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
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
20TH BRITISH OPEN TAI CHI CHAMPIONSHIPS & FESTIVAL OF CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS – RESULTS
Saturday 24 May 2008 at 2:17 pm
TCUGB AGM Report
Saturday 24 May 2008 at 2:01 pmUnion 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...
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 7thA 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 14:30Tai 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 EuropeIn 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
Tai Chi NationWhy 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.
Courses, weekends, instructor training, unique Tai Chi inspired clothing,
online community. A contemporary, relevant and ethical Tai Chi company.
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 12thon 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 & TCUGBWhen 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 amNOTICE 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.
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:
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 PortugalRead the Rest of World Kung Fu And Tai Chi Championships-Oporto PortugalThere 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.
A FESTIVAL OF CHINESE INTERNAL ARTS
Thursday 10 January 2008 at 6:15 pmTHE 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
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.
