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www.Longfei-Taiji.co.uk |
Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain |
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| Longfei Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 3 | |||
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www.Longfei-Taiji.co.uk |
Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain |
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| Longfei Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 3 | |||
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2008 was a very active year for our association. It began in February with Mark Atkinson's visit to Codicote where he presented a weekend of Daoyin Yangsheng Gong. Day 1 was devoted to Tai Ji Jin 2. The second day Mark presented San Xiao Jiu Zhi Gong for diabetes. Diabetes is one of the major ills of western and eastern society and the problem is on the increase throughout the world. Many medical experts recognise the need for exercise; what a shame Professor Zhang's system does not have global recognition. Mark will be with us again in 2009 for the weekend 21st-22th February.
Master Wang Yanji's UK visit covered familiar ground in April/May. He made his annual visit to Derek Daly in Glasgow and travelled down south to do workshops for Gill Hughes (Milton Keynes), for Simon in Brookmans Park, completing his visit with a Xingyi and Bagua weekend in Codicote. Master Wang will return to the UK in late spring 2009. He will be with Derek Daly (0141 576 4417) in Glasgow for 2 - 3 May. His visit to Hertfordshire will take place from 5 - 10 May. At the time of writing Master Wang's autumn visit is still anticipated.
Professor Li's annual visit was cut short this year as he was required to be back in Beijing for the opening of the Olympics. All of those who attended will know that this year's summer camp at Walsall University was, for the organisers a comedy/tragedy of errors. First came a 25% increase on the previous years charge from the university, to obviate the financial pain to the delegates we reduced the camp by one day. Then came the news that they had double booked and the only accommodation available to Longfei was the old style 1950s halls of residence. Karen then got busy and organised accommodation at a nearby hotel. Ten days before the event the hotel informed us that the menus advertised on the internet were not availabe at this venue and we could only be offered a limited choice. Without labouring on about this sequence of events we have decided to refresh and relocate the summer camp to pastures new. In spite of all the problems encountered at Walsall, on the whole the event was a success and we acknowledge the loyalty and good humour of all concerned. Not forgetting Karen's efforts to make a "silk purse out of a sow's ear" (Confucius he say).
The complex was built in 2002 on the de Haviland Hatfield Airfield, ex British Areospace. There are 1600 single rooms en suite (should be no problem with double booking). On-site facilities include restaurants, bars, shop, olympic size swimming pool, good menus etc. There is the Galleria shopping precinct close by, with shops restaurants and multi-screen cinema.
We have discussed the contents for the new venue with Professor Li and we have introduced an entirely new format. The prices in the south tend to be more expensive, however the new format will allow delegates to decide how much they wish to spend.
The event will be of two days duration, however we have extended the hours of training to get the most from the two days. Training will begin at 0730hrs and finish at 1730hrs. There will be breaks for breakfast and a light lunch within these hours.
The early morning sessions (0730 - 0900) will be supervised by Master Wang, Simon Watson and Faye Yip (Li Hui). There will be a choice of routines for delegates to select from:
The aim of the early morning sessions is to enable delegates to resolve any queries or difficulties they experience with the routines as specified.
The 1000 - 1730 sessions will consist of the following:
The price of the summer camp for 2009, inclusive of two days training, full breakfast, light lunch, three-course waitress service meal (Saturday) full breakfast, light lunch (Sunday):
For those wishing to take advantage of the campus en-suite accommodation, the price is £47.00 per night payable to Longfei at the time of booking. Bookings can be made for Friday & Saturday.
There is a non-member surcharge to be added to the above prices.
To those of you who took part in the Wudang Sword at the 2008 camp we are proposing a one-day workshop (by invitation only) to enable those delegates to complete the set. You may recall I made this proposition to you at Walsall. Karen will be contacting you all by email or post. Other delegates can attend if they know the form but it is not recommended for beginners. VENUE: Lochinver School, Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire TIME: Friday 24th July 2009, 1000 - 1630 hrs lunch 1300 - 1400 hrs
Taiji masters on DVD: The film features excerpts and complete forms from all the major styles of taijiquan including: Chen, Yang, Wu, Woo/Hao, Sun & Zhao Bao style. Weapons are also featured - Dao (broadsword), Jian (double-edge sword), Gun (pole), Qiang (spear) - and there are glimpses of various forms of pushing hands. A great opportunity to see this collection of teachers who dominated the last century and compare what you practice with the many variations that exist at the source.
Taiji baby: A warm welcome to the newest member of the Longfei family. Congratulations to Joanne and Derek on the birth of their new born baby Connor.
Richard Watson
Longfei Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 3 Table of Contents
© Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain