Our own Tai Chi Master Miss Wen Hui (Wendy) will be travelling over from Brussels on 30th March 2003 to lead us in our annual week long Festival of Tai Chi. She is really excited at the prospect of meeting up once again with all her old friends within the community. Again we will be organising the annual Festival of Tai Chi to coincide with her visit. Details of which can be read on the back page of this newsletter.
When we watch a baby move we can see their ‘centre'. A newborn baby cannot control the tone of their muscles in their arms or legs. Their only way of moving is to move to their centre. It is certainly good fortune to marvel at the treasures of little children. Sadly, as children reach school age it is as if socialisation tears off their magical wings and they become immobile pupils. It is time we paid attention to the marvels and wonders of little children and observe their movements as being natural, inborn and wonderfully spontaneous. These natural Tai Chi marvels can be lost through growing up. If children are fortunate enough to take an interest in Tai Chi at an early age they can obtain a sustainable harmonious development which will enrich their future lives.
There has been a great response from members who wish to attend Reki classes being organised by Dr. John Wong. It is hoped that the class will be become a regular feature on a night to be determined after consultation with the centre management.
Becoming more comfortable with your Tai Chi Form and using proper posture with the vertical axis allow you to relax more as you move. At first you will notice yourself losing balance as much or even more than before you started Tai Chi. This is not unusual. Before, you probably held your balance by holding your body tightly. Now, you are learning to balance while you feel loose and flexible.
Terry Watt, Programme Planner for the City council has fully supported the Tai Chi Community since it's humble beginnings in 1992. Terry is also our external overseer and joint signatory to all our banking transactions. An extraordinary sportsman and athlete in his own right, he is current World Master's Judo Champion and has a very long list of credits including taking part in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The Tai Chi Community are deeply indebted to Terry for his continued support and encouragement over the years as he was always there to give advice on how to deal with our contentious problems and issues. After consultation with our master, Wen Hui and the 'core group' it has been decided to present an appreciation award to Terry during the Festival of Tai Chi in April 2003. It is of course only fitting that the presentation be made by Wen Hui during her visit to the city. This is a wonderful opportunity, long overdue, for us all to say thank you to Terry for all he has done for us.
Programme:
Sunday 30th March: Wen Hui arrives.
Monday 31st March: Wen Hui takes Monday class.
Tuesday 1st April: Wen Hui visits Portstewart Tai Chi Community.
Wednesday 2nd April: Rest day for Chinese master.
Thursday 4th April: Night of Ten Pin Bowling @ Brunswick Superbowl.
Friday 5th April: Day of rest for Chinese Master.
Saturday 6th April: Normal Saturday morning class with Wen Hui.
Saturday Afternoon: Travel to Gweedore with Wen Hui for Tai Chi.
Saturday Evening (Gweedore): Night of entertainment with Liam Kelly.
Sunday 7th April: Tai Chi in Gweedore with Wen Hui.
Monday 8th April: Normal Monday class with Wen Hui and farewell.
Tuesday 9th April: Wen Hui returns to Brussels.
Those travelling to Gweedore for the Tai Chi Weekend should make their own arrangements as soon as possible with someone who is taking a car. It is advised that people travelling in cars should make a donation to the driver of £5.
For those taking part in the Tai Chi sessions on Saturday and Sunday in Gweedore with the Chinese master the fee will be £ 10 to cover room booking. Please book well in advance via application form from Charlie.
Those staying the weekend should pay the B&B owner Mr. Sean Gallagher on arrival cost 25 euro. A designated member of the community will collect the money from each person individually on arrival in Gweedore.
Members are responsible for providing their own food. However is suggested that we all meet at the hotel for the Saturday evening meal. We are currently trying to work out a deal with the management of the Seaview Hotel. Details of which will be relayed to those travelling well in advance.
As in previous years a night of ten pin bowling has been arranged at the Brunswick Superbowl, Pennyburn Industrial Estate on Thursday 3rd Apri12003. Prizes will be available for the overall winner who obtains the highest points and spot prizes will be issued throughout the event. Chicken and chips will be provided to all participants (included in the price of £8 per person).
You can get all the benefits from Tai Chi without straining yourself. You don't have to memorise all the terms, or do the movements exactly like your teacher does, or read certain books. Tai Chi's amazing benefits will come to you simply by breathing deeply, relaxing your mind, and playing Tai Chi in class and at home regularly. Do it everyday if possible, and everything else will take care of itself.
