Blog

November marked a big adventure for Instructor Maria and three of our group members Owen, Gabi and Joss in travelling to Melbourne, Australia. We were warmly welcomed by Sifu John, SiMo Lucy, Maria’s family and the Blackburn Tai Chi Academy ( which is run by Sifu John). In a few short weeks, we managed to pack in intensive training sessions, individual tuition and visits to the Blackburn Tai Chi Academy classes and the our sister school Qilin School of Tai Chi. Practising at stunning Fairhaven beach on the Great Ocean Road was a highlight. We even managed to be good tourists and spotted koalas, went surfing and ate Tim Tams! It was so beneficial to be able to train with others at an advanced level and such an opportunity to learn 1:1 with Sifu John. In terms of furthering our learning, the trip was both challenging and inspiring. “The more I learn, the more I realise I don’t know”. Onwards!

It’s great when people are curious about Tai Chi, and then feel brave enough to try it.

This summer we were invited to do some workshops and performances at Carfest North – a large event for around 50,000 people in Cheshire. Our audience were families who were camping at the site. We did some dedicated kids workshops with special appearance from Tai Chi Panda, who was a big hit ( we have Kung Fu Panda to probably credit for this). It was brilliant to see adults and children, all trying out some Tai Chi movements, chi kung exercises and some breathing techniques. The children were amazing, with some attending every workshop and throwing their all into the balancing competitions and “animal” Tai Chi techniques.

On the Saturday, we had the thrill of being asked on the main stage and asking the enormous crowd to try some Tai Chi in a “mass moment” of activity, before the musical acts. Tai Chi to the masses!

After what felt like the longest winter, we have weeks of glorious uninterrupted sunshine! We have abandoned the usual school gym during recent evening training sessions, to take full advantage. It’s been scorching at times and we’ve even had to seek out shade, and make sure we stay hydrated. It has felt amazing being able to practise outside together under a big blue sky, surrounded by green and fresh air. Happy summer smiles.

This month has marked Chinese New Year of the Dog! As Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar, it is a different date each year. The Chinese zodiac follows a 12 year cycle named after different animals – for some this is of great significance… extra prosperity on this auspicious day for any of you born in the Dog year!

Growing up, Chinese New Year was an exciting time of seeing family, eating traditional new year food and receiving red packets (lei see) filled with lucky money.

Our group were again honoured to be involved in Chinese New Year celebrations in Chester Town Centre. We practised for many weeks to showcase excerpts from weapon forms, chi kung and the Wu Style long form. We were rewarded with blue skies, a large audience, and a great spot to later watch the drama of the lion/dragon dances and firecrackers. Pratice to prepare for performance is very different from “normal” practice, in having to consider aesthetics and timing.    It has been fun connecting with the cultural significance of our art form and being able to promote the Tai Chi in our local community.

 

2018 is upon us. The unfolding of a new calendar year often brings with it the impetus for change and new goals. Training starts again for our group on Tuesday 9th January 2018. What are your training goals for 2018?