Longfei-Taijiquan Association of Great Britain

Report from Loch Lomond
Longfei News Letters - Volume 2, Issue 2

By Jim Currie

PICTURE the scene, nestling in the midst of magnificent scenery, on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond with superb panoramic views over this most famous of Scottish Lochs.

The Bothan was a perfect setting for the weekend on Loch Lomond where 30 students gathered to enjoy an eagerly awaited return visit by Master Wang Yanji to Scotland, to lead a weekend of Tui Shou push hands skills. Master Wang Yan Ji was assisted by Dick Watson and the event was hosted by Derek Daly and Joanne White.

The weekend commenced with Master Wang leading us in a thorough warm up, then a series of push hands training procedures. Master Wang gave extremely detailed directions of the movements and patiently answered our questions whilst amazing us with his immense knowledge and skill, demonstrating many variations of the martial applications. I personally, was very impressed with Master Wang's teaching skills and observed how everyone in each 'pair' were given attention and the benefits of his expert tuition and insight, regardless of ability.

To finish the first day, Master Wang then demonstrated a variety of requested forms - Wudan Sword, 42 Step Form, 88 Step Form, Bagua, Zhang and Xing Quan, all performed quite brilliantly.

Later that evening we enjoyed a Scottish 'Ceilidh' evening in honour of Master Wang who was proclaimed 'Clan Chief' MacWang when he appeared resplendent in full Highland dress. After the meal, there was an impromptu session of traditional Scottish music and danging with Master Wang and Dick Watson being introduced to the delights of the 'Dashing White Sergeant' and 'Strip The Willow'. Our leader Derek Daley, led us in some traditional Scottish songs and Master Wang then attempted to introduce us to a beautiful Chinese song composed by his father called the The Little Swallow. I suspect the 'liquid refreshment' we had enjoyed earlier in the evening influenced the quality of our performance. We retired in the 'wee sma' hours', very happy and eagerly anticipating day two of the seminar.

Upon awakening on Sunday morning we discovered a few inches of snow had turned the surrounding countryside into a beautiful winter picture postcard. 

Some members of our group had arisen early and were already being led in Tai Chi 24 Step Form by Master Wang. Dick Watson led a group in Chi Kung Form to music, and Gordon Faulkner demonstrated some Dao Yin sets of Chi-Kung exercises. Gordon's demonstration of the Sleeping Buddha left some students wishing for more. After a hearty Scottish breakfast had been digested, Master Wang then led us in a warm up and instructed us in single hand, two hands, push hands and moving sets, stressing the importance of attention to detail and how 'practice makes perfect'. Master Wang, throughout, ensured that we understood the applications whilst enthralling us with his demonstrations.

Later, we were instructed in stepping sequences and their applications in defence against 2, 3 or 4 attackers. Those of us who were involved in the attack situations with Master Wang were left in no doubt of the efficacy of his techniques and his awesome strength.

We then spent some time working on 'Fa-Jing' techniques with Master Wang suggesting that we practise 1000 of each movements three times a day. I can personally vouch for the power of Master Wang, whilst demonstrating one application of Ji, or press, it felt as if an electric charge of 20,000 volts had gone through my internal organs. It was quite evident that Master Wang was doing nothing more than playing with me in quite a gentle manner. I certainly wouldn't like to be on the receiving end of this kind of treatment if he really meant it.

The rest of the seminar was spent in practising 'Da-lu' until it was time for Master Wang and Dick Watson to leave to catch their flight back south. 

I personally cannot speak too highly of Master Wang Yanji. If you have not had the chance to work with him, you don't know what you are missing. I am sure I speak for everyone in saying that we feel privileged to have had such a terrific weekend with Master Wang. The generous manner in which he shared his astounding skill, in-depth knowledge and philosophy was truly inspirational.

Special thanks must also go to Dick Watson for his assistance over the weekend, to Mrs Hing Fung Teh for her expert translations and, of course, an extra special thanks to Derek and Joanne for organising the whole event - we really do appreciate you.

We look forward to welcoming 'Clan Chief' Master MacWang back to Scotland in the very near future. 

HASTE YE BACK.

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