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

February 2012 Février Volume 19 . Issue 1 Numéro

file:///Users/rhubarb/Desktop/Iching-hexagram-13.webarchive Page 1 of 1 Putting the TongRen in your Taiji since 1988. TongRen February/Février 2012 Volume 19 . Issue 1 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

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 May 2012 Le prochain numéro sera publié en mai 2012 Submission deadline: 1 April 2012 Datelimite des soumissions: 1 avril 2012

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2 November 2011 Volume 18 . Issue 4 TongRen Novembre 2011 Volume 18 . 4 Numéro

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CONTENTS TABLE DES MATIÈRES Article Authour / Auteur Page

Put Your Practice on the Map ...... 4

The Four Squares and Four Corners 5

Year of the Water Dragon ...... 10

CTF T-Shirts Are Back! ...... 11

Tales of Tai Chi & Qigong from the Mighty Miramichi Dave Bucklow 12

News from the Yukon Helene Dobrowolsky 13

Cheers from the Wet Coast Ed Cooper 13

Heart Wise in the Upper Ottawa Valley Cindy Sell 14

Riverbank Push Hands 2012 Diane Kehoe & John Lastman 15

New Push Hands Curriculum James Coons 16

Joyful Hajime Naka 17

Workshops with Jill Heath & Adriaan Blaauw ...... 18

Journal of Chinese Nick Scrima 19

Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan on Ipad Jonathan Krehm 19

Upcoming Workshops & Events ...... 20

Canadian Taijiquan Federation ...... 23

Cover photo: Hajime (Dancing Dragon) Naka, Kelowna, B.C.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by contributing authors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the policies or beliefs of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation; its executive, Board of Directors, Editor, or members collectively or individually. All 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 The Canadian Taijiquan Federation. Putting the TongRen in your Taiji since 1988.

from the west coast to the east

Hajime (Dancing Dragon) Naka Dave Bucklow Instructor Instructor Dancing Dragon Tai Chi Oriental Arts N.B. Tai Chi & Qigong Kelowna, British Columbia Miramichi West, New Brunswick

Put your practice on the map! Send us a photo of yourself wearing a CTF t-shirt and we will add you to our national portrait gallery.

4 The Four Squares and the Four Corners by Sam Masich

No topic is more fundamental to an strategy. But it has much broader understanding of taijiquan than the theory of the implications. The ideas offered in these few words four squares and the four corners. The artʼs can be applied to any type of interaction whether essence, even itʼs raison dʼêtre is entirely bound up or not conflict is present; to how events are in the theory, function and philosophy of what in understood and experienced; even to spiritual are called the si zheng and the si metamorphosis. They hint at something of the yu. great and universal human story and the nature of It has been said by past masters, “Without an the universe in which that story unfolds. They understanding of the thirteen powers oneʼs art imply something about self-cultivation and the cannot properly be called taijiquan.” The entire consequences of walking a lesser path. They are underpinning of the thirteen power model is truths which, rather than begging to be embraced, anchored in the association between the four offer themselves for embodiment. squares and four corners, known collectively as the The terms si zheng and si yu are rife with meaning. ba men or eight gates. One of the opening ʻSiʼ; the number four, and ʻbaʼ; the number eight, statements in the ʻYang Family Forty Chapters’ are richly connected to much in Chinese reads as follows: symbolism. Four is a number related obviously to It is indispensable to understand the si direction. The notion of the cardinal directions— zheng and the si yu. The four-squares north, south, east, west — as related to the ʻfour- techniques are peng, lü, ji, an; the four- squaresʼ, and the four-diagonal directions —north- corners techniques are cai, lie, zhou, kao. east, north-west etc.—related to the ʻfour-cornersʼ, reinforce a sense of primal significance. While the Understanding the relationship between these number four taken on its own can connote bad two elemental power archetypes is vital to luck, the number eight is considered to be apprehending the purpose of the taijiquan, and supremely fortunate. The idea of two components for evaluating and reconciling the artʼs vast array of four working together as a single module of methods, techniques and stylistic variations — implies good fortune overcoming negative fates. even its history. Once having understood the premise of what might be called the ʻfour-fourʼ The compass points and theory, even subjects falling well outside the demonstrate the principle of cyclical topical range of taijiquan per se, can be opened up exchange of that operates to principled abstract analysis. endlessly in its course. The thirteen powers for example, are almost always portrayed as; the five steps and the eight gates, Defining the four squares and the four corners and never as; the five steps, the four squares and A very cursory summary of the si zheng-si yu the four corners. Possibly part of the reason so theory might go as follows: little discussion is devoted to them has had to do with this superstition. Whether or not this is the ʻWhen properly cultivated and effectively reason that the si zheng and si yu are generally employed, use of the si zheng is preferable lumped together into undifferentiated groupings to the si yu. If the si zheng is ineffective or of eight or thirteen, it is important that an effort be inadequate, employ the si yu.ʼ made to disentangle them so that they may be This simple statement sketches out a martial arts reassembled in a useful fashion. formula having to do with a theoretically superior

5 Si zheng In taijiquan push-hands curriculum, all roads lead If the opponent's movement is quick, then to the study of ʻsizheng tuishouʼ, the single most I am quick. important technical drill in the art. In a perfect If the opponentʼs movement is slow, then world — at least from a martial artistʼs standpoint I follow slowly. — we would never need the four-corners. Our ‘peng’ would be perfect and our ‘ji’ would never Although the variations are infinite, the get us into trouble. We would ‘stick’ perfectly to principle remains the same. our opponents and be peerless masters. Sizheng In mastering movement, one gradually tuishou, better known in English as ‘four-hands’, acquires ʻDong jinʼ. is a partner training drill essentially comprised of From the acquisition of dong jin one can the four basic ‘square’ energies: peng, lü, ji and an. reach shen ming Without long, persistent The drill is named for the concept which gives and arduous practice one cannot purpose to its existence. understand. ‘Zheng’ as a quality, should inform four-hands Zhan-nian jin, the subtle energy acquired through practice both as to its method and its aims. With a si zheng practices, fosters perfect connection with consistent expression of the concept of zheng at an opponent or partner and a subtle mastery of the heart of one’s study, the possibility of movement, leading the practitioner toward self eventual mastery exists. On one level, understanding (dong jin) and illumination (shen commitment to the ideal of zheng makes ming). attainable advanced levels of ‘sticking and adhering’ energy, qualities which hold the Taken together, the words si zheng evoke an promise of high pugilistic achievement. But elegant and high-minded image of four noble, adopting zheng as a practice standard provides decent, upright, honest qualities. When the something else; an ethical frame of reference to subject of the four-square energies arises in temper martial prowess. practice or in research, the discerning practitioner will look for nuance in the notion of zheng, So what is zheng? discovering: straightness inside the round peng; The word zheng as an adjective means: ‘straight’; honest receiving in lü; a remedy for deviations in ‘upright’; ‘correct’; honest’; ‘orthodox’. As a verb ji; and in an, forthrightness and directness. Zheng it means to: ‘rectify’; ‘set right’; ‘correct’. The expresses itself differently depending on the word implies decency, virtue, uprightness and form, the condition, the structure or the situation righteousness. Its literal opposite ‘buzheng’ means: through which it is embodied, but it always means ‘askew’, ‘crooked’, ‘devious’, ‘lacking in the same thing. What that is, is the lesson for integrity’, ‘improper’, ‘immoral’, ‘illegitimate’. every taijiquan player. Fangzheng, meaning ʻsquare-shapedʼ or Si yu ʻstraightforwardʼ, is one of dozens of words that zheng combines with to give the impression of Well along in the taijiquan curriculum, a either physical or moral justness and directness. practitioner encounters one of the artʼs rarest and Zhengdao and zhengde (the same and de as most challenging push-hands practices: ʻda lüʼ, the Daodejing) mean respectively; the ʻright wayʼ and ʻlarge roll-backʼ. Although commonly over- ʻvirtueʼ. stylized, sometimes to the point of near parody, da lü is a detailed study of the four ʻdiagonalʼ Undoubtedly the association of this word with energies and is, properly speaking, an extended principled practice is intentional. Zheng implies variation of ʻfourhands ʼ. not only that expressions of power are clear and direct, but also that technique is guided by a The four ‘yu’: cai, lie, zhou, and kao, fulfill a moral compass. That the means to skill mastery number of important but potentially vital also be a way toward inner awakening is secondary functions in the thirteen powers theory. explicitly stated in the Taijiquan Lun: Like an army reserve, trained for unforeseen or

6 overwhelming contingencies they await, ready to Just as zheng infers character qualities beyond do battle, but only if the necessity arises. This is mere physical alignment, the word yu in stated in the Yang Family 40 Chapters: someway transcends the description of simple When (we) are unable to sensitively lateralness and is bound up in conditions which execute the four-square techniques, errors might well be described as emotional and of lightness, heaviness, floating and psychological. Here in the corners a sense of risk sinking appear, thus the need for the si yu is present. What are the emotional and arises. psychological factors which come into play when one is cornered, or when one corners another? In Without association to zheng they are crude, diagonal play the potential for straying from reckless, compulsion driven urges, lacking civility uprightness, composure and fair play is great, as or a reasonable frame of reference. In affinity to emotions become charged. zheng however, they are heroic in their potential. The Yang family material adds: The image of an animal in a cage, pacing restlessly from one corner to the other, trying to Practitioners with faulty technique have find a way out, shaking its constraints, suits the no choice but to compensate by using the interaction of the grasping, rending, jostling corner techniques in an attempt to return qualities found in the energies of the si yu. These to proper roundness and squareness. are energies born of unchosen conditions; the Although practitioners of the lowest sense of being impinged upon, pinned down, order must resort to - and shoulder- unstable, confused. Arising unconsciously and stroke to compensate for their instinctively as they are wont do in the untrained deficiencies, even the most advanced individual, the lateral energies are mindlessly practitioners must acquire skill in pull- willful and can lead to a complete unravelling of down and split to return to proper form. guidelines, becoming self-defeating in their The character ‘yu’ is comprised of the left radical grabbing and lurching. ‘fu’ meaning ‘hill’ and the identically pronounced Some seeming headway may be made employing phonetic component ‘yu’, which is often defined this ‘method’ in the short term but taking the long as ‘spider monkey’ and is considered by view, the corner energies, if relied upon etymologists to depict a beastly, demonic face, excessively, put dramatic limits on progress drooping arms and a grasping, prehensile tail. It toward mastery in taijiquan. Like the caged may possible that the choice of yu by past creature mentioned above, practitioners masters, is reflective of this construction, frequently wind up endlessly repeating the especially considering the paramount role of ‘cai’ dramatic and emotional cycles incited by cai, lie, or ‘plucking’ in bringing the si yu into play in tui zhou and kao — ‘’ with problems rather shou. than engaging and transforming them. Yu in its most general sense means ‘corner’. But it When properly cultivated, the corner energies are is possible to be inside a corner or outside a corner. doggedly purposeful and can be powerful and Yu also means: ‘nook’, ‘angle’, ‘border’ or dangerous weapons. However, even in cases ‘outlaying place’. It is related to jiao which also where these energies are mastered to a significant means ‘corner’. The words yu and jiao are closely extent and employed effectively, use of the corner related but whereas jiao either refers to the outer energies as a main means of solving predicaments aspect of a corner (lit. ‘horn’) or tends to describe has the effect of escalating strife and provoking ‘corner’ in terms of mathematics and geometry: conflict. This produces directly, the twin eg. sanjiao; sijiaoxing, meaning ‘triangle’ and undesirable outcomes of: giving birth to vicious ‘quadrangle’, yu implies both the inner and outer cycles of frenzied but uninspired interplay; and aspects, as well as the function of a corner—and promoting strategies of preemption — both also more abstract connotations of corner(ed) antithetical to the purpose and spirit of the such as exasperation born of remoteness, taijiquan. confinement and isolation.

7 For this reason si yu must be tempered by si zheng. example: cai and lie are organic extensions of the somewhat lateral lü (which is itself born of peng Contrast and compliment in and an). They represent continuance beyond the the si zheng and si yu. range of the square and, when are studied in this context, are directly connected with the si zheng Square energy by its nature, approaches centre by concept as a contrasting but complimentary part. settling into where centre is and supporting or They are counterparts—yin and yang—and, as far maintaining it. Some master instructors have even as the thirteen powers theory is concerned, gone so far as to translate tuishou as ‘join hands’. indispensable to one another. Success with the si zheng requires and engenders The problem is, that owing to factors of human qualities such as ‘sticking, listening, development and make up: survival anxiety, the comprehending and receiving’, traits which must acquisition impulse, xenophobia, dominance be embodied if they are to be put to dependable cravings etc; default to the diagonal si yu service. For this reason others have dubbed mechanisms as an initial response to scenarios tuishou ‘sensing hands’. By focusing on such anti- involving questions of self-assertion, seem not egotistical qualities as joining, sensing, only natural but necessary. Until a process of supporting, trusting etc. four-squares study intentional selfcultivation is embarked upon — furnish direct and immediate results with regard one which which simultaneously curbs grasping to self-cultivation. impulses while providing an alternative to them In contrast — even by definition — lateral activity — deficiencies inherent in the uncultured rouses movement away from centre, pulling, diagonal tend to deteriorate inexorably into even dividing, extending and leaning. The si yu more desperate variations. Taijiquan practices, therefore is characterized by energies which while rooted in martial arts aims, are designed in attempt to hang onto, recover or compensate for such a way as to overcome this tendency—but what has been lost, traits which must be either this can only work if the practiced remain well contextualized or even overcome if grounded in the basic four-four theory. relationship to centre is to be meaningfully Understanding the si zheng as a basis for proper established. As a tool to personal transformation, study of the si yu is at the heart of the taijiquan study of the fourcorners is more an exercise in the method and makes possible free improvisation regulation and sublimation of raw instinct — how with the ‘thirteen powers’: to bring fervent impulses under control that they First perfect the si zheng hand techniques; then may be channelled into service. learn cai, lie, zhou and kao. When you can execute Both facets of the ba men are reflective of issues the si yu techniques, the shisan shi can go on related to spiritual progress and the quest for endlessly. personal freedom. In completely different ways, Buzheng each requires letting go and each possesses the Some individuals are possessed of a near potential for remarkable tenacious power as a complete inability to de-structure their consequence of such release. The si zheng and si competitive intention, to the point where little or yu challenge the dominance of the ego by no learning ever takes place in their taijiquan reframing such issues as: relaxation and tension; practice. In this environment, crude habits, born trust and control; consciousness and instinct; of instinct but honed by heedless egocentricity, helping to redefine power in terms of Tai Chi dominate, leading to such ugly forms of values and soft-power principles. escalation that it is impossible to describe the Owing to this discourse, one might arrive at the results as even ‘bad’ taijiquan. Where such notion that the si yu are antithetical to the si zheng. conditions exist that both si zheng and si yu But this is not the case. From a purely technical energies have degraded into an utterly polluted standpoint the fourcorners are extensions of latent state, we may speak of ‘buzheng’. diagonal aspects within the four-squares. For

8 Training taijiquan under buzheng conditions is taijiquan. Often such ‘taiji impersonators’ virtually pointless. Aggressive grabbing, torquing camouflage their hostility in difficult-tochallenge and clinging, or cheap-shot lunges with hands, rhetoric and, especially if the rhetorician can back elbows and shoulders may provide a certain up claims with some degree of ferocity, reasoned measure of reward, but only in a vain-glorious discussion or appeals tend to be sidetracked, mission. When these are the prime strategies, the misconstrued and returned with enmity. practice is buzheng. It is, to state it generously, In any case the long term remedy is always the improper or illegitimate as taijiquan. But such same. A return to the guidelines and principles of practice (and often the accompanying taijiquan always provides a solution to problems practitioner) is not merely askew, it is lacking in of any type and magnitude encountered along the integrity, often devious and perhaps even taiji path. Finding one’s way back to the si zheng immoral. It leads nowhere useful except to the path need not necessarily be such a difficult occasional reinforcement of its own deluded undertaking. Often, for dedicated players who justification and is roundly criticized both in will devote time to the art one way or another, a classical texts and by traditional instructors. A few minor shifts in focus and priority can go a pervasive quality of desperate interaction, while long way. In a sympathetic environment progress perhaps in some circumstances understandable or can be made fairly quickly. For the sincere even useful as a test condition, is antithetical to practitioner willing to divest him or herself of a the principles and values of the art. few cherished habits, the process can be The si zheng arise in and give birth to, conditions revelatory. If, owing to unalterable buzheng of sufficiency. The si yu arise in and reconcile, conditions of either the technical or ethical conditions of deficiency. But desperate buzheng variety, one cannot make progress, another path practice is to be avoided as is well stated in the toward mastery must be sought — perhaps even Yang text: a change of study and learning environments. You may expand and contract as you Practitioners entirely attached to their buzheng desire but never violate the principle of practices tend toward ego-based isolation anyway taiji. and are best left alone, saving in the event of some amendment to their temperament and way The line between overly lateral and flat-out of going about things. buzheng practices and practitioners, can be quite thin from a technical standpoint. Sometimes this Si zheng and Wu bu is distinguishable only by subjectively perceived Simply summarized, it is impossible in taijiquan character traits such as ratio of ‘good-will to to make significant progress in si zheng training malign intention’, or by factors such as level of when errors predominate basic -work. In experience, awareness or even intelligence. fact, it is largely due to misconceptions in stance Occasionally a practitioner might have learned structure, that deficiencies arise which force and trained a technically buzheng method practitioners unnecessarily into the four-corners, believing it to reflect the art’s core values and and beyond into buzheng. This issue is addressed may, although being out of touch with central in taijiquan by study of the ʻwu buʼ or ʻfive stepsʼ. tenets, be so in a well meaning way. The five steps, combined with the ʻeightgates ʼ (si Other players, trading on physical or personality zheng and si yu), comprise the ʻthirteen powersʼ. based attributes (e.g. quick, rangy, strong, The si zheng, si yu and wu bu must thoroughly aggressive, sneaky or belligerent types), forsake reinforce one another: corporeally — in actual soft-power principles for the ego-jolt provided by training and martial application; and momentary superiority. In some cases this is due conceptually — for the devising of valid methods to a lack of awareness as to other approaches (the and the furtherance of taijiquan theory. Lacking quality of instruction in taijiquan is by no means reinforcement from proper stance behaviour, the uniform) but in the worst instances it is little more four-four theory is untenable and practices will than mean-spiritedness masquerading as become unavoidably distorted. Hence the

9 statement, “Without an understanding of the thirteen powers, oneʼs art cannot properly be called taijiquan.”

A passionate and gifted teacher, Taijiquan and Qigong expert Sam Masich, inspires students 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 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 through his website: www.sammasich.com

2012 is the Year of The (Black) Water Dragon 4 February 2012 - 9 February 2013

2012 will bring opportunities to awaken your own higher consciousness and eliminate negativity, limitations and disease from your life. Naturally, there will be earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, wars, and so on during the next two years, but according to the Chinese calendar and astral picture from the eastern perspective; there is nothing that would indicate an apocalypse or end of the world as we know it. Dragon years are traditionally filled with Pageantry, Festivals and elaborate Celebrations. These years hold potential extravagance, grandiose ambitions and futuristic enterprises which soar to the forefront with drama. The essence of Dragon years is 'unpredictability’, and the average Dragon year will be exhausting, bringing both spectacular victories and some memorable defeats. The Dragon is a mythical creature and the sign of good luck and vital health. Chinese Dragons are benevolent creatures who live in the heavens and command the cosmos; wind, mist, rain, thunder and lightning. Dragon years, as those born into them, are traditionally: unpredictable, flashy, dramatic and full of life. Have fun with the showy, the swanky and the flashy sides of life. 2012 opens communication to the inner spiritual planes (as above, so below) and the opportunity for humanity to receive Divine guidance. 2012 will be a very special time for humankind …Let the Dragon lend you his wings to progress beyond what you think is possible for yourself. The reward will be an understanding of personal truths that may, very well, change your life forever. www.chineseastrology.com

10 Canadian Taijiquan Federation T-Shirts Are Back!

Featuring the return of the popular ‘fiery dragon’ design coiling around the CTF logo on the front of this black long-sleeved t-shirt.

Not ready to give up your Taiji practice in the great outdoors? Looking for a ‘team look’ in formal black? We’ve got you covered!

Available now! Order yours today! The new twist on the 2011 edition is the back print: “Putting the TongRen in your Taiji since 1988.” Makes a great conversation piece as you explain that TongRen is both the name of the CTF newsletter and the Chinese term for ‘fellowship’ or ‘community’.

Available in S, M, L, XL, XXL adult sizes. Made from 6 oz. 100% cotton tubular jersey. Double-needle bottom hem. Shoulder-to-shoulder tape. Preshrunk to minimize shrinkage. Ribbed cuffs and neck. Only $30.00!

Please note that postal rates vary widely due to the size of Canada, so postage is not included in this price but will be added on prior to shipping your t-shirt to you. The CTF will happily sell t-shirts (and memberships) to folks outside of Canada; you may pay in either Canadian or US funds. Looking to save some money on postage? Buy one for a friend at the same time and combine shipping. Better yet, get a group of friends together and save even more. Looking to pay NO postage? Find Jill Heath in person, and you have a deal! Contact Jill Heath to place your order: [email protected]

11 The Wave News from our Members

From Dave Bucklow in Miramichi, New Brunswick:

Tales of Tai Chi & Qigong from the Mighty Miramichi January is the start of our winter session and as such we try to make the best of the winter weather. On nice sunny Sunday afternoons (1pm) a small group of dedicated players can be found in "French Fort Cove", one of our beauty spots with walking trails around a small lake. There is a rest area at the back of the lake that is somewhat sheltered from any wind and traps the sun. We take our snow shovels and clear the area, bring thermos of hot chai and have fun practicing in the winter outdoors. This small lake is also the site of our Pond Hockey Tournament, that brings tourist from far & wide... But I digress. Players in the wintry photos below: Sheena Russell, Astrid Stewart, Daniel Maiden, and Jim Gant. New Brunswick is rather isolated from the rest of Canada and as a result Tai Chi & Qigong are struggling to make themselves known. is king here. Seems to be everywhere. But very slowly we are becoming noticed through articles in the news media and on the TV – and I think a lot of attention has been gained thanks to World Tai Chi Day over the last 12 years. I joined Bill in this endeavor in his second year - his first year on the Internet. I believe there were 8 clubs participating that year (1999 ?). This year there will be well over the 1000 mark, in 70 countries or more. I have recently been in touch with my past Instructor in Fredericton N.B. and found that his QiGong has grown by leaps & bounds. He is now certified in Qigong Healing and Acupuncture, is studying Chinese Medicine, and has added "QiGong for Health" to his class curriculum. He has a beautiful school close to downtown Fredericton on the banks of the Saint John River. His is a full time school, with his Qi ealing, Acupuncture, and Massage as part of his business. Great place to visit for relaxation if you are ever in Fredericton. Http://www.wellnessclinic.biz/

12 Chaoyi Fanhuan Qigong Healing seems to be making a name for itself in Fredericton & Moncton too. This is the most activity I have seen over the last 20 years of promoting this great Healing Art in N.B. I have time to try my hand at writing this article as it's sunny this afternoon but too cold to enjoy Tai Chi in French Fort Cove, as the temperature today is -17c with a W.C of -26c. Maybe I will be out there next Sunday. Dave Bucklow Oriental Arts N.B. Tai Chi & Qigong http://taichidave.ca/

World Tai Chi Day 2010 Miramichi, New Brunswick

From Helene Dobrowolsky in Whitehorse, Yukon:

We were most surprised and pleased to find our group on the last cover. Alas, the only news up here lately is how many classes we are having to cancel due to cold weather, a week of the low -30s without much let up in sight. As my husband says, the chi flows slow at forty below. But we are looking forward to celebrating the advent of the year of the Dragon at the end of the month with a practice and feast. Keep well and warm, Helene Dobrowolsky Secretary, Tai Chi Yukon [email protected] www.taichi-yukon.ca

From Ed Cooper in Campbell River, British Columbia: Marsha and I are doing great here in Campbell River; it is a lovely place, very picturesque with lots of fresh air. We have joined the local dragon boat team and during the summer get paddling twice a week on the Campbell River estuary. Eagles, salmon, harbour seals and once a bear are sights as we cruise along. I am a tillerman. I taught beginners Tai Chi for a bit through our local ElderCollege and Marsha and I are both active in the admin of ElderCollege. I have a friend that comes up from Courtney and we play Tai Chi push hands that sometimes degenerates into Senior's . Just turned 65 and got my Gold Card which allows free passage on our ferries. woopee I planted 20 dwarf fruit trees using a cordon method of training (single oblique espalier). Got a few apples this year, the spring was cool and wet which decreases the pollination.

Cheers, from the Wet Coast, Ed Cooper

13 From Cindy Sell in the Upper Ottawa Valley, Ontario: In an effort to join with the Heart Wise Exercise Network, The Upper Ottawa Valley Tai Chi Club (UOVTC) is purchasing two AED (Automated External Difibrillators). The Heart Wise Exercise Program is a partnership of the Renfrew Paramedic Service and many other community organizations who are working with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute to provide heart healthy exercises for all. Obtaining a grant from the Mikey Network charity has helped the club in purchasing the defibrillators and corresponding CPR training. One of the AED machines will be donated to Champlain Discovery Public School in Pembroke where the club holds weekly Tai Chi classes. Participation in the Heart Wise Exercise Program also requires, among other criteria, that exercise instructors be certified in CPR. The UOVTC Club hosted an intensive CPR/AED training session at the end of January for its members and volunteers/instructors. The objectives of the Heart Wise Exercise Network are to identify exercise programs that are most suitable for individuals with heart disease and to help you choose exercise programs that are heart friendly. This fits well with the Upper Ottawa Valley Tai Chi Club’s mandate to share the enjoyment and health benefits of Tai Chi. For additional information about the project please visit www.heartwiseexercise.ca

Fit for Heart Event Pembroke, Otario

The Upper Ottawa Valley Tai Chi Club will again be hosting a free public event for World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. The 2012 World Tai Chi & Qigong Day is the 12th annual event held the last Saturday in April and has grown to encompass hundreds of cities and over 60 countries around the world. There is a Chinese proverb that states ‘if you learn something that benefits you, you have a moral obligation to share it with others’. So by learning the health benefits of Tai Chi, our members and volunteer instructors want to pass on this priceless knowledge with our friends, family and community. On Saturday, April 28th you are invited to join the Upper Ottawa Valley Tai Chi Club for free demonstrations and Tai Chi activities that will be fun for the whole family. Join us from 9 am to Noon at Champlain Discovery School at 390 Bell Street in Pembroke. Heart healthy snacks will be provided. To give back to our community even more, at this year’s celebration, the Club will also be combining it with their Fit For Heart event. Volunteers will be collecting donations for life-saving funds to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Heart disease and stroke are responsible for 1 in 3 Canadian deaths every year. The funds raised from this event will help fund research and raise awareness. By using World Tai Chi & Qigong Day’s (www.worldtaichiday.org) world-wide exposure, the UOVTC Club members hope that this unique fundraising opportunity will enable them to inspire more people to become active and stay fit through Tai Chi. We all know that stress can be harmful to our health but it can also increase our risk of heart disease and stroke. The ancient art of tai chi uses gentle fluid movements to reduce the stress of today’s busy lifestyles. Tai Chi has also been proven to lower high blood pressure, increase balance and flexibility, improve memory, increase metabolism, boost immunity and so much more. Join us on April 28th to receive free educational information on the profound health benefits of Tai Chi. It’s easy to send your support. Simply visit www.OttawaValleyTaiChi.ca and click on Links or visit our Events page. We greatly appreciate any and all pledges. We truly hope to surpass last year's funds raised of nearly $4,000.

14 From Diane Kehoe & John Lastman in Ladner, British Columbia:

Hi everyone, Sorry that we have been so slow to get our ‘Riverbank Push Hands List’ out this year. We have tried to avoid overlapping with other T’ai Chi – related dates for the year and came up with these Sundays. While it is possible that some of the dates could change if you can think of an event that we have overlooked, this is the list ‘for now’. From time to time we will send out reminders and any make any necessary changes. This year all our Push Hands Days will be held on Sundays because last year people preferred to leave Saturdays clear for family obligations. Our ‘Push-Hands Friday Evenings’ were lots of fun but lightly attended so we haven’t scheduled any for 2012 but there is nothing to stop us from holding another one during the year if there are people who want to play but who just don’t have time on the weekends. So, let me present the Riverbank Push-Hands Days for 2012:

Sunday 29 January Sunday 20 May Sunday 5 August Sunday 18 November Sunday 4 March Sunday 24 June Sunday 16 September Sunday 9 December Sunday 15 April Sunday 22 Jully Sunday, 14 Ocober

This year only two Sundays are part of long weekends and there will be no Push-Hands Days scheduled for February because the month is packed full of family birthdays! For those who haven’t come in the past, we hold all the Push-Hands Days here at Riverbank, rain or shine. The address is 4126 River Road West, Delta, BC, Canada, V4K 1R8 and our home phone number is 604. 946. 4983. Diane’s cell-phone is 604.868.2396. There is no charge for attending but most people bring a snack that they can share. We will keep the tea pot on and supply lots of cool drinks when the weather is hot. Riverbank is a ‘Drug and Alcohol-free Zone’, and yes, nicotine is a drug. Anyone who is interested in practicing two-person martial arts based on relaxation and the laws of gravity should come. We have enjoyed the company of everyone from masters to total beginners. Many people have had some background in an Internal Martial Art but we have also had wonderful visits from ‘hard stylists’, ‘full-contact improv dancers’, and people who have never even seen T’ai Chi practiced before they arrived at Riverbank. Bring open minds and remember that the only rule here is that if you break your ‘toy’, you will not be given another one to play with. The greatest gift any martial artist can have is a good training partner! Take good care of one another. If you would like a pick-up from the Tsawassen Ferries or from the Ladner Bus Depot please phone us ahead of time so that we can find out what time you will arrive. There is plenty of on-street parking here but we’d love to see people saving gas and sharing rides. These events start at 1:00 pm and go to around 6:00 pm. At 7:00 pm we usually go to Danny’s Wun Tun House in Ironwood Shopping Centre at No. 5 Road and Steveston Hwy in Richmond for a tasty Chinese meal. If you can’t attend the Push-Hands but would like to come for dinner, please phone us ahead of time so that we can reserve a table with lots of room for everyone. If you need directions to Riverbank or would like to know anything else about Push-Hands Days or our regularly scheduled lessons on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, please call us for more information or send us an email at [email protected]. We are looking forward to another wonderful year of Push-Hands. These events started in 1994 and this year we will be celebrating our 100th Riverbank Push-Hands Day on 2012 Jun 24! Come and be part of the excitement in this year of the Water Dragon. Diane Kehoe & John Eastman Riverbank, Ladner, BC

15 From Robert James Coons of Guelph, Ontario, in Shanghai, PRC:

Hello all, I am just in the process of wrapping up my current stint in Shanghai and will be heading back to Canada sometime mid January to get my things in order to go back to Asia in the spring (hopefully working in Hokkaido or Kyushu in Japan). I will have a month or so to dedicate to doing some pretty serious martial arts initiatives in our community. This email is specifically addressed to teachers in our area and is not so much an advertisement as a feeler for what kind of things are possible in the winter. I have been developing a really big push hands curriculum for about a year now. It is based on using the eight gates theory of taiji as it is applied into sixty four changes as shown in the yijing. So basically each individual energy has seven smaller, cooperative energies that go with it, representing all of the changes of the yijing. It also emphasizes extreme softness, and a lot of mental and energetic work. There is a big focus on the middle dantien in this work, as it promotes total ease of movement and supports principles such as following, yielding, not opposing, and cooperation in stressful situations. This material has gotten much better since I have come to Shanghai, as I have had opportunities to push hands every day, sometimes for rather extended periods of time, with a variety of different people, all bringing different skillsets to the table. The material is getting very organized, and the amount of material is becoming close to being able to be categorized as a system. It is mainly a way of practicing Taijiquan, but does not rely on a present form, rather a set of basic exercises that can be combined together in a freestyle fashion. It focuses on the five steps and eight gates as an introductory exercise, and then moves on to more complex combinations of energy and stepping, while constantly building up an energetic connection, ground path, structure, ability to lose structure successfully, and all the good stuff we commonly think of as applying to taiji, but that seems out of grasp for most people. The efficacy of this material was driven home to me when I was forced to defend a Chinese university student against a very angry Kazak man. The situation was entirely diffused using push hands skills on physical, emotional, oral, and energetic levels. No one was hurt, punched, thrown, or inconvenienced, and yet the physical skills of push hands were one of the most important parts of diffusing the situation. My goal in coming back to Canada during the winter is to develop and spread this method. In my opinion, it goes far deeper into the heart of taijiquan theory than the majority of push hands commonly seen anywhere (including, for the most part, what I have seen in China), and it is very much worth any student's time and effort to learn this. What I am trying to do now is find ways to cooperate with local teachers in the r&d aspect of this, as well as trying to find venues at which to share this information. I plan on being remuneratively employed upon my arrival in Canada, so money is not an issue in this. I would just as soon make no money from this and spread useful material to people, as to try to make a business out of it (in all honesty, making a business out of is a losing proposition in the first place). I feel that this material has so much merit that I want anyone who would like to learn it to be able to have a chance. If you are interested in collaborating, please let me know and also please let me know how you think that a (very large and somewhat daunting) project like this could be approached. Thank you so much. Robert James Coons B.A. HIST, TEFL certified University of Guelph Shanghai program 2011 Group Coordinator [email protected]

16 From Hajime Naka in Kelowna, Bristish Columbia:

Dear TongRen, Greetings everybody. May the year of the dragon bring you joyful Qi. I really like the new CTF t-shirt. It looks great on me and matches my dragon nature. I don’t know if it was my fate or just a coincidence that I was born in the year of the dragon in 1940, the same year that Bruce Lee was born. Bruce arrived into the world about a week before I made my appearance – two dragons with two different karmas. I was born during an auspicious period in Japan’s history and being the first-born son, made the occasion even more special. To celebrate the event I was given the name ‘Hajime’ which means ‘to begin’, signifying the beginning of Japan entering the modern era. Despite my promise of a bright future, I toiled in obscurity, while Bruce Lee became an icon, a legend who was worshipped around the world, while I remained a solitary legend in my own mind. I was a chicken-hearted ‘dancing dragon’ and Bruce Lee was known as the little fighting dragon. I guess we were the yin and yang dragons. Although Bruce Lee’s and my life seemed totally unrelated, I can’t help but think that we were both destined to follow the Dao. So what if Bruce beat me there. Well . . . that was Zen, this is Dao. And here we are in 2012, and it’s hard to believe that I am entering my fourth decade of playing and teaching Qigong Taiji. Having recently reached another milestone, I am now starting my second year as a foolishly wise elder. One good thing about growing older is you don’t have to act your age – which I don’t. Thanks to Qigong Taiji, I now live in a pain-free body, feel younger, freer and healthier than I did thirty some years ago. What does that tell you about my miserable former life? I am grateful to all the teachers who have had the patience to impart their knowledge, skill and experience to a very slow learner. I hope I can repay your gift through my teaching and inspire others to embrace this wonderful (full of wonder) art of life. I have made so many friends over the years and even though I have not met many of you, I feel that I know you through your stories in Tong Ren. Qi-fully yours, Hajime (dancing dragon) Naka

Iching-hexagram-13 7/15/09 4:20 PM

TongRen (T’ung-jen) TongRen is the 13th hexagram of the (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)

17

file:///Users/rhubarb/Desktop/Iching-hexagram-13.webarchive Page 1 of 1 Saturday–Sunday workshops in Gatineau, Quebec Saturday Workshops in Milton, Ontario February – June 2012 Taiji For Two: Empty Hand, Sword, Fundamentals of 2-person Work, Chen with Adriaan Blaauw & Jill Heath

Centre de Tai Chi Gilles Vaillant, 109 rue Wright, Gatineau, Quebec Saturday - Sunday 18-19 Feb 2012 Sword (1-3 pm Sat.) Saturday - Sunday 17-18 Mar 2012 Fundamentals of 2-Person Work Saturday - Sunday 28-29 Apr 2012 (3:30-5:30pm Sat.) Saturday - Sunday 23-24 Jun 2012 Empty Hand (10am-noon Sun.) Chen (12:30-2:30 pm Sun.)

Newcomers are always welcome!

Fees & Payment Structure: $40 each 2-hour workshop; $30 if previous in series attended. Pay in full in advance for six 2-hour workshops: $170. You may pay via cash, cheque or electronically (email transfer). Gatineau: Attend entire weekend for $150; $110 if previous in series attended. Pay in full in advance for six entire weekends: $600.

Fundamentals of Two-Person Work: The study of sticking sword and pushing hands, focusing on skills essential for all two-person work.

Chen: The study of Chen continues via exercises and a short form, including solo and two-person work.

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.

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

18 It has been a decade since the publication of the last issue of the Journal of Chinese Martial Arts (JCMA). Much has changed in the way people access information. Many experienced masters have left us and others are retiring, and a new generation of teachers has come on the scene seeking to preserve the old while at the same time infusing their teaching with new concepts and fresh ideas. The bridge between China and the West has narrowed and this too has served to bring to light many masters and methods that once were not easily accessible.

Therefore, we are pleased to announce that the JCMA has resumed publication with the Winter 2012 issue. A full-color 56-page quarterly magazine with the highest standards of scholarship, writing, and graphic design, it is available in a limited-edition collector’s print version as well as a digital edition with flip-page technology and online bonus features. Our contributors bring years of knowledge and skill to their writings, to offer original features of historical, theoretical, and technical interest—the best of the classical and the contemporary—for martial arts enthusiasts the world over.

The Journal features high-quality graphics and photos—including many never before published— Romanization and Chinese characters, interviews with noted masters, a wide range of styles and weaponry, and regular departments including the editor’s page, classical quotations to challenge your thinking, coaches’ training tips, health research, book and media reviews, and profiles of outstanding competitors. Like us on Facebook and other interactive social media sites. Go to www.cmajournal.com for more information and to subscribe now!

JCMA is in a unique position to present a comprehensive approach to the arts and its masters and to synthesize the traditional and the modern, thus honoring the past by passing our heritage to the next generation. There is a saying in Chinese Martial Arts circles, “wǔ shù yī gè jiā,” martial arts are one family. We hope that through our efforts we can bring the CMA community closer together.

In friendship, Nick Scrima, Editor and Publisher

Ipad Gold Book

An Ipad application of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan (the Gold Book) is now available for download at the Apple Store. This book is of great importance to all tai chi chuan enthusiasts, whatever school or style they follow. The two main texts, that are presented here are at the core of the traditions that emanated from the Imperial after the fall of the Ching Dynasty in 1911. The older of the two texts, "The Explanation of Tai Chi Methodology" was published in full in Chinese for the first time only in the 1980 edition of this book. It was transcribed by my Great Great Grandfather founding Grand Master Chuan Yau, after he became a disciple of Yang Ban Hou at Prince Sweh Fang's palace. It has been in the Wu family for over 125 years. The second text was written by Master Wu Kung Cho in 1935 and amend in 1980. Master Eddie Wu Kwong Yu

The link to follow is: http://itunes.apple.com/app/wu-style-tai-chi-chuan-gold/id480638997?mt=8

19 Tai Chi Workshops in Canada

DaoYin for Charity Sunday 22 January - Vidya (3:00–5:00pm) with Poney Chiang Sunday 19 February - Vidya (3:00–5:00pm) Wednesdays starting 1 Feb 2012 Sunday 18 March - Wuxing (12:00–2:00 pm) (7:15 - 8:45pm) Sunday 29 April 29 ? (3:00–5:00pm) Enroll anytime as space permits, pay-what- Sunday 27 May - Wuxing (12:0 –2:00 pm) you-can/donation, proceeds to Daoist Sunday 17 June 17 - Vidya? (3:00–5:00pm) Foundation Sunday 15 July - Wuxing (12:00–2:00 pm) Location: Six Degrees Self-Serve Yoga Studio, Sunday 19 August - Vidya? (3:00–5:00pm) 204 Spadina Ave. 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario Sunday 16 September - Wuxing (12:00–2 pm) www.daoistfoundation.org Sunday 21 October - Vidya? (3:00–5:00pm) Contact: Poney Chiang (647) 262-5722 Sunday 25 November - Wuxing (12:00–2 pm) Sunday 16 December - Vidya? (3:00 – 5pm)

Chinese with Scott M. Rodell Sessions de pousse-mains Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 April 2012 Centre de Tai Chi Gilles-Vaillant Toronto, Ontario Gatineau, Quebec Contact: Poney Chiang (905)513-6888 Contact: Réal Lalande (819)778-0147 http://youtu.be/R9VTu63NX5E [email protected] http://www.grtc.org/classes/chinese- http://web.me.com/chengfu/ swordsmanship-cirriculum/ taichigillesvaillant.ca/Accueil.html

vendredi le 13 et vendredi le 27 janvier vendredi le 17 Février Sword Practice 2012 vendredi le 9 et vendredi le 23 Mars Contact: Poney Chiang (647) 262-5722 vendredi le 13 et vendredi le 27 Avril [email protected] vendredi le 11 Mai www.zenshiatsuclinic.ca vendredi le 1 et vendredi le 15 Juin Alternating Locations: Vidya Institute 232 Christie Street, Toronto, Ontario or The T'ai Chi Classics: Opening the Door to Wuxing Martial Arts Mastery (live tele-seminar) 374 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario with Jampa Mackenzie Stewart Sunday 26 February 2012 (4:00 – 6:00 pm) Voluntary cleaning session after practice in Healing Tao Institute (512) 291-8363 exchange for the use of space as both venues www.healingtaoinstitute.com are being generously donated free of charge. Practice may be cancelled on short notice if Qigong for Relaxation and Stress the venues need to be used for another Management (Llive tele-seminar) event. If this is the case, and weather with Jampa Mackenzie Stewart permitting, practice will be held in a nearby Sunday 25 March 2012 park. Any damage to property will be the Healing Tao Institute (512) 291-8363 collective responsibility of all who attend the www.healingtaoinstitute.com practice.

20 Tai Chi Workshops in Canada

Yang Long Form Super Intensive: Ziran Qigong Yang Style Taijiquan 108 with Master Liu De Ming & 37 Essential Forms Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 May 2012 with Sam Masich hosted by Barrie Tai Chi & Qigong Saturday 19 – Tuesday 22 May 2012 Barrie, Ontario Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 May 2012 Contact: [email protected] Milton, Ontario www.barrietaichi.com Contact: Mary Hansell (905)854-0314 www.ziranqigong.com www.sammasich.com

Cooking For Health Taiji Workshops in Quebec with Nicola Lawrence and Andy James with Jill Heath & Adriaan Blaauw Power of Balance Sword (1-3pm Saturdays) Friday 9 – Sunday 11 March 2012 Friday 24 – Sunday 26 August 2012 Fundamentals of 2-Person Work Friday 2 – Sunday 4 November 2012 (3:30-5:30pm Saturdays) Empty Hand (10am-noon Sundays) Insight & Qigong Retreat Chen (12:30-2:30pm Sundays) with Andy James, Power of Balance Friday 13 - Sunday 15 April 2012 Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 February 2012 Friday 13 - Tuesday 17 April 2012 Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 March 2012 Friday 19 - Sunday 21 October 2012 Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 April 2012 Friday 19 - Friday 26 October 2012 Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 June 2012

Centre de Tai Chi Gilles Vaillant, Harmony Dawn Centre, Rice Lake, 90 109 rue Wright Gatineau, Quebec minutes northeast of Toronto, Contact: Northumberland County Adriaan Blaauw: [email protected] Contact: (416)465-6122 Jill Heath: [email protected]

14th World Congress on Qigong & TCM 2012 Friday 25 – Monday 28 May 2012 Hosted by The Academy for Chi-Kung Studies, Dr. Effie Chow, & East West Qi WORLD TAI CHI & Toronto, Ontario QIGONG DAY Contact: Master Justin Ngui (905)770-0457 [email protected] Saturday 28 April 2012 www.modernhealer.ca/14wcq/wcq.php?l=home

21 Tai Chi Workshops outside Canada

Taiji Pushing Hands Yang-style Taiji Sabre: '' In-Depth Taijiquan Training with a Partner with Sam Masich with Dr Yang Jwing-Ming Friday 30 March – Sunday 1 April 2012 Saturday 11- Sunday 12 February 2012 Yang-style Taiji Sabre: 'Chen Yanlin' (9:00am - 5:00pm) with Sam Masich Qigong Theory and Maintaining Chest/ Friday 22 - Sunday 24 June 2012 Spine Health Brighton, UK with Dr Yang Jwing-Ming Contact: Simon or Cher Robins Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 February 2012 01903 369501 / 07825 410967 (9:00am - 5:00pm) [email protected] Hard Qigong: Qigong for Energizing and www.sammasich.com Strengthening the Body with Dr Yang Jwing-Ming Sunday 25 – Monday 26 February 2012 Jue-shou & 5 Section Taiji Sanshou (9:00am - 5:00pm) with Sam Masich YMAA Boston Friday 4 - Sunday 6 May 2012 38 Hyde Park Ave. Seattle, USA Jamaica Plain, MA, USA Contact: Karin Collins (617)524-8892 [email protected] (206) 898-5048 www.ymaa.com www.sammasich.com

Tai Chi Caledonia Hannover Taiji Projekt 2012: Push-hands Friday 13 – Friday 20 July 2012 Energies, Taiji Sword, 5 Section Taiji Stirling University, Stirling, UK Sanshou Glasgow, Scotland. UK with Sam Masich Tel: +44 141 810 3482 Friday 27 - Sunday 29 April 2012 [email protected] Friday 13 - Sunday 15 July 2012 www.taichicaledonia.com Hannover, Deutschland Contact: Oliver Rust 0151 - 40 40 5606 [email protected] 60-posture Taiji form, Push Hands and www.sammasich.com Applications with William C.C. Chen Sunday 5 February 2012 3nd Annual Berlin Summer Push Hands Camp Hebei Xingyiquan with Sam Masich with Di Guoyong Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 August 2012 Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 March 2012 Berlin, Deutschland Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 March 2012 Contact: Sam Masich 0170-553-8096 Dunedin, Florida, USA www.sammasich.com Contact: Nick Scrima [email protected]

22 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 préserver Taijiquan and preserve its characteristics as an son caractère culturel et philosophique chinois. expression of Chinese culture and philosophy. 2. Stimuler la connaissance et la participation du 2. To stimulate public awareness of and grand public en matière de taijiquan. participation in Taijiquan. 3. Relier tous les praticiens de taijiquan, peu 3. To inclusively link practitioners of Taijiquan importe les styles et les traditions, qu’ils soient from various styles and traditions without seuls ou affiliés, partout au Canada. precedence – whether as individuals or 4. Élargir et renforcer l’expérience canadienne du gathered in groups, clubs and organizations taijiquan en créant un réseau national et across Canada – as they join the Federation international pour les individus, les groupes, les family. clubs, et les autres organisations. 4. To network nationally and internationally 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 de TongRen 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 experienced ateliers parrainés par la FCT et donnés par des 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 à events 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 événements and links, an archive of back issues of TongRen, et des liens, les anciens numéros de TongRen, des photographs, blogs and forums photos, des blogs et des forums • Postings to the public-access pages of the CTF • Pages publiques pour annoncer votre organisme, vos website for your club/school, workshops/seminars 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 difference d'influencer la communauté du taiji en joignant le in the Taijiquan community by sitting on the CTF Conseil d'administration de la FCT et ses multiples Board of Directors and its various committees comités (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 by • Possibilité d'acheter les t-shirts et les écussons de la CTF members FCT • Purchase of official CTF T-Shirts and crests 23