Longfei-Taijiquan Association of Great Britain

Letter from the Chairman
Longfei News Letters - Volume 2, Issue 2

Welcome to Issue 2, Volume 2 of the Longfei Newsletter. In this issue "Classic Corner" presents the last of the Five Character Secret. The fifth character deals with the spirit and is perhaps the most difficult to understand.

In my early days of Taiji training, the content of these ancient Chinese writings remained obtuse. After 26 years there is still only the suggestion of understanding. However, each and every discovery that becomes meaningful can enhance our practice and take us a little higher in the study of these profound philosophical and psychological tracts.

In a later issue we will repeat all five for the benefit of those that have missed the early issues. The format for the presentation of the five characters always places first the study of Calmness, Tranquility bringing our focus of attention on the Yi (mind). Please look it up in your dictionary (mind) and feel the scope of the first character.

MASTER WANG YANJI'S SPRING VISIT

This year more Longfei students were able to attend Master Wang's seminars. I would like to thank all of you for helping to make his visit a success.

Inside this issue you will find a report on our visit to Scotland. This was our second invitation from Derek Daly and his Traditional School of Chinese Wushu. Thanks to Derek and thank you Jim Currie for your contribution to this issue. Master Wang received honourary clan membership and was introduced to some traditional Scottish dancing (see photographs).

LONGFEI MEMBERSHIP FEES

At this year's Annual Executive Meeting the agenda contained a proposition reviewing the membership fees. It was brought to the meeting's attention that the current fee connot cover the cost of printing the newsletter. The distribution of the annual subscription is as follows: £5 goes to the BCCMA for individual membership and member to member insurance. The residue of £2 supports the administration and postage of Longfei Taijiquan Association. However, the cumulative expense of postage, administration, web site and the newsletter were causing a serious shortfall which is being subsidised from private funds. The subsequent unanimous proposition was to increase the annual fee to £12.

The increase will take place on and from the 1st August 1999.

COMPETITION NEWS

The Zhongding Tai Cai Chuan Association of Great Britain presented their Grand Championships earlier this year. The aim was to produce a grand champion scoring the most points over three disciplines. Taolu (forms), Tuishou (push hands), Sanshou (free fighting, Chinese Wushu). 

David Nicholson attended with his competition team from Yorkshire. Adrian Izzard  and Mike Graves entered this triple event. Adrian sustained an injury and was forced to  retire. Mike was eliminated from the Push Hands sections but went on to gain first place in the full contact. The intrepid Johnathan Ingleby gained a gold medal for "Moving Step Pushing Hands." David Nicholson, the party leader and coach, won two golds for first places in Hand Form and Weapons.

COMBAT 1999 OPEN FORMS CHAMPIONSHIPS

David Nicholson, Mike Graves and Adrian Izzard took part in this competition sponsored by Combat magazine. David enhanced his reputation and took first place in the section for Chinese Internal Arts Forms, performing Sun Style Taijiquan. Adrian and Mike shared 3rd place, Adrian with his Xingyi Quan and Mike with Sun Style Taijiquan.

THE 11th BRITISH OPEN TAI CHI CHAMPIONSHIPS AND THE 5th FESTIVAL OF CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS

This is probably the most prestigious gathering of Chinese martial arts in the annual calendar. Competitors attend from all over Britain and many European entries attend. This competition used to take place in London but for several years now the venue has moved to Oxford. This facilitates better travel conditions from the Midlands and the North and probably reduces the overall costs for the organisers.

LONGFEI MEMBERS COLLECT NINE MEDALS

Two of Diana Choy's students won places in the novice section. Vivian Rogers won Bronze (Hand Form) and Adam Ali, Gold (Sword Form).

In the Open Forms Championships David Nicholson won Bronze (Sword Form), with Peter Cox and Anne Lo both getting Silver (Hand Form).

YORKSHIRE'S DYNAMIC DUO WIN FOUR MEDALS FOR PUSH HANDS

British Open Gold Medal (Moving Step) - Mike Graves. British Open Bronze Medal (Fixed Step) - Mike Graves. British Open Gold Medal (Fixed Step) - Johnathan Ingleby. British Open Bronze Medal (Moving Step) - Johnathan Ingleby.

My congratulations to all of you on your medal successes and thank you for once again flying the Longfei flag.

Richard Watson

Back to contents