Bodyhealth Tai Chi Association

NEWSLETTER  -  SUMMER 2010

(Keeping members and class attenders up to date)  

   It is time again to think about getting back to class and getting a new Tai Chi season under way.  

   

 This has been another eventful year for 'Bodyhealth Tai Chi' In September Roy Boreland, Brenda McNeice, Mick Davies, Charles Higgins, were all registered with the AMA (Amateur Martial Arts UK) as 1st Dan Tai Chi.

 

      In January 'Bodyhealth Tai Chi' became involved in the Lifelong Learning Programme at Stranmillis University College, teaching an introduction to Tai Chi programme.  After Easter a second course took place and two Tai Chi courses led by Charles and Roy will be undertaken again this autumn.

     

   In the spring Isabel was awarded the 4th Duan Wei by the Chinese Wushu Association of Beijing who had sent an examination team to Dublin led by Professor Kang Ge Wu the most senior examiner in the world. The examination required Isabel to perform a hand form, a weapons form and present a written paper on an aspect of the practice of Tai Chi.  Earlier this year Isabel was also awarded the grade of Advanced Tai Chi Instructor by the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain.  

  

    A beautiful sunny day in June gave the Chen Group the opportunity to attend a class taught by Grand Master Chen Xiao Wang at Chen Irelands summer school held this year in Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal.

    

    Terence and Isabel were joined this year by Charles in the work of bringing Tai Chi and Qigong for health courses to community groups in Armoy, Monkstown, Portglenone, Carryduff, Creagh, Lurgan and in and around Belfast so there are a lot more people out there now who have heard about Taiji.  

   

   This summer Terence was appointed to the Health Committee of the Tai Chi Union for GB the aim of which is to make Tai Chi and Qigong more prominent in the world of health care. 

 

FREE REVISION and TASTER CLASSES  

     Not many things are really free but this one is.  Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September there will be two three hour revision sessions in Stranmillis University College. Outside, weather permitting, but indoor alternatives have been arranged. On the Saturday 2-3pm will be the 24 Step Form, 3-4pm 42 Step Form and 4-5pm the Wu Dao Shu (broad sword).  Then on the Sunday, 2-3pm Chen Yi Lu Laoja part one, 3-4pm Yang 85 Step part one, 4-5pm the Qigong set the ‘Shi Dao Yin’. Everything in these two days will be taught as revision classes suitable for any of our students and at the same time they will be suitable as taster sessions for anyone who would like to try out Tai Chi.  So bring a friend. 

 

PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR 

   

    In September the Larne group will commence work on the Long Yang Form.  Part I will be taught up to Christmas and then reviewed as to whether the group is happy to move on to Part II. (Part I and II together are usually called the Yang Short Form).  The version of the Long Form to be taught will be the Traditional Yang 85 Step sometimes called Yang Chen Fu.  As always we will ensure that it is taught in the most assessable way, safe and suitable for all levels of ability.  We will give the group the opportunity to revise the 24 Step form at the end of each class. 

   

    This year the Study Days will reduce in number but increase in length.  Last year we concentrated on variety but this year we want to focus on content.  There will only be one study day each term but it will run from approximately 10am to 4pm and depending on numbers we will try to vary the venues.  The first of these days which should take place during November will look at the theoretical principles and spiritual aspects of Tai Chi. Further information will be available in class and on the Website. 

 

          The monthly weapons group, currently studying the Wu Dao Shu (the Wu Style Broad Sword), will continue inits 2 hour format at £12.00 per class.Anyone wishing to join the Wu Dao Shu (broad sword) group this season should contact Isabel as soon as possible for details.  

  

     The Chen Long Form (Yi Lu Laojia) group will continue in September also in a two hour format at £12.00 per class with the Part I being taught in the first hour allowing those who have completed part I last term to move on to part II.  This is currently thought to be the oldest Taiji Form being taught anywhere. Some Taiji experience is needed before undertaking the Chen Long Form. If you are interested contact Terence for more information. It will take about 5 years to learn the complete Laojia but part one, which takes a year, constitutes a short form in its own right.  Like the Sword Form the Chen Form class will be once per month with students practicing between classes. 

   

    The Yang 85 Form will also be taught once a month at £12.00 per class with part one being covered during October, November and December.  This class is suitable for those with some Tai Chi experience. The class will be one hour during the first year then expanding to the two hour format in subsequent years. Experienced practitioners will take around three years to learn this form in its traditional presentation. Like the Sword Form and the Chen Form, the Yang 85 class will be once per month with students practicing in between. If you are interested contact Isabel for more information.

    

     These three classes will be held on the same day each month as follows:                   Chen Class   9.30-11.30am, 

     Broad Sword 12.00- 2.00pm,

     Yang 85      2.30- 3.30pm.

The autumn classes will commence Saturday 9th October. 

     

     Also as part of the proposed plans for next year we are looking at opening the Bodyhealth Dan Grading programme to all of our members.  The Dan Grades will be registered with the AMA but would not entitle the holder to teach. Coaching with Bodyhealth Tai Chi is a separate programme.  We are however hoping to run a Leaders Award that would help members get a foot on to thecoaching ladder.  More information on both of these issues will be available during term.

 

 World Tai Chi Day    

         This year ‘World Tai Chi and Qigong Day’ fell on Saturday 24th April and we had our get-together in the grounds of Stranmillis University College Belfast. There was a good turn out and we all had a great time.  The weather did us proud and despite a chilly start it turned into a beautiful sunny morning.  The sum of £700.00 was raised by students who got sponsorship from friends and family  for the continuing  development of a sensory garden at Oakwood School and Assessment Centre, Harberton Park, Belfast   

  Well done everyone.

 

 

 MEMBERSHIP AND INSURANCE    

 

     There is a renewal form avalible at the classes to allow everyone  to renew their membership and insurance some members by the 1st September. It takes around two weeks to turn this around so please try to return the form along with your fee of £25.00 before the end of August (cheques should be made payable to I Barnes).  Members over the age of 65 years will have their membership discounted to £10.00. Membership is not required for those of you who only attend the Class at Larne, but is required for those who attend the Belfast class, Weapons classes, the Chen Long Form class, the Saturday Yang Long Form class, the Coaches Group and anyone who has private lessons with us as home.  From the 1st September all new people joining the Ballymena and Antrim groups will be required to take out annual membership.  Existing regular attenders are encouraged to do the same. Membership gives access to specialist classes, advanced study and qualifications.  Membership also gives you discount, early booking privileges and a guaranteed place on study days.

 

 Classes recommence:

Belfast    6.00pm Tues 7th Sept - £6.00

Larne,     7.00pm Wed  8th  “   centre rate

Ballymena, 7.30pm Thurs 9th “   - £6.00

Antrim,    7.00pm Fri  10th “   - £6.00

Please note price increases

 See you all in September.All the Best.

Terence and Isabel

See Isabel for enrolement forms.