Chiron News http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/news.php en johnjohnston@mac.com Copyright 2010 Pivot Pivot - 1.40.5: 'Dreadwind' Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:12:55 +0100 60 Taiji Europa Relaxation DVD http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=21 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=21#comm
Ronnie Robinson and Nils Klug have produced a new dvd.
Relaxation - a Stimulating New DVD from Taiji Europa!
Relaxation is an integral, but increasingly elusive component for living an effective live.
In this new DVD we have selected key instructors to illustrate effective techniques from taijiquan, qigong and shiatsu.
The DVD should prove invaluable to practitioners of taijiquan, qigong, exercise professionals and bodyworkers.

taijieuropa ]]> 21@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:10:00 +0100 Caledonia 2010 Weekend Promotion Leaflet http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=20 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=20#comm Caledonia 2010 Weekend Promotion Leaflet
Print some off and give them to your friends. ]]> 20@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Fri, 07 May 2010 17:35:00 +0100 Aquavenice 2010 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=19 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=19#comm 24.07.2010 - 01.08.2010
Downloads:
Aquavenice 2010 - Programma Program

Aquavenice 2010 - Maestri Teachers

Aquavenice 2010 - Iscrizione Booking Form

Aquavenice 2010 - Quote Rates ]]> 19@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:51:00 +0100 North Sea Tai Chi Festival 2010 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=18 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=18#comm The North Sea Tai Chi Festival will be held on Saplaza, a campground in  recreational area Spaarnwoude. More details on the Tai Chi Festival North Sea Tai Chi in Holland website. ]]> 18@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:39:00 +0100 Lalilta - a Tai Chi Haven http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=17 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=17#comm

We have published a new report by Ronnie covering his visit to Lalilta - a Tai Chi Haven in Acebo, Spain - September 2009 in the Articles section. ]]> 17@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:45:00 +0100 Festival of Qigong http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=16 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=16#comm A one day Festival of Qigong The day will feature key local and internationally acclaimed teachers offering meditation, practical workshops and lectures showcasing a number of different approaches to the arts.

When
The event takes place on Sunday 29th November 2009

Where
The event will take place at Partick Burgh Halls, 9, Burgh Hall St, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G11 5LW

Cost
The cost for the day is £40 or £33 for members of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain.

Certificate
The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain will issue a Certificate of Attendance to all participants.

Booking
To ensure a place at this event please email your details to promo@taichiunion.com or call 0141 810 3482 or 07774 985411

Enquiries
If you have any questions contact Ronnie Robinson as per details above.

Evening Meal
A number of individuals will be going for a traditional Chinese banquet in central Glasgow. the price will be £12 per person. If you want to join us please let us know beforehand so we can reserve places.

Download pdf flyer

]]> 16@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:32:00 +0100 10th International Push Hands Meeting http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=15 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=15#comm Teachers from around the world will be taking workshops. More details can be found on the International Push Hands Meeting website (in german) or International Push Hands Meeting (english). PDFs with detail can be downloaded: German flyer English Version ]]> 15@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:55:00 +0100 Recontres Jasnieres 22nd Edition - July 24-26th 2009 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=14 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=14#comm An International Taiji Gathering in Marcon, Loire Valley, FranceLate July 2009 I set off with Bob Lowey to attend the 22nd Recontres Jasnieres meeting in France

Travelling with Bob
It had been a year or two since I last travelled to France to attend Recontres Jasnieres in the company of my old friend Bob Lowey and this trip already got off to a better start with us actually getting the Easyjet flight to Stanstead in good time. (Some years before we screwed up on the time and incurred extra costs to get there). Bob had attended RJ on many, many occasions over a period of nearly 20 years and was considered to be a stalwart of the event.

Settling In
Mid-afternoon saw us in Tours where we picked up the hire car and, with the aid of our SatNav we arrived at the campsite in less than an hour. Because in recent years we found this route to France infinitely more bearable that the horrendous drive from Glasgow we relied on the goodwill of friends to bring our accommodation, a tent of some description. Judith van Drooge, who after teaching at this year’s Tai Chi Caledonia, had stayed in my house with her family and friends whilst I was teaching at the Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe’s (TCFE) Congress/Forum in Bulgaria, had kindly agreed to bring a tent for me whilst Bob was being cared for by Monique from Lille, France. Two days prior to my departure I realised that Judith would not get there until a day after me so I went in search of alternative accommodation. After some research I decided the best course of action was to hire one of the full-fitted ‘bungalow’ tents which I could co-hire with Judith’s family and friends. This meant I would enjoy previously unknown luxury accommodation instead of trying to settle on the hard ground.

Welcome Barbeque
Once Bob was settled in at his place he informed me that Monique and his array of students from France and Scotland were to arrange a barbeque that evening and that we should join them. A short drive to Le Clerc allowed us to stock up on basic essentials: water, wine, fresh fruit etc. On returning to camp it looked somewhat overcast so I suggested they move the barbeque to my bungalow tent which offered some protection from the elements. Martin subsequently transported his burning barbeque some 100 metres or so in true kung fu style. Shortly afterwards the heavens opened as we happily enjoyed sausages, wine and salad. Paul Silfverstrale, from Sweden, who also taught at this year’s Caledonia, also joined us and as he was a fellow Committee member from the TCFE we had much to discuss following my trip to Bulgaria.

Push Hands & Meditation
The event of Recontres Jasnieres takes place over four days, Thursday – Sunday, always on the last weekend in July. Teachers have the opportunity of offering seminars around the times of the formal event which can be pre-advertised in their programme. I offered a workshop on the theme of Push Hands & Meditation and aside from putting up a few posters around the campsite I had no indication who, if anybody would attend.

Dutch Courage
As five people attended in the morning and seven in the afternoon I guess I could say there were six students in total. Roderick I had met on a number of occasions and he was also helping to co-organise the 1st Dutch Push Hands Meeting, later in August this year. Else, a woman of considerable experience, I had also met a few times in RJ and it is always interesting to spend time pushing with her. Two other Dutchmen, Bill and Ince (?) also joined us along with Elizabet, coincidentally also from Holland. Bill and Ince were two very strong guys who, I guess, were prepared to try a new approach, given my title of ‘Push Hands & Meditation.’

The Workshop
I began the session by inviting them to simply stand opposite their partner in the classic position for the exercise of push hands. I asked them to close their eyes and be still for a moment or two. I then led them to consider how it felt to be standing in that place at that time; “feel your feet, feel your connection to the earth, feel the air around you, listen to the sounds of the soft breeze through the trees, hear the noises in the distance..... and then try to listen to your breath, feel where it is in your body, what parts of your body move as a result of our breathing....”

After some time I asked them to open their eyes and get a sense of how the visual information can shift your perception a little. I asked them to observe the person standing opposite them, think about their stance, their posture, how it feels to have this person standing opposite you, just about to make contact to engage in the process of tui shou. Slowly, after some time, I eventually allowed them to make contact. I asked them to consider the quality of touch, they were feeling, consider if they felt more active or passive at this point; think about who was initiating and who was reacting and which of these two possible positions did they favour, and why..........
In working in this way, paying real close attention to the various processes we go through when pushing hands, I believe allows us insights that may not necessarily be possible without this meditative approach. Later when I encouraged them to gradually, step by step, become more deliberate in their intentions, more structured, upright and present, not only within themselves, but also in relationship to their position opposite a partner, different aspects were possible. I feel that the real work of push hands begins from inside ourselves; it is who we are, and what our hopes and intentions are that colour our behaviour in relationship to our work with others.

Strong Problems
During the course of our work I became aware that the two strong Dutch guys were having some difficulties in moving with continued soft contact, particularly when under pressure. I agreed that this was one of the most difficult places in tui shou and that being strong; one’s natural defensive instincts would automatically kick in. I suggested that they perhaps had a harder job to relinquish, or at least moderately decrease, their inherent, inbuilt response to stressful situations, particularly in push hands. Only by working with a cooperative partner, who allows them to try to use less force, whilst still offering a degree of pressure that is both acceptable and creative for both parties. Working in this way enables the potential of finding more relaxed, effective responses to difficult situations.

Continuing to Experiment
In the afternoon we were joined by Anneke van der Loos who I had previously met at Tai Chi Caledonia in 2008. Anneke was also a woman of considerable experience, having spent much time in the company of Wee Kee Kin who specialised in the work or Huang Sheng Shyan. Also joining us was an elderly Italian gentleman from Milan. (I’m sorry his name escapes me) Although in his later years he displayed considerable strength, coupled with real sensitivity – a rare but worthy combination. What struck me most about these two people was the fact that, though both being 60+ they were not only keen aficionados of tui shou, but also more than willing to continue experimenting with different approaches to increase their learning. Both parties were solid in their stances yet fluid and open in their approach to the work.
Friends
Later that evening Judith arrived with her family and friends and following another excursion to Le Clerc we all shared a very pleasant dinner together, again accompanied by some more than reasonable wines along with good friends Paul Silfverstrale and Nils Klug along with his girlfriend Astrid.

Da Lui
On the first day of the official programme I was teaching Da Lui, a 2-person routine which includes the basic elements of taiji. My approach is to work initially, with little verbal input, to create the groundwork of the basic movements which consist of only 8 steps. Working slowly, building up piece by piece, a move at a time I feel allows students to get a general sense of the shape and form whilst paying attention to aspects like balance, grounding and, eventually, fluidity of movement. Once the basic sequence was roughly in place we then worked on looking closer at the structure, solidity and relaxation within the individual movements, allowing students to ‘test’ their partner in a safe, helpful way by gently push towards their centre and encouraging them to ‘ground’ whilst remaining stable an d relaxed.

Neutralisation, not Force
Once students were acquainted with the movements, and had become more stable in their stances, we worked on the applications of the individual sequences. Like in tui shou it became immediately apparent when the technique was not in place: when the student feels something is wrong their basic instinctive response is to apply a degree of force to execute the application. It’s not a case of whether someone is using too much force in an application, which is, as we all know, an ongoing issue in these matters, If the technique is really in place then there is no need to force things at all. In the ‘Pull Down’ for example if the body is in the wrong position there will be an almost involuntary action of either pulling, grasping or pushing the opponent out of harm’s way. Simply by turning the waist, at the appropriate time, a few degrees more neutralised the oncoming force of the shoulder-stroke, negating any need to interfere with the process of the oncoming attack.

Over the course of the 1 ½ hours we covered the basic sequence and investigated where we needed to make changes to increase our effectiveness in the art, with a few basic techniques. Whilst it is interesting and stimulating to learn different forms and aspects of taiji they all come down to the basic elements and regular training of these aspects with an open enquiring mind always pays dividends.

Making Choices
On the 2nd day I made my way to the meeting place to begin teaching again. The format of RJ offers a range of 1 ½ hour workshops on various aspects of Chinese internal arts. Instructors submit their proposals and the organisers try to create a programme that they feel is of interest to the participants. The event has been running for over 20 years and continues to attract large numbers being the largest such gathering in Europe and the inspiration for many others including Tai Chi Caledonia. What remains different about RJ is that there is no pre-booking for particular workshops, students just turn up each day and make their choices. This being the case it could feel like a marketplace as crowds of people make the walk along the path, gradually gathering at whatever space includes the topic they want to work on. Teachers stand there with their name displayed on a bright yellow card waiting to see who’s going to join them for the class. I was situated between Bob Lowey and Paul Silfverstrale, a little distance from Nils Klug. There was a choice of 9 seminars running concurrently. Bob, who was teaching Medical Qigong had around 40 people, I had 17 for my Qigong and Meditation and Paul had only 3 for his push hands principles. Paul is a highly experienced practitioner with more than competent skills on push hands. Given that RJ offers 3 hours of push hands each afternoon I was quite shocked at the low numbers. On looking again at the programme I realised that Serge Dreyer, the organiser of the event was offering push hands for beginners whilst Nils was covering push hands and applications, perhaps a case of questionable scheduling?

Qigong & Meditation
After basic introductions, I began my session with some Yijinjing exercises, with minimal verbal input other than instructions on breathing and relaxing into the stretches. Gradually I encouraged them to feel the connection to the ground, the stretching up to the heavens, and the feel of the air around them, whilst paying attention, internally, to their breathing. After 20-30 minutes of work we sat down silently with our eyes closed whilst I invited them to get a sense of how they felt after the work, really tuning into their bodies and minds. This was followed by each students saying just a few words about how it was for them. For me creating this quiet space where students can first really consider the effect of the work, on a deep level, followed by expressing how they feel helps to both consolidate and validate what one can get from this work. When others express similar sentiments (as is always the case) it helps to reinforce the work field. I talked a little about the importance of really feeling what goes on with the work and how increasing self-awareness is an important part of our work.

Spontaneous Qigong
We then continued with a looser, freer approach to qigong using movements from the Taiji Qigong 18 Section as a tool for starting, beginning with ‘Lift Hands’, moving through to ‘Opening the Chest’ and gradually increasing our range of movements, alternating between soft, opening sequences to raising the energy, stretching the body, opening the back, the waist and stretching the legs to provide a complete body workout. Many of the movements were improvised whilst encouraging students to really feel what their bodies needed at that time. At the end of the session everyone felt exhilarated.

Pushing Hands
The main focus of RJ is having the facility of pushing for 3 hours each afternoon with a choice of somewhere between 2-300 potential partners, this being the case all manner of things are possible. Fortunately this year, all encounters, for me, were very pleasant. Often I felt challenged, sometimes in a very soft, subtle way and sometimes in a very quick vigorous manner but always with the very best of spirit. Working with strangers brought new, often unexpected results whilst working with friends and acquaintances was always an informative, interesting experience. Paul Silfverstrale is strong and able but always applies principles and an overriding sense of good spirit, Else is subtle, encounters I often found myself working with individuals, of considerable experience, who seemed intent of trying to keep me out. Whilst this is often effective, especially when someone is strong, I do believe it can seriously inhibit their growth. By ‘investing in loss’ or at least experimenting with trying to entice the opponent in, with the potential that they over-reach thereby increasing their ability to neutralise, we can perhaps increase our taiji abilities in respect of yielding, absorbing and ultimately using the opponent’s energy to our advantage. Again many of the practices reflected my earlier experiences on the first day during my ‘Push Hands & Meditation’ workshop.

Saturday Night
It is customary on Saturday evening to attend the dancing party that is organised by RJ and eventually we found our way there. Prior to that, after dinner, we went into the village or Marcon where they were celebrating their annual holiday with a local market which included food and local produce stalls selling local sausages, seafood and other such delicacies together with wines from the region. It seemed to me that, like me, most of the taiji people enjoyed this part of the evening, perhaps finding it more preferable to the dancing party. It provided a nice social context which also enabled us to experience something of the local culture. Perhaps the organisers of RJ could consider staging a fun push hands contest as part of the local festivities to bring the two events together.

The Last Day
Sunday morning saw me teaching tui shou again where we worked with the themes of being present in the moment and creating extra space through increased opening or expanding upwards and outwards rather than moving away immediately from the push. It seems that often the intentions of others can take precedent in tui shou and we can become prone to continually trying to defend our space and fight against the oncoming push. Often I’d see people physically turning their heads away in the direction of where they were being pushed. When this happens they have to do everything they can to stop from being pushed over. If they stand facing their partner and try to let any oncoming push be naturally and spontaneously neutralised then the partner’s intention will naturally decrease, making it easier to deal with their force. It’s very much a case of the predominant pusher being allowed to dictate the rules of play. If you don’t acknowledge what’s happening then it’s harder for them to continue their attack. Try to not be where you are pushed and be more present in contact to them with your pushing hand.

In the afternoon, by way of a change, Judith van Drooge and I did a Da Lui demonstration. Despite our continued run-throughs where Judith paid great attention to detail, I essentially just winged it and didn’t stick to script. That being said I think the end result was more spontaneous and natural allowing us to really practice the techniques rather than just put on a show.

Recontres Jasnieres was a real pleasure for me this year, and I know for many of my friends and colleagues. I assume that all the others had a good time and I continue to do all I can to recommend the event to all taiji players.

Ronnie Robinson
09.08.09 ]]> 14@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:09:00 +0100 TCFE Congress Forum, Ruse Bulagaria, July 2009 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=13 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=13#comm Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe’s
8th Congress/Forum
Ruse, Bulgaria – July 2009The Event
Directly after leaving Tai Chi Caledonia on Thursday evening I left early Friday morning to travel to Ruse, Bulgaria for the 8th Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe’s (TCFE) Congress Forum. Hosted by local Master, Maria Nedelcheva I set off with a slight air of caution as the economic climate (among other factors) meant that the numbers were lower than usual for such an event.

The Journey
On arriving at Bucharest Airport I was greeted by a local driver who informed me that an Irish woman was coming to meet me but, because of a car accident on the motorway, she would take another 30-40 minutes and did I want to wait. Having no recollection of any Irish women in my past I was curious as to why she was travelling to meet me. Eventually the riddle was solved when an American woman, living in Romania, enrolled for the conference and was instructed to look for me at the airport to share the long ride to Ruse. Eliot was joined by Connie from Holland who lived locally with her Bulgarian husband, and then we were finally on our merry way.

Where to Eat
On nearing our destination, the TCFE President, Nils Klug, called to invite me to join him with Severino Maistrello an Italian teacher whom I’d met the previous year in Venice. Nils has two current passions, Italian men (he assures me he just likes their company) and good quality food. Now these are not qualities one would normally associate with tall, thin Germany vegetarian men, or maybe my perceptions are entirely wrong! Anyway, my immediate priority was to find out where to stay, dump my baggage and eat.

1st Night in Ruse
Once we were dropped in the town centre I met Maria, her students along with Cornelia Gruber (our Treasurer) and her students from Switzerland. After much discussing, to-ing and fro-ing, we eventually ended up at the Happy Bar which served an interesting array of local delicacies at more than affordable prices. Sometime later I was escorted to a city centre apartment which I was to share with Marianne Plouvier and Antonie Ly from Paris, who I had spend some time with only a few weeks ago when teaching, as their guest, at Paris Qigong 2009. As they were evidently asleep I crept quietly to bed. Sleep however, was somewhat evasive with the twin perils of noisy locals and no air-con. The next morning I awoke early to be greeted by a similarly knackered Marianne and Antoine who agreed we had to move out. I ended up in the comfortable hotel along with Nils and Cornelia with air-con. Internet connection, etc. – all the essentials for the modern traveller!

The Welcome Meeting
Saturday morning saw us gathering at the town hall where the Deputy Mayor welcomed us by quoting the works of Lao Tze in his speech. The local council had done much to support the event, including providing the apartment I had just vacated. However they did offer considerable support in other areas, more of which we would discover later. Nils, as President did the thank yous and welcomed the delegates to the Conference.

The Press Conference
Once the formalities were over, we as the EC, attended a Press Conference, which yielded some curious questions. A young woman from a local TV company looked decidedly bored by the whole proceedings, asking questions whilst deeply slumped across her chair. I had the clear sense that she was less than inspired to get out of bed early at the weekend, to get a minute or so worth of material on this Chinese exercise thing. Eventually she asked how the economic situation could be helped by practising tai chi. I replied that the ‘credit crunch’ provided a real opportunity for many people to reconsider the life qualities that were import to them and that perhaps they would find something other than material wealth to fulfil their spiritual needs. Through the practice of tai chi and qigong people can develop tools to connect deeper to themselves and thereby help to lead a healthier, more balanced life.

A press reporter also suggested that, because European’s are not Chinese they may be susceptible to physical and mental problems by practicing Chinese arts. I assured her that, as we are all people, we all breathe, have blood, oxygen and nutrients running through the same bodies therefore there was no danger whatsoever.

Meeting the Teachers
Having done our political duties we walked the short distance to the training hall, via the open, attractive village squares. Here we were introduced to the 40 or so participants and then began the work of teaching. The teachers were: Cornelia Gruber (Switzerland), Nils Klug (Germany) Antonie Ly, Anya Meot and Marianne Plouvier (France), Maria Nedelcheva (Bulgaria), Severino Maistrello (Italy) and me from Bonnie Scotland, UK. As numbers were low we had around 12 – 16 participants at each session, which was fine. However after I realised that I was scheduled o teach simple taiji qigong exercises over the course of the whole week, after the first session was over I started teaching the more involved Dayan Qigong, Wild Goose.

Maria’s Sword Workshop
Looking for some images I dropped in on Maria’s sword workshop where she seemed to be covering all the crucial points required for using the instrument. Her attention to detail regarding grip, focus and intent was thorough and the eager students were soaking it up.

Bulgarian Dancing
Maria Nedlecheva did an excellent job of promoting the event locally as well as creating a continually stimulating programme both in terms of work and social activities. Aside from the variety of quality workshops, every evening we were treated to yet another gathering of local, national and cultural events from a local folk night where excellent musicians played electric violin and Bulgarian bagpipes for traditional music with a modern twist. Throwing caution to the wind, despite being the only make, I joined the ladies in a traditional Bulgarian dancing! – Amazing how the local wines can loosen your inhibitions!

Local Wines
The next evening we visited a winery where we were introduced to the highly efficient processing plant, in a very old building, on top of a very high hill, overlooking Ruse. The visit was interesting, the food was excellent and more good spirits flowed between participants. Nils and I spent a wonderful evening in the company of our new Bulgarian friends, one of whom, a man of considerable strength, regaled us with a very sensitive rendition of a local folk song.

The Mountains
Early next morning (well around 9ish) we set off by bus to visit Ivanovo Rocks Country Park which featured some striking views over the valley from an easily accessible, yet no less impressive, mountain range. The rocks were inspiring as we sat or stood beneath the vast blue sky for some quiet meditation. Well that was the intention but despite being sensitive taiji practitioners it took some time for the group to finally find some quiet. Once still, the feel of the rocks, plants and fresh air helped to connect and ground us.

The Monastery
One way home we stopped off to visit a monastery built out of caves, hewn out of the mountains. Using simple, practical resources the ancients had found a cool, quiet place for contemplation a short distance out of normal society and the summer heats.
That evening local students and their families had prepared us a lovely buffet of delicacies they had personally prepared and the children displayed their considerable wushu skills to the delight of both their proud parents and foreign visitors.

Aside from a little push hands here and there, I had too many duties to allow me to attend the workshops of other teachers, although I did dip in an out of a few to take pictures. In my own workshops I noticed that a few of the French students were picking it up well and when I discovered they would stay with my sessions all week I invited them to participate in the demonstrations on the last night. Whilst the performance helped to focus them I hadn’t realised how big it would be.

The Performances
At the end of the final day we all gathered in the town square in front of the steps of City Hall. The square was set out with 400-500 chairs, professional stage and lighting setup. The evening began with a wonderful performance of traditional Bulgarian singers, followed by some boisterously energetic dancing.
Following the TCFE meeting Maria was staging a Chinese cultural event, also in Ruse and introduced the theme with a number of displays of taijiquan and wushu by her students and some of her visiting guests. The performances were spirited, energetic and athletic and caused the audience to get up from their seats and rush the stage!
Once the wushu was over Severino Maistrello demonstrated some of the lesser-seen Fu Style Taijiquan and Bagua Sword Form. Anya Meot’s Tung Style tradition was ably represented by her three young students who performed solo and partner routines. These were the same group (Emmanuel & friends) who would later join me for the Dayan Qigong. Marianne Plouvier and Antonie Ly performed aspects of Yang Style Taijiquan together and Cornelia Gruber and her Swiss group did both fan and solo forms beautifully both in dress and ability. Nils Klug used me to demonstrate William CC Chen’s approach to taiji boxing and I emerged in good enough shape to join my new French friends for our Dayan Qigong routine. Before doing so I took the opportunity to thank the assembled crowd for allowing us this unique opportunity to perform for such a large and appreciate crowd in their town square.

Unwarranted Concerns
There was a point early in the year when there were grave concerns regarding the potential success or otherwise of the 8th TCFE Congress/Forum. Numbers were lower than previous gatherings but they more than compensated by creating a well-organised, balanced programme, both in terms of work and cultural activities. Because of their hard work they succeeded in creating an event that allowed participants to not only share skills in an open, encouraging environment, but they also all had a wonderful time. I’m sure many friendships and working relationships were forged in Bulgaria and the intentions and hopes of the TCFE were well and truly met by Maria Nedlecheva, her team, and the good people of Ruse, Bulgaria.

Ronnie Robinson
31.07.2009 ]]> 13@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:24:00 +0100 Tai Chi Caledonia 2009 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=12 http://www.chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/entry.php?id=12#comm For 14 years now we’ve continued to create a reason, for a sizeable quantity of people, to join us in Scotland, to share in the common interest of Chinese Internal arts. From July 9th – 16th 2009 folks travelled from Italy, Croatia, Holland, France, Norway, the US and, yes, even down there from England and Wales.
Aside from an ongoing, seemingly unsolvable problem of arranging suitable workspace, (more later) Stirling University campus seems ideally suited to our needs. Offering private accommodation in very pleasant rural surroundings, with woodlands, lakes and hills a short walking distance away, students can train in highly conducive surroundings, weather permitting.
Nils Klug (Germany) and Judith van Drooge (Holland) arrived on Thursday evening so we had good time to share a little wine and salad whilst catching up with our respective developments and travels. After teaching a class on Friday morning, where Judith entertained then with a nice sword form, we returned to a rested Nils who took reliable responsibility for dealing with the washing machine repairman. An hour or so later Bob Lowey arrived shortly followed by Sam Masich who had been accommodated by my long-time student Aileen. We loaded the cars and headed north in the pissing rain.
By the time we arrived on campus Karen and the team of staff seemed to have the majority of visitors settled in their accommodation. Judith helped me to set up the shop and we all had a wine or two before bidding each other goodnight.
As is the custom, 8.30 Saturday morning, everyone assembled in the lecture room for the opening meeting. Here is where we introduce the instructors who, in turn, detail what their workshops will entail, after we have provided clear information on how to around the campus, eating times etc.
Just before 10.00 we adjourned to the badminton halls to begin the workshops which were very well attended and, by all accounts, greatly appreciated. In putting the program together we try to arrange something for everyone and work with three general themes: qigong, principles and applications, which may also include some basic weapon work. Despite being two teachers short of the advertised programme (Luigi Zanini who was much against his own will, stuck in Italy and Wang Ning who was to arrive a day later because of transport difficulties). The weekend sessions run for 45 mins and are designed to provide a taste of a number of different approaches to the arts. In working this way it also creates a programme for those who are unable to attend for the full week. On looking back over the programme (www.taichicaledonia.com/programme.html) I’m sure there is no other place in the UK where you can experience such an incredible breath of quality workshops by highly experienced teachers.
Once the workshops were underway all seemed fine, until I saw two gentlemen standing together, apart from the action, looking confused. When I offered to help one of them told me it was ridiculous, there were so many people and he felt it was a complete waste of time. I advised him that he would be able to learn, the teachers were approachable and helpful, but if at this point in time he felt really unhappy I’d refund his money and he could leave. He then told me he hadn’t paid but would leave anyway, despite travelling 60 miles or so to join us. A few hours later I met some of his classmates who were hugely enthusiastic about what they had learned and the quality of teaching. We agreed it was a shame that their fellow student was so easily inclined to leave.
Normally we run the demonstrations after the last workshops on Sunday but as there were many people attending on a day basis we staged demos on Saturday too. This sudden decision caught some of the teachers on the hop but they more than delivered the goods with some stunning performances including Faye Yip on sword, Sam’s taiji, Judith & Nils demonstrations of William CC Chen’s approach to applications and Franco Mescola’s unique approach employing spiralling energy.
After dinner on Saturday we arranged a Panel Discussion entitled, “The Nature of Spirit in Taijiquan & Qigong.” I took the role of facilitator and kicked off by asking members of the Panel (Marianne Plouvier, Sam Masich, Faye Li Yip and Judith van Drooge what the term ‘Spirit’ meant to them in this context. Marianne (naturally) had trouble accessing her thoughts in English on what is a potentially esoteric topic. However, once the other three expressed themselves the discussion got rolling and yielded some very interesting points of view. (It is hoped to include a transcription of the debate in a future edition of Tai Chi Chuan & Oriental Arts magazine and, of course, on the Caledonia website. (www.taichicaledonia.com).
Sunday continued on the same vein as Saturday with the varied programme of 45 minute slots and on Sunday evening we staged pushing hands sessions for both beginners and experienced practitioners. As is the norm at Caledonia these sessions merged into informal gatherings fuelled by various liquids, into the wee small hours.
Monday saw the more serious in-depth training sessions begin where students pick one topic in the morning and one in the afternoon, working for 2 ½ hours each session, over 4 days, providing 20 hours training, over two topics.
It is always our hope that the weather is kind to us and that the majority of the work can be practised outdoors, however, being Scotland this isn’t always possible. In arranging the indoor workspace we have tried over many years to convince the University of our need for quietness but for some inexplicable reason they continue to force is to use spaces where women perform aerobics to music, children play badminton and others play basketball. We have tried in the past a number of attempts to overcome this situation but it seems we’re doomed to suffer. I spent a considerable time looking for alternative workspace but as yet it has not been possible. At one point I instructed everyone to leave the noisy gym and work outdoors as it was clearly impossible to hear the instructions. Please be assured I have subsequently had a number of high-level meetings at the University and sincerely hope to have a solution by 2010. If not then changes may have to be made.
By way of variety I introduced, for the first time at Caledonia, the concept of ‘Environmental Art.’ This provides all attendees the opportunity of expressing their artistic skills using only natural materials found around the campus. We paired up two chalets together to form teams of artists, provided some basic examples and left them to it. Despite one or two detractors to majority of people were hugely enthusiastic and approached their tasks with gusto. Soon they arrived with photographs of their ‘Installations’ which eventually covered a whole window in the office building. You can see the entries on the Caledonia website and the winning one is featured here.
As organiser of this event I firmly believe that there is a certain ‘Caledonia Spirit’ that has matured over many years of distillation. Many ingredients are carefully selected to create our unique blend: the choice of instructors never fails to please the guests, as they continue to offer a range of high quality workshops and learning experiences.
We know there are aspects that require improvement and we are continually working to offer the tai chi community a place to work, share and develop in an atmosphere of openness with clear structure in which to develop.
Since leaving Caledonia 2009 I have spent a week in Bulgaria, a week in France and will tomorrow leave for a week in Venice working at other major international tai chi and internal arts gatherings. Aside from my own benefits of meeting and sharing with others from many lands and traditions I also have a unique opportunity to see how others run events and meet skilled instructors from other traditions. I already have ideas for Caledonia 2010 and again I hope to offer an event that continues to stimulate and inform the tai chi community

Ronnie Robinson 28.07.09 22:50 ]]> 12@http://chirontaichi.co.uk/pivot/pivot/ default Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:55:00 +0100