Another Successful Qigong Workshop

Professor Yang Bai Long oversees Professor Zhuang Yong Chang hanging up the banner before the start of the Yi Jin Jing Workshop held on 24th April at The Florrie. In total 18 people attended the workshop from as far away as Wrexham. The evening was led by Professor Zhuang who with his humour and excellent knowledge took us all through a thorough workout of this health qigong routine. Professor Yang was on hand to correct postures and Master Tary Yip (Deyin Taijiquan Institute) made sure he got plenty of photographic evidence! I took some shots myself and here are a small selection.

Less than a week to World Tai Chi Day

I managed to talk my family into coming down to the Festival Gardens on Friday for a photo shoot. Michael from the Land Trust had arranged to get some photos to send to the press ahead of the free event on the 27th April. Here are a few of the shots.

Assessment day has arrived

How quick have these few days gone? Now the day of reckoning is upon us. We will each do a ten minute teaching slot as part of the assessment but that is so hard to stick to. I have tried a couple of times already this morning to keep within that time frame. Failed on both occasions although the second attempt was better. I'm not going to stress about it. I've been in this situation before with Faye and Tary so at least I know what to expect. Everyone is very supportive and we will help each other through. We don't find out today whether we have passed as the Chinese professors have to agree the decisions. They would have assessed us if they were here but instead we will be videoed and they will watch that when they arrive later in the month. We will however get feedback which is always useful. Also looking forward to being taught by my peers as there is always some useful tips to take on board for my own teaching. Wishing everyone good luck for today.

Day three of course

I think we all had a great day yesterday. We got through another six moves, so still three to cover today. The explanations and in depth knowledge of Faye is fantastic and is certainly taking my practice to a different level. Last night we all went out for a Chinese buffet. Not sure I need to eat for another week but I'll give it a go! I wrote up my lesson plan this morning and will check with my little group what moves they are covering for their assessment when I get there later this morning. I think there will be some nerves around today as the big day looms. There is something about that word "assessment" that sends shivers down otherwise calm and rational people! It is still a better word than "test" though. Thank you to Anne and Jane who are doing my classes today and I'm looking forward to getting back to Liverpool tomorrow evening to see my family.

Qigong instructor course

Waking up to a lovely sunny day in Wolverhampton. This is day two of the instructor course and there are 19 of us on the course being led by Master Faye Yip and Master Tary Yip. They had hoped for the Chinese masters to be here but due to visa delays this has not been possible. Yesterday was great with introductions from everyone. Great to see familiar faces and also to meet new people too. A well thought out course, plenty of information and excellent tuition. Can't wait to get stuck in to today's session. It is going to be full on. Yesterday we did three moves, today we are completing the set which means another nine moves.