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In March this year Bob Lowey and I travelled to Paris as guests of
the French Taijiquan Federation to participate in their annual Internal
Arts Festival. Bob was invited as the special European guest, which
is something they do every year having previously invited people from
Italy, Russia and the UK, among others.
The event drew over 1,500 visitors and for the first time included
external as well as internal styles. The doors opened at 10.00am with
two areas being allocated for Tui Shou and Qigong workshops. We went
to the Tui Shou workshops where a variety of teachers were presenting
short seminars of 15 minutes on different aspects of the arts. There
were approximately 200 participants of varying ability which made
it difficult to focus on the deeper aspects but everyone seemed open
to the new experiences. What was particularly unusual was to see external
styles like Wing Chun and Jeet Kun Do presented in this environment.
After 40 minutes I went to the Qigong area to present a workshop.
Master ?? was hosting a session on Wisdom Qigong which involved very
nice undulating hand movements around meridians and acupoints. He
had around 120 students. Another Chinese lady, Lac Le My was taking
a small group through a qigong ruler routine. When they finished I
was pleased that most of the participants were open to joining an
lesser known Scottish practitioner for a brief session on Dayan Qigong.
In the main foyer a selection of stands were set up selling books,
magazines, videos alongside a Chinese man who was offering some nice
calligraphy, done to order. A local Chinese restaurant also provided
some tasty meals.
The 'main event' of the demonstrations were kicked off at around 12
noon when neatly attired schools and individuals from the many regions
of France took to the floor to display their skills. Whilst there
were many evidently proficient performances, one of the supportive
aspects of the show was that those with less experience were obviously
encouraged to participate. This aspect helps to focus the student
and ultimately improves their overall standard.
Throughout the five hours of display interest was held my offering
presentations of tai chi hand and weapon forms, tui shou, pa kua,
qigong and yiquan alongside simultaneous external forms which provided
an interesting contrast.
Because of the political situation anyone teaching martial arts in
France must be registered. This being so, means that there is in the
main, a more serious commitment to the arts. The professional organisation
and presentations serves the arts well and will surely ensure longevity
and development.
Bob, in his customary manner, provided further contrast with his fast-paced
cane form accompanied to the sound of rock n' roll boogie music which
prompted the 1000+ audience to exuberantly clap their hands and stomp
their feet!
In my capacities on the Executive Committee of the TCUGB and the TCFE
I have increasing opportunities to experience many cultural approaches
to these arts. There is much that can be learned from the way our
French colleagues promote and celebrate the many interpretations available.
Aside from the formal occasion, we spent a very pleasant evening in
the stimulating presence of our good lady friends from the French
Wudang contingency, at a delicious Vietnamese restaurant followed
on our final evening to visit an elegant, traditional French restaurant
where we enjoyed the much lauded delights of local cuisine and wines.
The late hours of night and the early hours of morning saw us walking
off our wonderful meal with a delightful promenade through the enchanting
St Germain district where bars were buzzing at 1.30 early Monday morning.
As guests we were treated extremely well by our hosts who considerately
took great care to ensure our stay was every enjoyable. Many thanks
to Anya Meot, Rhosamie Rodsphon, Marianne Plouvier, and the many others
who extended to us impeccable courtesy.
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