www.Longfei-Taiji.co.uk	Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain
		Longfei Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 1

Beijing Sports University 2009

In April Simon and I travelled to Beijing and visited Professor Zhang Guande at the Daoyin Yang Sheng Gong centre. We trained at the Daoyin Centre with his nephew and Simon joined a class training the second "Liver Exercise". This was a standing exercise, whereas the first set is seated. We both joined the nephew's class to learn "The Twelve Meridian Set", which has both seated and standing versions. The shorter set has been compiled to simplify the far longer 49 Meridian Set. The decision to modify the longer exercise was prompted by student observations on the length and duration of the original exercise.

Professor Zhang Guande

We were able to spend time over three days with Professor Zhang at his home. Day one, was spent on the theory of the six healing sounds, covering the history, mechanics, sounds and theory. The interesting aspect to this training was not the emphasis on the sounds alone (covered by most teachers) but the necessary shaping of the mouth, the tongue and lips. Day two was spent entirely on theory, 12 meridians, five elements, the concept of taiji, breath, yi jing, difficult concepts and mind blowing stuff. On day three, time was spent on the five minute exercise and a review by Professor Zhang of the sitting and standing forms of "The Twelve Meridian Set". We were fortunate to be joined by Diana Choy from the USA, as without her excellent translation the conversations on theories would have been impossible.

Duan gradings at the Daoyin Centre 2010

The other important aim of this trip was to substantiate the arrangements for grading aspiring teachers and students in the Daoyin Duan system. These arrangements have now been firmed up and will take place on Days 11, 12, 13, of the forthcoming trip. We will have written to those of you who may want to take advantage of this unique opportunity. I hope Simon will be able to put aside a couple of weekends to help us prepare. For most of you it will not be difficult, although the Taiji Baton will be a part of the assessment. With the qualification from the Sports University you will certainly be the first students in England to qualify.

Barry McGinlay was in Beijing with a group of his students; the first independent Longfei group to take the trip. We managed to catch up with him training in the park with Professor Li, and join him later for dinner. Tary Yip was his companion and guide. This was an ambitious trip taking in sightseeing in Beijing, Wudang Mountain, The Shaolin Temple and Yongnian the birthplace of Yang Lu Chan. Well done Barry!!

Richard Watson

Back to China: Simon says

Here is Simon's take on the expedition. Like previous trips it was very fruitful, for two reasons. Firstly, we were able to meet up with Diana Choy, do some training with Professor Zhang and take advantage of Diana's expert transl-ation. Secondly, we were able to hook up with Barry McGinlay. Barry is the first Longfei teacher to take a group of his own students on an independent trip to China for a taiji holiday.

When we arrived in Beijing the weather was good, but the roads were surprisingly quiet. Diana explained that it was "Qing Ming", one of China's 24 annual festivals. Qing Ming festival is the time when the Chinese people pay respects to their ancestors.

During our stay we visited and trained at the Daoyin Centre and at Professor Zhang's home. Later in the week we visited Professor Li, Mrs Li and Tary and enjoyed a nice meal together.

Although it was only a short visit to China it was a great success and as usual the studies with Professor Zhang were of the highest quality. Finally Richard was able to tie up some loose ends concerning the 2010 trip and we have also laid down the foundations to host a possible visit from Professor Zhang in 2011. Watch this space!

Simon Watson

Longfei Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 1Table of Contents