www.Longfei-Taiji.co.uk	Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain
		Longfei Newsletter Volume 7 Issue 3

Jim Marsh of Jersey honoured by Prof Zhang in China

Some of you will remember Jim when he came over for our summer camps at Dudley Campus, Wolverhampton or travelled to Professor Li's Jersey workshops. On a recent trip to Beijing Jim was invited on the occasion of Professor Zhang's 76th birthday to become his disciple. Professor Zhang remarked, "I consider you to be one of my most loyal and dedicated students, and also [you have shown] your loyalty and dedication to China and Daoyin Yang Sheng Gong". The picture shows Jim and fellow disciples, two from China and one from Strasbourg.

Congratulations, well deserved Jim. I know that ever since you first met the Professor in 1993 you have made the annual pilgrimage to the Daoyin centre for many weeks of study. I will never forget when we were there together in 1995, Jim remarked that he had not touched his toes for many years. This prompted Professor Zhang to sit you on the floor climb on your back and bend you over like a hairpin and indeed touch your toes. A memory to be cherished. I am reminded of two Chinese martial arts anecdotes that Simon and I often quote:

"A good teacher is hard to find, but to find a dedicated student is a lot harder."

"A student does not choose his teacher, the teacher chooses him."

In Jim's correspondence to me he remarked, "If it had not been for Prof Zhang Guande and his wonderful exercises, with the arthritis I have in both my knees and shoulders, I would now be in a wheelchair. I can't thank him enough.

I am sure all Longfei members will join me in saying well earned Mr. Marsh.

Richard Watson

Longfei Newsletter Volume 7 Issue 3 Table of Contents