My Training
Tai Chi and Qigong
I started learning the Dr. Chi version of the Cheng Man Ching, Yang style short form of tai chi nearly 30 years ago and was immediately inspired by it – and still am. This was with the late Mike Spinks who gave me a fine grounding in the art with the Dr. Chi version of the Cheng Man Ching Short Form and Pushing Hands.
At university in Norwich at the time, I found that the tai chi gave me a whole new way of exercising – I could do it anywhere, inside or out (even in my ‘cell block’ room). It was really enjoyable, had built–in relaxation and fitness combined and pretty much always left me feeling good mentally/emotionally as well as in my body. It was a good compliment to all the ‘head’ work involved in my studies.
I later went on to study tai chi and qigong with Alan Peck, who had trained in the same lineage and also directly with Dr. Chi. Alan’s excellent teaching took me way further – with him I learned the same Short Form, Long Form, Pushing Hands, Da Lu, San Shou, Straight Sword and the White Crane Qigong.
In 1987 I visited the late tai chi grandmaster Dr Chi Chiang–Tao in Vancouver, Canada for an intensive period of study. This was one of the most significant periods of tai chi learning for me. Dr. Chi’s light spirit, neutralising ability and presence was something special. I have never experienced the likes of him since. And, I realise more and more, what a real treasure it was to study with him. Dr Chi was a senior student of Cheng Man Ching. (CMC was famous for designing the Yang Style Short Form of Tai Chi.) With Dr Chi I was given a thorough review of and instruction in: his version of the Cheng Man Ching Short Form; The Yang Tai Chi Long Form Sequence; Pushing Hands; Da Lu; Tai Chi Straight Sword and the White Crane Qigong.
In 1990 I had the good fortune to spend a few days learning with another of Cheng Man Ching’s students, Master Tao in Taiwan. It was affirming for me to recognise the beautiful quality of Master Tao’s touch. It reminded me of Dr Chi and clearly came from the same source of knowledge and wisdom.
In the early 90’s I enjoyed several excellent seminars with Nigel Sutton and his master Tan Ching–Ngee, (another Cheng Man–Ching disciple) both in UK and the far east.
These days and over the years I have been helped in my understanding and development of tai chi and qigong through my two good friends Adrian Murray who also shares the Dr Chi lineage as well as being a proficient Chen style player, and Simon Wyard (get yourself a website Simon!) from the Hao style lineage who’s skill, knowledge and generosity of spirit are both lovely and impressive.
No–Style Movement and Shamanic Dance
As a compliment to the ‘formal’ or ‘form orientated’ tai chi and qigong, I have, over the years, explored movement in a broader sense. This has had a significant influence in my approach to and understanding of tai chi and qigong and in creating what is now ‘Living Movement’. In the early 80’s I was drawn to work with the Rajneesh (Osho) dance meditations in Puna, India. In the early 90’s I explored Native American Shamanic Dance and 5 Rhythms dance as well as movement influenced by Prapto’s Amerta Movement with no form or style. The exploration of form and no form continues to inspire me.
Energy Healing
In my early years of tai chi I explored various types of energy healing techniques and trained in the Metamorphic Technique foot massage. I also learned some of the exercises and techniques of Bob Moore from Alan Peck. It was through this that I gained valuable experience and a practical insight into working with and understanding the chakras. It also opened a line of enquiry for me into how the energy centres work in the tai chi and qigong.