Gerda Geddes
Remembered by Ronnie RobinsonThe first person who ever studied and taught Tai Chi in the UK passed away on Saturday night, 4th March 2006.
I hadn't knew Gerda Geddes that long, over a period of 4-5 years we met less than 10 times, I never even saw her performing tai chi, but one thing I did know she was a woman who exuded a particular quality of being, which one may imagine comes from the work of investing many years in the art of personal cultivation.
The first time we met, she travelled a round trip of 150 miles to attend a small qigong day I was teaching in a remote part of Scotland. On hearing that she was booked to attend, I was curious and perhaps a little guarded on why she was coming but any reservations were immediately set aside when this small, dignified lady introduced herself in an open, enthusiastic manner. During that day, we spent a good time talking over lunch and I decided to interview her for this Tai Chi Chuan Magazine (see issue no: 16).
Gerda was a fascinating woman with an incredible life behind her and her contribution to tai chi can never be underestimated. Being the first person in the UK to learn and teach the art, she set the tone for much of what tai chi is today. Being a woman, training in China, at a time when women weren't being taught, she learned no partnerwork, as etiquette wouldn't allow any teacher to place their hands on a woman. I know that she was aware that many of the so-called 'traditionalists' who insisted that the martial aspect was an integral part of the art, were at times, less than charitable towards her approach. I also know that during her nearly 60 years of dedication to tai chi she touched more people, in more ways, than any other teacher ever will.