Letter from the Chairman

2004 was a good year for our association and we embarked on several new directions in our training programme. There was our first excursion to Beijing, well documented in our last issue. And a change too in the organisation ofthe Longfei summer camp - an additional day and an increase in the number of routines. Six routines were available, three in the morning and the introduction of three in the afternoon - Chen style, taiji gong fu fan and the popular two-man sword routine. The same programme will be on offer in 2005. Our 10th summer camp will be too good to miss! Last year's camp was fully booked by February, so book early if you want to be there. The dates for Walsall are 21, 22, 23 and 24 July 2005.

Back to the drawing board

Unfortunately we have lost the designer and typographer of our newsletter - Dave Farnham has moved to greener pastures. He has successfully guided us through five volumes and I take the opportunity to say "thanks Dave and good luck in your new life". We have found a replacement in Laura Ichajapanich and we hope you like the new look format.

Competition results of European Championships

Andrew Austin and Becky Sargent secured entry to the European Championships as Great Britain's representatives. Andrew came 2nd with the silver medal and Becky gained 4th place. Well done and congratulations.

BCCMA National Championships Bletchley 2004

Two Longfei members scored notable success at this event. Those who attended the summer camp will know Barry Phelan who has his own association and trains with Simon. Barry won four gold medals for taijiquan, taijijian (sword), internal forms (Chen style) and pushing hands (below 80 kg).

No one appeared more surprised than Danae Massingham at her success. This was her first attempt in the Nationals and resulted in two gold medals, one for taijiquan and one for taijijian (sword). I think Danae has good competition prospects and as both competitors are regulars at the summer camp, they both show the distinct stamp of Longfei and the transmission of Professor Li Deyin. Most of the other athletes certainly lacked the essential chemistry of Barry and Danae. Congratulations to you both.

Daoyin Yangsheng Gong with Mark Atkinson

We will be inviting Mark over for a Daoyin update in February. This workshop will review four sets: (1) General Health (2) Cardiovascular (3) Respiratory and (4) Locomotion of the Joints and Bones. It will be possible to attend this workshop in four segments as each day of the weekend is divided into two half segments, a.m. and p.m. Attend one, two, three or all four. You can download the booking form here.

Longfei Newsletter Volume 6 Issue 1 Table of Contents