The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain

Mind And Body academy Online Tai-Chi and Yoga Classes

Sunday 21 December 2008 at 8:06 pm Union Instructor Karen Green has sent us news of here new venture:

The Mind and Body Academy, established 10 years have launched an exciting new website offering online Tai-Chi, Chi-Kung, Yoga and Relaxation classes 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week straight to your laptop or p.c. Choose from a regularly updated library of classes in full-screen DVD quality each from 5 minutes to 30 minutes to fit in with your lifestyle. Imagine having classes available whenever you want, wherever you are at the click of a mouse!

Our team of fully qualified and experienced teachers are here to guide you on your journey towards becoming a healthier, flexible more chilled out you. These classes are great for when you can't get to your regular class or maybe you can't find a class in your area, or perhaps you travel a lot. Register for your free Tai-Chi and Yoga class by logging on to the Mind And Body academy and experience it for yourself. Memberships are from as little as 4.99UKP per month which is less than your average class so is both cost and time effective. We also offer gift certificates so you can give the gift of health to someone you care about.

 

New Articles and a youtube Channel

Wednesday 10 December 2008 at 8:59 pm We have a couple of new 'articles' on the site.
The first is a first for the union a short story: The Awakening The awakening is the first story in a new compilation by Keith Roost: The Transcendent Warriors. For more information see:www.keithroosttaichi.org

Mark Peters sent a report from Tai Chi in The park: Blimey the sun’s out! Tai Chi in the Square 2008 by one of the Kai Ming Tai Chi Chuan instructors, Phil Shelton.

Mark also lets us know that he has a YouTube - kaimingtaichi's Channel so here is the video from the Tai Chi In the Square

If you are a union instructor with a youtube channel please let us know.

 

Tai Chi Chuan issue 29 in preparation

Sunday 30 November 2008 at 10:34 am Editor Ronnie tells us:

We are now preparing the next issue of TCC & Oriental Arts magazine for release early 2009
We welcome contributions in the following areas:

1. articles
2. reviews
3. news stories
4. adverts
5. letters

Advertising is modestly priced and allows you to directly connect with over 4,000 taiji practitioners throughout the uK and beyond.

Further details and advertising prices are included in a pdf file: download pdf

 

Tai Chi Caledonia 2009

Sunday 16 November 2008 at 7:30 pm Ronnie Robinson has sent news of his popular gathering:

The program for Tai Chi Caledonia 2009 is now available, the website will be updated with all of the details soon, but in the meantime you can download the Tai Chi Caledonia 2009 Program pdf 632kb.

---

 

New Article: Antenatal Tai Chi

Sunday 16 November 2008 at 7:22 pm Instructor Judith Layhe-Cook has sent us an article on her classes for Antenatal Tai Chi.

 

Terence and Isabel Barnes in China

Saturday 08 November 2008 at 5:46 pm

From Terence and Isabel Barnes,

We have just returned from training, competition and gradings in China,
We attended the 11th Handan Taijiquan Championships, Terence getting a 1st in Chen broad sword and a 3rd in Chen Yi Lu Laojia. Isabel getting a 2nd in 24 Yang form.
Both undertook the Chinese Wushu Association Gradings. Terence updateing to 4th Duan Wei and Isabel receiving her 3rd Duan Wei.
We then returned to Beijing to study and grade in Qigong with the Chinese Health Qigong Association, both receiving our 1st Duan Wei
A busy but enjoyable time.

Terence and Isabel teach at http://www.bodyhealthtaichi.co.uk/

 

Judges Seminar programme 2008-2009

Saturday 08 November 2008 at 5:34 pm All of the the scheduled seminars will involve test criteria for the first Judges Certificate. This is for those participants who have attended six of the Judges seminars since 2005.

Gary Wragg Wu Style test criteria December 6th 2008, 11-4pm £35.
Faye Yip, test criteria for Modern Tai Chi, January 28th. 11-4pm, £35.
Shelagh Grandpierre February 28th Yang Style test criteria. 12-5pm, £35.
March 28th Limming Yu Chen Style test criteria. 11 -4pm, £35.
April 28th Gary Wragg Wu Style test criteria. 11-4pm, £35.

 

9th International Push Hands Meeting

Thursday 06 November 2008 at 8:25 pm 14 -22 February 2009 in Hannover

Nils Klug has sent information about 9th International Push Hands Meeting:

Sponsored by Taijiquan & Qigong Netzwerk Deutschland, Tai Chi- Studio, Taijiquan und Qigong Journal, TCFE.

Independent of style and open to beginners, the more experienced and practitioners of other martial arts.

Download the Flyer

 

Email Scam

Monday 03 November 2008 at 8:20 pm This one is doing the rounds, seems to be some sort of scam where the scammer will try to get bank details from folk who replies.

Good day,
Compliment of the season to you over there.How are you doing today?My name is XXXXXX XXXXX from Conakry Guinea.I got acrossed your email address when i was searching for an instructors who can give me and my brother a private lessons in any aspect of Martial Art .We are based in Guinea but in a while,we would be travelling to United Kingdom on holiday in your neighborhood.
We would love to get involve in a private lessons with you,we would be available for 2-3hours per day,3times per week and we would be having this lessons for 3months.Kindly get back to me with the fees you are to receive if you are to instruct me and my brother for 3months and also 3times a week.Our company would be paying for our fees and would liketo know if you accept certifield cheque or money order as the method of payment.
Will be waiting to read back from you soon
Regards
XXXX.

We have seen these a few time before:
TCUGB News » Tai Chi Scam, Instructors Beware
TCUGB News » Another Hoax
TCUGB News » And yet another email hoax

 

TaiJi Europa DVD

Saturday 25 October 2008 at 4:59 pm Well Known Tai Chi Instructors Ronnie Robinson (The Tai Chi Union For Great Britain promotions officer and The Taijquan & Qigong Federation of Europe Secretary) and Nils Klug (President The Taijquan & Qigong Federation of Europe) have started a new venture Taiji Europa.
Taiji Europa aims to present a range of material, at accessible prices, showcasing how Chinese Internal Arts are taught, practised and promoted across the various countries of Europe.
These will ultimately include: DVDs, Books, Events & Event promotions.

The aim of the various projects will allow them:

• To promote Chinese Internal Arts widely across Europe
• To help improve knowledge of Chinese Internal Arts
• To help to improve skill levels

The project launches with Taiji Europa Vol 1
This is a 135 minute DVD featuring interviews, performances and a range of range of advertising clips showcasing some of Europe’s best known practitioners
The DVD includes performances and interviews on taiji practice, pushing hands, applications and other aspects of these arts.
You can find out more, watch a clip and order the DVD from TaiJi Europa

 

Dr. Herman Wang

Monday 20 October 2008 at 7:45 pm "The EC has been approached by some of its members regarding a businessman named Dr. Herman Wang who is running courses in Qigong in the UK. He is not a member of the TCUGB. The TCUGB has not assessed his level and therefore cannot evaluate the quality of the courses nor recommend them."
Dan Docherty

 

Grandmaster Huang Seminar Oct 2008

Sunday 12 October 2008 at 06:39 am News from the CKI:

The Chinese Kuoshu Institute is proud to announce three seminars, Taiji Straight Sword, Taiji Pole and Short Stick Two Person Set, to be taught by the World famous Grandmaster Huang, on October 18th and 19th in Luton, England.

Grandmaster Huang is the only full heir to the 63rd generation Tien Shan Pai Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen, known as the 'Double Broadsword King of China.' He is also one of the leading advocates of Tien Shan Pai in the world and is renowned as one of the most influential Chinese Martial Arts Masters of the past 30 years.

For further information please check the attached information sheet and registration form.

Grandmaster Huang Seminar Oct 2008 Download PDF

 

TCUGB News page Problem

Saturday 04 October 2008 at 10:05 am The union website was hacked on the 18th of September 2008, malicious code was added to the news page and associated posts.

The affective pages have been removed and replaced with updated software.
If you visited the news section of union site between 18th - 26th of September 2008 there is a risk that you may have been affectd please see Trojan Horse - Symantec.com for details.

 

Tai Chi for Substance Misuse?

Monday 22 September 2008 at 5:01 pm The Union has received this query:

I am on my placement at the moment as a social work student from Stirling

University and I'm based with the Drug and Alocohol Team in Perth. The team here are very progressive in the treatments that they employ and are

currently using a range of alternative therapies on an individual basis.

I'm trying to find out if anyone has been using Tai Chi in a group situation as part of a program of treatment for Substance Misuse. If you know of anyone or have any experience in this area then I would love to hear about it.

You can mail Dwynwen

 

China Trip

Thursday 11 September 2008 at 6:56 pm Organised by Ronnie Robinson and Tary Yip.

Sunday October 18 - Sunday November 1 (15 days)

or Sunday October 18 - Wednesday October 28 (11 days)

During the tour you will be accompanied by Ronnie Robinson, Editor of Tai Chi Chuan & Oriental Arts magazine and Secretary of the Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe and Tary Yip of Tai Chi Link who has many years experience organising tai chi trips to China.



Following the successful 2007 tour this tour will have an emphasis on more training.

Learn a Yijijing system over four intensive mornings with time for practice afterwards.

Push hands training with highly experienced practitioners.



more information can be found in the China Trip 2009 pdf (external link)



The tour is open to all levels of practitoners and non-practitioners who are free to enjoy the sites with more leisure time for relaxing/sight-seeing.

 

The Big Qi Festival

Wednesday 03 September 2008 at 7:46 pm The Fifth Totnes Festival Of Chinese Arts



A vibrant and energising day of demonstrations (Kung Fu and Tai Chi), talks

on Qi healing arts such as Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, workshops for

all ages and abilities, arts such as Chinese brush painting and much much

more.



The Big Qi is a leading festival which regularly attracts over 500 visitors.

Returning after a one year absence, this years festival promises to be an

even more attractive event than before with a much wider appeal. Some highly

informative and interesting talks on acupuncture and herbal medicine,

amazing Kung Fu and Tai Chi demonstrations, a new arts and music area, new

format talks featuring open forums and a new area for Shiatsu and Tui Na

Massage will help this years festival to be a day not to miss and one to

remember and inspire for a very long time.



Saturday 13th September

10am-5pm

The Totnes Pavilion

Leisure Centre, Borough Park Road, Totnes, TQ9 5XW



Entrance fee: £4. Accompanied children under 14: FREE.

OAPS, Students, Unwaged, Disabled: Half Price.

Workshops: £3 Talks: FREE Childrens workshops FREE.

Shiatsu/Tui Na Massage by donation.



In aid of Amnesty International

Sponsored by: Creative Design Agency Ltd, Frontier Data Services Ltd and Tai

Chi Nation Ltd



http://www.thebigqifestival.com

 

Hong Kong wushu(KongFu) international festival

Tuesday 02 September 2008 at 9:05 pm The 7th competition which will be held in March, 2009

Sherry Sun sent this information:

Hong Kong Wushu International Festival has been gone through seven years, and gained the recognition and support from the fellow Wushu lovers all over the world. There are nearly 20,000 participators taking part in the competition. Up till now, we have already awarded over HK$70.0000 to more than 200 competitors from over 20 countries and regions. Such as Japan, Sweden, U K, USA, France, German, Thailand, Russia, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Brail, Iran, Australia ,New Zealand, India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Canada, Argentina, Czech, Peru, Holland.

The 7th competition will be hold in Hong Kong, there will be more than 5,000 participators, which can be regarded as the largest wushu festival in Asia. We invite the international famous referees, wushu elites, social celebrities to extend this wushu feast.

The Chinese wushu grading assessment will be the highlight of this festival under the authority of the International Wushu association and Chinese wushu association .All the participators are granted to apply the Grading assessment.

So we welcome all the wushu lovers to take part in our competition to promote the wushu exchange all over the world.

Official website: http://www.hkwsj.com

 

Tai Chi Chuan & Oriental Arts magazine 28

Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 7:28 pm We are now preparing the next issue of Tai Chi Chuan & Oriental Arts

magazine for release in september 2008

We welcome contributions in the following areas:

1. articles

2. reviews

3. news stories

4. adverts

5. letters



for more details download: TCC 28 Information

 

Tai Chi on the BBC

Wednesday 20 August 2008 at 10:00 pm Union instructor Faye Yip features on this video on the BBC website campaigning for Tai Chi to be included in the London 2012 Olympics BBC NEWS | England | Instructor's Tai Chi campaign

 

The Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe (TCFE) European Championships 2008

Monday 18 August 2008 at 8:06 pm

November 7 - 9, Linkoping, Sweden

The TCFE European Championships takes place over the weekend of 7 - 9 November 2008 in Sweden and is hosted by Paul Silfverstrale.

All entrants from the UK must be members of the TCUGB and some financial support from the TCUGB may be possible for competitors.



Registration procedure

All participants must complete the online entry form on this website.



This web based entry form will generate a summary in plain text which participants must send by email to the representative of their national TCFE member organization, together with the appropriate payment (in Pounds Sterling). In the UK's case the member organisation is the TCUGB and the representative is Ronnie Robinson.



The representative will collect all received entry forms and fill out a summary form. When all entry forms have been received the representative will send the summary form to the organizers by email.



The representative will also transfer the payment for all the participants to the organizers using the following bank account: IBAN SE4580000816959832352646, BIC SWEDSESS The name of the receiver is Svenska Taiji & Qigong Frbundet.



The above means that each organization representative, for example in TCUGB, or any member organization of the TCFE, has to collect the total amount of registrations and send them plus the "summary form" and make the payments at the same time (one transfer for all participants). We cannot wait until the competition date with the payments.



The entry forms are online





All officials should also directly contact both the organisers and Ronnie Robinson



Please note all entries must be submitted by 19th September 2008.

 

The 2nd International Tai Chi Chuan Tournament 2008

Monday 18 August 2008 at 8:04 pm The 2nd International Tai Chi Chuan Tournament 2008 - 28-30 November 2008, at 10:00, Kaohsiung County Fu Cheng Senior High School, Kaohsiung, Taiwan (ROC). This event would provide an opportunity to showcase the best of British Internal Chinese Martial Arts. the event will include: Forms Divisions (Taiji Quan, Xing Yi Quan and Ba Gua Zhang by style Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu Hao, Sun, Cheng); Apparatus (Weapons) Division (Long, Short, Miscellaneous, Taiji Straight Sword and Taiji Broadsword); and Pushing Hands.

 

International Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition

Monday 18 August 2008 at 8:02 pm International Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition

The mission of the International Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition is to bring forth the essence of traditional Chinese martial arts and provide contestants with an opportunity to advance their martial arts skills and improve their moral conduct based on martial arts principles. The competition also aims to promote Chinese culture and display true martial arts values to the world.



Date and Location



Asia Pacific Preliminaries: August 2-3, 2008, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan.

North America Preliminary: September 27, 2008, New York City, USA

Semi-Finals and Finals: September 28, 2008, New York City, USA.

New York Event Site: The Armory Center, 216 Fort Washington Avenue, Manhattan.

 

Tai Chi Chuan Magazine Issue 27 Articles online

Friday 01 August 2008 at 1:19 pm Issue 27 of Tai Chi Chuan & Oriental Arts Magazine is avalible for sale at the Tai Chi Shop and via the issues page where you can find links to read some of the articles online.



To buy issue 27 you can also use this link: Tai Chi Chuan & Internal Arts Magazine Issue 27 £5.00

 

2 Year Instructor Course

Monday 07 July 2008 at 08:59 am

Union instructor Matthew Rochford of the 'Tai Chi Nation' has let us know of a new Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor/Teacher Training Course. The

Instructor Course will help you develop all the skills you need to become an expert teacher and guide. From learning and honing teaching skills to learning how to project your voice, plan a class, teach safely and with integrity - this course provides a comprehensive training in teaching Tai Chi and Qigong. A supportive learning environment with leading teachers (registered and qualified) and superb locations make these training courses unique. All in all a complete Tai Chi and Qigong teacher training course

From the Nation's website it looks like the course covers the 24 Posture Compact Form, Cheng Man Ching Short Form and Qi Gong 18 movement along with theory, history and teaching skills. Participants are expected to produce essays and presentations.

 

Judges' Seminars Article

Monday 30 June 2008 at 09:40 am Union Instructor Anthony Stadlen has sent a longer version of his Judges’ Seminars Article that appeared in The Spring Issue of Tai Chi Chuan Magazine.

... I want to emphasize again the sheer fun of learning together from these great teachers. The Judges’ Seminars go beyond the need for fair and consistent judging. They give us the beginnings of insight into other styles, and renewed respect for our own. They reveal all styles as aspects of the multifaceted proliferation, but underlying unity, of Tai Chi.

Read the article in full

More from the magazine will appear on the site soon.

 

Photographs from the London Comp

Sunday 22 June 2008 at 11:50 am

Photographs from the London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan can be found at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/londoncompetition

 

International Events of the year in China

Sunday 22 June 2008 at 11:41 am The TCUGB Chinese Liaison Officer Faye Yip has let us know about some exciting events in China, Faye is organising trips for UK participants.

11th international Tai Chi Festival & Competition

14th – 22nd October 2008 in Handan City, China

Probably the biggest gathering on Tai Chi in the world. There were over 4000 enthusiasts and athletes from all over the world attended in previous competitions and has seen some of the highest level of practitioners and finest teachers in China.

The festival and competition consists of various styles of Taiji (Chen, Yang, Wu, Woo and Sun and many other smaller styles of Taiji), therefore enthusiasts of all level and disciplines are welcome to participate.

 

Itinerary, competition rules, cost and booking form is available at:

11th International Taiji / Tai Chi Festival and competition Oct 2008 - Han Dan China (Yong Nian - home town of Yang Lu Chan and Woo Yu Xiang) 

 

3rd World Traditional Wushu / KungFu Festival

28th Oct – 2nd Nov 2008 in Shi Yan City (Wudang Mountain), China

Building upon the succes of the two previous fesitvals hosted in Zheng Zhou (Shaolin Temple). the 3rd World Traditional Wushu Festival is going to be hosted by the City of Shi Yan where the legendary Wudang mountain is located.

The festival is accompanied by a Traditional Wudshu forms competition on any traditionals styles, Taiji, Xing Yi, Wing Chun, Lau Gar, Bagua............. all ages and levels are welcome. It is going to be a great opportunity to meet people amd make new friends. In the last festival, the UK team had a fantastic time and brought back a collection of medals.

 

Itinerary, Festival detais, cost and booking form is available at:

The 3rd World Traditional Wushu Festival, Shi Yan City / Wudang mountain

 

There is also an optional 4-day cultural tour in Beijing after the Festival should you wish to extent your visit to China.

 

For further information please contact Chinese Liaison Officer Faye Yip on faye@deyin-taiji.com or 01902 883835.

 

The TCFE European Championships 2008

Wednesday 18 June 2008 at 9:31 pm

Information, rules and entry form for the championship are available on the The TCFE European Championships 2008 webpages.

 

The London competition for traditional Tai Chi Chuan - Results

Monday 09 June 2008 at 7:58 pm The London competition for traditional Tai Chi Chuan - Results

 

Wild Gym: 50 ways to get fit outdoors

Monday 09 June 2008 at 7:52 pm

Wild Gym: 50 ways to get fit outdoors at Guardian Books

Wild Gym contains over fifty outdoor exercises including details of where and when it can be done safely and how much (if anything) it costs. As well as explanations of how each outdoor exercise benefits the body, and why they are superior or different to similar exercises performed indoors; it also has a host of case studies and handy tips from real people who can pass on their practical or motivational know-how to beginners.

This month we’d like to offer you the chance to win one of five copies of Guardian Books’ latest publication, ‘Wild Gym: 50 Ways to Get Fit Outdoors’ by Peta Bee.

Simply email your answer to the following question to the Promotions & Publicity Officer. first five correct answer will recieve a copy.

Update: all the books have been won due to the overwhelming response and a list of winners will be posted soon.

 

Martial Arts Logo Research

Sunday 08 June 2008 at 10:55 am Anat Errel has approached the TCUGB to get some help with her research.

A graduate student in a university in Taiwan, and she is writing her master's thesis on martial arts logos. She need to collect information from as many teachers as possible.

Since she is in a design department, she also needs to have a creative side to her thesis. She is looking for teachers who will be interested in a new logo design.



Here are the questionnaire and a covering letter both in MS word format.

 

Tai Ji Circle workshop and demonstration, raises £1500

Sunday 08 June 2008 at 10:05 am

Union instructor Chris Jones of the tai ji circle let us know about a great event to help Chinese earthquake victims.

Against the backdrop of Guanyin (Chinese Buddha of compassion), Shifu Quan Jun Liu lead this special qi gong workshop held to raise funds for the Chinese earthquake victims in Sichuan province.

Many people attended from all over London, and we are so happy that the workshop fees and sale of goods and generous donations have raised over £1500 for the cause. St Paul's Church also kindly donated the use of their hall for this special day.

The Event was so successful that The Tai Chi Circle will be organising another event on the 14 June 2008:

Saturday 2.00 – 7.00 pm

INCREASE YOUR ENERGY AND HELP THE earthquake families OF CHINA

2.00-5.30 pm – Jing Qi Gong Workshop

5.45 -6.15 pm – Performance of Chen Tai Ji and Weapons forms

More Details

(more)

 

20TH BRITISH OPEN TAI CHI CHAMPIONSHIPS & FESTIVAL OF CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS � RESULTS

Saturday 24 May 2008 at 2:17 pm

Full Results list

(more)

 

TCUGB AGM Report

Saturday 24 May 2008 at 2:01 pm

Union Chairman Dan Docherty send this report:

The AGM was convened at 1330 on April 5th at Blackbird Leys Sports Centre, Oxford. Minutes were taken by the Chairman and are brief as the Secretary was unable to attend for family reasons. Shelagh Granpierre was also unable to attend and sent apologies. Andreas Schoter and Jayne Storey resigned during the year.

Continue Reading... (more)

 

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

Saturday 24 May 2008 at 1:34 pm The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan, Queensbridge Sports Centre, Hackney London. June 7th

A new competition for forms and push hands. Forms will be judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging will be led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition will be with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the TCUGB Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited as there will be opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.



Entry closes on May 31th. Application and rules online or contact, email Gary or by telephone/fax, 02070333993, or by post, to Sifu Gary Wragg, Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy, Unit 2a, 1st Floor, 449-453 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 9QH.

 

Courses in Pembrokeshire wanted

Saturday 24 May 2008 at 1:31 pm Union Instructor Sue Murfin writes:

Being stranded in Pembrokeshire, a tai chi desert as far as courses are concerned, I’m wondering if anyone could be persuaded to put on some courses within reach. I would love to have gone to the silk reeling one in Malvern but it’s a six hour rail journey, which is a lot for a two hour session. Its so helpful for instructors (especially newish ones like me) to have some fresh input from time to time without always having to go on a residential course. I guess it’s the price we pay for living in such a beautiful place! There seems to be increasing interest in tai chi around here, so I hope there would be takers – we could get to Cardiff in a couple of hours, which is much more possible.

 

Tai Chi Nation offer to TCUGB Instructor Members

Saturday 24 May 2008 at 12:17 pm

Union Member Matthew Rochford, Founder of Tai Chi Nation Ltd and The Devon School Of Tai Chi, let us know:

The t-shirts were designed by London based fashion designer Bella Gonshorovitz and feature several designs inspired by famous Tai Chi moves such as White Crane, Parting The Horses Mane and Snake Creeps Down whilst one of the designs is based aound the acu-point "Sea Of Tranquility". All the t-shirts are made from either organic cotton or a unique fabric made from bamboo/organic cotton mix, which is as soft as cotton but hangs with silk like lightness. All the shirts are available in several colours and sizes from small up to xl, size 8 to size 16. As far as we know this is the first range of designer t-shirts inspired by Tai Chi.





Special discount code for TCUGB Instructors: TCUGB001 (mens) TCUGB002 (women). Valid until July 31st 2008.



10% off with another 10% to TCUGB Funds.





To take advantage of these offers please visit us at: http://www.taichination.com

 

Climate Change Festival

Saturday 24 May 2008 at 12:06 pm

31 May – 8 June 2008

Every age has its challenge. Ours is climate change. To meet it, we need start looking at our city with new eyes.



The Birmingham climate change festival will help. It features exhibitions, events, art and fun for everyone. You are invited to join a free 2 hour Tai Chi class is taking place on Sunday 8th June at 11am.



The festival is organised by Birmingham City Council and CABE – the government’s champion for well-designed buildings and spaces.



http://www.climatechangefestival.org.uk

or call 0121 303 1111

 

Taiji in the Park

Saturday 24 May 2008 at 11:59 am Taiji in the Park on the last Sunday in June – 299h June 2008 at 14:30



Tai Chi Union for Great Britain is organising another day of Taijiquan to promote Taiji and other internal martial arts in the local community. Just turn up in your local park with your students, friends and family to enjoy a day of Taiji, just as it is traditionally done in China.



If you would like to have information, you can get in touch with the event organiser, Eva Koskuba on 0118 979 2556,

 

Slow Down (Tai Chi Nation Film)

Thursday 15 May 2008 at 8:26 pm TCUGB Instructor Matthew Rochford has produced a short film about Tai Chi with film maker Luke Flegg. It features some comments from tai chi practitioners and music by Electronica Artist Leafcutter John.









Or: see on youtube



Any other union instructors who post to youtube could let me know.

 

TCUGB Executive Committee members and Officers

Monday 05 May 2008 at 09:59 am The votes have been caste and counted - there were no objections to any of the nominees so all are appointed:



Peter Ballam (Executive and Secretary)

Dan Docherty (Executive & Chairman)

Marnix Wells (Executive and Vice Chairman)

Gary Wragg (Executive)

David Hackett (Executive)

Shelagh Grandpierre (Executive)

Mark Peters (Executive)

Faye Yip (Executive)

Ronnie Robinson (Promotions & Publicity Officer)

Karen Limb (Executive, Membership Secretary & Treasurer)

 

TCUGB nominations for the Executive and Officers

Monday 14 April 2008 at 8:43 pm The following nominations for the Executive and Officers have been made.



Gary Wragg (Executive)

Dan Docherty (Executive & Chairman)

Marnix Wells (Executive and Vice Chairman)

David Hackett (Executive)

Shelagh Grandpierre (Executive)

Mark Peters (Executive)

Faye Yip (Executive)

Ronnie Robinson (Promotions & Publicity Officer)

Karen Limb (Executive, Membership Secretary & Treasurer)

Peter Ballam (Executive and Secretary)



Votes by those qualified to vote and in the manner stated in the constitution, via email to the secretary be received by 30th April 2008.

 

Judges Seminar updates

Monday 14 April 2008 at 8:38 pm 1) There is a Pushing Hands judging seminar on May 11th hosted by Sifu Gary in Bethnal Green.



2) The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan is being held in Hackney on June 7th in conjunction with the judging programme, to put the training into practice.



More details will appear on the Judges Seminars Programme 2008 when I have them.

 

Tai Chi Chuan & Internal Arts Magazine 27 in preparation

Monday 31 March 2008 at 6:09 pm

Editor: Ronnie Robinson

Tel: 0141 810 3482,

Mobile: 07774 985411

promo@taichiunion.com

 

Taiji Europa DVD

Sunday 30 March 2008 at 12:23 pm Tai Chi union promo officer Ronnie Robinson has been working with TCFE President Nils Klug to produce a DVD showcase of Taijiquan, Qigong & Internal Arts in Europe

In our respective roles as teacher, promoters of international taiji & qigong events across Europe and in our official roles in the Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe we have worked to promote these arts in a number of ways. Now we feel the time is right to release a DVD showcasing a wide range of approaches to these arts, by some of the best known teachers in Europe!

Nils Klug & Ronnie Robinson

The DVD is in production and advertising space is available. More details on this pdf: Taiji Europa DVD

 

Tai Chi Nation

Tuesday 25 March 2008 at 4:58 pm

Union Instructor Matthew Rochford has written to tell us about his new website. He says:

Tai Chi Nation

Courses, weekends, instructor training, unique Tai Chi inspired clothing,

online community. A contemporary, relevant and ethical Tai Chi company.

Why not click an see for yourself. Interestingly for a tai chi site they have a community page with links to a YouTube channel, Tree-Nation, facebook and more.

 

Judges Seminar - 32 Step Yang Style Tai Chi Sword

Tuesday 18 March 2008 at 7:58 pm Faye Li Yip Coseley Leisure Centre Birmingham April 12th

on 11am - 4pm April 12th 2008

Cost: £40 per person<

Details have of this event have been added to the Judges Seminars Programme 2008 and the Tai Chi Events sections of the website.

 

TCUGB Festival of Chinese Internal Arts Update

Saturday 08 March 2008 at 05:48 am David Hackett has sent a list of instructors involved in classes and demos:

• Carl Burgess: Stepping patterns
• Gary Wragg: Judging & Sabre
• Mark Peters: putting the feeling in your form
• Marnix Wells: Bagua
• Phil & Emma Westlake: Silk reeling understanding peng
• Ronnie Robinson Push Hands
• Simon Watson: Chi Gung
• Tary Yip: Xing Yi

Full details of the event: A FESTIVAL OF CHINESE INTERNAL ARTS

 

UK Inter-University Wushu Competition

Saturday 08 March 2008 at 05:42 am The Imperial College Wushu Society contacted the Union with this event that may be of interest to members who are university students.

On Sunday 30 March 2008

Competition Categories:

Standard categories at both intermediate and advanced levels: Empty Hand -Chang Quan(Long fist), Nan

Quan(Southern fist), Taiji Quan(Tai Chi fist); Short Weapons -Dao Shu(Broad sword), JianShu

(Straight sword), Nan Dao (Southern broad sword), Taiji Jian(Tai Chi straight sword); Long Weapons -

QiangShu(Spear), Gun Shu(Cudgel), Nan Gun (Southern staff).

Other Categories:Other categories -Dui Lian, Traditional Open Hand, Traditional Weapons.



Eligibility to enter:

Under-and post-graduates of any UK University. Associate members of any UK University Wushugroup



Ethos Sports Centre

7 Prince's Gardens, London, SW7 2AZ

(Located on the Imperial College South Kensington campus)

more details: Inugural UK Inter-University Wushu Competition

 

Joppe Douwes in Memoriam

Monday 03 March 2008 at 8:47 pm From Dan Docherty - on behalf of the TCFE & TCUGB



When Epi van de Pol called me on the morning of February 27th to tell me of the sudden death of Joppe, my first reaction was disbelief then a profound sympathy for his colleagues at STN, his family and friends and especially Petra.



Over the last few years they became well known at Tai Chi events around Europe as a highly effective team in both a professional sense and in that of a devoted couple. I had heard how they had totally re-organised the Dutch Open Tai Chi Championships and was invited by Joppe to see for myself as their guest. It was one of the most enjoyable competitions thanks largely to their expertise and enthusiasm.



More recently it was a pleasure to see them demonstrate sword applications together with humour and professionalism at Nils Klug's event in Hannover. Old colleague Ronnie Robinson of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain (TCUGB) told me that he had asked them to teach at Tai Chi Caledonia next year. Joppe had been nominated to be Vice Chairman of the Taijiquan and Qigong Federation for Europe (TCFE) and it is certain he would have been elected and done his very effective best. He was in his prime.



In some ways the measure of the man is that though seriously ill he travelled to Hannover with Petra and played a full part in all aspects of the event. On his return home and only a few days before his death, in his role as Technical Committee member, he found time despite his illness to go through the draft rules of the TCFE Championships in Sweden this November and make many helpful suggestions.



His passing at a shockingly young age is a great loss to the martial arts and internal arts community in Holland and Europe. He was much liked. He will be much missed. Requiescat in Pace.



Dan Docherty

President TCFE

Chairman TCUGB

 

Annual General Meeting

Sunday 24 February 2008 at 08:40 am

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain will be held on 5th April 2008 at Blackbird Leys Sports Centre, Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford commencing at 13.30 hours for the following purpose:

AGENDA

To read the Notice convening the Meeting.

Minutes of last Annual General Meeting and any matters arising.

To receive the Annual Report as required by the Constitution.

Nominations for Executive Committee members and Officers in accordance with the Constitution. Present holders are:

• Dan Docherty (Executive & Chairman)
• Marnix Wells (Executive and Vice Chairman)
• Peter Ballam (Executive and Secretary)
• Gary Wragg (Executive)
• David Hackett (Executive)
• Shelagh Grandpierre (Executive)
• Mark Peters (Executive)
• Jayne Storey (Executive)
• Andreas Schoter (Executive)
• Faye Yip (Executive)
• Karen Limb (Membership Secretary & Treasurer)
• Ronnie Robinson (Promotions & Publicity Officer)

Please note that all members of the Executive Committee are required to retire after one year, but with the exception of Andreas Schoter, all offer themselves for re-election. Nominations for members of the Executive Committee must be made by members of the TCUGB who are eligible to vote. Nominees can only be considered if they can fulfill the requirements set out in Clause 8 b. of the Constitution. The Constitution restricts the maximum number of Executive members to 10 and should the number of nominations exceed the number of posts, election shall be by ballot.

Any Other Business.
If a member wishes to raise any item under this section, please ensure that a written submission is made to the Secretary at least 10 working days before the meeting so it can be considered for inclusion by the Executive members.

By Order of the Executive Committee. Date: 20 February, 2008

Note: A member entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint a Proxy to attend and vote on his/her behalf, such Proxy needs to be in writing.

last years minutes after the jump: (more)

 

Deyin Tai Chi Gala

Saturday 23 February 2008 at 09:33 am Union Instructor Faye Li-Yip sent us a report and some pictures of the Deyin Tai Chi Gala. I have add them to the Union Image Gallery: Deyin Tai Chi Gala

 

TCFE Congress/Forum - Int. Push Hands Meeting

Saturday 16 February 2008 at 5:22 pm

TCFE Sec (and TCUGB Promotons Officer) Ronnie Robinson writes:

February 2008 saw the Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe’s Congress/Forum which, for this year was linked to Nils Klug’s annual International Push Hands Meeting, staged in his native Hannover, Germany. Dan Docherty and I, in our official capacities as President and Secretary attended the event, teaching various workshops, demonstrating and networking with our European colleagues.



Running over 9 days, taking in two weekends, a range of workshops, covering various aspects of taijiquan, qigong and internal arts included and international array of instructors including Thierry Alibert (FR), Roberto Benetti (IT), Fernando Chedel (SP), Cornelia Gruber (CH) Dan Docherty (UK), Sam Masich (DE), Luis Molera (SP) William Mertens (DE) Le My-Lac (FR), Maria Nedelcheva (BUL) Ronnie Robinson (UK), Lauren Smith (DE), and Rob & Erick Volke (NTH).



Aside from the interesting workshops and impressive demonstrations there was also the General Meeting of the TCFE which will be followed by the Election of the new Executive Committee.



You can find out more about the TCFE on their website by visiting www.tcfe.org Go to the Gallery section to see images from the event.



Ronnie Robinson 16.02.08

 

Judges Training Update

Tuesday 05 February 2008 at 8:07 pm Two new events:

WU STYLE TAI CHI CHUAN JUDGES TRAINING.

GARY WRAGG- London, Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy, Bethnal Green - Sunday - February 17th 2008.

CONTENT,

The standard 54 form WU STYLE TAI CHI CHUAN COMPETITION ROUND FORM.


11am-4pm.

£40, including buffet lunch.



For bookings contact, email Gary or by telephone/fax, 02070333993, or by post, to Sifu Gary Wragg, Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy, Unit 2a, 1st Floor, 449-453 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 9QH.



Chen Style Judges Seminar

Liming Yu - south of Manchester - March 8th details to follow.

 

World Kung Fu and Tai Chi Championships

Sunday 03 February 2008 at 12:30 pm Union Instructor Keith roost has sent us an article: World Kung Fu And Tai Chi Championships-Oporto Portugal

There was a promised 2000 entrants for the 4 day event, our choice to attend on the final day was directed by the majority of the Tai Chi events happening at that time. The excellent venue was clearly directed and easily found from Oporto.

Read the Rest of World Kung Fu And Tai Chi Championships-Oporto Portugal

 

A FESTIVAL OF CHINESE INTERNAL ARTS

Thursday 10 January 2008 at 6:15 pm

THE TAI CHI UNION FOR GREAT BRITAIN presents

A FESTIVAL OF CHINESE INTERNAL ARTS

at

Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, Pegasus Road, Oxford.

On Saturday, April 5th from 1100-1700hrs.

FEATURING TOP QUALITY DEMONSTRATIONS & WORKSHOPS WITH LEADING INSTRUCTORS IN:-

• TAI CHI CHUAN
  
  
• BAGUA & XING YI
  
  
• TUI SHOU
  
  
• QIGONG

TCUGB 7 BCCMA MEMBERS £25; OTHERS £35.

The event will be followed on Sunday, April 6th by the 20th British Open Tai Chi Championships & Festival of Martial Arts at the same venue. Doors open 9am for competitors; 10am for spectators.



Competition rules

Entry Form MS Word

Entry Form PDF



More details will be available from Dan Docherty

0208 368 6815 / 07721 867682



Transport to Blackbird Leys for April 5-6. Thames Transit Buses runs the Blackbird Flyer and Oxford Bus Co. runs the No. 51 & 52 all from Central Oxford. By road go to:-







View on google Maps

 

Chinese New Year Deyin Gala Evening of Celebration

Monday 07 January 2008 at 7:53 pm Union Instructor Master Faye Li Yip has sent us news of a special event:

Chinese New Year – Deyin Gala Evening of Celebration

Sunday 10 February 2008

Newhampton Art Centre, Dunkley St. Wolverhampton

click image for full-sized poster.