Tai Chi News.

September 2000

Each year we get an influx of new members wishing to enjoy the benefits of community membership, and this of course can be dissappointing for some because of the volume of people who come forward.

In order to facilitate these people we have decided to operate a first come first serve model. When we feel we have a managable number of members we shall then introduce a waiting list.

New members should collect an application form from Charlie, and then register as soon as possible. Places cannot be kept for anyone, as it is unfair to others wishing to join.

All members will be allocated a personal membership number which should then be entered beside your name in the attendance register at each class. This is very important for health and safety reasons.

Please remember your membership number as it is specific to you, and it is very annoying for the organisers if a person turns up week after week asking their number.

Registration of members began on 1st September 2000, and this shall continue until August 31st 2001. Many members have already renewed their membership, but there are some of our regular members who have not done so. This is due perhaps to holidays and the like.

The work of keeping the administration of the community going is difficult at most times, and is dependant on the co-operation of all our membership.

We do not have a lot of time to spend on administration processes, so please arrange your registration as soon as possible if you have not already done so.

Remember a person can not attend any class or activity, unless as a fully registered member of the community. This year the register will be continually checked to ensure that all are registered members.

Members will notice that Mark McEvoy has recently returned after spending a year at university in Switzerland. As a very popular member, we are delighted to have Mark back at classes. Mark, who always displays very good manners and is a very keen Tai Chi player, is continually interested in all that is going on within the community. Welcome home Mark.

"Fingerpost", the popular local comunity magazine (price £1), this month contains a very good article on the benefits to be gained from Tai Chi practise, by our own Kathy McNamara, and is accompanied by a photograph in which she looks so youthful!!!

As part of our funding for the Foyle Hospice, and more particularly our own members who will be climbing the Great Wall of China, we are having a marathon of Tai Chi so that all our members can become involved in fundraising. We are looking for volunteers who are prepared to give up at least 30 minutes of their time to take part. You do not need to know the full form to take part, as Qigong and warm up exercises will be practised also. Each half hour requires at least 2 members engaged in some form of Tai Chi. If interested please give your name to Kathy McNamarra. In addition we need as many members as possible to take a sponsorship form to their friends, workmates, family, etc, and collect sponsorship money, however small. Please make every oppertunity to be part of this community exercise, and support the terminally ill in the wider community.

This is a graceful movement, in which we raise the arms to shoulder height and lower them to the waist. It stretches back to the time when threads of raw silk were slowly unreeled by hand from the cocoon of the silk worm. This exercise creates a powerful state of relaxation in which the mind remains alert, and stimulates the flow of energy (Chi) out of the fingertips.

This exercise extends the flow of energy through your entire body. From the soles of your feet , right out to the tips of your fingers. It opens up the energy pathways in the spine, and it helps relieve muscular tension along all the vital energy circuits that run up the backs of the leg, through the back, and along the arms. It is not advised for women during pregnancy.

This classical movement is marvelous for synchronising your mental and physical being. It leaves you calm and refreshed. It moves your Chi throughout your entire system, and is often recommended as a way of dealing with powerful sudden stress, including fits of anger.

Another classic found in the best known forms of Tai Chi. It helps to co-ordinate movements of the entire body, releasing tension in all the major joints of the body. It should be performed like the graceful movement of a streamer in the breeze, with great softness. It should be practised as if you were floating on air, or swimming underwater.

(All execises mentioned are in the Yang-style set of 18 Qigong exercises)

" Your internal organs are peaceful and your thoughts calm: Your muscles are strong, your eyes and ears are alert and clear. You have accurate perceptions and understanding: you are firm and strong without snapping." (Huai-Nan_tzu)

Throughout the Chinese speaking world countless people, from the very young to the very old, begin their day attending to their health. You can see them in the parks and gardens, performing a remarkable variety of movements- all designed to cultivate their internal energy. This type of exercise is not the punishing activity activity that we see in the west. They are practised slowly and calmly. Some, in fact, require no movement at all. You simply hold a position, perhaps making slight adjustments such as raising and lowering your toes while sitting still.

At the moment we are negotiating a price for new Tee/Sweat shirts because of the many requests we have had from our members. The design has recently been completed, and will soon be available for viewing. An order book will be set-up, and people must pay as they place their order.

The World Masters Judo Championship is coming to the Templemore Sports Complex in June 2002. (A spectacualr achievement.) This world class event has been secured through the efforts of Terry Watt, Robbie Irwin, and other well known judo enthusiasts who have developed, and sustained, the sport in the city over the years to the great level of respectability the sport enjoys locally today. The Tai Chi community applauds and congratulates these extra-ordinary sports men and women for their commitment to local sports. Members shold be aware that Terry Watt is, and has been, a great supporter of Tai Chi, and without his personal support and interest this community would not have reached the heights it enjoys today. He is always helpful, and gives advice freely when approached. Incidentally, Terry is always at hand to help out when we are bringing over our Chinese friends. This community is commited to supporting our Judo friends in whatever way we can to ensure that the city has a successful tournament.