Iching-hexagram-13 7/15/09 4:20 PM TongRen A publication of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation Une publication de la Fédération Canadienne de Taijiquan

November 2010 novembre Volume 17 . Issue 4 Numéro

file:///Users/rhubarb/Desktop/Iching-hexagram-13.webarchive Page 1 of 1 TongRen November/novembre 2010 Volume 17 . Issue 4 Numéro

Published by the Canadian Taijiquan Federation, P.O. Box 32055, London, Ontario, Canada N5V 5K4 www.canadiantaijiquanfederation.com Editor: Michelle McMillan, KI DESIGN, Guelph, Ontario Copy Editors: Charles Dunphy, Oakville, Ontario & Bob Chessell, Barrie, Ontario

TongRen provides a forum for the discussion, TongRen fournit un forum pour discuter, exprimer et expression, and experience of Taijiquan and related vivre le Taijiquan et ses domaines connextes. Articles, subjects. Articles, reports on events, biographies, reportages, activitiés, biographies, lettres, critiques de letters, book reviews, poems, illustrations, scholarly livres, poèmes, illustrations, textes savants et réflexions research, and philosophical musings are welcomed. philosophiques sont les bienvenus. Veuillez soumettre Please email submissions for consideration for tout matériel à fin de publication à la rédactrice de publication in TongRen to the editor, Michelle T o n g R e n , M i c h e l l e M c M i l l a n McMillan

TongRen is published quarterly: February, May, TongRen est publié quatre fois par année, en février, August, November. Submissions must be received by mai, août et novembre. Toute sumission doit être reçue the first day of the preceding month to be included. avant le premier du mois qui précède la date de The Editor reserves the right to determine content of publication. La rédactrice réserve le droit de décider each issue. Priority is given to content submitted by du contenu de chaque numéro. On accorde priorité au CTF members. contenu soumis par les membres de la FCT.

Next issue will be published in February 2011 Le prochain numéro sera publié en février 2011 Submission deadline: 1 January 2010 Datelimite des soumissions: 1 janvier 2010

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2 Iching-hexagram-13 7/15/09 4:20 PM TongRen (T’ung-jen) TongRen is the 13th hexagram of the I Ching (Yijing) meaning “Fellowship” or “Sameness with People”.

“Sameness with people means other people and oneself are as one. As for the qualities of the hexagram, above is heaven, strong, and below is fire, luminous: employing strength with illumination, making illumination effective by strength, being truthful within and adept without, developing oneself and others as well, it is therefore called sameness with people. “ The Taoist I Ching (trans. Thomas Cleary, Shambala Publications, 1986 ISBN 0-87773-352-X bk)

TongRen

CONTENTS November 2010 Volume 17 . Issue 4 TABLE DES MATIÈRES Novembre 2010 Volume 17 . 4 Numéro

Article Authour / Auteur Page

Message from the 2010-2011 CTF President Duff Doel 4 Introducing Your New Board of Directors 5 What’s New in the North? Helene Dobrowolsky 8 The Three Circles Steve Higgins 10 Cold Mountain Internal Arts 20th Anniversary 13 Phoenix T’ai Chi Retreat Steven Holbert 14 Short Ride Sophia Nikolakakos 15 Team Teaching In The Chinese Robin Young 16 The Tournament Rationale (Part I of two articles) Steve Higgins 20 Breath in Venice: AquaVenice 2010 Sam Masich 22 Jill Heath & Adriaan Blaauw Workshops advertisement 25 Congratulations Ji Hong School 26 Events/Événements 27 CTF Mission & Membership Information 28

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by contributing authors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the policies or beliefs of

the Canadian Taijiquanfile:///Users/rhubarb/Desktop/Iching-hexagram-13.webarchive Federation; its executive, Board of Directors, Editor, or members collectively or individually. All Page 1 of 1 material in this publication is provided as information only and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No physical activity or medical action should be initiated based on the contents of this publication. Always consult appropriate health care professionals. The Editor reserves the right to edit or decline submissions. All rights reserved by the Canadian Taijiquan Federation under the authority of its executive.

Décharge: Les opinions exprimées dans TongRen par les auteurs et les annonceurs ne reflètent pas nécessairement la politique ou les positions de la Fédération Canadienne de Taijiquan, de son conseil d’administration, de ses dirigeants ou de ses membres, collectivement on individuellement. Tout matériel dans TongRen n’a qu’une valeur informative et ne constitue en rien des avis on des directives médicaux. Aucune activité physique ou action médicale ne devrait être enterprise en fonction du contenu de TongRen. Il est recommandé de toujours consulter un spécialiste de la santé avant de s’y engager. La rédaction se réserve le droit de revoir ou de refuser tout matériel soumis. Tous droits réservés par la Fédération Canadienne de Taijiquan en conformité avec le mandat de ses dirigeants.

3 A Message from the CTF 2010-11 President: Duff Doel

Hi All,

I am honoured to have the opportunity to introduce myself here in Tongren, as the new President of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation.

It is an interesting time in which we find ourselves. The world is in turmoil. There is a dramatically increased incidence of natural disasters worldwide. Political and economic systems that seemed invulnerable are on the brink of failing. And, on the other side of the world from us, there is an ever increasing threat of major, perhaps global war. And yet, we also live in a time when the world at large enjoys the greatest amount of peace in recorded history. A large percentage of the world lives with a degree of civil liberties never experienced since the dawn of civilization. We have luxuries and technologies that even a couple of decades ago were the stuff of science. Isn’t that a lot like Taiji? We are a Federation, a National Federation of people who come together with one thing in common. We all practice Taijiquan. We all are seeking to be in the flow, in harmony. This is something to celebrate. And just like the world, we have fun and we have struggles. Just like the world we are evolving, and I believe, just like the world we are evolving toward greater peace, greater harmony. I have practiced martial arts in one form or another (with a few breaks along the way) since 1969. During that time I have lived several lives ranging from being a senior technical professional at IBM to teaching Energy Awareness and Perception, often to very mainstream audiences. From this I have learned the value of continual self-examination, the value of continually “beginning again”. I have recently gone through yet another major shift in my life which has thrown all my cards on the table to be sorted and rearranged. And over the last while as I have been dealing myself out a new hand, I found a book that I thought I had lost. It is a beautiful metaphor for the process of beginning again. In 1978 I read a book that opened a door to a whole new world for me. That book was: “Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain” by Al Chung-liang Huang. It changed my life in ways that would take pages of print to even begin to describe. And, now 32 years later I find myself reading it again with the same joy and wonder I felt so long ago. To me it is not co-incidental that this should come about just as I take on the responsibility of President of the CTF. It is a reminder to me to approach this with the beginner’s mind, without preconceptions, without the baggage of the past. There have already been, over the last few years some very positive changes. This Tongren appearing in an electronic form is but one good example. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we continue to evolve toward harmony and peace.

In service, R. Duff Doel

Duff has been a teacher of Taijiquan since 1980. He has practiced such martial arts as Judo, Karate, Hap Ki Do and Taijiquan. After many decades of seeking, practising, teaching and working with these energies, and as an initiated Master in the Usui System of Reiki Healing, Duff has developed his own syllabus of training in energy awareness, perception and interaction. Duff lives and teaches in the Dundas, Ontario, area.

4 Introducing Your 2010-2011 CTF Board Members

Vice-President & Webmaster: Ian Sinclair In 1979, Ian Sinclair began his training in Taijiquan (Tai Chi), , and . Ian has studied with Grandmaster, Shouyu Liang and Sam Masich. His training has focused on Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and other styles such as Xingyiquan and , esoteric qigong, and oriental healing methods. Since the late 1980’s Ian has taught private and group lessons, led seminars, and worked as a consultant and performer for film, TV and stage. Now living and teaching in Orillia, Ian has dedicated himself to making the world a better place and improving lives by offering quality instruction for body, mind and spirit.

Treasurer: Steven Holbert Steven Holbert has been a Taiji player for about twenty-six years. He started with Gloria Jenner at the London Y, and worked with several teachers for a few years. In 1998 he returned to Gloria’s teaching at the Phoenix T’ai Chi Centre. About six years ago he began to do some teaching with her guidance, and became a teacher with the Centre in 2004. He is now certified as a teacher with the Phoenix T’ai Chi Centre and with the Canadian Taijiquan Federation. Steve has been a member of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation for eight years and is serving a second term as Treasurer. Steven is retired from full time nursing. He maintains a small private practice in capacity assessments, and he continues as an active member of various professional groups. He and his wife have four children and three grandchildren to keep them busy during "free time".

Secretary: Judith MacKay-Kowalski CTF Board Member: Secretary, Senior Level Instructor and member of CTF since 1994. Judith currently studies Tai Chi Chuan with Ian Sinclair of Cloud Mountain in Orillia. She received her Tai Chi Chuan Fa Teacher Certificate from David Lau of the Huan Zhong Taijiquan Group in Toronto in 1994; Shibashi Qigong Teacher Certificate from Wing Cheung of The Feng Shui Institute in Hong Kong, in 2009; Teacher and Adult Training Certificate from Georgian College; Life Skills Coach Certificate from the Association of Life Skills Coaches of Ontario; and Ontario Teachers Certificate from the Toronto Board of Education. She teaches a credit course in Tai Chi Chuan at Georgian College Barrie and Orillia Campus which she developed and has been conducting since 1996, Recreational Tai Chi Chuan Courses for Orillia Parks and Recreation, Adaptive Tai Chi and Chi Kung Course At St. Paul's United Church in Orillia and a full Taijiquan, Qigong and Meditation Course at her home based Chenoa Studio, since 1986. For more information see the CTF Website School Directory. She has also had experience as a health educator while working for the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Annishnaebe Training Circle and at Georgian College.

5 Past President & Certification Chair: Carol O”Connor Carol has been a Taiji player for twelve years with a background in Karate. Sifu Steve Higgins has been her Taiji mentor and an enormous influence and support. Carol is an RMT and currently practises in Kincardine, Ontario. teaching Taiji part time, and serves as Past President of the CTF.

Membership Chair: Tanya Korovkin Tanya Korovkin started Taijiquan training in 2000 in Quito, Ecuador. Since 2002 she has been studying Taijiquan and Qigong with Steve Higgins at Cold Mountain Internal Arts in Kitchener, Ontario. She has also studied with Helen Wu (fan), Jill Heath (sword), and Sam Masich (sword). Tanya is a level -one Associate Instructor certified by the CTF and Assistant Instructor at Cold Mountain Internal Arts. She has developed experimental Taiji and Qigong forms based on animal (dragon) essences. She conducts workshops and performs Taijiquan for various organizations. She competed in the Canadian Open Taijiquan Championships, held in Toronto, Ontario, where she earned a silver medal in traditional srtyle Taijiquan and Yang style sword and a bronze medal in Sabre. Tanya lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

TongRen Editor: Michelle McMillan Michelle is a Senior Level Instructor of Taijiquan certified by the CTF and has been the Editor of TongRen, the quarterly newsletter of the CTF, since 2003. She founded Green Dragon Qigong & Taijiquan in Guelph, Ontario in 1994, where she continues to learn and teach. She has studied Qigong and Taijiquan with Dr. Zaiwen Shen, Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, and Sam Masich. She is a Recognized Therapeutic Touch Practitioner, through the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario, practicing since 1994. Michelle is Retail Manager at Homewood Health Centre, a mental health facility, where she also teaches Qigong and practices Horticultural Therapy.

6 Special Welcome to our New CTF Board Members

Jan Bentley-Fogolin Jan Bentley-Fogolin has been involved in Tai Chi for ten years, those years have been spent at Cold Mountain Internal Arts in Kitchener, Ontario, learning with Steve Higgings. Jan's main focus is on the Old Yang form,but also does the 16, Single Fan, Cannon Fist, Crane form and is now getting around to learning the 108. She has had the privilege of taking seminars with Ed Cooper, Jonathan Krehm, Jill Heath and Sam Masich. Jan has her Level One Instructor's certificate from the CTF. Jan is a potter by profession and a member of both the Hamilton and Waterloo Potters' Guilds. She has her own business, Polar Pottery in Kitchener.

Susan Walker Susan Walker has been a student of Taijiquan since 1981. She became a student of Grand Master Eddie Wu Kwong Yu in 1985, and a formal disciple in 1992. During her time at Wu’s Tai Chi Chuan Academy in Toronto, Ontario, she has been very active in sparring and competitions. She also continues to be a member of the Demonstration Team with plans of competing in the 54 Competition Round Form and weapons forms in upcoming tournaments. She writes, "Tai Chi Chuan has become an essential part of my life and I particularly love playing tai chi chuan in wide open spaces under big blue skies."

Paul Dempsey Paul Dempsey has been a disciple of Grand Master Eddie Wu Kwong Yu T3QI[á since 2002. He joined Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy in 1995 and has been the Beginners Class chief instructor since 1997. Paul was elected Vice-President of the club in 2003. Paul is both a martial artist and an artist of many disciplines. At present, he is an Associate Professor at the Ontario College of Art and Design and is also a Hand Gun Safety Instructor at the Toronto Revolver Club.

7 What’s New in the North? Notes from our Yukon Correspondent: Helene Dobrowolsky

After enjoying a brilliant Yukon summer highlighted by our weekly practice in Shipyards Park, Tai Chi Yukon is well into a busy autumn. In mid September we began offering 10 classes including four that are geared to our very popular seniors program.

We are very pleased to welcome instructor Pam Boyde, home from her two year adventure with the Vancouver Olympics torch program. As well as taking on four classes, Pam recently taught at a special weekend retreat. On October 16 and 17, sixteen of us headed north of town to the Hiking during our instructors’ play day. L-R: tranquil setting of Sundog Retreat for an Jo-Ann Gates, Lisa Pan, Helene Dobrowolsky, Joan Wilson intensive session in the traditional Yang (seated) and Pam Boyde. Cheryl Buchan took this photo. Family Style Tai Chi Chuan hand form.

On October 16, we held our AGM during a pleasant lunch catered by the Sundog staff. After two very busy and fruitful years, Jo-Ann Gates retired as president and Pam Boyde was acclaimed to this post. Many thanks to Jo-Ann for her good sense, creativity and hard work, particularly in steering us through our eventful 20th anniversary year.

In other news, on September 18th Helene and her husband Rob hosted an instructors’ exchange and play day at their wilderness dojo. Six of us practiced together and enjoyed a potluck lunch. On October 2nd, Laura Beattie led us in a two-hour session on Push Hands. On most Saturdays, a small group meets under Laura’s direction to play with partner work. We continue to offer special sessions to a variety of groups from Yukon College students to clients of the Mental Health Services, Healthy Living Program.

We wish all our fellow instructors and students a rewarding season of diligent practice and new insights.

Helene Dobrowolsky is a Tai Chi Yukon instructor and secretary for the association. She is the Yukon correspondent for the CTF. To learn more about TCY, see the website: www.taichi-yukon.ca.

8

Many of the participants from Tai Chi Yukon’s recent weekend event at Sundog Retreat.

9 The Three Circles by Steve Higgins

Illustration from The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan, Way To Rejuvenation, Jou, Tsung Hwa. Warwick, New York, USA: Tai Chi Foundation, 1991. p.89

On October 2nd. at Cold Mountain Internal Arts in Kitchener-Waterloo, I team-taught a two-hour session with Sam Masich on the principle of resting-in. My introduction to the session consisted of a very old exercise I had learned about 20 years before from a student of Liang Shou-yu and had revisited in a book by John Loupos.

This physical drill reprises Jou Tsung Hwa’s teaching of the “Three Circles” and is, I believe, one of the root exercises of Tai Chi Chuan. This drill teaches “sinking the ” and involves:

• suspending the crown • dropping the elbows and shoulder • containing the chest • plucking up the back • relaxing the waist, etc. • resting into the hips • relaxing the back • dropping internally

It will immediately be appreciated that all but the last, which is my addition (but is not original to me as it is referred to in The Tai Chi Classics), are explicitly included in Yang Cheng Fu’s “Ten Essential Points” and refer, not to a progression of skills attainment, but to ONE THING. This one thing is the key to Tai Chi skill and stance, and is a pre-requisite to the attainment of skill in any Tai Chi Chuan style.

Jou Tsung Hwa taught “the doctrine of the three circles”. The first circle is empty and represents the primordial mind of Zen, the mind preceding any stress or exposure to conditioning factors. In terms of the Torah or Old Testament of the Christian Bible, this in psychic terms represents the time when all is “… without form and void, and darkness floats upon the face of the abyss.”

10 In physical manifestation, this is the Wuji-bu or Primordial stance. One stands with a slight “sit”, so that there is a crease at the hips, the lower back is flattened, the tailbone settled and the knees slightly bent. Feet are parallel, the crown of the head suspended so that the gaze is straight to front and the cervical vertebrae are straightened as though the skull floats on the column of the spine. The shoulders fall naturally, so that the chest is not actively rounded, but contained; simultaneously, this causes a slight rounding or softness to the upper back which is achieved through relaxation and settling-in, rather than any kind of muscular or postural intervention. Sam Masich demonstrates “resting in” with Phyllis Benjamin. The torso is relaxed, and not Photo by Robin Young necessarily perpendicular to the ground. The effect of all this is a feeling of internal dropping and resting- in. There also may be sensations of heat rising, particular up the back.

The waist / yao and hips / kua are free of tension. The mind is kept in a state of non-fixated awareness. One way of achieving this is to pretend that someone is going to quietly come up behind you and whisper a precious secret in your ear, and that you must listen and be ready to receive it. In other words: receptivity and awareness! Breathing is natural and not directed.

The next circle has a dot in the center and represents a state of ideation: “And God said, ‘Let there be light….’”. This is the state of undifferentiated Tai Chi, where are present, but not yet manifested. In other words, there is now focus and intention.

In physical terms, the training partner, without applying any physical pressure, places his/her hands on the practitioner’s hip and shoulder. The practitioner is aware of the touch of the hands. There may be certain micro-adjustments at this point, as the practitioner knows that pressure is coming, but such adjustments should be externally imperceptible if the initial posture was correct.

The next stage is best introduced progressively, and represents the separation of Yin and Yang into the Tai Chi symbol with which we are familiar. In terms of scripture, “And he separated the light from the darkness….”: the training partner gently presses with both hands down into the practitioner’s near-side foot. The practitioner connects with this energy and settles into his/her structure. The legs are accepting the load; the upper body is quiescent.

The training partner, with no interruption to the pressure, redirects the stress diagonally across and down into the practitioner’s opposite foot. The practitioner’s weight shifts more to this foot, but the receiving posture is undisturbed. There is a sense, in the practitioner of internal dropping, and all the points mentioned above are present. There is no sense of active resistance.

11 Finally, the pressure is once again re-directed straight across horizontal with the ground. The near-side foot may become unweighted, yet the posture does not change, although a bit more sinking may occur. Central equilibrium remains intact in the receiving practitioner, and there is no tension. In fact, if the receiving practitioner experimentally adds tension to the structure by flexing a buttock or an arm, they will swiftly be off their feet!

Please note that in this drill the pressure is to be applied gently and constantly. It should approach the recipient’s limit, but never exceed it. This is an intimate process in which trust is involved. The objective is NOT to see if the practitioner “can take it”! There should be no sense of competitiveness or testing. In this exercise, Yin and Yang have separated yet remain mutually interdependent. Yang is represented by the practitioner’s settling into his structure in response to the imposed stress. Yin is represented by the resultant ability to support that stress. In terms of I Jing, Heaven rests in and Earth supports. When this drill is mastered, similar methods can be adapted to working with other postures of the Tai Chi form. As covered in our seminar on October 2nd, there are traditional means of instantly applying this mechanism to contact, and to putting it in motion through the drill known as “Tai Chi walking” or “river walking”. These can be examined in future installments.

It is our belief at Cold Mountain Internal Arts that Tai Chi is a yoga: a means of yoking body and mind. In essence, we seek to affect internal psychic states through external physical means. The practice of the martial art is a means of perfecting this. It therefore follows that the physical exercise described here has psychic implications; that under stress one should respond with a settling into one’s core structure, rather than with tension. This exercise is what “sinking the qi” is about. When perfected, certain sensations become apparent, which can perhaps be best examined from a Qigong perspective at some other time.

This response mechanism is counter-intuitive and points to the central paradox of Tai Chi training. On the one hand we are enjoined by Taoist sources, such as the Tao Te Ching that we need to somehow return to a state of unconditioned innocence and primordiality, yet our primordial instinct, when confronted by danger, is fight or flight!

This exercise, so key to all Tai Chi postures, provides the answer. What is required is that we aspire to a state of cultivated primitivism; that we learn to depend upon what is within our spiritual core, in psychic terms, in order to deal with the stresses that life imposes upon us. Tension will only detract with our ability to cope. Acceptance and settling-in will help us stay on our feet, able to respond to the stormy waves of life.

In the Tai Chi form we start and end with this posture. What happens between “Commencement” and “Conclusion of Tai Chi” is just a matter of putting this posture into motion in order to deal with various kinds of applied stress. The elements if Yin and Yang, supporting and resting-in, must animate all the postures and movements of the Tai Chi form – and this applies equally to all styles.

But the greater struggle is to be able to instinctively apply this method in dealing with the storms of life. This is what real “internalism” is all about!

Steve Higgins has been a Director of the CTF, served on many CTF committees, demonstrated at countless events, hosted a series of Teacher Training seminars, and is a long-time contributor to TongRen. His first martial arts teacher was his father who taught him elements of Jujitsu as a child. Since then he has studied many other martial arts such as Ba Gwa, Xing Yi, and various forms of Taiiquan including weapon forms. His major teachers include Dr. Shen Zaiwen, Grandmaster Jou Tsunghwa, and Master Sam Masich. He has published articles on Taijiquan and Qigong internationally and is the chief instructor for Cold Mountain Internal Arts in Kitchener, Ontario. www.stevehiggins.ca

12 The 20th Anniversary Celebration of Cold Mountain Internal Arts October 2, 2010

Congratulations!

Steve and Kaarina Higgins surrounded by Taiji friends & family after the 20th anniversary celebration of the founding of Steve’s club in Kitchener, Ontario, Cold Mountain Internal Arts. The celebration included a traditional Chinese Lion Dance by Robin Young and the Jing Mo Club Lion Dancers from Guelph and Toronto, Ontario, a series of excellent Taiji and Martial Art demonstrations, a delicious potluck feast, many heartwarming speeches, presentations of gifts and giveaways and a rousing singalong accompanied by Sam Masich on the guitar... The prcoeedings were planned and orchestrated by Alpha Montemayor and Lisbeth Haddad and the room beautifully decorated with original scrolls handpainted by Jan Fogolin.

The Canadian Taijiquan Federation was greatly appreciative of being able to hold its 2010 Annual General Meeting in conjunction with this celebration. Thanks Steve, Alpha and Lisbeth. It was a grand day!

13 Phoenix T'ai Chi Retreat By Steve Holbert

August 2010 found us again at Five Oaks, on the Grand River, for Phoenix T'ai Chi ‘s sixth retreat in this lovely setting. Sixteen T'ai Chi players from Southwestern Ontario joined together for three days of practice and exchange. Tanya Korovkin and Jan Bentley- Fogolin from Cold Mountain Internal Arts (Kitchener) joined us to share their experience with T'ai Chi and Qigong. Jan had developed a Crane form and led us through an introduction to the form – very good for opening the chest and balancing. Tanya took us through the Dragon Qigong that she had developed. We learned the first two sections and later played with the short form. Despite hopes for outdoor activity, we had a wet afternoon on Saturday. Practice indoors in the New Hall proved humid. That evening participants were given the task of developing a short T'ai Chi set, incorporating invented moves or postures from any internal art. Four groups created a set and demonstrated them for each other, using such moves as “the tree pose”, “dove flaps it wings”, “fountain hands”, and invented moves like “pick up grandson, move to hip, oops, pick up grandson again”. The names given were “Lotus Tai Chi”, “The Five Organic Forms”, “Team Yellow”, and “Hitting Tiger Punching Dragon”. Unable to use the fire pit, socializing occurred in the dining room. Accompanied by Marlene's harmonica, many recalled old camp songs. Fellowship wrapped up our retreat with a gathering in the New Hall to share farewells. Five Oaks is an education and retreat centre operated by the United Church. The site is located at the confluence of the Grand River and Whiteman's Creek, near Paris, Ontario. It includes several buildings for lodging and meetings, a labyrinth on the grounds and nature trails. It is a beautiful and spiritual place for personal and group retreats. Gloria Jenner established the Phoenix T'ai Chi Centre in London, Ontario in 1988. Retreats have been a part of the Centre's ongoing practice in Yang Family T'ai Chi since that time.

Steven Holbert has been a T’ai Chi player for about twenty-six years. He started with Gloria Jenner at the London Y, and worked with several teachers for a few years. In 1998 he returned to Gloria’s teaching at the Phoenix T’ai Chi Centre. About six years ago he began to do some teaching with her guidance, and became a teacher with the Centre in 2004. He is now certified as a teacher with the Phoenix T’ai Chi Centre and with the Canadian Taijiquan Federation. Steve has been a member of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation for eight years and is serving a second term as Treasurer. Steven is retired from full time nursing. He maintains a small private practice in capacity assessments, and he continues as an active member of various professional groups. He and his wife have four children and three grandchildren to keep them busy during "free time".

14

Short ride ______

Morning The promise of time ahead Glorious sunshine blue, blue, blue sky heat of the sun encompassing my skin air caressing my limbs strong unforgiving wind, pushing me forward pushing me back the voice of the wind in my ear the voices of birds along the way the brilliance of colour surrounding me the smell of trees the sweet smell of flowers the smell of the earth the feeling of strength in my legs climbing the feeling of strength in my legs speeding downhill glorious, glorious freedom freedom from thought and worry freedom from myself return home feeling of release feeling of lightness feeling of happiness face of a small puppy waiting on my steps small wiggle as I scratch a drink to quench my thirst a stretch now to face the day

______

(A tai chi moment in my day, cycling) Sophia Nikolakakos

Sophie Nikolakakos has studied Taiji for the past 4 years, most recently with Sifu Steve Higgins at Cold Mountain Internal Arts in Kitchener, Ontario and Master Haibin Gao. An enthusiastic road cyclist, Sophie also enjoys Latin and Ballroom dancing, as well as Argentine Tango.

15

Team Teaching in the Chinese Martial Arts By Robin Young

Traditions Traditionally, Chinese Martial Art instruction is one teacher in front of the class, leading and motivating the students. He or she demonstrates and explains the martial movement and then the class then follows and practises that movement. Even with other instructors present, the teachers often work solo. Generally, there is a martial pecking order, where the Master and school owner is the most experienced and will teach on their own. Other instructors may assist in a lower capacity, perhaps walking about the class making corrections. This aspect most likely continues from the original military traditions of one leader, many followers. Many senior students begin their martial teaching careers by teaching the new or beginner students with little strategies and little supervision. Until relatively recently in the martial art world, most instructors taught by mimicking their own instructors and their teaching methods. Understandably, that was all they had to go on. Robin Young (on right) with his Sifu James Lore Many Asian martial cultures expect this. There was no Martial Art Instructor Training Program for newer instructors coming up through the “What shall I teach them?” ranks. There were no teaching style inventories or student learning styles analysis; no one ever used “Teach them what you want them to Bloom’s Taxonomy or Garner’s Multiple know...” Intelligences; no adapting to the learner needs or implementing alternate teaching styles as are seen in many formal teaching institutions. Many senior Team teaching in Chinese Martial Arts can be martial art students were simply told to teach and both rewarding and an important learning they would teach. They were promoted to the experience for new instructors. A senior student front of the class, sometimes with great fanfare can bring a variety of experiences to the training and formal ceremony, other times through hall but sometimes does not yet have the “on the instructor desperation. In some cases they floor” teaching experience or the teaching inherited a school and the students as a result of confidence yet. Sometimes there is a tendency to the absence of their own teacher due to his or her default to “warrior” teaching, effective for some changes in life directions, such as retirement, a learning students but not for all. Almost all new change in activity commitment or ill health. Chinese Martial Art teachers, admittedly or not, Perhaps it was because of the untimely death of find teaching for the first time difficult. their teacher.

16 Being required to teach could lead to new activities such as sparring or grappling, where the instructor assumptions regarding how to pass parameters of the exercise increase participant along martial information, attitude, culture, and risk and decrease overall instructor awareness history, as well as the extremely complex physical and control. Being many places on the training techniques in Chinese Martial Arts. In many of floor at one time, team teaching instructors can these cases, instruction technique defaulted to increase safety, interact with other instructors and “do what I say, follow me and don’t ask take advantage of non-scheduled, on the spot questions”. It involved hidden (or not so hidden) teaching moments as they come up. anxiety, personality and insecurities. It involved assumed intrinsic and/or extrinsic competition Advantages to New Martial Art Teachers between the students and the new instructor... or even between the new instructor and his or her There are many advantages to having a new own teacher. martial art teacher team up with an experienced martial teacher in the school. Team teaching can Once a martial art instructor is caught up in ease new martial instructors into their new role administration, recruiting new students and with the more experienced teacher modeling teaching several classes a week, there is little time curriculum delivery, depth of physical practise, to explore or implement alternate teaching uniform deportment, attitude and behaviour. strategies, even if he or she were aware of them. Each teacher can build off of the other’s There is little time to even train new instructors as experiences, demonstrations, comments and there is just too much to do running a school. That themes, building confidence in the new teacher. said, taking the time and opportunity to explore Each can subtly and respectfully “rescue” the team teaching can be a surprisingly rewarding other if material is missed, incorrect or unknown. experience. One can bring the other back on topic if he or she moves away from the agreed upon theme or Types of Team Teaching techniques of the class, controlling the There are various types of team teaching that can instructional pace and ensuring content coverage. be directly applied to the Chinese Martial Arts. Team teaching presents a uniformed instructional This approach can consist of two teachers or approach and cooperative image to the students more, depending on the class size, techniques to in the class as well as the greater Chinese Martial be covered and available teaching resources at the Arts community. Team teaching can build martial art school. Commonly, team teaching confidence and a sense of self-efficacy in the new includes dividing the large class into smaller martial instructor and allow for professional and groups, with different instructors either teaching personal growth in a new and sometimes identical content, or each instructor teaching unforgiving environment of teaching. separate content and the small groups rotating through each instructor area, eventually being Advantages to Students exposed to all of the content and practice opportunities. In some cases, one teacher will Martial students will benefit from the demonstrate a skill and the other instructors will combination of the new instructor and the circulate as the students practice, answering experienced master. The students receive two questions, correcting, reinforcing information and different perspectives of skill and knowledge, encouraging students. There may be available both in instruction and practise. They can receive martial teaching resources, such as striking pads, two views of a topic, with the new teacher shields and mannequins, or even VCRs, data drawing on personal practises and experiences projectors, guest speakers, and so on. and the experienced teacher detailing themes, technique and application. The students witness Team teaching members increase student safety in cooperative teaching, a variety of teaching styles a classroom where intense martial activity such as and varying approaches to delivery, increasing partner work, sparring and weapons practise is the richness of the class. Learner attention is taking place. They are invaluable in higher risk 17 maintained as a result of two teachers in also true, with the experienced teacher feeling physically different areas of the classroom, taking intimidated by a more outgoing, direct, turns with verbal and supplementary delivery. personable new instructor. All egos have to be The students are forced to shift their cognitive considered when developing new instructors. and visual focus from one teacher to the other, With a large class divided into small groups of aiding in retention. Even as a temporary event, students, each with a team teaching instructor, students find the experience unique and a break there is a risk that the continuity and replication from the one-teacher-one-class tradition. of content will be compromised, with one group getting different information than the other. Complications Evaluations may differ, creating unspoken contention among the students. The senior Having two or more martial instructors in front of instructor has to be conscious of the overall the class can be risky, challenging and difficult. It running of the team-taught class and ensure may not be the best approach for all Chinese continuity. If there is a concern, the corrections Martial Art schools. Overall, there has to be an have to be made without compromising the acceptance of the senior instructor to allow the newer instructor’s integrity, ego and sense of self- new instructor to find his or her teaching comfort. efficacy. There has to be a mutual respect present while at the same time, awareness and respect that there Successful team instruction has much to do with still exists a master and student relationship. compatible teaching personalities. When Becoming a new martial teacher does not dissolve presenting with an incompatible teaching partner, the sentiment of the Martial Way with respect to the experience can be dreadful, with frustrations, one’s senior. Becoming a new teacher does not contradictions, poor delivery, poor timing, lack of put the new instructor on equal status with the presentation, loss of class control and loss of master. This can be tricky... it has lead to teacher- personal and professional integrity. Emotions can student confusion, conflict and even the become involved and distrust created. Confusion, dissolution of schools. anger, frustration and loss of respect and trust can on occur the student side of the training hall. Team teaching takes time. The instructors have to plan ahead, agree on the division of material, And finally, many Chinese Martial Art instructors delivery and evaluation, if any. Both instructors prefer to teach on their own and are very have to stay organized before and during their uncomfortable with sharing the training floor. class. Both have to be on the same instructional Teaching Chinese Martial Arts has traditionally “wavelength” to avoid contradicting each other taken an authoritarian approach. Once on the or going on tangents from the topic being training floor, the class is that instructor’s presented, eating up valuable classroom time and domain. Others attempting to take on instruction leading to student confusion. Professional and are seen as challenging authority. Team teaching personal egos have to be held in check to avoid is not something he or she would prefer and subconscious or direct competition and “one when it does occur, it can be a stressful and upping” the other in front of the class. This is a unsatisfying experience. real danger if the senior instructor is not ready to Last Words accept alternate teaching styles in the school. It Team teaching in the Chinese Martial Arts can be can lead to confusion and loss of respect from the an excellent learning experience for a new martial class. New martial instructors can feel instructor. It is a gentle approach to inducting a intimidated by the more experienced teacher. This new instructor into the higher echelon of the can take on obvious or not-so-obvious school, building confidence and offering a manifestations. There might be a sense of friendly, generous and cooperative hand as they ownership by the senior instructor, leading to teach the many complexities of the martial arts. subtle or direct undermining of the new Itleads to strong teachers, strong students and instructor. This can interfere with confidence, strong schools. delivery and classroom presence. The opposite is

18 Robin Young teaches Lor’s Hung Kuen Kung Fu as Sifu of Jing Mo Kung Fu club at Temple Studios in Guelph, Ontario. He is a professor and coordinator of the Paramedic Program at Conestoga College and has also worked in Professional Development at Humber College in Toronto, focussing on new faculty training. He can be reached at [email protected]

Above: Jing Mo logo

Left: Robin Young during his early years teaching at Sifu James Lore’s Jing Mo Kung Fu club in Toronto, Ontario

19 The Tournament Rationale (Part I of two articles) By Steve Higgins

This prediction has to an extent come true (thankfully, the “stop action” feature has not won acceptance!), the damage being somewhat mitigated by parallel competition in “International” and “Traditional” divisions within the same tournament. In addition, a “Tai Chi Wushu” division has come into being, some of the compulsory moves of which seem both completely impractical as well as potentially injurious - particularly to the knees. 2009 COTTQA Medalists from Cold Mountain Internal Arts with Sifu Steve Higgins: Alpha The effect is also to be felt within the traditional Montemayor, Carol O”Connor, Sopie Nikolakakos, division. At one recent tournament I judged, we Tanya Korovkin were instructed to give competitors in the traditional Chen division extra marks for low stances. My personal belief is that height of stance is immaterial, the definitive criteria of excellence Some members of the CTF have long and being concerned with quality of movement and distinguished careers as tournament competitors. internalism. (Further, my own research indicates While I myself have judged tournaments, I must that the fixation on low stances that one sees in confess that I have long regarded them with a modern Chen style Tai Chi is of comparatively somewhat jaundiced eye. However I have often recent provenance, but I shall leave this argument demonstrated forms, including at tournaments, for sages more expert than me.) and strongly believe that both tournaments and public performances have their places in a There is also a bleeding of style-elements across rounded Taijiquan career. the “International” / “Traditional” boundary. Although the “Orthodox Simplified Twenty-four About 15 years ago Dr. Paul Lam predicted that a Posture Tai Chi” form, developed by a committee schism would develop in the Tai Chi community chaired by Li Tian Ji in the PRC back in the 1950’s, between traditionalists, and modernists interested is most correctly identified as a central in tournament competition. He identified a component of the Xin (modern) style, for most number of factors contributing to this, including: practitioners it is considered to be a short Yang form. It is therefore only natural that elements of 1. exaggeratedly low stances, this form, which are not characteristic of the 2. exaggeratedly high kicks, traditional Yang, are becoming generally accepted 3. ‘stop action’ movement, where the competitor and are not being penalized in the traditional would briefly freeze to give the judges a Yang style division. These include: ‘snapshot’ of the posture, and 4. development of movements designed to • perpendicularity of torso demonstrate gymnastic ability, lacking in • unchambered palm strikes in “Brush Knee” and combative practicality. “Repulse Monkey”, • substitution of “Pull Down” for “Roll Back” in (I’m working from memory here, as I cannot Grasp Sparrow’s Tail, etc. locate his original letter which was published in Tai Chi magazine.)

20 This is a very cursory summation; I am not who do not even know that the CTF exists! But touching on many elements, some of which many of them are at tournaments! Competing concern the international Olympic movement and puts you in touch with fellow enthusiasts you the drive for the acceptance of Wushu in general may otherwise never meet, and allows great (including Tai Chi!) as an accepted Olympic opportunity for the cultivation of friendships. category. With regards to this, it is of note that most tournaments now generally fall under the There is one other element, which can be a great aegis of provincial Wushu organizations, such as benefit of competition, but at an organizational Wushu Ontario, and are organized under the and community level. That is that competition larger umbrella of Wushu Canada. All of these can boost membership. I would love to see the organizations are supported by government CTF membership committee seriously consider funding. starting a small annual CTF tournament.

I have been involved with the CTF since about 4 • It should be officially sanctioned, and billed as a years after its inception. I have sensed in the CTF way to prepare participants for competition on an anti-establishmentarian strain, and a a larger stage, such as The Canadian Opens. disinclination to become involved in the political • Within the CTF we have high-level tournament issues outlined above; however, I have come to experience. Sam Masich, whose teachings have feel that this is shortsighted, and that there are had an impact upon many CTF members, has definite benefits to tournament involvement. achieved many gold medals internationally, and These observations are in part inspired by my Past presidents and CTF Elders Jonathan own club members’ reaction to participation in Krehm and Jill Heath have competed the Canadian Opens in Toronto: internationally with great distinction. They are generous with their knowledge and would be • Dr. Johnson is reported to have said that eminently suited to preparing members with a nothing focuses the mind so much as the better understanding of what is involved. prospect of being hanged in the morning! A • This could be done through a series of tournament event, with the prospect of being workshops for CTF members, which again judged, focuses the mind and gives the could be a good draw for new members. practitioner something tangible to work toward – a deadline by which time one wants to have What tournaments do NOT provide is a ranking achieved certain goals. as to ‘who’s best’. Judging criteria are, and will • A tournament is a reality check. It allows you to remain, contentious and variable. Sometimes see how you and your club shape up in politics can come into play, as well as poor comparison to whatever else is out there. In one organization. It is unfortunate when this sobering case, I remember a young man who happens, but one must be undiscouraged and turned up at a CCKSF event, equipped only persevere! with a slowed-down Shaolin form. He found out that his instructor had sold him a bill of The point is that involvement in the tournament goods! scene is a way to build energy, enthusiasm, • A tournament provides one with access to community and membership, and should be additional expertise. If you compete, make a under energetic consideration by our CTF point of seeking out the judges after, to ask executive! them for suggestions as to how you may improve! It surprises me that so few take advantage of this opportunity. Most judges will welcome your questions. Steve Higgins has been Sifu of Cold Mountain • A tournament puts you in touch with a much Internal Arts in Kitchener, Ontario since 1990 and larger Tai Chi community. There are thousands is a registered Taijiquan tournament judge. and thousands of Tai Chi practitioners out there

21 Breath in Venice: AquaVenice 2010 by Sam Masich

waterways. For him there is a kind of ancient connection between venerable Venezia and the ideas and principles of Chinese martial arts and health practices. He points to a bridge and relates how young men from one side of the canal would challenge their ‘over-there’ rivals and have fierce fighting matches on the overpasses until one was finally thrown or thumped into the channel. The leg stability required by gondoliers and other boatsmen also speaks to the relationship between Venetian daily life and the Chinese art Franco, at 74 years of age, works tirelessly to promote. As we cross to the island Franco and I discuss the theories of ‘bio-spiraling’ detailed in his newly released book. I’m already starting to see water differently as we wind our way through the city and the verities of Taiji philosophy.

Floating Root The illustration on the cover of the AquaVenice brochure depicts the city of Venice, looking something like a futuristic space station, floating in a bubble, with roots dangling below. It was my first time in this city and it does seem an impossible place. A city of over a quarter million people with no cars. Upon arriving at Piazzale Franco Mescola working with participants Roma I was met by event organizer (and creator of the above mentioned drawing) Franco Mescola St. Erasmo: Work who promptly brought me onto his boat for a When we arrive at the event location, Il Lato small canal tour of the city and to take me to the Azzurro, I am pleased to see a friend from Tai Isle of St. Erasmos where proceedings were Chi Caledonia, Master Faye Yip, putting a large already underway. group of students through their paces with a Franco could be described as a ‘classical man’. A straight-sword. Faye, from Wolverhampton, proud native of Venice, he speaks fondly of the England by-way-of , is one of eleven histories and mysteries of the churches, palazzos AquaVenice instructors hailing from seven and bridges that stand astride the intricate countries. Faye is part of the ‘Yin-Yang’ part of the

22 seminar which is broken into three parts: ‘Yin’, of connection rather than from any pre-planned ‘Yin-Yang’ and ‘Yang’. Each segment is three days routine of responses. I found the students to be long—the first (‘Yin’) concentrating on qigong attentive, respectful, appreciative and hard- meditation and energetic practices; the second working. While there was much translating going (‘Yin-Yang’) more on active forms—fan, sword on at all times, I found there to be a good flow and long stick were taught; and the third (‘Yang’), and rhythm to the classes. Since only one focusing on elements of push-hands and martial instructor presents in any given time-slot there applications. are nor distractions or diversions from the class Ronnie Robinson, the person who tasked me with and all the students attending the event are the writing of this article, arrived a few hours present. later. It was nice to see another friend from During an economic time where many Taiji events Caledonia but it dawned on me quickly: I are seeing lower turnouts this event was packed wouldn’t be getting any sleep in Italy. Ronnie was with participants from all over Europe. In the also part of the ‘Yang’ team and gave excellent evenings there was plenty of well spirited push- workshops on dalü—an often overlooked aspect hands free-play and I found myself enjoying the of Taiji training—and on ways to approach touch of a good many players. I could feel a lot of martial application in a lighter way. The three sincerity in these sessions and a desire for self- days also gave me an opportunity to see Gianni improvement amongst the participants. Groppelli whose Yang-style based work focused on tui shou and specific Taiji energies such as lü and an. St. Erasmo: Play Franco’s work focused on applications derived There aren’t so many dining options on St. from a compiled art called Xuan Chuan Erasmo but we went to some really great places. (translated something like ‘dark, profound The beachside café near the event featured plenty boxing’) and from his metodo biospirali which of sea-fare and one restaurant on an adjacent employs an understanding of physiology and the island was worth the entire trip! Italians seem to workings of the nervous system. My own work know something about food that is hard to focused on the relationship between zhan-nian jin describe and which must be experienced. (sticking-adhering energy) and Taijiquan as a martial art, the idea being that solutions come out AquaVenice swordplayers

23 Everything was good. I think the meal gatherings cuisine and play. It’s an ancient place, Venice, helped set the tone for the final night’s beach really world of its own. I couldn’t imagine a party which was held around a giant bonfire, better introduction to the city or to Italy than to music pounding, people dancing, Taiji’ing and visit Franco’s crowd at AquaVenice. Qigong’ing. One man in a circle of people linked Special thanks to: Franco, Marzia, Verena, Tony, together by ‘resting-in’ and ‘supporting‘ each Massimo and Ronnie. others’ arms (drawn from the afternoon’s zhan- nian classes) shouted, “It’s my new religion!”. Franco’s dedicated students generously prepared all day for the sandy event, some missing classes to do so. There was an incredible fish-fry with the A passionate and gifted teacher, Taijiquan and inevitable Campari-Aperol spritzers making the Qigong expert Sam Masich, inspires students rounds. along their path. Having studied the internal martial arts most of his life, Sam is one of the most accomplished “new generation” practitioners of Taijiquan. A Canadian, he has learned from many of the great Masters, including Liang Shouyu, Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, Jou Tsung Hwa, Yang Zhenduo, and Chen Xiao Wang. He has distinguished himself in competition as a gold medalist in the USA and as a member of the Canada’s National Wushu Team has competed in China garnering gold medals and praise for his performances. Sam is the technical consultant for the TV series “Black Sash” and is the subject of two documentaries. He is an author, a musician, and has produced many top-rated instructional films available AquaVenice Water Push Hands competition on through his website: www.sammasich.com boat in Adriatic Sea The following morning (some bohemians had been at it until four a.m.) there was an on-ocean push-hands competition where the combatants teetered on two thick (but slightly bendy) planks which were lain astride a pair of boats. The judges (including me) stood in the Adriatic up to their chests as the matches raged. After the matches were all decided, I had to get up and give it a try. This is a good set of conditions for challenging your balance and footing. The planks create one set of moving variables and the boats another. Then of course there are the attempts of your partner to make you lose balance. The movement below can become part of the strategy. Of course the worst that can happen is that one can get knocked into the water. Not that I’d know. For me the event, as full as it was, was a chance to take a breath and admire the beauty of human achievement and spirit—architecture, internal art,

24 Saturday / Sunday workshops & Free Friday Push Hands in Gatineau, Quebec Saturday Workshops in Milton, Ontario November 2010 – June 2011 Taiji For Two, Empty Hand & Sword, 5-Section Chen, Taji Fan, Push Hands for all! with Adriaan Blaauw & Jill Heath

Centre de Tai Chi Gilles Vaillant, 109 rue Wright, Gatineau, Quebec FREE FRIDAYS! Push hands free play zones! All are welcome! Sword (1-4 pm Sat.); Empty Hand (12-2 pm Sun.); Chen (2:30-4:30 pm Sun.)

Friday - Sunday 05-07 November 2010 Friday - Sunday 10-12 December 2010 Friday - Sunday 14-16 January 2011 Friday - Sunday 18-20 February 2011 Friday - Sunday 11-13 March 2011 Friday - Sunday 08-10 April 2011 Friday - Sunday 10-12 June 2011

Milton Seniors Activity Centre, 500 Childs Drive, Milton, Ontario Chen (11am-1pm); Empty Hand (2-4 pm); Sword (5:30-8:30 pm) New this time! Taiji Fan (2-4pm) Chen, Empty Hand & Taiji Fan in Activity Room; Sword in Games Room

Saturday 13 November 2010 Saturday 4 December2 010 Saturday 08 January 2011 Saturday 12 February 2011 Saturday 05 March 2011 Saturday 02 April 2011 Saturday 04 June 2011

Information: Adriaan Blaauw: [email protected] or Jill Heath: [email protected]

Fees & Payment (per curriculum): $50 each 3-hour workshop; $40 if previous in series attended. $40 each 2-hour workshop; $30 if previous in series attended. Pay in full in advance for six 3-hour workshops: $225. Pay in full in advance for six 2-hour workshops: $170. You may pay via cash, cheque or electronically (email transfer, hyperWALLET, PayPal). Gatineau: Attend entire weekend for $120; $90 if previous in series attended. Pay in full in advance for six entire weekends: $500. Push hands are free and all levels of experience are welcome.

Push hands: Not a formal class, but an opportunity to cross hands in an informal environment with other players of varying levels of experience, training backgrounds, and styles. Some instruction available.

Chen: The study of Chen continues via the 5-section form, including solo and two-person work. Newcomers welcome

Taiji For Two: Empty Hand: Two-person empty hand study including work on the 5-section 2-person choreography. Partner work helps to develop greater understanding of techniques and energies. In turn, this transfers greater depth to solo practice as the movements acquire more meaning to the practitioner.

Taiji For Two: Sword: Two-person sword study, including work on that rarity in taiji: a two-person sword form, in this case, the 5-section. Partner work helps to develop greater understanding of sword techniques and energies. In turn, this transfers greater depth to solo sword practice, much in the same way that studying two-person empty-hand work can improve solo form.

Taiji Fan: Both veteran fan wielders and newcomers are welcome. Refinement of form for those who are already familiar with the choreography. Introduction to the Flying Rainbow Fan Routine for newcomers.

PLEASE NOTE: Fan class taught by Jill; Empty Hand by Adriaan. Other classes team-taught by both.

25 26 EVENTS / Événements A Taste of China 2010 Autumn Qigong Retreat Practical Fighting Methods Eighteen Luohan Qigong Exercises (Sets 10-18) with Tim Cartmell & Balancing the Heart: Medical Qigong Sponsored by Rochester Chen Style Taijiquan with Dr. Jay Dunbar Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 November 2010 5 – 7 November 2010 West Martial Arts, 13 South Ave., Webster, NY, USA Winchester, Virginia, USA Contact: Bob Loce (585) 402-5126 Contact: Pat Rice (540)667-7595 [email protected] www.atoctaijiquan www.shenwu.com/background.htm

Qigong Workshop: Tai Chi Ruler Exercises, Taiji Workshops The Big Wild Goose Qigong with Jill Heath & Adriaan Blaauw with Gloria Jenner, Phoenix Tai Chi Centre Sword (1-4 pm Sat.) Sunday 7 November 2010 Empty Hand (12-2 pm Sun.) Hosted by Circle of Friends Tai Chi Club Chen (2:30-4:30 pm Sun.) 761 Main Street East Unit 3, Milton, Ontario FREE FRIDAYS Push hands free play zones Contact: Mary or Roger Hansell (905)854- 0314 or Friday - Sunday 05-07 November 2010 (416) 662- 4906 [email protected] Friday - Sunday 10-12 December 2010 Friday - Sunday 14-16 January 2011 Centre de Tai Chi Gilles Vaillant, 109 rue Wright, Gatineau, Quebec Stacking the Bones: An individualized approach Contact: Adriaan Blaauw: [email protected] to better alignment Jill Heath: [email protected] with Joe DeShaw Saturday 6 November 2010, 8 January & 19 February 2011 9 am - 1 pm Taiji Workshops Embrace the Moon, 1716 NW Market, Seattle, WA, with Jill Heath & Adriaan Blaauw USA Chen (11am-1pm) Contact: Kim Ivy (206) 789-0993 Empty Hand (2-4 pm) [email protected] Sword (5:30-8:30 pm) Taiji Fan (2-4pm) Saturday 13 November 2010 Using in Chi Sau & Push Hands Saturday 4 December 2 010 with John Oliver Peel & Valerie Houston – Peel Saturday 08 January 2011 Sunday 28 November 2010 (10 am - 3 pm) Milton Seniors Activity Centre, 500 Childs Drive, Temple Knights Wu Shu Academy Milton, Ontario [email protected] Contact: Adriaan Blaauw: [email protected] 705 767-1177 Jill Heath: [email protected] www.templeknights.com

26 Canadian Taijiquan Federation / Fédération Canadienne de Taijiquan A registered Non-Profit Corporation / Un organisme à but non-lucratif dument enregistré

Mission

1. To encourage development in the practice of 1. Encourager la pratique du taijiquan et Taijiquan and preserve its characteristics as an préserver son caractère culturel et expression of Chinese culture and philosophy. philosophique chinois. 2. To stimulate public awareness of and 2. Stimuler la connaissance et la participation du participation in Taijiquan. grand public en matière de taijiquan. 3. To inclusively link practitioners of Taijiquan 3. Relier tous les praticiens de taijiquan, peu from various styles and traditions without importe les styles et les traditions, qu’ils soient precedence – whether as individuals or seuls ou affiliés, partout au Canada. gathered in groups, clubs and organizations 4. Élargir et renforcer l’expérience canadienne across Canada – as they join the Federation du taijiquan en créant un réseau national et family. international pour les individus, les groupes, 4. To network nationally and internationally les clubs, et les autres organisations. with other Taijiquan practitioners, groups, clubs and organizations with the aim of broadening and strengthening the Canadian Taijiquan experience.

Membership / Membriété

Annual CTF membership includes: Une membriété annuelle vous offre: • A subscription to the CTF’s quarterly journal • Un abonnement à TongRen, la revue trimestrielle TongRen de la FCT, que vous recevrez par la poste • One complementary official CTF crest for each new • Un écusson gratuit de la FCT si vous êtes un membership nouveau membre

Benefits of CTF membership: Avantages supplémentaires: • Access to Taijiquan Teacher Training workshops • Accès aux ateliers de formation des instructeurs, sponsored by the CTF and facilitated by ateliers parrainés par la FCT et donnés par des experienced Taijiiquan teachers enseignants chevronnés • Access to the CTF Taijiquan Teacher Certification • Accès au programme de la FCT de certification des program enseignants de taijiquan • Email notices of CTF-related news and upcoming • Avis électroniques des nouvelles et des événements events à venir de la FCT • Access to the ‘members-only’ section of the CTF • Accès à la section pour les membres du site web de website which includes expanded event postings la FCT qui présente une liste étoffée des and links, an archive of back issues of TongRen, événements et des liens, les anciens numéros de photographs, blogs and forums TongRen, des photos, des blogs et des forums • Postings to the public-access pages of the CTF • Pages publiques pour annoncer votre organisme, website for your club/school, workshops/seminars vos ateliers et tout autre événement lié au taiji and other Taiji-related events • Des occasions de contacts, de rencontres et de • Opportunities to connect, meet, share and further partages avec des praticiens du taiji pour accroître your Taijiquan-related knowledge and experience vos connaissances et votre expérience with other practitioners • Des occasions de vous engager comme bénévoles et • Opportunities to get involved and make a d'influencer la communauté du taiji en joignant le difference in the Taijiquan community by sitting on Conseil d'administration de la FCT et ses multiples the CTF Board of Directors and its various comités committees (volunteer) • Des inscriptions à tarif réduit à des ateliers et • Discounted enrollment is often extended to CTF activités organisés par nos membres members for workshops and activities organized • Possibilité d'acheter les t-shirts et les écussons de la by CTF members FCT • Purchase of official CTF T-Shirts and crests Canadian Taijiquan Federation Membership Application Form Formulaire d’ Inscription à la Fédération Canadienne de Taijiquan

www.canadiantaijiquanfederation.com

Name/Nom: ______

Address/Adresse: ______

______

Country/Pays: ______Postal Code/Code postal: ______

Telephone/Téléphone:

Home/Domicile: ______Work/Travail: ______

Email/Courriel: ______Website/Site web: ______

Student of/Étudiant de: ______

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Individual membership $35 (Canadian or US) / Family membership $50 (Canadian or US) Membriété personnelle 35$ (canadiens ou américains) / Membriété familiale 50$ (canadiens ou américains)

Please copy and mail completed membership form along with your cheque or money order to: Veuillez envoyer le formulaire dûment rempli et accompagné d’un chèque ou d’un mandat à la:

Canadian Taijiquan Federation P.O. Box 32055 London, Ontario Canada N5V 5K4

You can also register or renew your membership online. Vous pouvez aussi devenir membre ou renouveler votre membriété en ligne. www.canadiantaijiquanfederation.com