Chenjiagou Taijiquan GB Newsletter Jan u ary 2 015 V o l u me 5, Issu e 1 Happy New Year!!!!!! Contents Editorial 1 International Workshops 2 Instructional Stances 5 Sunday Workshops 6 CTGB's Amazing Students 7 Posturing around the world! 8 Recommended reading 9 CTXX-UK Membership 10 GM Chen Xiaoxing Eurocamp 11 Upcoming Events Sunday Broadword Workshop January 25 th Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing European Camp 2-9 th August 2015 It s an old cliché that each year seems to go faster than the year before, but here we are beginning a new year in 2015! This is always a good time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the year ahead. The last year has been another successful year for the school. After the excitement of 2013 - when we were appointed as the official UK branch of the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School and a large contingent of students from the school achieved duan grades from the Chinese Wushu Association 2014 saw the visit of both GM Chen Xiaoxing and M. Chen Ziqiang, Principal and Chief Instructor respectively of the headquarters in China to conduct seminars on the traditional syllabus of Chen Taijiquan. A group of students from our school travelled to China to train in Chenjiagou. Our international commitments seem to have grown in recent years, and inside is a report of some of the sessions in the USA, Slovenia and Slovakia. These would not be possible without the support we have had from our CTGB instructors who have taken the classes when we are away. Thanks guys! We are looking to run some special classes for instructors in the new year. 2015 promises to be another great year. We have the first Eurocamp in Slovenia in August; Master Chen Ziqiang will be visiting us around the end of May; and the regular CTGB monthly workshops, which provide invaluable extra training opportunities. Finally, a warm welcome to all the new students who have joined the school in January! TAIJI MARTIAL ARTS CLASS Form training, reeling silk exercises and standing pole provide the basic building blocks of Taijiquan as a martial art. To apply the skills learned it is necessary to train and develop strength in the traditional Taijiquan way and to train the combat methods within the form. For students interested in developing their Taiji martial skills we will be starting a class covering traditional strength training methods, partner drills, push hands and applications. Exact time and venue to be confirmed.
Page 2 of 11 CTGB International Workshops CTGB Newsletter International Workshops Slovakia, Slovenia & USA The last few months of 2014 were hectic with a number of international workshops in Slovakia, Slovenia and the USA. In September David was in Ljubljana, Slovenia coaching the Slovenia Chenjiagou Taijiquan Association. The sessions are organised by local instructors Biljana Dusic and Dragan Lazaravic. It s great to see the progress of the group over the last three years. Many of the students have attended all the sessions since the first one in 2011 and the group is beginning to show some real progress. As usual, this time the main focus was on basic training and Laojia Yilu, with an introduction to the Sword Form and the Xinjia routine in preparation for the European camp with GM Chen Xiaoxing in August. David s next Slovenia workshop will be in February. In November Davidine returned to Bratislava, Slovakia. Danuse Geletova, the instructor of our branch suffered a bad fall some time ago and it is great to see her back on the training floor again. It was back to basics for the Bratislava group to make up for the time out. Danuse is featured on page 7 in our Amazing Students feature! Slovenia - Laojia Yilu workshop Davidine with some of her Slovak students
Page 3 of 11 International Workshops CTGB Newsletter The first stop of this year s USA seminar programme was a return visit to the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego, California. Founded in 1975, the centre is dedicated to the teaching of Chen Taijiquan, Qi Gong and Taoist meditation and philosophy and is run by Bill and Allison Helm. Our workshops covered several aspects of Chen Taijiquan: traditional push hands methods, a lecture and practical session on key elements of training, basic exercises and Laojia Yilu. At the end of the seminar, we spent a few days at one of nature s great wonders with our hosts - the Grand Canyon. Left, Davidine getting in some Taiji close to the edge of the Canyon!
Page 4 of 11 International Workshops CTGB Newsletter Page 5 of 10 News CTGB CTGB Newsletter The second stop in the US was at Embrace the Moon Tai Chi and Qigong School, Seattle, hosted by Kimberly Ivy. Teaching included: an introduction to Chen Taijiqaun s traditional Push Hands methods understanding the need to listen, follow and give up oneself ; and a weekend exploring Taijiquan s intrinsic energies and requirements in the Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Routine). People too often train repetitively without being curious about the content and meaning within each movement. In this workshop we looked at some of the underlying principles we need to be aware of: sectional movement, how to let go of tension, closing within opening, turning left before right etc For beginners it is enough to concentrate on learning the pattern. Experienced students will get much more from their Taijiquan practice if they research and pay attention to the deeper aspects of the art. Chen Taijiquan was created by incorporating traditional Chinese martial arts, ancient methods of health preservation, Daoist philosophy and yin-yang theory from the Yijing. Reading around these areas can only deepen one s practice. All the sessions were well supported with participants travelling from as far as Canada to take part.
Page 5 of 11 Instructional CTGB Newsletter Chen Taijiquan Stances Correct stances are important if we are to gain the most health and martial benefits from our Taijiquan practice. The correct stances help prevent joint injuries. It is also a powerful tool for developing strength and stability of the lower body and is the basis for effective and agile footwork. As well as the mental conditioning one gets from holding stances for a period of time. 1. Gong Bu - Bow Step In Chen Taijiquan, the most common stances include the following: 1. Gong Bu Bow Step Eg. Dan Bian (Single Whip) Lan Zha Yi (Lazilly Tying Coat) 2. Xu Bu Empty Step Eg. Liu Feng Si Bi (Six Sealing & Four Closing) Bai E Liang Chi (White Goose Spreads its Wings) 2. Xu Bu - Empty Stance 3. Cha Bu Cross Step Eg. Zuo You Cha Jiao (Left and Right Kicks) Xiao Qin Da (Small Catch and Hit) 4. Duli Bu Single Leg Stance Eg. Jin Ji Duli (Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg) Bai Yuan Xian Guo (White Ape Presents Fruit) 5. Pu Bu Crouching Stance Eg. Bai Jiao Die Cha (Shake Foot and Stretch Down) Que Di Long (Dragon on the Ground) 3. Cha Bu - Cross Step 5. Pu Bu - Crouching Stance 4. Duli Bu - Single Leg Stance
Page 6 of 11 2014 Sunday Workshops CTGB Newsletter Sunday Workshop Broadsword (Sabre) Form 25 th January 12-4pm Birchwood Tennis & Leisure Centre Sunday Workshops - 2015 Feb 22 Xinjia Part II Mar 29 Training Theory/ Principle Apr 19 Laojia Yilu for beginners Jun 28 Spear Form July 26 Xinjia review (before Slovenia camp) One of the short weapon forms of Chen Style Taijiquan, the broadsword (or sabre) form comprises of 22 postures and trains whole body strength, explosive movements, nimble footwork as well as all the principles of Chen Style Taijiquan. Sep 27 Single Sword Oct 25 Push Hands -method and theory Nov 22 Laojia Erlu Dec 13 42 Fajin
Page 7 of 11 CTGB s Amazing Students CTGB's Amazing Students - Meet Danuse Geletova! CTGB Newsletter CTGB Page Newsletter 3 of 7 Some members of the school are truly remarkable people who have had amazing exploits and achievements in their lives. We often come together to train without ever getting to know who they are and some of their inspiring stories. To put that right we will be featuring some of their stories in the newsletter. This issue we feature Danuse Geletova (Dana), who runs our branch in Bratislava, Slovakia. Dana began gymnastics training at 6 years of age. 3 years later her family moved to the city of Ostrava. There were no gymnastics schools so she enrolled in the local ballet class after school. Thus began a remarkable career. For the first 3 years Dana performed children s roles. From 12 to 18 she completed a full classical ballet apprenticeship and became a soloist in the Ostrava theatre. At 21 Dana made the decision to be a full time dancer and moved to Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. After auditions she was selected as a soloist, dancing in the National Theatre in major productions such as Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Carmen, Sleeping Beauty and Giselle. At 27 she was invited to Ostrava to take the position of prima ballerina of the Ostrava State Theatre. Dana was forced to quit ballet at 41 years of age due to hip and knees injuries as a result of her grueling routine. She was in constant pain and walked with the aid of sticks. Dana told how she was despondent after a lifetime of training and performance, until one day in 1999 when she came across a Qigong class. That was the beginning of her road to recovery and full mobility. She went on to Chen Taijiquan as she finds it more dynamic and challenging. She attended seminars with GM Chen Xiaowang and other teachers and it was at one of these seminars that she met Davidine and she has been training with Davidine since 2006. Dana has travelled to China with us three times to train with GM Chen Xiaoxing in Chenjiagou and organised many workshops for Davidine in Bratislava.
Page 8 of 11 CTGB Newsletter Posturing all around the world Members of the school (and friends) have been taking FUN taijiquan photos whilst on holiday in different parts of the world. Young, not so young, new and experienced, taking their practice with them wherever they go Send them in, you re not going to be judged it s all about participation check out the album Posturing all over the World in the school s Facebook page at : Chenjiagou Taijiquan GB Send your photos to: chenjiagoutaijiquangb@gmail.com Above: Left a scuba diving Single Whip in Lanzarote, Right Taiji poses at the Gold Market in Dubai! Congratulations to Theresa Grimes from the Ditton class on the birth of her daughter. Pictured left - Jessica, officially the youngest student of the school, makes her first appearance in class at 4 months old!
Page 9 of 11 Recommended Reading CTGB Newsletter Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taijiquan The first book by David & Davidine is a comprehensive introduction to Chen Taijiquan. Chapters include: history of Chen Taiji, philosophy, training methods, body requirements & common mistakes; Chen family legends 15.00 soon to be classic book on Chen Taijiquan Noah Lundberg Journal of Asian Martial Arts The Essence of Taijiquan The second book by David and Davidine. Described by the famous record producer Tony Visconti (who also happens to be a committed Chen Taijiquan practitioner) as the best book on Chen Taijiquan. Includes chapters on the recent history that shaped the modern face of Chen Taijiquan; understanding Qi; Taijiquan as a combat system; and a series of interviews with some of today s leading Chen Taijiquan practitioners. 15.00 Record producer Tony Visconti with his copy of The Essence of Taijiquan Asian Martial Arts: Constructive Thoughts & Practical Applications Produced by the acclaimed Journal of Asian Martial Arts. This book consists of 9 articles by leading martial arts scholars covering history, media, healing and spiritual and combative components. Also includes 27 articles by acknowledged practitioners of different arts demonstrating their favourite techniques and offering practice tips. David writes about Chen Taijiquan's method of using softness to neutralise and hardness to emit force. 15.00 Cultural Influences on Taijiquan vol 1: The Art of War by Sunzi This series provides an introduction to some of the most important classic texts to have influenced the creation and development of Chen Taijiquan. How many people realise the extent to which Taijiquan s combat theory was shaped and drew inspiration from Sunzi s Art of War; how its embracement of Yin-Yang theory can be traced back to the ancient Yijing or Book of Changes; and how its philosophy of naturalness and flexibility draws upon the Daoist classic the Daodejing, written by the mysterious Laozi. 10.00 Order your copy in class!
CTGB Newsletter Become a member of the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School Page 10 of 10 Our school is the official UK branch of the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School (China). UK students now have the opportunity to become Individual Members of the main school in China. Annual membership costs 35 and besides being linked to Taijiquan's birthplace, you will also receive: Reduced price for UK seminars with Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing and Master Chen Ziqiang - both will be coming to our school in 2014 Reduced price for regular monthly workshops Bi-monthly e-newsletter with news from the headquarters, training advice etc (this is not the same as the regular club newsletter) Annual Yearbook School t-shirt & Membership card Lots of students have already signed up and we would strongly encourage everyone to join! 18 th Generation Master Chen Zhaokui
Page 11 of 11 GM Chen Xiaoxing Eurocamp CTGB Newsletter International Advanced Chen Taijiquan Training Camp Slovenia August 2015 CLASSES Planica Olympic Training Centre The first International Advanced Training camp of Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing in Europe will be held in the Planica Olympic Training Centre in Slovenia s Julian Alps. He will be assisted by his son Master Chen Ziqiang. The camp consists of 6 days in-depth training of the Xinjia Yilu (New Frame First Routine), to be taught by GM Chen Xiaoxing and assisted by Chen Ziqiang. Lymm Methodist Church WA13 0AG Wed 10.30-11.30am (Intermediate) Sat 11.00-11.50am (Beginners) Sat 12.00-12.50pm (Intermediate) Sat 1.00-2.30pm (Advanced) Croft Memorial Hall WA3 7DG Wed 7.00-8.00pm Lymm Maple Lodge Scout Hut WA13 0JG Thu 11.00-12.00noon (Beginners) Flixton Shawe Hall Community Centre M41 6HJ Thu 7.00-8.00pm (Mixed) Thu 8.15-9.15pm (Beginners) Open to all participants in the evenings (at no extra charge) will be the opportunity for an introduction to the Chen Spear form through the 24 Spear Routine, and to train the Chen 54 Sword Form, with Master Chen Ziqiang. There will also be one evening for Instructors (only) with GM Chen Xiaoxing on Taijiquan theories and movement principles. Ditton Community Centre Widnes Fri 10.00-11.00am (Beginners) Full details available in class.