Putting the TongRen in your Taiji since 1988.

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 2011 Novembre Volume 18 . Issue 4 Numéro

file:///Users/rhubarb/Desktop/Iching-hexagram-13.webarchive Page 1 of 1 TongRen November/Novembre 2011 Volume 18 . 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

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

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

Next issue will be published in February 2012 Le prochain numéro sera publié en Fevrier 2012 Submission deadline: 1 January 2012 Datelimite des soumissions: 1 Janvier 2012

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

CONTENTS TABLE DES MATIÈRES

Article Authour / Auteur Page

Introducing Your CTF Board of Directors for 2012 4

Winning a Gold Medal Allan Haddad 7

CTF T-Shirts Are Back! Jill Heath 8

News from the North Helene Dobrowolsky 10

Interview with Grandmaster Ron Williamson (Shifu Wu Rong Seng) and Senior Student Stella Bullock, Atado School of Defensive Arts, Kitchener Tanya Korovkin 11

Workshops with Jill Heath & Adriaan Blaauw advertisement 17

The 8 Principles for Taijiboxing and a Healthy Lifestyle Dennis Pounall 18

Upcoming Workshops & Events 21

Canadian Taijiquan Federation 23

Canadian Taijiquan Federation Instructor Certification 24

Canadian Taijiquan Federation Membership Application Form 26

Photo on front cover: “Yes we were slightly punchy after a full day’s practice at the Phoenix Dojo.” L-R: Ken Andre, Joan Wilson, Jo-Ann Gates, Pam Boyde, Lisa Pan, Janet MacLachlan and Helene Dobrowolsky. Tai Chi Yukon

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 Introducing Your Board of Directors for 2012

CTF 2011-12 President: 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 area.

A Special Welcome To Our New Board Members

Pam Boyde Pam has been a Taiji player for over 20 years and sharing her love of the art for over 18 years. She has been a student of the traditional Yang family style Taijiquan for the past 13 years. Over the years her teachers have been Chantal Fafard, Sam Masich, John Camp, Grand Master Yang Zhenduo and Master Yang Jun. Pam has attained her 5th level ranking and instructor certification with the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. She and her husband, Jim, live in the Ibex Valley just outside of Whitehorse, Yukon with their 20+ dogs.

Bill Marsh From a martial arts and yoga background, in 1968-69 Bill Marsh began studying T'ai Chi from Edward Maisel's book. Around 1975 he started the first T'ai Chi club in Hamilton, Ontario, where he participated in the formation of the Taoist T'ai Chi Society and represented the Hamilton T'ai Chi Association. Bill was a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation in its early formative years. He is a respected Elder with the CTF and sits on its Board of Directors. Bill is a holistic health practitioner in Hamilton, Ontario.

4 Introducing Your 2011-2012 CTF Board of Directors

Vice-President & TongRen Editor: Michelle McMillan Michelle is a Senior Level Instructor of Taijiquan certified by the CTF, a CTF community Elder, 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.

Treasurer: Steven Holbert Steven Holbert has been a T’ai Chi player for twenty-seven years. He started with Gloria Jenner at the London Y, and worked with several other teachers during subsequent years. In 1998 he returned to Gloria’s teaching at the Phoenix T’ai Chi Centre. He 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 almost ten years and is serving a third term as Treasurer. Steven is retired from full time nursing. He maintains a small private practice in capacity assessments, and continues as an active member in two professional nursing associations. He and his wife have four children and four grandchildren to keep them busy during "free time".

Past President & Facebook Page Editor: 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.

5 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 Jaime Orejuela, 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 Yang srtyle Taijiquan and Yang style sword and a bronze medal in Sabre. Tanya lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

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.

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)

6

file:///Users/rhubarb/Desktop/Iching-hexagram-13.webarchive Page 1 of 1 Allan Haddad with his children Layla and Safa

Congratulations to Allan Haddad who took a gold medal in moving-step Push-hands at the Canadian Opens in Toronto, Ontario on Saturday 12 November 2011

“Because of a lack of contestants in his own weight division, Allan was promoted into the next heavier category and was up against competitors who considerably out-weighed him. Despite the disadvantage, he prevailed.” Steve Higgins, Cold Mountain Internal Arts, Kitchener, Ontario The following is Allan’s account of the experience: “There is no exact location of Chen Zhonghua's Practical Method school. He travels around the world doing workshops: I have been attending the Toronto workshops since May 2010 and also informally learned from Nicholas Mann in Guelph for a few months in 2010. I also practice and enjoy the company at Cold Mountain Internal Arts studio. I was thrown into the heavyweight category since there were not enough people in my weight class. Video of the first match can be viewed at http://practicalmethod.com/lang/en/2011/11/allan-haddad- vs-eric-wai-push-hands/ ; second (final) match will be posted probably sometime this week. First player had 30+ lbs on me. Second guy was at least that much. Not sure what else to say really. I went into the tournament in the first place because Master Chen said I should. I did not do any push hands preparation whatsoever - entirely form every day as instructed by Master Chen, which I continue today, mainly because I have no one to practice (vigorously) with :) In my mind tournament push hands is really an educational aid to help you with your form and a good litmus test of your ability to apply some Taiji principles. I cannot very well test my ability to strike someone using Taiji since there is a good chance it would kill. I also train in Kali (arnis) at Kali DeLeon in Toronto under Ama-Guro Jun DeLeon on a weekly basis.”

7 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. The new twist on the 2011 edition is the back print. 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.’

Putting the TongRen in your Taiji since 1988.

Not ready to give up your Taiji practice in the great outdoors? Thinking ahead to the required ‘layered look’ for an outdoor demo on World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in 2012? Looking for a ‘team look’ in formal black? We’ve got you covered! (may not be exactly as shown)

Available now! Order yours today! 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. The CTF dragon has guarded the price for you and kept it the same as the 2005 edition: $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]

8 News from the North by Helene Dobrowolsky

While our weather was not the best, last everyone in the group, which included a summer was a terrific time for Taiji range of ages and levels of experience. players in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. We Northerners enjoyed a few days of Our weekly practices in Shipyards Park balmy weather, a taste of city living and a were well attended. In addition, Pam chance to spend time with old friends Boyde offered intensive training to six and new. We were particularly inspired senior students and instructors preparing by the group from Lubbock, Texas which for an August seminar with Yang Jun in included our oldest student, an 84-year- Redmond, Washington. Pam led a special old, and his teacher who is a vigorous 82. weekly class in long form refinements and in late July, taught a one-day After some interruptions from a workshop at the Phoenix Dojo. territorial election, we are now in the throes of fall classes and preparing for our AGM. We wish every one of you good health and new insights in your personal practice.

Helene Dobrowolsky is an instructor with Tai Chi Yukon and secretary for the association. To learn more about TCY, check the website at: www.taichi-yukon.ca

Fang, Hong and Yang Jun pose with the Yukoners during the 103 Movement Form seminar. L-R: Ken, Lisa, Joan, Fang Hong, Yang Jun, Helene, Jo-Ann and Janet.

The Yang Jun seminar exceeded all expectations. Master Yang offered in- depth instruction on the 103-movement hand form and shared many stories from the Yang family heritage. For those of us Participants from the 103-movement seminar who teach, he modelled a relaxed yet at the Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Chuan Centre in meticulous approach that benefitted Redmond, Washington.

10 Interview with Grandmaster Ron Williamson (Shifu Wu Rong Seng) and Senior Student Stella Bullock, Atado School of Defensive Arts, Kitchener, 7 October 2011 Conducted by: Tanya Korovkin

TK. Wu Shifu, you were awarded the 10th Degree Black Belt from the Shaolin Temple School. Could you please explain what does this Degree imply? GRW. The 10th Degree Black Belt is the final degree that you can reach. Not many people have it. It’s not something that you can go and get tested for. The Degree was presented to me by senior monks from Hunan Province in China and is recognized by Sports China.

Ron Seng

TK. Wu Shifu, Stella, thank you for having agreed to be interviewed by TongRen. To begin with, a couple of questions about yourselves and your school. Grandmaster, how long have you been practicing martial arts, and with whom did you study?

GRW. I’ve been practicing martial arts Stella Bullock for almost 50 years. I did most of my training in UK, with Master John Lee, who was the son of a former Shaolin TK. And, Stella: before you joined the monk. John studied – and was a friend Atado school, who were your teachers? too – with Master Chee Soo, a student of SB. I started doing the Li family style Chan Kam Lee who, back in the 1930s, Taiji in the UK, with Master Desmond brought Li style Taiji to Europe. Murray. The Li style is very popular in

11 the UK, but few people have heard about GRW. The modern version of martial arts it in Canada. To the best of my is for show. The old forms, when they are knowledge, the Atado school is the only done properly, are beautiful: without one in Ontario that includes the Li style those fancy kicks and yells. With the old in its curriculum. forms, you can progress. And as you TK. And what is the curriculum in the progress, you are learning ancient Atado school? mysteries. The old forms also have fight secrets which are their martial content. GRW. We teach Shaolin Kung Fu, The new ones have no martial content Wushu, and Taiji: both the Li style and whatsoever. Wudang Taoist Taiji. TK. And what are your best memories of TK. Do you have any plans for the your teacher John Lee? future? Maybe you will teach more Taiji? GRW. The best memories? Oh, well. GRW. Maybe … as I get old (laughs). Basically, training with John and his My plans for the future? I would like to family. Just the fun we used to have. make sure that the old forms – the old, traditional Kung Fu and Taiji forms – TK. Do you have any stories or anecdotes keep going, that they stay alive. to share? TK. Grandmaster, would tell us your GRW. Ok. As I was being cheeky, John training experiences in UK? For many would put a rope over my ankles and tie years, you had been training with Master me upside down. John Lee and his daughter, Li-Loni (Li TK. That was fun?! Shifu). What are the most important GRW. That was fun things. Also, John lessons you learned from them? would show you something and then GRW. The most important lessons? Hm- forget about it. Two or three weeks later m… How to bet on a roulette table, how he would come back and say, now I am to drink (laughs). John loved casinos! going to teach you this special punch that No, no. What I learned from John is a you can knock people down with. And very deep understanding of martial arts. when you would hit John, because you John always emphasized the old ways. already know this punch, he would fall He wanted the old Shaolin disciplines to backwards and yell, “who taught you carry on into the next millennium. He that?” didn’t like martial arts going the new, TK. You also had the great opportunity modern way, with Kung Fu being broken to study to China. How many times did down and messed up with. And then you go? people would go down to competition floors and compete with this! GRW. I was 13 when I went there for the first time. I was 25 when I went the last TK. How would you say are modern time. I trained in China for six months martial arts are different from the old every year. Each year, we would stay in disciplines?

12 the Hunan Province for three months. Then we stopped for several minutes and There I would train in a school that was had breakfast. Then we started to train close to the Shaolin temple. It was run by again and we trained until noon: we did Shaolin monks. stepping and punching, stepping and TK. Did you go to China with Master kicking. Then we broke off for another John Lee? half hour to get something to eat. Then we started again and we trained until GRW. Yes. John used to dump me at the 3:00 in the afternoon. After that we were school and then he would go on holiday. expected to do chores, to keep the place He was from a place on the coast that clean and tidy, or to work in the was called Wei Hei Wei. He would go vegetable garden. From 4:00 to 5:00 there there and visit his family while I was was a prayer time, when all junior and staying at the school. senior monks would go the main hall and TK. Were you staying with John Lee’s say the prayers. After the prayer session, other students? we had the main meal of the day, which GRW. No, I was staying with the Chinese was vegetarian: no meat was allowed. students. No British students there at After the meal, everybody would go to that time. I was the only white kid at the the ground hall where we would discuss school. the affairs of the day. TK. Why didn’t John Lee take his other TK. Was this school mostly for Shaolin students to China? monks? GRW. Because I was his personal GRW. The older students and all the student. I was the one whom John had instructors were monks. chosen. John had seen me more like a TK. As a lay student, what did you learn son. He had two girls. He didn’t have a from them? son. So he always looked on me as being GRW. Modesty… hard work… (laughs) his son. and not to ask too many questions. TK. Maybe that’s why he didn’t want you TK. That was a very rigorous system of to be cheeky. training. Do you think that the Western GRW. That’s right (laughs). system may have its own advantages as TK. Can you please tell us more about compared to the Chinese one? GRW. In your training in China? How was it my experience, Chinese teachers would different from your training in UK? not explain much. We were supposed to be able to do things after they showed GRW. It was a lot more disciplined. We them to us. They would show it once and got up at 5:00 in the morning and trained they would expect you to do it. If you from 5:00 until 8:00. We did nothing but didn’t do it right, they would show it horse stance, directional punches, again but this second time they would directional hand blocks, things like that. take a hard approach.

13 TK. Where there any female students at energy from within the body. It means the school? that, when you hold your body solidly on GRW. When I was there, and that was the floor in a perfectly balanced stance, back in the 1960s and 1970s, the only your energy starts moving within the females we saw were those who came by body. As soon as you move forward and, to drop off things, like food. There were say, strike out with a hand, that no female students. There are now, movement of internal energy becomes though. There are modern Shaolin external, because you are pushing the temples and schools where there are energy outwards, away from the body. female students. Many Taiji people say that they are doing “internal” martial arts, but what they are TK. Wu Shifu, a few question about your doing, in fact, is a mixture of the internal practice of Kung Fu and Taiji. Your main and external movements. Most outwards training is in Kung Fu, but you also do movement in Taiji, for example, are Taiji. How do you see the relationship external movements. The same with between these two martial arts? … apart Pushing Hands. Pushing Hands is an from the fact, of course, that Taiji seems external application of the internal to be for the older folks… energy. This, of course, is only my GRW. First of all, I didn’t say that taiji is opinion. for the older folks. Over the last couple of TK. Do you use the internal movements centuries, many people in the West have in Kung Fu? come to believe that one should practice Taiji something like from the middle age GRW. Yes, but it depends on which style on. But in China, Taiji is practiced by or form you do. The modern Kung Fu people of all ages. And throughout the forms have no internal movement world, Chinese clubs in particular, have whatsoever; they are all external. It also started to encourage young people to do depends on individual practitioners. Taiji. As for the relationship between Taiji TK. And how do you generate the and Kung Fu, in Taiji we move more internal energy in Kung fF? slowly, more cautiously, there is more GRW. It may sound a bit secretive to Earth, more internal energy. When we do you, but I will answer the best I can. Kung Fu, it’s basically the same Taiji What I do is I make my body like Earth. I movements, but they are practiced with will then pulse the energy from the more speed, more aggression, with more bottom of my feet, through my body, and power in punches and kicks. into the external parts that I am going to TK. They say that Taiji is an internal use: my hands or my feet. martial art, while Kung Fu is an external one. Do you believe in this distinction? TK. There is an old verse in Taiji saying GRW. Sometimes… However, what that energy comes from the ground, is “internal” actually means is the use of transmitted by the legs, directed by the

14 waist, and manifests in the hands. Is it of the way when an opponent is similar to what you do in Kung Fu? attacking you. And then there is Space GRW. If you practice Kung Fu properly, which is your surroundings, knowing it’s almost exactly the same. The energy where you are going: moving into a comes from the ground, and from your softer place, or moving into a hardness. surroundings in general. Once you train TK. What about the Shaolin mythical your body to be like Earth, it will act as a animals? What are they, and which of receptacle: it will bring in the energy them do you use in your forms? from your surroundings and expel it GRW. We use Tiger, Snake. We do through the hands, the feet or, in some Eagle. Eagle uses his talons to attack, to cases, the head. grab. He uses his wings to glide, but in TK. How did your training in Shaolin Shaolin the wings are used to block or Kung Fu influence your Taiji? dupe the opponent. Scorpion. Scorpion GRW. I practice Taiji in a Shaolin manner. is rare, there are not many people who I found that when I was doing Taiji the can teach scorpion any more. All we have way I was taught by the Masters, there is several Scorpion movements in the were insufficiencies in it, there were forms. We do Monkey. Monkey is a many thing that didn’t feel right to me. disrespectful, annoying, evasive animal. Using my knowledge of the Shaolin, I We also do the Dragon. Dragon is a adjusted a lot of steps and movements, so strong, cunning animal: hard strikes, that it started to feel like … what the hard blocks, and body moving like a movements were meant to be! When I do snake. Taiji, I transfer energy fast into the floor TK. A few questions for you, Stella. You after each movement, so that I can lock have been doing the Li style for quite a myself into a stance. In other words, I few years. What do you find interesting become like a vessel with water: I can be or useful about this style? wavy and moving, or I can be solid and SB. The Li style helps you understand still. the martial origins of Taiji. It is still very TK. What are the Shaolin five elements, close to the martial roots of Taiji; it does and how are they reflected into your not seem to have evolved as much as forms? other styles. One can clearly see the GRW. Earth is our body and all that is combative applications in Li forms: the close around us. Water is our movement. strikes, the blocks. It also has some As an old Taoist poem says, “nothing is challenging balance movements. more soft and yielding than water, yet TK. Are the Li forms that you do at the for attacking the solid and the strong Atado school similar to the ones you did nothing can take its place.” Then you in UK? come to Fire, which is the attack. Wind is SB. Yes, although the Ancient Li form we the block, the dodge, the movement out study here has more focus on the flow of

15 energy. I think it’s also more accessible Tanya Korovkin started her Taiji training for beginners. in 2000 in Quito, Ecuador. Since 2002 she TK. Stella, and what do you value most has been studying Taiji and Qigong with in the Atado school? Steve Higgins. She has also studied with Helen Wu, Jill Heath, and Sam Masich. SB. Grandmaster Williamson’s teaching Tanya is an Associate Instructor, certified philosophy. It’s a small club; he gives by the CTF, and is an Assistant Instructor each student individual attention. He is of Cold Mountain Internal Arts. She has an incredibly patient teacher and very developed experimental Taijiquan and good at explaining things. It doesn’t Qigong forms based on Dragon essence. matter how difficult you find a form or a She has conducted workshops and movement, he will keep working on it performed Taiji for various organizations. with you. I’ve seen students who come She earned a silver medal in the through the door, and you would think: traditional Yang form Taijquan and they’ll never make it! But no: they stay bronze medals in Yang Sword and Sabre and make a huge progress. forms at the Canadian Open Taijiquan TK. And what did the Taiji practice give Championships in Toronto, Ontario. personally to you? Tanya is the embership Chair for the CTF SB. When I started doing Taiji, I found Board and lives in Waterloo, Ontario. my mind was like a butterfly: I couldn’t focus easily. Now it’s a more staid butterfly. Physically, I feel more agile than most people of my age. TK. Wu Shifu, Stella, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. Would you like to say anything, by way of conclusion, to TongRen readers? GRW. Yes: practice! Practice what you learn, but make the forms your own. When you practice a form, look at it in the way you were taught, but do it in the way you perceive it. Steve Higgins & Tanya Korovkin

16 Saturday–Sunday workshops in Gatineau, Quebec Saturday Workshops in Milton, Ontario August 2011 – 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 Saturday - Sunday 27-28 Aug 2011 rue Wright, Gatineau, Quebec Saturday - Sunday 24-25 Sept 2011 Saturday - Sunday 19-20 Nov 2011 Sword (1-3 pm Sat.) Saturday - Sunday 17-18 Dec 2011 Fundamentals of 2-Person Work Saturday - Sunday 21-22 Jan 2012 (3:30-5:30pm Sat.) Saturday - Sunday 18-19 Feb 2012 Empty Hand (10am-noon Sun.) Saturday - Sunday 24-25 Mar 2012 Chen (12:30-2:30 pm Sun.) Saturday - Sunday 21-22 Apr 2012 Saturday - Sunday 23-24 Jun 2012

Milton Seniors Activity Centre, 500 Childs Drive, Milton, Ontario Sunday 18 September 2011 Activity Room Push hands Free Play (1:30-4:30pm) Sunday 30 October 2011 Taiji Fan (2-4 pm)

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] or Jill Heath: [email protected]

17 The 8 Principles for Taijiboxing and a Healthy Lifestyle by Dennis Pounall

Patience is a virtue that most of us never attain!!

PRACTICE Definitions: Systematic training by multiple repetitions; “practice makes perfect”. Translating an idea into action – “A hard theory to put into practice”. Skill or dexterity acquired by use; expertness. Actual performance is the application of Taijiboxing as both an art form and a knowledge, as opposed to theory. Systematic philosophy for life has 8 basic principles exercise for instruction or discipline. which, when properly integrated into Practice incorporates an individual’s your personality, provide a treasure chest application of knowledge, willpower and of wisdom and knowledge to deal with conviction to overcome obstacles through the ever turbulent ride that we call life. consistent patience. Just like the ancient Taoists observed that PERSEVERANCE in nature running water is never stagnant Definitions: The steady persistence in a or putrid; likewise, we should observe course of action, a purpose, a state, etc. the Tao and be as free flowing as a especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or stream, constantly adjusting to the discouragement. underlying and surrounding terrain. This is the pinnacle of all personal enlightenment. Applying this in daily life PATIENCE makes the world a brighter place. This, Definitions: The state or quality of being in combination with hope, is the light of patient; the power of suffering with fortitude; the world. It is said that the great sages uncomplaining endurance of evils or wrongs believed that “In the midst of adversity as toil, pain, poverty, insult, oppression, all is clarity”. calamity, etc. In the practice of Taijiquan, as both art PERSISTENCE form and a martial discipline, you must Definitions: Continued progress in a course endeavor to practice regardless of the of action without regard to difficulty, past outcome. That is to say, the dedication failures, or opposition. and the discipline is reward in itself. Usually “the one who laughs last, laughs “Energy and persistence conquer all longest”. things.“ Benjamin Franklin

18 “Patience, persistence and perspiration Web making information available from make an unbeatable combination for all over the world. success.” Napleon Hill PLIABILITY “Nothing in this world can take the place Definitions: The quality or state of being of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is pliable; Flexibility, i.e. supple enough to bend more common than unsuccessful people freely or repeatedly without breaking : with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded yielding readily to others. genius is almost a proverb. Education This is what is meant by having a will not; the world is full of educated “flexible mind and body and a calm free- failures. Persistence and determination flowing spirit”. It is not rigid and can alone are omnipotent.” Calvin Coolidge easily adapt, conform and expand as necessary to maintain its structure. A The above quotes describe one of the few truly formless form. qualities that cannot be copied. You must develop this trait and make it part of who PROGRESSIVE you are. Definitions: Moving forward, advancing. Proceeding in steps, continuing steadily by PRACTICALITY increments, progressive change. Promoting or Definitions: This is exhibited in, or obtained favoring progress toward. Education is a through practice or action: Practical progressive discovery of our own ignorance. knowledge; usable, workable or useful and Moving forward; proceeding onward; sensible: Practical proposals relating to, or advancing; evincing progress; increasing; as, governed by, and acquired through practice progressive motion or course; opposed to and action, rather than just theory. retrograde. Success is the progressive Speculation and ideals can be gained through realization of a worthy goal or ideal. the practical experience of life. This refers to Many people have the idea that progress the implementation of knowledge, experience always means something brand new and and wisdom combined with adaptation and that new is always better. I think there is innovation to make an idea, concept, very little new under the sun and it is technique or theory usable. only a matter of man’s arrogance to think In the field of martial arts, as within our we have some thing “Brand new”. Most daily lives, many things may sound theories are based on something they practical but are not necessarily already have some knowledge of and feasible. Many techniques of the may have even forgotten. Wisdom is an traditional martial arts may have seemed innate gift that most of us never actualize practical some 20 yrs ago but not because society tells us it is for a chosen in today’s environment. Application of few – expert, genius, scientist, and that hidden ancient knowledge is now billionaire. We all have the capability widely common knowledge, due largely to access what used to be known as to technology and the World Wide “common sense” but I think few of us

19 may remember how. Maybe we have devolution and the loss of many species become too reliant on the artificial in quantum proportions might suggest information technologies as opposed to that the human population is too large our own intuition. But we are people that for what the planet can sustain and we share the same human frailties and are quickly running out of sustenance. unique qualities. Our habitat is being eroded, and if we do As they used to say, “necessity is the not wake up and act now – return to the mother of invention”. natural Tao – we will cease to The only real difference between a leader exist. Finally, we may begin to and a follower is luck and opportunity, understand our human heritage no matter what the tabloids may try to as merely care takers of the planet. Let us say about self-made millionaires! hope that this message may finally be hitting home. The idea of ”Harmony” POTENTIAL and having more “care-takers” than Definitions: That has power; potent that can, “takers “ will lead people back to a more but has not yet, come into being; possible; balanced approach to living where latent; unrealized; undeveloped practices like Taiji and Yoga will be a expressing possibility, capability, power, normal part of life. I hope by applying capable of development into actuality some of these principles, not only to your The idea of potential is the greatest gift Taiji Practice but also to your daily life, and secret known to mankind. Since the will bring peace, harmony, vitality and origin of the species and the organization freedom of spirit to help you on your of the planet, the potential (or daily journeys. ”Dunamus”) inherent power of the human being may well be limitless!! The (Definitions from: problem is that we are limited by our Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary) own capabilities. We have a huge reservoir for potential but, due to today’s lifestyle and attitudes, are somehow Sifu Dennis Pounall lives and works in Elliott disconnected from the keys. The door to Lake, Northern Ontario, as a paramedic. He this freedom may lie in the wisdom of the has been practicing martial arts for over 29 years. His styles include Yang style Taijiquan, ages, the meditative practices of Pang Gi Noon, Chinese Okinawan Gung Fu, Buddhism, Taoist breathing and a and Kook Sool Won. He teaches workshops balanced approach to food and and participates in national and international respecting the planet. Scientific competitions in various styles. He is communities are promoting the idea of a affiliated with Atado Schools of Defensive more synergistic approach to life on this Arts and Taijiquan. Dennis can be contacted planet and are introducing the concept of at: [email protected] a sustainable planet. Global suffering, mass starvation, mass migration,

20 Tai Chi Workshops in Canada

Yang Long Form Super Intensive: Taiji Workshops in Quebec Yang Style Taijiquan 108 with Jill Heath & Adriaan Blaauw: & 37 Essential Forms with Sam Masich Sword (1-3pm Saturdays) Fundamentals of 2-Person Work Saturday 19 – Tuesday 22 May 2012 (3:30-5:30pm Saturdays) Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 May 2012 Milton, Ontario Empty Hand (10am-noon Sundays) Contact: Mary Hansell (905)854-0314 Chen (12:30-2:30pm Sundays) www.sammasich.com Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 December 2011 Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 January 2012 Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 February 2012 Riverbank Push-Hands Days Hosted by Diane Kehoe & John Eastman Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 March 2012 Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 April 2012 Sunday 4 December Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 June 2012 (1:00-6:00 pm) 7:00 pm dinner at Danny’s Chinese Centre de Tai Chi Gilles Vaillant, Restaurant in Richmond, BC 109 rue Wright Gatineau, Quebec 4126 River Road West, Ladner (Delta), BC Contact: Contact: Diane Kehoe & John Eastman Adriaan Blaauw: [email protected] (604)946-4983 Jill Heath: [email protected] [email protected]

14th World Congress Kung Fu for Writers on Qigong and TCM 2012 with Kim Goldberg

Friday 25 – Monday 28 May 2012 Thurs 10 November – Thurs 15 December Hosted by The Academy for Chi-Kung Victoria College of Art, 1625 Bank Street, Studies, Dr. Effie Chow, & East West Qi Victoria, B.C. Toronto, Ontario Contact: (250)598-5422 Contact: Master Justin Ngui (905)770-0457 www.vca.ca/contact-us [email protected] Kim: [email protected] www.modernhealer.ca/14wcq/wcq.php?l=home

Chinese New Year Festival Saturday 28 January 2012 Hosted by: Cold Mountain Internal Arts 2012 Year of The Dragon Kitchener, Ontario 23 January 2012 - 9 February 2013 Contact: Steve Higgins (519)576-3206 [email protected]

21 Tai Chi Workshops in Canada

Power of Balance Workshops: Ziran Qigong with Master Liu De Ming Medical Qigong Level A with Donna Oliver Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 May 2012 Wednesday 7 September – Wednesday 30 hosted by Barrie Tai Chi & Qigong November 2011 (7-9:30pm) Barrie, Ontario Shiatsu School of Canada, 547 College Street, Contact: [email protected] Toronto, Ontario www.barrietaichi.com www.ziranqigong.com Contact: (416)465-6122 [email protected]

Tai Chi Workshops in USA & Elsewhere Medical Qigong Level B with Donna Oliver Friday 9 September - Friday 9 December 2011 Workshops with Sam Masich: (7-9:30pm) Eight Branches Healing Arts Centre, 358 Taijiquan in Three Dimensions Part 2 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario with Franco Mescola and Sam Masich Contact: (416)465-6122 Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 November 2011 [email protected] Campo S. Geremia, Venice, Italy Contact: Verena Battilana 334 52 09 700 Cooking For Health [email protected] with Nicola Lawrence and Andy James 13 Power Taiji Sword Intensive: Friday 9 – Sunday 11 September 2011 Taiji Sensing-sword Friday 4 – Sunday 6 November 2011 with Sam Masich Harmony Dawn Centre, Rice Lake, 90 Friday 25 – Sunday 27 November 2011 minutes northeast of Toronto, The Thirteen Powers Northumberland County with Sam Masich Contact: (416)465-6122 Saturday 3 – Tuesday 6 December Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 December 2011 Dragon Qigong Retreat Madrid, España with Donna Oliver and Sheila Furness www.sammasich.com Friday 18 – Sunday 20 November 2011 Harmony Dawn Centre, Rice Lake, 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, Martial Art Practical Fighting Methods and Northumberland County Conditioning Contact: (416)465-6122 with Tim Cartmell Rochester Chen Style Taijiquan, [email protected] West Martial Arts, [email protected] 13 South Ave., Webster, NY, USA [email protected] Contact Bob Loce (585)402-5126 [email protected] taichiworkout.net

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