Ba Duan Jin

Here is a new YouTube video of my teacher, Master Faye Li Yip, demonstrating the ba duan jin health qigong which we did in class last week.

88-step Yang-style tai chi workshops

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I have finally got the full information for the 88-step workshops I've been telling you about. My teacher, Master Tary Yip, has kindly agreed to come to Leigh to give two workshops on the 88-step form. This long form is one of the most popular traditional routines practised by millions of people throughout China and worldwide. The routine was structured by Grandmaster Li Tian ji based on the oldest Yang-style form, the 81 step. This routine will give enthusiasts of Yang-style tai chi detailed insight into the inner essence and philosophy of the most widely practised style of tai chi in the world. Master Tary Yip is one of the highest authorities on the form in the UK and Europe. As well as focusing on teaching the correct postures, we will be looking at some of the practical martial applications in the movements. It is suitable for enthusiasts of all levels.

The workshops will take place at Leigh South Community Centre, Hope Carr Road, Leigh, Lancashire WN7 3ET. The first one is Sunday 13 May and the second one is Saturday 16 June. It will cost £40 per person for each workshop. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, but bring your own lunch.

You can book here.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Qigong record attempt

The British Health Qigong Association brings over qigong masters from China once a year to share their expertise. As well as the ba duan jin seminar in Oldham on 15 April that I mentioned in my last post - and I'm sure other events yet to be announced - there will be a Health Qigong and Tai Chi Festival near London on Saturday 21 April. This is to celebrate the Olympics moving from Beijing to London for 2012. As well as qigong taster sessions, and tai chi, qigong and martial arts demonstrations, there will be an attempt to set a European record for mass display of qigong.

You are all invited to take part for the very reasonable price of £10 and if you book before 20 March and take part in the mass display you get a free silk tai chi suit as well! There is also an option to do further qigong training with the Chinese masters on the Sunday.

Qigong is a Chinese health exercise often done along with tai chi. There are many different types of qigong and you should be able to see a number of them at the festival. You can book places at the festival here.

Update on Oldham

I thought I had better do an update as the handout I gave out in Broadgreen and the Deyin Taijiquan Institute website both have the wrong phone number on. It is best to call Phil directly on his mobile on 07790 826841.

The workshop on the 18th March will be purely on the 24-step form and they will be saving the ba duan jin for a workshop on 15 April when the qigong masters come over from China.