In the previous six issues we have reviewed some of the principles and philosophy to be recognised and applied in the practice of Daoyin and Qigong. It's worth recalling that these two words are synonymous and the word Qigong arrived in the Chinese language in the last century whereas Daoyin belongs in antiquity. In general the practice of all Qigong systems associate the training with breathing, meditation, visualisation and mindfulness techniques.

In this issue we are changing tact to look at the specific exercises of the "Daoyin Yang Sheng Gong" system. These observations were supplied by Mark Atkinson and some of the material came from: Professor Zhao Guoxin, Dean of health Studies at the Beijing Teacher Training College, China. In my experience at the Peoples' University and the University of Physical Education, the exercises for the cardiovascular system (Shuxin Pinxue Gong) are the first set o be learned but we are taking as our first subject the exercises for general health preservation (Daoyin Baojian Gong). The notes are addressed to experienced practitioners with a view to deeper understanding. If you are not familiar with them you should take instruction from an accredited instructor. Videos by Mark of five sets are available from Longfei Taijiquan Association. We do not recommend learning from videos, however they are an invaluable learning aid.

We now have a group of instructors with accreditation in three sets: General Health, Cardiovascular and Lungs. Three down and three to go. Watch this space for more accreditation for the Digestive System, Joints, Bones and Ligaments and Kidneys. My thanks to Mark for coming over and making it such a memorable weekend.

Jo White (Derek Daly's Scottish Wushu Association) added to her medal collection, picking up three medals in the annual Traditional Championships. Jo has also won medals in the BCCMA Wushu Championships. The difference between the two competition is that Traditional deals with the many styles of Taijquan (Chen, Yang, Wu, Woo, Sun etc), while the Wushu competition covers the compulsory routines required for international competition.

Jo won gold for the all-comers open, silver for Yang Style Hand Form and silver for Yang Style Taiji Sword. Well done Jo, keep up the good work. Incidentally the two gold medals went to Faye Yips (Li Hui) student Diane Brinley, so first and second place came from the same family.

Contents, day two: Background to the Taii/arthritis program, Movements 9-12, Safety precautions safe teaching method, Insurance (very helpful and informative). How to start a class, how to improve your Taiji, follow up information, certification.

Paul Lam's credentials for his subject are impressive, he is a western trained GP and has trained in Taiji for over 20 years (Chen, Yang, Sun) and from a young age found himself to be an arthritis sufferer. So if Taiji exercise can be recommended as beneficial here is a person that can spea with authority about Taiji for arthritis.

The workshop covered a great deal of valuable information on his safe, simple and effective program for people with arthritis but it also dealt clearly with a program for the professional carer to carry to a wider audience. Fifty per cent of the allotted time was spent learning and practising the 12 movements from the Sun style of Taiji (no problem here for the Taiji instructor). The rest of the time was spent on lectures and discussions. Talks covered a range of material, arthritis (100 varieties), health and

safety, insurance, membership to governing bodies and coaching methods. The excellent tuitiion was supported by good course notes with brochures available giving advise on both safe and unsafe exercises.

Videos were available to complement and back up the twelve exercises from the Sun Style. Paul's demonstration of the Chen Style underlined his Taiji expertise and he was a clear exponent of his Taiji for Arthritis, a

knowledgeable lecturer and a real nice bloke from down under. I look forward to his next visit. Look in on the website: www.taichiforarthritis.com

Paul Lam, founder and yours truly

Malcolm Kirsh

Malcolm is a long time practitioner of Taiji, Qigong and related subjects. In this issue he has presented some interesting anecdotes from other cultures that have the perfume of Qigong. We have worked together for some nine years with Taiji and Qigong, however the sentiments represented here are prompted in part from his professional experience and observations as a psychotherapist. Readers should find the diverse source of Malcolm's insights fascinating. They are drawn from Chinese, Greek, North American Indian and Western science and they are prefaced by a short CV of Malcolm's professional career.

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