Just a quick word for those of you who have noticed that there is no longer a telephone number for the studio. This is due to many hassles with BT who were providing me mith a service that wasn't correct for my business and rather than keep going round in circles and being passed from pillar to post I decided to cancel the contract all together - so now please contact via mobile number or e-mail.

thanks - will post some more interesting blogs soon!!!

On Saturday, March 13th eighteen hardy students of the Tai Chi Studio came along to take part in a day long seminar on the ten essential points of Tai Chi Chuan. I think you will see from the Photo that everyone seemed to have a good time and although they may have all left feeling a little tired they all left with a smile on their face!!! Some would say that the highlight of the day was the lunch provided by my other half Lesley who seems to be able to do amazing things with rice, coriander and a piece of lemon. personally, the leek and potato pie and malteaser cake always does it for me.

The photo shows me demonstrating some of the power that can be generated by putting all the right principles and concepts into action - I love the way you can see the guys all hitting the mat and the blurry images while I seem to be standing stationary - Lesley took the photo - maybe she is in the wrong job!!!

Hi one and all - well, how about that snow last night. I was truly amazed that anyone actually turned up for a class last night - just goes to show eh!!! Thought I would just say a word about breathing today.

I remember when I started my Tai Chi journey many years ago that one of the students asked if there was any special breathing techniques that we should use while practising our Tai Chi. This seemed a very strange request to me because we were only a little way through the long form and was having enough trouble remembering the moves. However, this particular student insisted and our master said that there was a special technique we should use and that he would show us it at that very moment. This made the inquisitive student very happy and he watched as the master stood hands at his side breathing gently. The master continued this for about ten minutes and then stopped. 'There', he said. 'Use that method, very effective.' The precocious student seemed quite disgusted at this and said it wasn't a special technique at all and that the master was just breathing in and out. 'Quite correct', said the master, 'in and out is very good.' But the student said that this was not special to which the master replied 'Oh yes, very special technique, in and out; try not doing it for fifteen minutes and see how special it is!' Much laughter ensued from most of the students but we never saw Mr. Precocious again!!! 

I know I have said this many times before but to get really great results from Tai Chi you have to practice. It absolutely amazes me when people say 'but I don't have time' - time is something that is thrust upon us and it is up to us to govern it and not let it govern us - A well known saying says that if you want something done ask a busy man! When I say 'get up in the morning fifteen minutes earlier to have some practice' you would think I was sending them on the quest for the Holy Grail! Most people give up Tai Chi saying they have trouble remembering the moves what they should say is I'm giving up because I don't practice. This sounds like a real rant on my part but you can tell me what you want but please be honest with yourselves and understand the real reasons. It takes years of practice to understand the intricacies of Tai Chi - I never say it is easy - one of my acquaintances who runs a martial art school in Colchester has a sign on the wall that says 'A black belt is only a White belt that never gave up' - I think that about sums it up really.  Enjoy your Training!!!

Master John Ding came to the studio on Sunday, 18th October gave insight to twenty or so students on applying the principles and concepts of Tai Chi. The day was a great success and everyone left with a new sense of purpose about their Tai Chi training - although everyone was looking a little wilted by the end of the seminar - I'm sure we all slept like logs that night.

Thank you to all the students who attended the seminar and also bigs thanks to Leslie (the wife) who provided us with a much needed lunch half way through the day - also big thanks to Julie who provided the biggest chocolate cake imaginable.

Here is the group photo.