News

Term 4 Newsletter

It is almost the end of another year, and I hear so many people asking" where has time gone", yes 2010 is just around the corner.

I want to thank all the students, the old faithfuls who have been turning up no matter what the weather and the ones who have joined us more recently at Armadale and Jarrahdale, for their dedication to their Tai Chi, it is always good and rewarding as an instructor to see students continue to improve.

Robert has been on holiday, and has other commitments which unfortunately rendered him unable to teach at Armadale; Mark Reader is now my co instructor, and although he may be a little apprehensive he is doing a great job.

We now have Master Fu back home looking really great; he has been conducting instructor classes at Leederville on Sunday mornings, this has been so good, as it helps us to improve our Tai Chi, therefore we can pass that knowledge on to other students, so we all get better and stronger.

We are still in the Mardella Ladies hall on Friday mornings, quite small and quaint but we all seem to like it, very rural with horses and cattle almost to the front door, this can cause some distraction at times. Thanks to the Mardella ladies for allowing us the use of the hall while the Bruno Gianatti Hall is under repair.

I take this opportunity to wish all Fu Sheng Yuan tai chi students all the best for Christmas and the New Year

Kind Regards

Mary Aspinall

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the students who have been very committed in attending classes at Cannington throughout the year. During this season of merriment, finding time for practice is often difficult but please continue as much as you can – and remember classes are held continuously at Leederville on Sunday mornings. You are welcome to attend them all.

Jenny and I look forward to seeing you all again when Term 1 2010 starts in February.

Our long term Tai Chi practitioner and friend, Ken Hayward, has had major surgery recently and I understand he will need some considerable time to recover. Knowing him as well as we do, Ken will treat this as just another one of life’s challenges and be back on his feet and doing Tai Chi again as soon as he is fit enough to do so.

During this year at the start of each term I have invited Level 1 students to stay and watch the full 85 forms being done by the Advanced students. Feedback from them has been very positive as many have heard about Tai Chi but rarely seen the full set of movements. It provides them with a view of what they will accomplish if they continue to attend the four levels and practice regularly.

Tai Chi Principles

Continuing with our series of The Great Master Yang Cheng Fu’s 10 important points for practice, here are points 7 and 8 to study.

We often speak of ‘harmony’ in our movements, number 7 explains fully just what this means and should be fully understood and aimed for in our practice at all times. (Extracts are through the courtesy of Grandmaster Fu’s Authentic Yang Family Tai Chi book).

7. Coordinate your Upper and Lower Body

According to the Tai Chi Classics, “the root is in the feet; issued through the legs; controlled by the waist; and expressed through the fingers. From the feet through the legs to the waist forms one harmonious chi”.

When the hands, waist, and the feet move, your gaze needs to follow in unison. This is what is meant by harmony of the upper and lower body. If one part of the body is not in accordance with the rest, it will result in chaos.

When you first learn Tai Chi, your movements are larger and more open than those of a seasoned practitioner. The larger movements ensure that your waist and legs are moving in concordance, and all parts of the body are in harmony.

8. Unify your Internal and External

Tai Chi trains the spirit. It is said that “the spirit is the leader, and the body follows its command”. If you can lift your spirit, then your movements will naturally be agile and alive. Postures are nothing more than solid and empty, opening and closing.

Opening does not just involve the hands and feet, but they must work in concordance with the opening of the heart/mind.

Closing does not just concern the hands and feet, but they should coordinate with the closing of the heart/mind as well. When the internal and external are unified as one harmonious chi, then there are no gaps anywhere.

The heart/spirit is like a concealed sword. From the outside, your practice has the appearance of being relaxed and comfortable but on the inside, your heart/spirit is concentrated and sharp as a sword.

1st Term 2009 commences on Tuesday 2nd February 2009

This year is fast coming to an end as we reflect on how much more we have learnt about tai chi and how this ancient art form continues to challenger us. With Grand Master Fu back in Perth, he has been instructing the advanced students and instructors by make corrections to our form and showing us the finer points taught to him by his father—great Grand Master Fu Zhong Wen.

Grand Master Fu has started new sword & sabre classes on Sunday 29th November at 11.00am. Any enquiries about weapon classes, please see Annie on Sunday mornings or email to taichiannie@yahoo.com

A big thank you to everyone that contributed to the newsletter this term. All students are keen to hear what is happening at other centres and it certainly makes my job easier.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. Over the holiday break it is a good time to join in the holiday classes (see the timetable on the back page) to revise what you have learnt and continue to keep up your fitness.

Jenny Gliddon

There is a big attendance for the Sword and Sabre classes on Sunday morning. Grand Master Fu has been travelling a lot this year and we are very lucky that he is back this summer to teach us The Great Art of Weapons. So, practise makes perfect. Enjoy your lessons!

Wishing all students a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Annie Chew

The recent big increase in the number of students attending the Leederville Town Hall venue particularly in Levels 4, 5 and Advanced must be pleasing for Sifu to see. It has been noticed students from other venues are coming along for extra tuition on Sundays, we welcome you all.

It is always good to see big turn outs for our Tai Chi classes in Hyde Park, this is a particularly good way to spread the word about the Fu Sheng Yuan International Tai Chi Academy and I know I always enjoy participating in the fresh air.

To all instructors and those who give their time doing Administrative duties throughout the year, I would like to say a big “thank you” as without you our school would not function.

Ros Walker

Leederville

Stay on your feet

At the beginning of this year I had a foot operation and for a long time I could not go to Tai Chi but did my exercises at home. Luckily I can do most of the movements now and feel healthy and happy. Karl and I have been doing Tai Chi for more than 15 years... made a few trips to China and enjoy our life.

Thanks Master Fu - you have done a lot of good in our lives.

Hetty

Hello to every tai chi body!

My name is Karl, I have been doing Tai Chi for over 15 years now.

Hetty, my wife, and I joined Master Fu's classes in '94 in a great location at the old Perth Town Hall.

Throughout the years as we moved to different venues. We made many friends and travelled to China four times with young Master James where we also tasted a lot of China’s best food besides seeing the wonderful sights and exciting competitions. We visited Master Fu's old house in Shanghai and had great dinners in his favourite restaurant.

In the 2004 competition I came first and won gold in Hong Kong. Also had the privilege of giving Tai Chi instruction at Trinity College, Rockingham and Kensington.

In 2007 I had trouble with my heart and received a triple bypass. It took me half a year before I gained my strength back again. My legs are not as strong any more, but what I lost in strength I have made up with knowledge and experience; if your body is well balanced and you pivot in the centre of gravity there is not so much strength required.

I enjoy Tai Chi and do a round almost every morning before breakfast as long as it does not rain.

Hetty and I wish everybody a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

Guilin & Yangshuo

Our recent trip to China, took us to Guilin and then Yangshuo.

Guilin city is about 1.5 hrs flying time from Hong Kong and is the gateway to the surrounding scenic areas. With countless limestone peaks and the Li River running through the city, plus four large lakes in the central city area Guilin city is like a park. The main park in the city is Seven Star park and is the home of two Panda's. Like most parks it is used extensively by the locals for all types of sport and entertainment from Tai Chi to ballroom dancing.

I managed to locate one of the local Tai Chi groups in the city and spent some time with them comparing styles. Several of the local ladies were very good at Wudang Mountain Sword form as well as a 'fan' style with two fans.

From there we went to Longji/Longsheng to see the rice terraces which date from the Ming dynasty. This is the home of the Yao people.

It was quite a long climb to the top of the terraces and with the valley's full of mist it was quite spectacular.

Then it was a 6 hour boat trip on the Li river to Yangshuo. The river meanders through a range of majestic limestone hills, past many small fishing villages. It was a very relaxing way to spend the day. Yangshuo is located on a bend in the river surrounded by hills.

Amongst other things Yangshuo is famous for is it's fishermen who use cormorants to catch fish. There are many old villages in the area around, and it is quite pleasant to spend the day travelling around in one of the electric open air minibuses. These are similar to a golf cart but seat 6 to 8 people.

Yangshuo is also home to many Wushu schools and I was fortunate to spend some time with master Yang Bo. Playing Tai Chi at 7am on a paved terrace above the Li river, with the sun rising over the mountains, was certainly one of the best locations I have been in.

I would recommend the area to any traveller to China.

Terry Forman

Tai Chi Levels

1 term = 10 weeks

Level 1 (yellow) = 1 term

Level 2 (orange) = 2 terms

Level 3 (green) = 3 terms

Level 4 (blue) = 4 terms

Level 5 (red) = 2 terms after completing Level 4

Advanced (gold) = completion of Level 5 plus 2 terms and test OR completion of Level 5 plus 6 terms

Federation (white) = completion of Levels 1,2,3,4,5 and Advanced

Instructors (different colour each year - (renewable in January)

Visitors (Pink) = $15 per session

Class Fees

As the Tai Chi form contains 85 moves, we teach one or two new moves each week, while revising the previous week’s moves. By structuring our classes this way, students are less likely to miss learning moves. As such, we are unable to offer discounted fees to students who miss classes.

Federation Membership— Qualification & Fees

1) Eligibility as a Federation Member

In order to keep the standard of Yang Style Tai Chi at a high level, eligibility for Federation Membership will be as follows:

After 8 (eight) terms which includes completion of level 1,2,3.4, 5 and two terms in advanced level students may either:

Federation Membership— Qualification & Fees cont.

a) take a test ($100 fee applies)

or :

b) wait an additional 4 (four) terms when eligibility becomes automatic.

Therefore, it is important that students RETAIN their TERM REGISTRATION Cards. The 8 or 12 terms qualification period does not have to be consecutive which is why it is necessary to keep the cards in a safe place.

2) Fees

In future there will be no half-yearly payments of Federation fees. This system has lead to a lot of confusion in the financial and membership records.

Annual Fees will be due at the beginning of July each year to bring all members in line. At present these fees are set at $290.00 and are to be paid in full when due. Students can only join the Federation on the 1 July otherwise students will be required to pay normal student term fees until that date.

Any fees not paid within 12 months of the due date will result in a lapse of membership. Students whose membership has lapsed will have to re-apply and pay $50 in addition to the normal $290. This fee will only be waived in exceptional circumstances.

As the World Yong Nian Tai Chi Federation is a non-profit organization, all fees must be paid in full at $290 and Federation members are not eligible for discounts under any circumstances.

If you have any queries regarding Federation fees, please see Roslyn Walker.

Have something to say?

· Do you have a suggestion or photos for the Newsletter?

· Do you want to congratulate someone?

· Want to tell people your story of how you got involved in Tai Chi?

Then feel free to contact Jenny Gliddon either at the Sunday classes, or email taichi.jenny@gmail.com.

Dress Code

While we do not require our students to purchase uniforms upon learning Tai Chi, we do request that students wear black pants and white or black shirts (either short or long sleeved) and comfortable, flat shoes to class. Jeans and shorts are highly inappropriate for Tai Chi, so please do not wear them to class. Due to hygiene reasons, students must wear shoes at all times when at class. Tai Chi pants and shirts are available for purchase from James Skeet at Leederville, or from your venue’s instructors.

Students are reminded that wearing membership cards is compulsory. Many students attend more than one class each week, and a current card will assist instructors to know who is financial. Students ignoring this requirement may be asked to pay a visitor’s fee of $15 where they are not known.

Dress Code

Warm-Ups

It would be appreciated if students and instructors would arrive for class on a timely basis and participate in the warm-up exercises before class. People who have been weapons training or practicing before class may be excused from the warm ups, however, it would be appreciated if they would lower their voices when chatting during the warm-ups.

Warm-Ups

Have something to say?

· Do you have a suggestion or photos for the Newsletter?

· Do you want to congratulate someone?

· Want to tell people your story of how you got involved in Tai Chi?

Then feel free to contact Jenny Gliddon either at the Sunday classes, or email taichi.jenny@gmail.com.

Merchandise

We offer a range of items designed to help students in their practice of Tai Chi. This includes T-shirts, both long and short sleeved, pants, books, DVDs and music CDs. We also have laminated posters of Sifu performing each move of the Tai Chi, Sword and Sabre forms, laminated lists of the 85 and 28 forms, window stickers and embroidered patches.

Check with your instructor with what’s currently available, or come and browse the range on Sundays with James Skeet or Annie Chew.

Fees 2010

Due to the ever increasing costs we are forced to increase our fees. We have tried to keep the increase to a minimum and hope that you will understand the Academy’s position.

As from the first term in 2010 the Academy fees will increase from $120 to $135 each term (concession $110). Federation fees will be increased from $250 to $290 when due on the 1st July 2010.

Tai Chi Administration

Please note that any queries regarding the administration of the Fu Sheng Yuan Tai Chi Academy (Perth, WA) are to be directed to Grand Master Fu, Roslyn Walker, James Skeet, Peta Diffen, Alan Guy, and Mary Aspinall.

Protocol

When attending Tai Chi sessions, please pay your respects to Great

Grand Master Fu Zhong Wen, Grand Master Fu if he is in attendance and your instructor when the class commences. When you leave the floor pay your respects again before you depart.