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.

Well, just looking at blog page and see I haven't entered anything for ages.

The new studio is now up and running and going really well. Started a new beginners class in September and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and sticking at the task! Seriously, if any of you new boys/girls are reading this you are all doing pretty good but I can still tell the ones who do the most practise!

My teacher Master John Ding is coming up on the 18th October to give a days seminar on applying the principles and concepts of Tai Chi and that should be a great day. Everyone always enjoys themselves when he comes down I think mainly because he has such a easy approach to teaching and makes things understandable for beginners and advanced students alike. Hopefully, will have some pictures to put up next week.

Also just sorting out some dates for beginners day seminars and ten week courses so will keep you all posted on that soon.

I have deleted the 'I need to start decorating' blog now because after eight months in Golf Hall we are returning to the Plough Road Centre unit A13 - which is in the process of being prepared for our takeover in August.  A big thank you to Reg (the owner of Golf Hall) for understanding that although the venue was very spacious it just lacked a little in atmosphere and  would have cost too much to replace floors and renovate rooms etc. Still I'm sure he will have no trouble finding a new tenant soon.