘The Inner Warrior’ by Master Lau Kim Hong and Nigel Sutton. A worthy successor to ‘The Inner Way’, this "little red book" is a must-have for all serious Zhong Ding students. It contains training tips, advice and quotes, representing 50 years’ experience in martial arts, from Master Lau Kim Hong, one of Zhong Ding’s favourite technical advisers, who should be with us again in the U.K. this Autumn.

‘Applied Tai Chi Chuan’ by Nigel Sutton. The second revised and extended second edition of this superb book will be here in August - you can reserve your copy now with John.

GREAT GRAPHICS: As you may have noticed, Zhong Ding literature, leaflets, etc. have suddenly taken on a more professional appearance (well almost!). This is largely due to the brilliance of a man named Spanner (who can be found huddled in his cap and clogs somewhere is deepest darkest Yorkshire). Many of the logos are multi-coloured, 3-D or even moving (on websites). Unfortunately you’ll only see the odd one because of printing costs!! Cheers Spanner! There follows an offering quilled by the Yorkshire folk.

Courtesy of Huddersfield Zhong Ding

Many thanks to the Emperor Higginson for featuring us in the news letter and allowing the hushed whispers of Huddersfield ZD to sing out to our brethren.
The reason for this sudden outburst is the culmination of many great minds gathering together, mixing up our thoughts in a pint glass and (ultimately) devising several devious methods of advertising the club for free, or at least getting somebody else to pay for it. So here I list most of our infamous, evil deeds so other ZD members may be guided by our dubious light

1) Most areas are now covered by cable TV, and the operators are obliged to transmit a community access information channel. They are allowed to charge for adverts, but must reserve space for council information, public events etc. and this is the part we`re interested in. Your ad should be worded to sound like a matter of public interest with such key phrases as `community`, `open day`, `alternative medicine`, `addressing such issues as ....` and so forth. Don`t mention any prices and they should be thankful for your ad simply to fill up space. Be careful however when categorising , as placing it in the sports section often arouses suspicion. Family of Health type categories are usually a safe bet.

2)Local newspapers are usually groping in the dark for articles and are often hungry for tales of local people winning competitions, hosting events and basically doing anything where an action photo can be taken. The club details will always be included regardless of the banality of the article.

3)As we`ve mentioned, public events are a good source of new blood with the added benefit that people can see it in action and can be fed with leaflets and business cards. A good example is the demo we have coming up in Huddersfield which is part of an NHS 50th anniversary bash near the town centre. This is particularly good as our name will be included in the ad paid for and distributed by the NHS!

4) Put a load of A5 leaflets on a piece of string and tie it to a lamp post. I don`t know if this is legal, so make sure it`s not your phone number on the leaflet.

5) Simply asking in a shop if you can leave a pile of business cards on the counter often get`s the baby washed. Health food and martial arts shops are a good bet, and sports shops are often willing as they think it makes them look popular. (Charity shops feel obliged to do it if you ask when you give them a bag of clothes. I admit this sounds lousy, but they don`t mind pushing leaflets through your door).

6) Students, ex-students, hippies and so forth feel at peace with the universe and trees and stuff if they wear the Yin Yang symbol, so pawn your clubs merchandise off on them at inflated rates.

7) Visits from Malaysia and the up coming ZD 10th anniversary are very good subjects for , most of the previous points, particularly the newspaper one.

Behold!The ZD logo back lit on the reverse of a black T-Shirt.
As worn by Master Lau Kim Hong, Master Liang He Qing and Nigel Sutton!

Wow!

Now, I know this all sounds like a script for a nasty version of the Goode Life but it`s brought to you in good faith. If you`ve been offended go and vent your anger by pushing hands or something. Thank for reading!
Ps, Our Huddersfield ZD merchandise (T-Shirts, sweat shirts, Web Pages, graphic design etc.) is available at insane, rock bottom prices so place your order quickly with Craig Jackson on 01484 318463. This isn`t a marketing ploy. Honest. Yours faithfully(ish) Huddersfield

INSTRUCTORS:[ John Higginson (4^th Duan); Vicky Holden(3^rd Duan)

Geoff Taylor, Damon Townsend Chris Kaighin( 2^nd Duan); Colin Hoddes, Ben Jones(1^st Duan); Tommy Trueman, Imelda Maguire, Pete Hinde (Adv.students)

S. West(Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset) John Fowler 01803 613267 Colin Stephens 01803 558523

S. Coast (Sussex, Hamp; Surrey) Glenn 01903 715286

Home Counties(London, E. Anglia, Kent) Ben Clarke 0181 998 8028 Brian 0181 841 1054

East Midlands(Notts; Lincs; Staffs. Derby) Miles Craig 01332 735740 Steve J. 01623 750472

West Midlands -(Leic; Staffs; Shrop; War;) Bob Wesley 0121 344 3679

North East(Yorkshire) Ian Gillespie 01484 655429, Craig Jackson 01484 318463

Other areas (UK) and abroad (Europe,Far east & USA) ring the N.W. Secretary or Senior Instructor 0161 860 4111

Or E:mail zhongdao@globalnet.co.uk