The majority of this issue covers the trip Simon and I made to Beijing in January. Although the duration of the visit was quite short, nine days to be precise, we managed to train with instruction for six days. The main reason for the visit was to join in the celebrations to commemorate the life of Master Li Tian-Ji.

I first met Master Li in 1989 with subsequent meetings taking place until his death in 1996. Initially I was unaware of his importance in Taiji circles. As a practitioner of Yang style in Great Britain for 18 years I had no information on the progressive development of the art since the second republic came into being in 1949.

I will not dwell on his achievements as they are well covered in SimonŐs article on our visit. Simon kept a diary of the trip and this diary of events is presented with photographs taken on the trip. Li Tian-Ji and Professor Li can take credit for the growth and popularity of Taijiquan in Japan. ItŐs a great pity Master Li was unable to see the association that carries his name in Great Britain.