www.Longfei-Taiji.co.uk	Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain
		Longfei Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 2

Letter from the Chairman

China Trip 2008

It is now three months or so since our third visit to China and we can record the trip as an unqualified success. Previous trips have of course been great but there was something special about 2008. First there was a great mix of people who proved to be seasoned travellers and in spite of the jet lag and busy schedule took the journeying in their stride with great humour. I thank you all for making it so memorable. Thank you also for your emails, phone calls, letters of appreciation and well wishes and enquiries for my well being. I can record that the condition PMR (not to be confused with PMS) has responded to treatment (steroids) and I am in the pink.

Professor Li's recording company captured the whole adventure and all you fellow travellers can take a trip down memory lane with the DVD at the touch of a button. In this issue Simon has recorded his own thoughts of the trip and researched some interesting information via the internet. I am sure his commentary will also bring back some cherished memories of the occasion. Thank you Veronica Ashcroft for your appreciative letter, which very simply says it all and I have published your sentiments in the pages of this newsletter. Thank you Patrick Dadson for your kind letter and the brilliant photographs, much appreciated.

My personal thanks to Tary Yip for his indefatigable efforts at the Beijing end of affairs, to Professor Li for his continued support. Also thanks to Professor Hu Xiao Fei, Master Liu senior, Master Liu junior and Master Huo Dong Li, not forgetting Simon and Karen. Bless em all.

One highlight of our Chinese tour was the visit to the ancient walled city of Yongnian. This city is famous as the birthplace of two styles of Taijiquan. Both the Yang style and the Woo (Woo Yu Xiang) style. Since my last visit in 1991, there has been much restoration both to the walls and to the village. This is very evident with regard to the homes of the Yang and Woo family's. This is an indication of the importance the Chinese authorities now regard the worldwide growth of their indigenous martial arts, especially Taijiquan. Yongnian was mentioned in the last newsletter with regard to the DVD of my first visit in 1991. The DVD will be available shortly.

Richard Watson

Longfei Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 2 Table of Contents