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ContactTse Qigong Centre or toreserve your place pleasesee the booking form in the centreof this issue of Qi Magazine.

Members : £460Non-members : £520

Two heads are better than one is the old saying and the staff isthe weapon with ‘two heads’. This means that either end of the

staff can be used for attacking or defending which made it avery versatile and useful weapon in the past. Today, we practise

more for our health than for fighting and the staff is just asuseful for helping with arthritis, coordination, posture and

flexibility. Part of the Chun Yuen Quan tradition, it will help totrain the body to be more fit and light.

Cover: Grandmaster Ip Chun& Master Michael Tse

QiMagazine ispublished by theTseQigong Centre.Its aim isto bring you information not readily availablein theWest.

Editor: MichaelTseDeputy Editor: DarrylMoy

Assistants:VeraExternest Martin GaleCarolineGarvey Sarah MoyJanePollard

LegalAdviser: TonyWalshMarketing/Distribution: JessicaTse

Consultants:GrandmasterYang Meijun

Grandmaster Ip ChunGrandmasterWu Chun Yuen

GrandmasterChenXiao Wang

Columnists:

Peter AndersenKate BrittonMartin Gale

Sihn KeiAdam Wallace

Julian Wilde

Readersmay contactany ofourcontributorsc/oQiMagazine.Weencourageallour readers to contributearticles,lettersorquestionsforpossible inclusion in futureissuesof QiMagazine.Articlesappearing in QiMagazine do notnecessarilyreflect theopinion of theeditor.Advertsappearing inthe magazineare notnecessarily endorsed by itortheeditor.Exercisesappearing in QiMagazineare for referencepurposesonly.Thusanyonewishing to study shouldseek qualified tuition.

MichaelTse2008.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored or transmitted in any way without thewritten permission of Michael Tse.

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ISSN 1358-3778

When your mind is fixed, you aredetermined about one thing andyour belief in that one thing is

very powerful. Because of this you knowthat you can achieve your goal and thisthen builds up your character. You willimprove yourself to reach your goal, forexample getting a better education, likea degree, or working to improve yourskills. No matter what your goal is,whether it is reaching a high level in anyskill, such as music, writing, martial arts,Qigong, Chi Sau, Tui Shou etc, if youare determined and keep going then youwill succeed.

Unfortunately, many people giveup when they face their first difficulty. Ihave seen and come across many peoplewho are lucky enough to have someonewho is highly skilled help them, but whenthat person says one word of criticismthey give up. After many years all hard-earned skills will be lost. It is not easy.

Recent ly I was watching aprogramme on CCTV (Chinese CableTV). On it was Professor QianWen Zhongfrom Fu Dan University. He was talkingabout the Tang Dynasty monk XuanZhuang. He was very good in hisexplanations and descriptions. He toldhow Xuan Zhuang crossed the border ofChina to travel to India in the west toimprove his study of Buddhism. He wasvery knowledgeable and made thestory very exciting. Whatmade it all the moreinteresting is that it isa true story whichtook place about1500 years ago.

Many of youwill have heard of

the novel Journey to the West in which aTang Dynasty Buddhist Monk travels tothe west (India) with his companions:-Monkey, Pig and Friar Sand. In Journeyto the West Monkey is the wisest andknows a lot of magic. He saves the Monkmany times. Actually, the Monk is veryweak and is unable to see when peopleor demons are tricking him. However, inthe true story the Buddhist Monk XuanZhuang travels on his own without anyassistance apart f rom at the verybeginning.

At the start of the story there is aweste rn man who becomes XuanZhuang’s student and he tries to helpXuan Zhuang. However, whenhe realisesthat if they are caught, then they willboth be executed, he tries to kill histeacher. At that time China was very strictand the guards killed people who weretrying to cross the border. Of course, thewestern student did not succeed, andXuan Zhuang even gave him a goodhorse so that he could leave andpromised him that if he were caught bythe guards he would not tell them thathe had had a companion.

Xuan Zhuang was in fact caughtand was shot in the leg by an arrow butas he had promised, he did not tell theguards about his student. Even thoughhe was hurt he told the guards, “I would

Qi Magazine Apr/May/Jun2008 page 1

rather die than take one step back tothe east.” He went on to say, “My purposeis to go west to ask for Buddhistknowledge.” He was lucky as the Chiefof the guards was also a Buddhist andso he treated Xuan Zhuang wel l.Eventually, he let him go and even gavehim food, water and told him thedirection to go.

There were five border points thatstopped people leaving China. The ChiefGuard gave him directions to the fourthborder point.When XuanZhuang reachedthere, he did not ask for help eventhough there was nothing there. By thistime he desperately needed water so hewent to a lake only to be caught again.Luckily, the Chief of the fourth borderpoint was also a Buddhist and herespected the determination and trueand sincere heart of a great Buddhistmonk. So he also let him go and gavehim a big bottle of water (made fromanimal skin) and he also told him thebest way to go. He said to him that heshould not cross the fifth border point asthe guards there were very tough andwould not show him any kindness.

Master Xuan Zhuang was alreadya fugitive and his name was famous inChang An (the Tang Dynasty capital ofChina). The government knew that hewanted to escape China and go to India.Now anyone whohelped him was aidingand abetting and so would also bepunished (this is why his western studenthad tried to kill him at the start of thejourney). So the Chief of the fourthborder point told Xuan Zhuang to goanother way and although Xuan Zhuang

was very lucky to receive help, his biggestproblems were still coming.

In front of him lay the desert andhe had to cross this before he could reachthe edge of the country. In those times,nobody lived in the land between citiesand towns. There only existed wildcountry, wild animals and bandits. Peoplestayed close to the cities, towns and

vil lages for protec tion,shelter, food and water.Outside people could dievery easily facing all theseproblems.

The desert wouldtake Xuan Zhuang sevendays to cross but he wasdetermined and he wouldnot give up. Xuan Zhuanghad avoided the problem ofpeople, had escaped those

who wanted to kill himand turned those whowanted to hurt him tothose who had helpedhim. This was amazingand all because hebe lieved in his goal,which was to go to Indiato develop his Buddhism.In fact, it was his powerfulspirit and mind whichchanged those people.However, now the desertwas in front of him andhe could not talk tonature and the desertand convince them togive him a chance .However, he thoughtthat if he was careful withhis water he would makeit but disaster came onthe very first day. He triedto save his water by notusing any on the first daybut it proved impossible,so in the end he pulledout the animal skin ofwater to drink some buthe dropped it instead andall the water spilled onto

the sand! Now all the water was goneand on the very first day!

It was not only he who needed itbut his horse as well. Now it seemedthey would die together. In that bigdesert there was no water, food,animals, plants or even bandits. Therewas nothing but the sand, wind and drybones of other animals and people whohad failed to complete their journey. Thedays were so hot and the nights so coldthat without water there was no way heand his horse could survive.

As a Buddhist he believed that ifthe horse died, then he would owe thehorse his life and so he would have toreply the debt and the worst thing wouldbe that in the next life he would not gethis Buddhist knowledge. Xuan Zhuangbelieved that the purpose of his life wasnot just eating, drinking and surviving. If

i t was forname andmoney, thenhe wasa l r e a d yfamous inChang An andpeople gavehim money tom a i n t a i nhimse lf . So

why did he need tocome here to suffer?There was no choice butto go back. The onlything he could do wasto go back to the fourthborder point and askthe Chief for morewater.

A fter he hadbeen walking for threeor four miles hesuddenly rememberedwhat he had saidbefore, “I would ratherdie than take one stepback to the east.” Nowhe was going againsthis own word. So heturned around back tothe west preferring todie in the desert insteadof breaking his vow.

Al l Buddhistsknow about Guan YinPu Sa (Bodhisattva alsocalled the Goddess ofMercy) who has theimage of a femaleBuddha. Although sheis as good as Buddha,

“As a Buddhist he believed thatif the horse died, then he wouldowe the horse his life.”

Xuan Zhuang

Xuan Zhuangcrosses thedesert

page 2 Qi Magazine Apr/May/Jun 2008

she is one level below Buddha becauseshe wished to help save others. Becauseof this people named her Guan Yin PuSa. In China or other Buddhist areaspeople call her name in order tobe savedbecause she has great compassion andunconditional love.

Xuan Zhuang chanted her nameNo Mo Guan Xi Yin Pu Sa (which is herfull name) hoping that she would savehim and, of course, his horse as well.Xuan Zhuang also said, “I came here notfor my name, not for money but tounderstand more Buddhist knowledge.”

At that moment Xuan Zhuangknew he could not cross the desertwithout water. He mouthwas dry, he wasdehydrated, hungry and exhausted. Hewas dying. He fell to the ground stillchanting “Na Mo Guan Xi Yin Pu Sa.”His horse also fell to the ground.

Suddenly the temperaturedropped and it was much cooler. XuanZhuang’s mouth and body did not feelso bad and so, feeling better, he fell intoa deep sleep. While sleeping he had adream. In his dream he saw a big uglyspirit man swinging some kind of weaponabove his head. The spirit had big eyeswhichpopped out and it said tohim, “Youshould wake up now and carry on yourjourney.”

It was so frightening that XuanZhuang woke up suddenly. The dreamhad been sovivid. He got upand climbed onto his horseand theywalked for

a while. Suddenly the horse broke into agallop. Xuan Zhuang could not control itand in his tired condition all he could dowas hang onand see where it took them.He could not tell how long the horse kepton running, but suddenly he saw somegreen up ahead and also some water!

He could not believe it…it wasimpossible! He knew that in the desertthere were a lot if illusions. Many timeshe himself had seen things that were notreal but this time it was real. There wereplants, grass and water! It was a happymoment for both him and his horse. Theydrank, bathed and relaxed enjoying thewater. Xuan Zhuang even cut some ofthe grass for the horse to take with themon the journey. It took them two days torecover so they could continue on andfinally, after many days, they crossed thedesert and reached the first country o nhis Buddhist journey to thewest.

This story hasbeen recorded inhistory. XuanZhuang evenreturned to TangDynasty China butthe most importantthing is that MasterXuan Zhuang

believed that no matter what difficultiesor problems he faced, he would succeed.

When I was young I believed insome philosophy and Bruce Lee was myhero. He dedicated himself to martialarts, living in the martial arts world andhe became well known and alsofinancially stable as well.

Xuan Zhuang believed in hisjourney and alsobelieved inBuddha andGuan Yin Pu Sa. He believed she savedhim, whether you or I believe it or not.However, if you believe in something,you must put all your heart and sincerityinto it and not just pretend. How can welie to Buddha, Bodhisattvas, angels orGod?

For my own journey I have alwaysthought that if we believe, are sincereand have the right heart, then everythingwill work out in the end. This can includeany principles, philosophies, religions andthe Yijing as well.

No Mo GuanXi Yin Pu Sa

QiMagazineApr/May/Jun 2008 page3

Cover Feature...Cover Feature...Cover Feature...

Cover Feature...Cover Feature...Cover Feature...28 Wing Chun Adventure : Grandmaster Ip Chun’s Supreme Skill

1 Editorialwith Michael Tse

3 PO Box

8 Springtime Watercress SoupAs the seasons change so our diet should adaptto balance the change. Watercress soup is verypopular with Chinese people and it amazinglysimple to make.By Jessica Tse

9 Heaven & HellOur minds are very powerful things and ourthinking shapes how we perceive the world.Through meditation we can learn how to free ourminds and so expand our thoughts.By Julian Wilde

10 Museum QualityToday, we are lucky enough to be able to seeancient treasures preserved in museums. Ancientskills deserve as much care and attention thoughthey rarely get it.By Sihn Kei

12 You and Your QiHow you treat your Qi will determine howyou can live your life. Having strong Qinot only makes you healthy, but allowsyou to live life to the full.By Adam Wallace

13 Not for All the Tea in ChinaTravelling broadens the mind. You get tosee and experience different places,people and cultures. A recent experiencethat was not to be missed.By Martin Gale

14 Making JiaoziIf you have ever been to a Chineserestaurant you will, no doubt, have beenconfronted with the many different typesof dumplings you can eat. These areJiaozi and making them is almost asmuch fun as eating them.By Peter Andersen

16 Wing Chun Story - Part 11Last issue we left Leung Lan Kwai facing Master Wu. Hemanaged to avoid the first challenge, but can he survivethe next test?By Michael Tse

18 Best of a Bad JobEvery day we are faced with unhealthy situations at work.As it is your job you have no choice but Qigong will helpyou cope with it.By Kate Britton

20 Accident & Recovery: Training for the UnexpectedLife can sometimes throw some unexpected tests your way,but if you have been practising enough, then you will bebetter prepared to face things.By Adam Wallace

Although he is almost 85 yearsold, Wing Chun Grandmaster IpChun’s skill is unbelievable. He isstill able to Chi Sau with anyoneand can easily control people 60years younger than him! It has tobe seen to be believed.Recently a lucky group of studentsgot the chance to do just that,however, as if that was notenough, they were able to enjoywhat can only be called a trueadventure.By Darryl Moy


Kung Fu WeaponsLongquan (Taiji) Dragon SwordDouble edged straight blade, engraved & finished with brassand copper. Comes with scabbard and tassel. (Length 81cm)Tse Qigong Centre members £90 /Non-members £100

Kang Li Telescopic Practice SwordWell-balanced steel practice sword. Comes with carrying caseand tassel. (Length 71cm)Tse Qigong Centre members £36* / Non-members £41*

Longquan Dragon Knife (Broadsword)Engraved blade finished in copper. Includes engravedlacquered scabbard with brass finish. (Length 77.5 cm)Tse Qigong Centre members £95 /Non-members £105

Chinese Spear (Length 215cm)Chrome plated spearhead with white wax woodshaft and red ying (hair). Requires cutting to size.Tse Qigong Centre members £52 / Non-members £57

White Wax Wood Staff (Length 200cm)Tse Qigong Centre members £50 / Non-members £55

Wing Chun Knives - Baat Jam Dao (Length 45cm)Tse QigongCentre members £110 /Non-members £120

Longquan (Taiji)Dragon Sword

LongquanDragon Knife(Broadsword)

Prices include UK p&p and are by express courier service.*Telescopic sword includes UK p&p by standard post.Please make cheques payable to ‘Michael Tse’.Specifications may vary. Prices valid for cover dates onthis issue only. Please see the latest issue for up to date prices.

Wing ChunKnives (Baat

Jam Dao)

To order contact:Tse Qigong Centre PO Box 59

Altrincham WA15 8FS0845 838 2285

[email protected]

22 Touching HandsFor the first time the Tse Qigong Centre held a courseto develop the skill of Wing Chun’s Chi Sau andTaijiquan’s Tui Shou together. It was an exciting andfun course, but also very educational.By Michael Tse

24 Golden Mountain Living Buddha- Part 6More amazing accounts of the Living Buddha, MiaoShan.By Master Le Guan

26 Yinjin Jing (Muscle Transforming Exercises) Part 4Exercises 8 to 12.By Zeng Qingnan & Liu Daoqing

41 Liao Fan’s Four LessonsContinuing the Third Lesson, where we are asked whatdoes “to support the practice of kindness” mean?

42 Xing Shou - Part 2The next exciting movements in Xing Shou. The formmakes the body flexible and light and is good for thejoints, tendons and circulation.By Michael Tse

45 Reflections of a SnakeA short story, which tells us not to let our imaginationget the better of us.

45 The Golden FlowerThe Chrysanthemum holds a significant place in China.Find out why.By Yve Hands

46 Self DefenceChen Taijiquan StyleThere are many movements in a Taijiquan form. Almostall of them have more that one self defence application.

48 Feng Shui– The Di ZhiThe Earthly Branches draw their energy from the Earth.They also combine in different ways and thesecombinations have a great deal of influence on yourlife and your Feng Shui.By Michael Tse


POBox POBox POBox...

Qi Magazine has been going since 1990, over18 years now. It seems almost like it wasyesterday when I had the idea and we made the first

issue. We even had some translated into German as I wasteaching in Germany at the time. It has grown amazinglysince those first small booklets and it has become a well-respected source of information. However, we have come tothe decision to make the lucky number 90 our last issue ofthe Qi magazine. It is sad for us but I will still write newarticles and stories and more good books and have these onthe website instead. So the January/February/March 2009issue will be the final Qi Magazine.

It is true the world is changing and we all need to learnhow to fit in with the new ways of the world. So, althoughthere are negative things about the internet, there are alsogood things as well. The good thing about the website is thatyou can straight away post new articles for people to readwithout having to wait another three months for a magazineto come out. Also, I plan to put some of my video lectures andaudio talks on-line and even teach some simple exercisesthrough the website.

This means that, over the next four issues of themagazine, the membership fees will decrease witheach quarteruntil left with a fixed membership fee for each country. We willstill have the membership polo shirt and booklet as well asopening the website members’ section in 2009. In addition,

Time for ChangeTime for Change

from time to time, there will be some special publications formembers and information for them as well. However, fromIssue 88, there will be no more yearly subscriptions taken andthe remaining issues will only be available to newcomers on aper-issue basis.

Thanks to those who have supported the Qi Magazineand Tse Qigong Centre for so many years and for all of thosepeople who have been helping us and who have been loyal tous. See you in the last few issues of the magazine and theweb site.

Our new website address is:- www.tseqigongcentre.com

Regulating the HeartDear Michael,

I am 53 years old and suffer from severe rheumatismin most of my joints. If possible, I do a few Qigong Exercisesevery morning and they keep my muscles strong and hopefullykeep me fit. Last summer Igot additional problems concerningmy heart. My heart is too big, my pulse is too high (over 100)and my heart beat is irregular and fast. Of course my bloodpressure was also out of control but with a hospital stay of twoweeks and medication my breathing has improved and myblood pressure has returned to normal. However, my heartbeat is still too fast and irregular and I was wondering if thereare any Qigong exercises I can try to improve my healthsituation.Many thanks in advance for answering my inquiry.Yours faithfully, IS, England

Dear I,I hope you are still practising your Qigong and getting

benefit. I think if you keep going and keep the movements nottoo fast, then your heart will be better. As for some Qigongmovements, I can recommend the following movements frommy Healthy Living Gong – Part II.

These are:-

Pulling Sprouts (without bending over too far)

Dancing with Long Sleeves

Flying White Crane (done gently and easily)I hope this helps, Michael Tse.

Student Questions:-Q. Why does Taijiquan have so many forms?

A. Originally, there were not that many:- one fast and one slow.However, to make things easier for morepeople to learn, Mastersbegan to create short forms to help the beginners.

Q. Which part of the Wild Goose Qigong 1st and 2nd 64 is forpost-natal energy and which is for pre-natal energy?

A. The 1st64 helps post-natal problems. When we are healthier,we work for the pre-natal energy which is helped by the 2nd 64.Actually, the Chinese name is not 1st and 2nd 64 but Wild Goose‘ front ’ and Wild Goose ‘back’. So front and back alsorepresentYin and Yang, before and after, post-natal and pre-natal.


News::::: Demos & SeminarsNews::::: Demos & SeminarsNews::::: Demos & Seminars

kidney essence through exercise and alsowith tonic foods. Of these two exerciseslike Qigong, which will make the kidneyenergy stronger, have the most effect.Food tonics need to be taken consistentlyand over a long period to have a markedeffect on something like grey hair.

Q. Is it okay to drink cold water when weare hot, like after exercise or in hotweather?

A. Chinese believe that taking cold drinkswill eventually damage the spleen and soprefer to take room temperature, warmor hot drinks, even when hot.

Q. Is raw food good?

A. Raw food can also damage the spleen,making it work harder and taking thebody’s Qi. If someone is ill or weak, thenthe less raw food they take the better.

Q. How do we use the Wing Chun’s LatSau?

A. Lat Sau is a bit like Jut Sau in the formbut the arms are straight. It is for holdingthe energy in the arms and so we justpull down.

Q. When we do Siu Lim Tao, is theposture straight or leaning back?

A. The posture should be straight and notleaning back as this will eventually blockthe Qi.

Q. In Siu Lim Tao, should we grip theknees or sink down?

A. The weight should be on the thighs,not the knees, and we should not begripping or tense. The whole body shouldbe relaxed so that the energy can flowand develop.

Q. Are black rice and black fungus goodto make the hair black?

A. In traditional Chinese Medicine andfood cures, the colour and shapeof foodswill often be related to the internal organthat connects with that colour as well.For instance, the colour black relates tothekidneys according to the Five ElementTheory. Throughout history, there aremany herbal and food tonics that peoplehave traditionally taken to make the hairblack again.However, grey hair is dependent upon bothgenetics and health. If your father wentgrey at age 20, then it is highly likely thatyou will do the same, no matter how muchtonic food you consume. Another factorrelating to grey hair is one’s health.Chronic low kidney energy can makesomeone’s hair prematurely grey but it isin this area that one can strengthen the

New Zealand andAustralia Seminarsin 2008, Spring

It was very good meeting up with allthe students in New Zealand andAustralia as they are very keen to

study Qigong and Chun Yuen Quan. Fora teacher what else is better than thestudents who are excited and who enjoywhat you teach them. Sometimes, thepeople who do not see me that oftenare keener and respect the teacher andthe skills even more.

Do you know, at this moment inAust ralia and New Zealand it issummertime and so the trip to go therefor seminars is a bit like having a summerholiday even though it was a very busyschedule with teaching every day. Still,it was great. New Zealand has verystrong sun, stronger than Australia, eventhough it is colder. As a result, I got a bitof a suntan and I also had a little farmwork experience on Belinda Hadfield’sfarm in New Zealand which was quitefun.

Every time I go to another placefor seminars, I also do somedemonstration, such as the Chun Yuenwarm up, Balancing Gong, Healthy LivingGong or Wild Goose Qigong. Also, I dosome martial art like Wing Chun, ChunYuen Quanor Taiji, even some sword andstaff forms. Of course, I explain what

Qigong is and that it is for health and Ialso explain that traditional martial artsare for self-defence, not for bullying otherpeople , particularly weak people.Everyone in the audience was totally inagreement and happy to hear thatproper Chinese martial arts are like this.

Teaching Wild Goose Qigong andChun Yuen’s Xing Shou and GreatSadness this time was enjoyable and allstudents liked them very much. Althoughsome had already completed the forms,they still wanted to do again as polishingis very important and it gives people

time to let the details become more clearand the energy smoother. This helps tomake not only the form better butimprove the health of the personpractising. When I see the students sohappy, I feel lucky to have a job like thisto help people learn the proper skill.

by Michael Tse

Chen TaijiquanResidential Course

The Chen Residential course wasbilled as a taster session for manydifferent Chen Taiji skills. At one pointTse Sifu likened it to a buffet. “Taste alittle bit of everything!” he encouragedus. Well actually we had a three coursemeal each and every day. Polishing the19 Step form was a tasty starter and theamazing 25 Step, with its unorthodoxkicks and sweeps, was almost too muchfor most people to finish! Every afternoonwe were also busy digesting the doublestraight sword routine, which proved tobe a big hit with everyone, though thenumerous twists and turns left some alittle overstuffed. We polished off the 38step easily enough but then were facedwith more goodies - the Xin Jia, theSpear and the Dai Dao! I thought thebanquet would never end though I mustadmit the Dai Dao proved to be very“more-ish” - I developed an unexpectedappetite for it.

Every evening there was Tui Shou(pushing hands) to get our teeth into.Not literally I must add! I think everyone’sskill went up a notch. It’s amazing howdifferent each individual is when thehands touch yet we were all united inour aspirations to try and improve.

The “treats” just kept on coming.Tse Sifu’s explanations of Taiji principlesgave us all plenty of food for thought.

by Julian WildeSee website for details.

Dayan Gong in New Zealand

Xing Shou


Watercress SoupWatercress SoupThe liver is the organ that relates to

spring and so we need to beconcerned with improving our

sluggish winter circulation and ridding thebody of any toxins. Just like we clear aflower bed of any old leaves and deadplants before planting newseedlings, weshould do the same with our bodies.When the liver Qi is stagnant, we willhave more irritability, depression andfrustration. Physically, the body may feelheavy and sluggish with joints aching andnot moving smoothly.

It is also a time when the weathercan suddenly become warm andcompared to winter’s cold, we find thatwe can wear less clothing. Sometimes,though, if the Yang energy in the bodyis not strong, wind – which dominatesthis season – can go inside the bodycausing symptoms of dizziness,headache, sti ffness in the neck,

constipation and shaking. In more severecases, it can evencause numbness in thelimbs, paralysis, seizures and loss ofconsciousness.

So we also need to protect thebody from external forces like wind thatcan cause illness and disharmony in thebody. We can avoid wind illnesses byprotecting our bodies internally throughmore vigorous Qigong exercises which willwarm the blood and balance the liverfunction. Externally, we should not go tobed with wet hair (true for all seasons)or go outside also while the hair is wetwhen it is windy and cold. In these cases,it is very easy for the wind to go insidethe head causing headaches, dizziness,toothache and irritability. If not released,it can move to the chest and affect thelungs, causing coughing and allergies.

In terms of the five elementflavours for food, sour relates to the liverand so we should refrain from eating toomany sour foods in this season as thiswill overburden the liver. Foods that willimprove blood circulation and can help

to release stagnat ion are good.Watercress is very good for cleansing theblood and figs help to moisten the bodyand create lubrication, he lpingconstipation.

Watercress Soup

This soup is different from Westernversions which might include cream orbutter. This is a light soup which helps tocleanse and hydrate the body andbalance the liver. The bitter almonds aregood for the throat and coughing.

One bunch fresh watercress,washed and cleaned thoroughly

1 tsp small, bitter almonds foundin Chinese supermarkets.Do notoveruse as they are toxic in largeramounts.

Pork loin or shank (can omit forvegetarian version). Rinse inboiling water and discard water.Then rinse in cold water, drainand set aside

6-8 dried figs, rinsed and cut inhalf

2 honey dates (if you cannot findin Chinese supermarket, omit thisitem).

4-6 dried Shitake mushrooms.Rinse well in cool water and thensoak in cold water for a fewhours. Remove hard stem and cutinto thirds.

1 tsp salt

Heat 6-8 to Chinese rice bowls ofwater until just boiling. Add all theingredients and bring to a boil and thenturndown to simmer. Cook at a low heatfor 2-3 hours (the vegetarian version willtake less time).

Season to taste with white pepperor extra salt at the table

by Jessica Tse

Springtime is when Yang energy rises. Winter sleep is abandonedand plants begin to awaken; new shoots appear, trees bud and blossom.

SpringtimeSpringtime


I am sure you must all have heard the Zen story about the samuraiand the Zen master. The samurai demands arrogantly to be taught by themaster. So the master teaches him!

Heaven & HellHe says, “Why would I want to have

anything to do with you!You’re noteven a decent fighte r!” The

samurai draws his sword in anger to killthe master who just sits calmly and says“Ah! That’s how the gates of hell areopened!” The samurai is puzzled by thewords and by the old master’ scomposure. He lowers his sword. Themaster smiles and says, “Ah! That’s howthe gates of heaven are opened...” Theimplication is obvious - we ourselvescreate heaven and hell.All religions, or at least all the ones thatI can think of share one thing in common.They all uphold the concept of a layereduniverse – a worldview that contains thenotionof many different levels of reality,states of being. There are heavens or atleast realms where “higher” beingsdwell. Many various other worlds, bothabove us and below us, extend verticallyfrom the central level of mankind.

This idea of a layered universeseems to be universal. Most religionshave come up with this concept,independently and organically. The

earliest blossoming of Neolithic religiousthought and Shamanistic paradigms frommany different cultures, some veryisolated, feature just such a notion. It’shardwired into us. Our neural networkmakes it a given. We are programmedto experience the world that way.

Now, anyone who’s ever doneregular meditation for more than a yearor two will sooner or later come to thestrange realisation that, contrary topopular thought, our minds are not inour bodies. In fact, the physical body,withall its sensations and processes, canbe experienced as being in the mind.Every bodily experience, every itch andache, is actually happening in the mind.The body is in the mind, not the otherway round! Further, we can experience

the whole world as being “in the mind”.This means that all that stuff “out there”– everything that’s material, solid,corporeal, physical, “REAL”, is “in themind”. The whole “physical” universe ofplanets, star systems, vast distances ofempty space - all that is IN THE MIND!Our minds hold all that!

If you haven’t done a lot ofmeditation this may sound preposterousto you, but some of you will know exactlywhat I’m talking about – the wholeuniverse, its people and animals, itsenergies, all happens within the mind.And it’s not even your mind, or my mind,it becomes impersonal, just “the mind”.

And our minds hold the multi-tiered universe as well as the “realuniverse”, with its planets and solarsystems and big bangs! How can wereconcile the two models? EASY! Thinkabout it for a moment. The vast and still

expanding “real”universe, which we still knownext to nothing about, isstill only on one level –the human

level . From thisunimaginable huge andmysterious expanse we call theuniverse, expand even moreunutterably vast worlds, on non-human levels. And it doesn’t end.We can’t really even talk about itmuch. It’s too, too immense. Itwould be an indulgence to talkabout something we know so littleabout.

Now, meditation, or indeedany kind of spiritual practice, canget indulgent - overtlyintrospective, narcissistic,se lf centred and sel fserving. We all have toguard against thepossibil it y of that

happening, but actual ly thereverse should be true – anauthentic spiritual path shouldtake us away from narrow egoconcerns, towards a greater empathywith all life. In the legend of the GrailQuest, the knight Parsival has to ask“Who is this for?” We have to ask thesame question – “Who’s benefiting frommy practice, my beliefs?” If we’reenjoying ourselves but causing problemsfor others, we need to re-examine ouractions.

In fact, a spiritual path is nature’sway of doing its work through us. Andby nature, I don’t mean merely theseasons and the weather and thesongbirds and the dolphins, but thebigger current of evolution, the growthand development of consciousness. Aspiritual path is evolution carrying itselfalong, in us. We are evolution’s vehicles.

And to perform that collective taskeffectively, for the common good, wehave to paradoxically become trueindividuals, responsible for our actions,for cleaning up our self-created mess.Our life is not ours alone .You don’t live just for

yourself.But the task

of living well isyours, the

responsibility is yours.The achievement, however,

the good that ensues - thatbelongs to all creation!

Buddhists spend a lot oftime thinking about suffering! It’s

actually quite a profound subject.I can think of two or three of mystudents who would benefit from

asking themselves what was the realcause of their suffering. I’m sure youcan guess the answer! No, it’s nothaving me for a Sifu! It’s because theymake so many problems forthemselves – and blame everyoneelse! So they may never get to escapefrom their self created mess. It’s hard

of course to turn life around, to acceptresponsibility for what happens toyou. We actually don’t want tobelieve that we make our ownsuffering. But you’ve only to lookin the nearest mirror to see thesource of most of your problems!

by Julian Wilde

Heaven & Hell

You don’t live just foryourself. But the taskof living well is yours”


I think everyone who sees theTerracotta Warriors understands thelineage behind these over 2000 year

old pieces is moved by their history andfeels nostalgic to be a part of that, ifonly from a distance.

Still, there is always that degreeof separation between observer andexhibition. Anything that old and preciousmust be protected not onlyfrom touching hands whichcan leave oils on exhibitswhich wil l degradesurfaces but evennatural elements likestrong light can fadeimages and age ratherthan preserve them.

Thus thinking, Irealised how lucky I amto be able to bothpractise and teach the1,800 year old DayanQigong. Every day I amhelping topreserve thisprecious skill, not byputting it in a museumexhibit, but because Iam touching,breathing and living thisskill. This knowledge ofbeing part of somethingso vast , so old ishumbling. As I practiseand come to themovement in the DayanQigong cal led FlyUpward, I look at the skyand think about my Sifuwho taught me, my Sigong(Grandmaster Yang Meijun)who taught him and her grandfather whotaught her. I think to myself, “I am partof this lineage…I am part of this family.”I also think about all the skill ancestorswhose names I don’t know and whosurely must be watching over me as Istrive not only to keep the skill in memorybut to improve myself and my life byusing its principles in my work, my play.

Qigong is most definitely forhealth but mind and body are intertwinedso that one balances or unbalances theother. Bad health affects the mind and

can create anger, depression or evenmania. Negative and stubborn thinkingcauses a similar response of restrictionand heaviness in the organs so that bloodand Qi are impaired and thus, the health.

So meditation is the levelling fieldfor Qi, the garden where harmony cantake root. In those moments of utterstillness, the mind also begins to slow

and, if we are lucky,even stop. Theneverything can beginto develop. We cansometimes see ourinner self or a shadowimage that maybe isa forgotten memoryfrom another timeand place that can be

a key to unlocking allthe worry and pain of

today. In meditation wecultivate the Qi from our practice withoutour even realising it. With good skill, withgood guidance and withproper teachingand regular practice, we can begin todevelop wisdom.

Enlightenment is a moment, aninstant, when everything snaps into focusand is like a light on a mirror but oncewe blink, most often the blinkers slip backand we lose clarity once again. However,true wisdom is beyond enlightenmentand is rooted and can grow deep ifnurtured.

Many people thinkthat by opening their SkyEye that they will have wisdom. Our SkyEye can open and it can close. We canhave brie f flashes of intui tion orclairvoyance even but then it is gone.True Sky Eye opening is one that can becontrolled by the practitioner and this iswisdom. This is when body and mind and

channels are open but grounded andthere is an abundance of Qi not just formaintaining the body but for developingthe mind and spirit. This surplus of Qibegins to open our human potential andconnect us with nature. In someonehealthy whose Sky Eye is open, themessages they receive are true and notdistorted by imagination, or worse,influences from another source. Thiswisdom is what connects this world andbeyond.

The movements in Dayan Qigongwhich follow the repeated movement,Fly Upwards, are Skim over the Sea andLook for Food. Both of these follow-onmovements bring us back from heavento the earth, connecting us through ourbones in the low stance that supports ourwaist as we skim side to side and thenup and down looking for food. Withoutgrounding, we are just kites out ofcontrol. Grounded Qi is our tether andalso our root for letting the tree ofwisdom grow

by Sihn Kei

“In meditation wecultivate the Qifrom our practicewithout our evenrealising it.”

Museum QualityMuseum Quality

There many people visiting the Terracotta Warrior exhibition at theBritish Museum in London and, although there is only a tiny fraction ofthe figures in comparison to those on display in their home in Xian, itstill is impressive with soft lighting and strategic placements.


Qigong Therapywith Master Michael TseQigong therapy is a very effective wayof increasing your energy and clearingthe negative energy in the body.Combined with specific exercises, thetreatment is specific to each patient.Master Tse’s Qigong Therapy hasbenefited a great many people andhis appointments are highly soughtafter.

.

For more information please call:

UK: 0161 929 4485

or 0845 838 2285

or email [email protected]

Qi Magazine Jan/Feb/Mar 2008 page 11

Personal TuitionPersonal Tuitionwith Master Michael TseMaster MichaelTse is available for private lessonsin London. Benefit from personal tuition with one ofthe foremost teachers in thewest.

Dayan Qigong Chun Yuen Quan Wing Chun Kung Fu Chen Taijiquan Hard Qigong Feng ShuiFor more information about please contact:Tse Qigong CentrePO Box 59 Altrincham WA15 8FSTel 0161 929 4485 email [email protected]

When your Qi is full you feelcomfortable inside, no matterthe weather. On extremely cold

days you may feel the temperature onthe surface of the skin, but inside youwill feel warm, so the extremities andjoints do not suffer. When Qi is deficient,you can even feel cold internally onwarm days. This is why the elderly fearwinter especially.

Your Qi level is directly related tohow you see the world and respond toit. When your Qi is full and stable youwill feel balanced, vibrant and confident,with a deep sense of peace andh a r m o n y .Mental clarity,wisdom, andmood al ldepend on theQi leve l, sowhen Qi is lowyou wil l notonly fee lp h y s i c a l l yw e a k ,vulnerable andinsecure, butalso becomecantankerous, melancholy, anxious orfearful and suffer negative and confusedthinking. When Qi is unstable you mayexperience severe mood swings, becomeeasi ly enraged, or suf fe r manicdepression (bi-polar disorder).

Many people suffer heart attacksor strokes because they are not sensitiveto their Qi or do not know how to controlit through regulating the breath. Theattack often occurs when the body isstressed and the mind is preoccupied or‘out of the body’. Qigong regulates andbalances Qi with the mind and breathand so prevents Qi becoming over-stimulated and stuck. I would wager thatno one has nor ever will suffer a strokeor heart attack during their Qigongpractice as they are mindful of the internalbody. If they practice every day (especiallytwice or more), they need never worryas the effects of training last for manyhours, so regularity maintains order.

Many people today complain ofhaving no energy. They work, comehome, collapse and repeat this day-in-day-out. They run themselves into the

ground, literally. The way we feel, ingeneral, is a reliable barometer for whatis going on internally. Before we becomeseriously ill, we will generally feel anoverall sense of malaise. This is a warningsignal. Over time, if nothing is done toremedy the situation, we thenbecome fatigued, burned outand run down. When Qi level isweak the immune system too isweak. So when fatigued, sicknessinvariably follows. Then comes theenforced rest at home or inhospi tal and theubiquitous medication that

must be taken untilthe last days of life.Medications interferewith Qi but the averageperson tak ing thesemedicines can be toodisconnected fromhis body to evennotice.

Your Qi level, as it is at this verymoment, is the result of your parents’combined Qi (the good and the bad),together with that gained since birth, fromfood, water, air and exercise/rest. (Themore you exerc ise the body withbreathing fresh air and relaxation, andwithout exhausting it, the more itrecharges, just like a car battery.) So youcan take the Qi your parents gave you,use it wisely togo beyond life expectancyor you can squander it hastily.

Everything we do in life uses Qi,so we must spend it wisely. Eating thewrong food, in large amounts, uses a lotof Qi for digestion and this results in thefeeling of heaviness and sleepiness. Evenbreathing can waste Qi unnecessarily

when it is not natural. Reading, especiallyat the computer, uses our Qi andweakens our vision, so it is important totake frequent short breaks in order to letthe eyes recover and avoid eyestrain.

Many mencomplain of exhaustion andtheir doctors cannot diagnose theproblem, but Chinese medicaldoctors would be able to detectthat they have weakened kidneyQi through immoderate sexualintercourse. People complain of

symptoms but remainunwilling to restore balancethemselves by makingnecessary recommendedl ifesty le changes,especially if it involves

depriving themselves ofpleasure.

Many pat ientstoday undergoingchemotherapy useQigong and/or Chinesemedic ine to helpremedy the symptomsof treatment (aching

muscles and coldness inthe bones) instead of using

Qigong as the primarytreatment. During the

days theyprac t icethey feelb e t t e rbecause

their Qilevel has been elevated but

after the ensuing chemotherapy sessionthey feel terrible as the treatmentdamages the kidneys and erases all thegood Qi cultivated from practice. So, thepatient takes one step forward and threesteps back. No matter what the illnessmay be, the only way to truly recover isto bring up the Qi level so the body hassufficient Qi to combat and overcome theillness. When the Qi is not strong enough,illness gains ascendancy and ultimatelytriumphs, resulting in a weakened stateof health or death.

The factors that determine our Qiare (mostly) under our direct control.Therefore, largely, our lives are the resultof our choices

by Adam Wallace.

Your Qi is your life. Abundant Qi ensures good health andvitality, speedy recovery from illness, and quality of life. Deficient Qispells listlessness and illness, and no Qi means death, literally.

You and Your Qi

“Everything wedo in life usesQi, so we mustspend it wisely.”


On a recent trip to Hong Kong andChina, myself and several others(twenty-eight to be more precise)

might not have claimed all the tea inChina, but we got a good share, andwhat did we have to do for our portion?We just had to sit down, be patient andgo with the flow. This involved four hoursof tasting and sampling different teassuch as Jasmine, Pu Erh, Oolong andTikuanyin. It was not the tasting of theteas that passed the time but thesampling of maybe several grades ofeach tea to see which grade would suitindividual palates. As the teas changedin grade they could change in flavour,due to their maturing properties, andjust because it might bethe highest gradeavailable, it might notbe the taste for you.Once all the tastingwas over it was timeto work out thequant it ie s andprices. Luckily, wewere in the capablehands of Shahriarand a fine job hedid. Then all that waslef t to do waspackage it all up, whichwas quite a task with somuch tea of dif fe rent

flavours and grades purchased by nearlythirty people, but in time it was allcompleted.

However, the main purpose of thetrip to Hong Kong and China was to goand visit Grandmaster Ip Chun. For me,this is always the highlight of returningto Hong Kong, to see my Sigong andpay my respects to the happy, contentgentleman who is my image of WingChun. He is always pleased to see youand to have you join in his class, whichwe did several times, meeting up with

old friends from the past and new onesalike. Most things seemed to be thesame, only I seemed to be different.What I felt different was the pace of mostevents, almost a feeling of Siu LimTao,(the name of the first form in WingChun) which means to reduce yourthoughts, relax your mind and be stillinside. If your mind is still, then your Qican be settled and then you can calmlyobserve and sense what is happeningaround you and interact from a positionof stillness.

This feeling of pace was notalways what I felt inmyself, but also whatwas happening about me. As we moved

through the streets of Hong Kong andChina with our busy schedule and pace,in order to make sure al l wasaccomplished, the thousands of localsjust seemed to be going about theirbusiness all packed together but withoutthe hustle and bustle and urgency ofManchester or London. As we all movedalong, there were people onbicycles thatslowly weaved and glided in and out ofgaps between us, pedalling so slowly itwas hard to see how they didn’t fall over.There were other cyclists whose bicycles

were loaded skywards with maybefifteen or more boxes that almostdefied the laws of physics and ifyou had tried to figure out howthey managed it the whole illusion wouldhave fallen apart.

It was also nice to go and practisein the park eachmorning and feel relaxedwhilst training our skills without beingmade to feel strange by the peoplepassing by, for it was all so natural.Visiting temples was another momentwhere the pace was stilled, as eachtemple and its gardens existed almostas an oasis of peace and tranquillityenclosed in a metropolis of brick, steel

and lights, which initself can catch your

mind if not yourbreath. To catchyour breath is tosee the Buddha’sstatue on LantauIsland, becauseon the day wevisited the cablecars wereshrouded in athick white mistthat was quitecold and youcould almosthave beentravelling through

the heavens. Whenwe reached our

destination and climbedthe steps, the mist was so thick that youcouldn’t really see the Buddha. Thenagain, maybe seeing Buddhas is notimportant, rather to know that they arethere somewhere watching in the mist.

Tasting the tea is like tasting thepeople and culture of the land, whichcontains such a variety of tastes anddepths that balance alongside each otherfrom the ancient slower pace of life tothe modern faster pace. It is this diversityexisting together that makes the wholeplace so beautiful and I would like tothank the people who made the wholetrip possible - my Sigong for being therefor us, and my Sifu for taking us, and allthe people who made my trip richer forbeing there with me - and you knowwhat, I wouldn’t have missed it for allthe tea in China

by Martin Gale

“Not for all the tea in China” is a well-known phrase. You often hear peopleusing it, usually in the context, “I wouldn’t do that for all the tea in China”.

Not for all the Tea in ChinaNot for all the Tea in China

“Tasting the tea is liketasting the people andculture of the land.”


The ingredients are disarminglysimple. The ‘dough’, or ‘wrap’, ismade out of flour and water that is

mixed, kneaded, left to rest, rolled intoa sausage shape and then chopped intodraught size discs which are thenflattened and rolled out into thin circularsheets. What could be easier?

The filling is largely a matter ofchoice. A mixture of minced pork, withginger, cabbage, celery, spring onion anda little salt, pepper and soy sauce, is themost common, but you can invent anyconcoction you like as long as you chopit up very fine so that when it’s all mixedup together it forms a sort of solid mush.Doesn’t sound too appetising perhaps butin Wuhan we used to frequent severalrestaurants that were dedicated solely tothis one foodstuff . Theseestablishments served fillingsthat ranged from mixturesbased on pork to fish topumpkin to mushroom etc. andthe Jiaozi was offered boiled,steamed, shallow fried, deepfried or in a soup. Youwere thengiven a plate of chopped garlic,ginger and spring onion thatyou could mix to taste in yourd i p p i n g

bowl with vinegar, soy sauce and chillioil. Yum.

When making Jiaozi yourself thetricky bit is, I have discovered, thewrapping. There seem to be as manystyles and techniques as there arefamilies in China (does that soundfamiliar?) and often it is a matter ofexcited debate when two or threefamilies are gathered together – as wediscovered on the couple of occasionsthat we were invited to take part in thewhole affair which often lasted most ofthe afternoon and into the evening.Sometimes the debate revolved aroundthe aesthetics of the finished product;sometimes it was a question of thepractical considerations of thinness versustensile strength. Certainly, all would be

in vain if the Jiaozi were to disintegratein the cooking process. Some peoplewould use the opportunity to show off - Imet one guy who had perfected a one-handed wrapping technique! I amashamed to say that I still made a messof it using two hands and am notconvinced that if I had had three handsthat I would have fared any better.

Having struck a balance betweenform and function there was just thequestion of cooking the little devils. Mostof the people I knew in Wuhan seemedto favour the boiled variety, although itseemed that the key to boiling them wasnot to. Having brought a cauldron ofwater to the boil the Jiaozi are gentlyput in, thus bringing it off the boil. Eachtime the pot then returns to the boil half

a cup of coldwater is thrownin to take it offthe boil again.When thisprocess hasbeen repeatedthree or fourtimes the Jiaoziare ready.

Now, andhere finally is mypoint (you neverthought I’d getthere did you?),

the principles and the ingredients involvedin making Jiaozi are simple, disarminglyso (just flour, water and a few bits andbobs from the larder), but making goodJiaozi is, to the novice (i.e. me), fiendishlydifficult. In fact it is an art form. Havinghad several laughable attempts at makingthem unsupervised since I left China, Iknow this to be the case.

The other thing I have learned isthat, getting together with a bunch offriends for an afternoon you can have alot of fun, getting covered in flour andsticky dough, and the results can workboth as comedy ‘object’ and sustenanceand, in that sense, food for both the souland the belly. The whole process is theopposite of fast food and, in my opinion,what eating is all about - family, friends,fun and food

by Peter Andersen

One of my favourite memories of living in China relates to… youguessed it – food. The food in question is called ‘Jiaozi’ which is usuallytranslated as being a ‘dumpling’, although somehow (for those of usbrought up on suspiciously formless lumps of suet) that translation doesn’tdo it justice. Making Jiaozi

“I met one guy whohad perfected a one-

handed wrappingtechnique!”


New Fragrant GreenTikuanyin

New Fragrant GreenTikuanyin

PressReleaseTAI CHI CHUAN REVELATIONS - Principles & Conceptsby Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak,5th Generation Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan and First Disciple of Great Grand-master Yang Sau Chung of the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan.Translated by Master John DingIn his first book, Grandmaster Ip, one of the leading authorities on the Traditional YangFamily Tai Chi Chuan, shares his insight and deeper understanding of the Tai Chiclassics including some of the unspoken original interpretations and concepts notfound in other Tai Chi texts and contains some rare pictures of him and GreatGrandmaster Yang Sau Chung. Without good understanding of Tai Chi principlesand concepts one will never attain a high level. This book certainly contains a wealthof knowledge, which will assist both beginners and advanced practitioners seeking toimprove and gain deeper understanding in the principles and concepts of Tai Chi Chuan.This certainly is a rare and informative book on Tai Chi Chuan.

A must for practitioners of all styles of Tai Chi Chuan! Get your copy now!For more information and how to order this book directly from the publisher, do check out

our web site: www.taichiwl.demon.co.uk or email us at [email protected] orwrite to us at TCAH, P.O.Box 6404, London E18 1EX, United Kingdom.

Tai Chi & Alternative Health is an international andleading quarterly Tai Chi magazine in United Kingdom. Published since1994 andis essential reading for all those who are interested in Internal Arts and philosophies that shape them. Order your copy through

W H Smith, Menzies, Martins, local newsagent or take up a subscription with us NOW! The special subscription rate for 9 issues is :United Kingdom - £26, Europe - £34, US & Rest of the World - £44 (Overseas payment must be made in bankdraft drawn from

any British banks and made payable to TCAH and send to TCAH, P.O. Box 6404, London E18 1EX, United Kingdom.

Small Box 60g (approx weight) £12.00*

Prices include UK p&p & decorative storagecontainer.*Can make at least 8-12 small pots of tea.

Green fragrant Tikuanyin tea isoften called the “best” of allChinese tea.

With tea of this quality, the teacan be reused to make severalcups.

Contact: Tse Qigong Centre [email protected] 0845 838 2285 or 0161 929 4485

How to prepare Tea

Preparing good tea in the correctway enhances the taste drastically.

Your will need the following:Boiling WaterSmall teapot or cup with lidTea strainerTea cups

i. Warm up the tea pot orcup with boilingwater.

ii. Wash tea by placing tea in pot and pourin just enough boiling water to coverleaves andthen discard immediately.

iii. Pour in more boiling water and allow tostand for a 2-3 minutes. Stir gently.

iv. Pour tea through a tea strainer (to takeout anysmall bits of tea leaf) eitherdirectly into a tea cup orserving jug and then enjoy.

Taiwan's Muzha region, comes this highmountain Fragrant Tikuanyin tea.

WingChunStory

WingChunStory

A s Master Wu’s fingersbegan to c lose , LanKwai’s right hand madea Tok Sau, slappingMaster Wu’s elbow up from the

bottom, making his left hand bounceupwards.

Tok Sau is a very difficult hand touse. Many people know it but do notknow how to use it. It comes from theWooden Dummy form and if we use itproperly, i t can even break youropponent’s elbow and, at the very least,control your opponent’s body so theycannot move.

Leung Lan Kwai used his Tok Sauto hit Master Wu’s left elbow. It was apainful strike and caused him to movehis hand away from Lan Kwai’s shoulder.That was why Lan Kwai was thinking,“Thanks to my Wing Chun training,”because it had given him good sensitivity.

Although Wu Sheng Jian hadstrong muscles his elbow was a weakarea. Fortunately, his Kung Fu was quitegood and so he immediately let go withhis left hand but then his right hand shot

out towards Lan Kwai’s throat. Wu ShenJian’s skill was not strong with the fistbut his Tiger Claw skill was so strong thathe could grab a vase and shatter it withhis fingers. However, as he reached outtowards Lan Kwai’s throat, Lan Kwai hadalready moved out of range and so hegrabbed nothing but air.

Footwork t raining is veryimportant in Wing Chun. Since WingChun comes from a woman, footworkallows you to avoid the strength and

Part 11Leung Lan Kwai has

gone to visit a new martialschool that has justopened. Though he hadintended to see how goodthe master was, hischallenge has beenquickly accepted and thecontest has become moreserious.

“Thanks to my WingChun training.” This waswhat Lan Kwai wasthinking even as MasterWu reached out to grab hisleft shoulder.


power of your opponent’s attacks. LanKwai’s footwork was very good. If anenemy wanted to punch or kick him, hewould have already moved so he couldnot be struck. He remembered thatduring his beginning training Leung BokChau attacked him with his hands forcinghim to move and develop his footwork.Later he would attack him with a stickand he had to avoid all the strikes andat the end, he was told that he had toget close enough to his Sifu so that hecould catch hold of the stick. So he hadvery good footwork and his judgementwas very accurate.So, although Wu’sfingers were verypowerful, he couldnot reach LanKwai’s throat.

Fortunatelyfor Lan Kwai, Wu’sLohan skill usedone hundredpercent power andLan Kwai’sfootwork meanthe could takeadvantage of this.Good footworkallows you to notonly move out ofthe way but alsointo a bet te rposition. So whileWu Sheng Jiancould not reachLan Kwai’s throat,Lan Kwai’s handscould catch Wu’sforearm. So LanKwai quicklycaught Wu’sforearm andusing Lap Sau, hepulled Wu offbalance makinghim fall so hard tothe floor that he struck his head with abang. Fortunately, he was strong and hadsome Hard Qigong and so was notinjured but very embarrassed to bethrown to the ground in front of all thosepeople.

Actually, it was all because of Wu’sown strength as a high level Wing Chunperson will use an opponent’s energyagainst him. Just like a good merchantwill use his customers’ money and notall of his own in order to make a profit.A good general also exhausts hisenemy’s power and then attacks their

weaker area and so in this way he doesnot need a lot of soldiers.

In many well-fought wars, evena small army can overcome a largerarmy, even with poorer weapons. InChina, Mao’s communist army was verypoor and had bad weapons but they stilldefeated the Nationalists even thoughJiang Jie Shi had modern Americanweapons of the 1930’s and 40’s.Eventually, the Communists took thewhole country and sent Jiang’s soldiersto Taiwan. Sun Zi said, “Soldiers do notneed to be great in numbers as long as

they can fight a war.” I also like to say,“Money does not need to be a lot, justenough and as long as you know how touse it to be successful.”

Lap Sau is a very powerful skill inWing Chun, particularly against otherswho use a lot of strength and so it makesWing Chun a very good skill at using anopponent’s own energy against himself.Once we grasp their arm withboth hands,we pull sharply down towards the floor.

Why is that? This is because no matterhow strong they are we can still pull themdown as they are pushing forwards.Pulling down needs less strength and itis very difficult for them to pull back, alsowhen you pull down it makes it verydifficult for them to ram into you andmake you lose your balance.

Master Wu was very embarrassedand this made him very angry. Hejumped up and ran towards Lan Kwaiand attacked him with a powerful kick.However, Lan Kwai had already seen itcoming and as soon as Wu’s leg started

to lift he rantowards him.Wu was takenby surprise butit was too late.Lan Kwai’sshoulder hit hischest hard andLan Kwai’sright thigh hadjammed intoWu’s upperleg. Wu flewbackwards andcrashed to thefloor. Thistime, however,his chest wasfi lled withpain. He washurt badly. LanKwai gave Wu

his hand to help him up. Wu was stillembarrassed and refused, but as he triedto get up pain shot through his chestagain and he knew some of his ribs werebroken.

Lan Kwai knew that this was aproblem. He had injured Master Wu andthis would cause Master Wu to hate himeven though it had been in self-defence.Besides, in martial arts there are alwayssituations where others might come tochallenge you, just like Master Wu haddone.

Lan Kwai said, “I am very sorry. Idid not mean that to happen. I justdefended myself when all this started. Ido not mean to stop you teaching here,I only wanted toknow more about LohanFist. I am very sorry. Good bye.” LanKwai turned to leave with his friends.Suddenly Wu Sheng Jian called out,“Wait! What kind of Kung Fu are youusing?” LanKwai simply answered, “WingChun Kung Fu”. Wu Sheng Jian did notknow what to say because he had neverheard of it before.

To be continued… by Michael Tse

“Lan Kwai quicklycaught Wu’s forearm and

using Lap Sau pulledWu off balance

makinghim fall.”


There is no reassuring pay cheque atthe end of the month, a specific sumthat youknow will be in your account

on a specified day. No. Sometimesbusiness is frantically busy and at othersit is very slow. But when I am not earningenough to survive on or need to pay anunexpected bill, I can always fall back onmy previous occupation and do someoffice work.

I do not like to do this too oftensince these days offices are a veryunhealthy environment to work in.Sitting at a computer all day makes myshoulders ache and my eyes sore. Often,as a temp, you are given a single taskand you have to sit there and workat it until the job is complete. Youhave no excuse to get up and movearound and as a result your backbecomes stiff and your legs weak.There are only so many times youcan go to the water dispenser for adrink or to the toilet before youwould get the sack. Thewindows do not open, or ifthey do, there is alwayssomeone whocomplains theyare cold.

WhatI see on my

travels around different companiesmakes me very glad that I do not haveto do it full time. And because I do notdo it all the time, I see more clearly thanthose who do just what damage peopleare doing to themselves.

It is a dilemma many peoplemust be in around the world. You need

to work because you need the money,but the work is damaging your health.It is something that has been happeningfor centuries, but more so since weindustrialised. Nineteenth century‘match girls’ died horribly, poisoned bythe sulphur in the goods they produced.Coal miners, working in cramped, foetidand dusty conditions are at risk ofcontracting a fatal lung condition calledsilicosis. Many working with asbestos inthe latter half of the 20th century diedprematurely.

But even of fice jobs, onceconsidered cushy, are now becoming

unhealthy. I see so manyst ressed, angry people.

Many do not go out atlunch time for some freshair and a change ofscene. One place I

worked at recent ly hadagreed to reduce the lunch break to

half an hour so that its staff could leaveearly on Friday afternoon. This meantthat, having eaten your lunch, there wasno time left to go out. Being severalfloors up in the sky did not help since bythe time you had got down to the groundfloor it was time to come up again. Ihave never seen so many sick peoplecollected together in one office before.Several young women had had cancer,

There can be very few people who do not need to work for a living. I amvery fortunate that I not only love what I do, but as jobs go, most of it is notreally damaging to my health. But being self-employed has its ups and downs. .

Best of a Bad Joba number were very obese andhad other problems rangingfrom deafness down to a facefull of spots. Another wasdiabetic, but spent all dayeating chocolate, drinking coffee andgoing out for cigarette breaks. Notsurprisingly, here anger and stress levelswere very high and they resorted toeating a lot of cake and chocolate toconsole themselves.

Despite my best efforts, workingin this office full of sick people eventuallytook its toll on me. I managed to avoidall the coughs and colds that were goingaround, but it took me unawares when Iwas tired at the end of a long week. Thecombination of having to sit for hours -which is not good for me – and all thatsick Qi and having much less time to trainmeant that my weak point, my back,

eventually gave out. It has been quite alesson for me, but I am not sure whatthe answer is. Of course, I am extremelyfortunate in that I only had to be there afew weeks, so I recovered quickly. Butthere must be millions worldwide whosejobs are damaging them, but who couldnot survive without them. There are notenough healthy jobs to go round and Ican only conclude that sometimes in lifethere is not always a solution to aproblem. Instead, we have to make thebest of what we have and try to minimisethe ill effects as well as we can.

by Kate Britton

Best of a Bad Job

“Even office jobs,once consideredcushy, are now

becomingunhealthy.


Wild GooseQigong

Chun YuenKung Fu

Wing ChunKung Fu

Chen StyleTaijiquan

0845 838 2285 www.qimagazine.com

The bus, which I did actually notice, had left its stopand was accelerating rapidly. I (mis)judged that by thetime I reached the street its backend would have passedme, so I looked back to wave goodbye without breakingmy stride. As I turned back to face forwards I stepped

off the kerb into the street, fully expecting to have a clear pathbut, instead, there was the grey blur of the bus whooshingpast my face, an inch from my nose, literally! I managed tosnap my head backwards instinctively, and say “Oh, $#!+” tomyself, before being sideswiped by a ten ton metal walltravelling approximately 35mph.

There was a loud bang and in that split second I becameacutely aware of everything as it happened to me internally.The initial point of contact produced a deep stabbing pain inmy lower abdomen and I thought my spleen was ruptured. AsI spun around and my back twisted violently and I imaginedbeing in a wheelchair with spinal damage. As the moving wallbashed against my genitals I envisioned a future with nosensation down there. And then I felt the enormous wheel runover my right big toe, which was one step ahead of the left.On the way down I sprained my wrist in breaking my fall andalso banged my knee and shin on the concrete.

As soon as I touched the ground I sprang back upimmediately and saw the bus driving away. My girlfriend, whohad ironically missed my wave goodbye and the subsequentchain of events, had disappeared off into her garage. No onewas around, my body was in a world of hurt and my mind wasracing. I recognised that I was in a state of shock and feltsurprisingly self-aware and silly standing about, so I quick-stepped to my apartment in a semi-frantic state with myadrenaline pumping. The pain in my abdomen was searing.As soon I was inside and closed my door I saw spatters ofblood on my floor and then realised my shirt was all bloody. Ilifted it and noticed that it, together with my jeans, had beenshredded. Then I saw the deep wide gash on my lowerabdomen, exposing the fatty tissue and I suddenly felt nauseousand squeamish.

I avoid hospitals for many reasons, chiefly because ofthe number of stories regarding hospital error and doctorincompetence, the super-bacteria that live there and, last butnot least, the cost of medical attention in America. (If youcannot afford to pay you may be better off dead, in somecases, as your credit can be ruined.)

So, I poured hydrogen peroxide over the wound andtelephoned my girlfriend, who rushed over and demanded wego straight to the hospital but I had a better idea. I had someChinese herbal powder for bleeding I had been given in Chinaand after arguing back and forth, she reluctantly administeredit as I lay down and then we put together a makeshift dressing.Although the herbal compound absorbed and slowed the flowof blood, it really only concealed the seriousness of the wound.After this I got dressed and went over to my mother’s homefor dinner. (This part of the story always draws looks of utterincredulity.) While I was there my girlfriend called EmergencyServices to have them come and dress the wound properlyand assess the situation. They arrived and convinced me Ineeded stitches and that without them the wound could taketen times longer to heal, increasing the chances of infection,as well as a more unsightly scar. I also needed a tetanus shotdue to the rust, dirt and whatever else that may have been onwhatever had sliced through me. So, finally, off we went.

On the journey, by now a few hours since the incidenthad happened, I could feel the warmth of the blood beginningto seep through and the trickling sensation was tickling meand driving me mad, like an itch you dare not scratch. I realisedthat the situation was much worse than I had initially believedand hoped. However, I just concentrated on my Dantian andbreathing to control my Qi. I felt very calm inside and peacefullyaccepted my fate.

At the hospital I was admitted immediately and receivedseven staples tomy abdomenwhere the gash was. The surgeontold me to return in ten days to have them removed, but as Iwas unwilling to return (to face even more horrendous medicalfees), he kindly gave me a staple removal kit for me to do it

Accident & Recovery

Trainingfor the

UnexpectedI will always remember Christmas Eve 2006. I spent it in an emergency

ward after being knocked down by a moving bus. I was about to cross the streetto my apartment after being dropped off by my girlfriend.

Trainingfor the

Unexpected


myself. Everyone I mentioned this to commented onhow braveI was to do this, which I found amusing since my decision wasactually born of cowardice:- fearing hospitals and doctors farmore than a few staples.

I was glad to be home within a few hours though Icould not bend over to untie my shoes and had to sleep on myback without moving for the first of many nights. The next day,against advice, I drove myself into the city to meet some friendsfor dinner, unwilling to allow this annoying incident to spoil myholiday plans. My face and hands were distinctly pale due to acombination of shock and blood loss and getting in and out ofmy car was an ordeal if not a spectacle. Within two days,however, I was giving classes, though doing very little in theway of movements but within ten days things were gettingback to normal as I could practice forms and do some lighttraining.

For days and weeks afterwards, however, my back feltstiff, sore and very vulnerable at times. This would be perfectlynatural under the circumstances, but as the hospital never x-rayed me (for internal injury or bleeding) because I did nothave medical insurance, the combination of pain and theunknown caused the mind to play its customary tricks. I beganto imagine my spine crumbling over time like an old pillar.This was a major concern as my livelihood depends on beingable to teach and perform Qigong and Taijiquan. I do nothave the luxury of sick-leave pay. Friends urged me toreturn for x-rays, but I simply could notjustify bankrupting myself only to findout there was nothing wrong. So, ifsomething was wrong I would just have

to once again trust in my own Qi and healing skills to do thejob. So I listened to my body and felt everything was otherwiseintact and “OK”.

All things considered, I was exceedingly lucky. If theinjury had happened a couple of inches above or below theexisting wound, it could easily have resulted in broken ribs or ashattered pelvis. All the initial thoughts that went through mymind as I was struck by the bus had no basis in reality. Evenmy big toe was fine. There were no broken bones or even abruised nail, as the wheel had run over the outside edge,leaving just a purple treadmark above the nail as a memento.The wrist and knee I forgot about a couple of days later.

The strangest thing about major accidents is that theyseem random yet feel so contrived. I have heard that beforesomething bad happens we usually receive a couple of warningsigns. In this instance, earlier that week I was in my girlfriend’scar when the parking attendant waved hello to her and sheremarked to me, “Why do people wave at me when I amdriving? Can’t they see my attention’s on the road?”. I thoughtto myself that this was an unusual reaction. A few days laterone of her neighbours waved to her while we were driving outof her garage. Once again she turned to me and said, “Againwith the waving! Why do they do that?”.

And again I thought to myself, “How strange”. But, inhindsight, had her responses registered and I withheld thedesire to look back and wave goodbye while she was drivingaway from me, the whole ordeal would certainly have beenprevented! Interestingly, during a conversation some days later,she even questioned why she had felt so agitated by people

waving to her while driving as she had never even beenbothered by it before.

After experiencing a drama like this you beginto consider the lessons to be learned. I know I needto exercise more patience, to be more deliberate

in my actions and not multitask and to stop living onthe edge and cutting things so fine. I know not to takelife and health for granted, as everything you have

can all change in a second. (Fortunately,this time around it didn’t.) I am gratefulthat this incident was not as bad as itcould have been and that it did notrestrict my mobility and prevent mefrom earning a living. Perhaps in

learning the lessons from this accident Ican be spared a worse accident in the

future?I truly believe that Hard Qigong afforded my

body protection for the internal organs, especially thespleen and the spine, as it trains the body to handle certain

trauma. I think Chen Taijiquan, through fostering relaxation,yielding and following energy to flow to emptiness, as wellas its spiral energy, enabled me to spin out in a relaxedmanner and dissipate the force to some degree. Taijiquanstrengthens the body too, training bone Qi (density). I ampositive that soft Qigong, namely Balancing Gong, HealthyLiving Gong and certain skills of Wild Goose Qigong helped

my Qi to return and the body to recover faster.Sometimes you may doubt your practice and

wonder why you need to train hard, or even at all,but when you really need them the skills will be there.In some cases this could mean that, one day, theymight even just save your life!

by Adam Wallace

“I concentratedon my Dantian& breathing tocontrol my Qi.”


Many people think that Taijiquan is only for health.Actually it is a martial art and this is particularlyobvious when we study Chen style Taijiquan aswe can see the martial aspect more clearly. WingChun is more obviously a martial art. A real

martial artist will be able to see which styles are better thanothers. Old styles in particular are more refined since theyhave a long history and many masters have perfected the skillover time. When a style becomes more perfect it uses lessenergy towin over strength and that style can also be practisedwhen we are older.

If a martial arts style teaches us to use a lot of strengthto beat someone who is smaller, weaker or older than us,then we do not need to learn it. It is natural that a big personwill be able to overpower a smaller person. Martial arts shouldteach us how to overcome someone who is bigger or strongerthan us. Also, it should not injure us while we are training andthe more we train then the more healthy we should become.

It must not change our good natureto a bad one. That means it should not makeyou violent and change you into a bully. A humanbeing’s original nature is kind and innocent. As we grow wecan change into a better person or we can change in tosomeone nobody likes. This all depends on the kind of peopleyou like to hang around with. With a good, kind teacher youwill become kinder and with a violent teacher you will becomeviolent. It is all about the influences you receive.

Taijiquan and Wing Chun have all the good elementsof martial arts. First they are both healthy skills. My Wing Chunteacher, Grandmaster Ip Chun, is 85 years old this year andmy Taijiquan teacher, Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang, is 63years old and still travels the world teaching Taijiquan. Both ofthem have a high level of martial art skill. Do not think thatbecause Grandmaster Ip Chun is 85 and most people are muchbigger and definitely stronger than he is that he cannotovercome them. Recently I took a group of 30 students to seehim and he did Chi Sau with all of them one after another. Hewas not tired and he easily defended himself from all their

Touching Hands is a combination of Taiji’s Tui Shou(Pushing Hands) and Wing Chun’s Chi Sau (Sticking Hands).Wing Chun and Taijiquan are two different Chinese martial artsthat both have long histories.

Touching Hands


attacks. He played around with them until he decided to attackback and then no one could stop him.

My Taijiquan teacher, Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang, isone of the most powerful Taijiquan masters alive. He looksstrong and powerful but his strength and power comes fromhis bones not his muscles. Even so he is only five feet six inchestall so he is not that big compared to many people in thewest. However, when he pushes you, he can make you flyacross the room and if he grabs you, he can break your jointseasily as he is that powerful.

So Wing Chun looks gentle but when we use the skill, itis powerful. Taijiquan looks powerful but it can be very gentle.A good martial art skill must have power and also must havesof tness andgentleness.

When we putTaiji’s Tui Shou andWing Chun’s Chi Sautogether, students ofboth styles learn a lot

from eachother. WingC h u ns tud e nt sare notused tosomeoneusing QinN a

(grabbingand locking), sothey have to beeven moresensitive and usemore footworkonce they havebeen grabbed.Good footwork isalways very effectiveto avoid being locked.

However, it all depends on whose skill and sensitivity is better.On the other side, Taiji people are also not used to

people hitting very quickly and continuously attacking andresponding. Taiji students are used to doing Tui Shou very closetogether so they are not used to someone using one hand todefend or even attack from a long distance. As a result, manytry to grab the forward hand and so they get hit. After a whilethey realise they cannot grab the hand without getting hit, sothey try to hit back the same as the Wing Chun students.Generally, this is not a problem. What is the problem is thatTaiji students have not developed enough control to hit quicklyand safely and with control. Therefore when they hit they usea lot of energy. Wing Chun students are used to hitting andstriking and so they know how to use their opponent’s energyto their advantage.

A good Wing Chun student and Taiji student must knowhow to control their striking and attacking. They should beable to strike at different speeds which are dependent uponthe circumstances. This is like a car that has many differentgears, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th gears. If you use the right gear, aperson can handle different opponents without harming them.

However, sometimes an opponent will use too muchenergy without enough control. This kind of attack is very hardto stop and so the only thing to do is give the opponent theirown strength back to them and that means the counter comesback equally as hard and can hurt. However, because we alsoblock their attack it often makes them try even harder and sothey use evenmore strengthand use wild hands without control.

It is only when you give themback all their energy (redirectingit into an attack back) that theyrealise what they are doing andso wil l stop using so muchenergy. It has happened to meand my senior students. Wildhands are very hard to stopunless you give them back theirstrength. Only then will they stop.

That is a good thing as wehave to learn about this. I knowthat Sifu, Ip Chun, has done ChiSau with thousands of people

from all over the world, even when he was over sixty yearsold. The majority of western people are bigger, taller andstronger than him. I have seen some people who really givetheir all to try to attack him. Usually he would just block anddivert their energy, but sometimes when someone was reallytrying to hit him, Sifu would not block, but move very fast andattack back giving them all their energy back. Although wildhands are difficult to control, it is still very important that wecan handle them.

If Wing Chun people can only deal with people whouse Wing Chun hands, then this is a big disadvantage and ifTaiji people are only used to dealing with Taiji hands then thatis also a disadvantage. When your Chi Sau skill is good, thenyou can deal with all kinds of hands and the same is true forTui Shou. If your Tui Shou is good then you can handle allkinds of hands.

Of course beginners must have a good foundation ineither Chi Sau or Tui Shou, otherwise they will only developwild hands. When we train we should know why we got hit orhow we were able to hit our opponent. We must not just swingour arms and legs around without understanding, feeling goodthat we might have gotten through once and in a while. This isnot skill but just blind luck and means that you have notdeveloped enough gears to play with.

We are from the same family with a teacher to watchyou. There should be no hard feelings and people should notbe trying to hurt each other, especially just for ego. Whensomething is right or wrong the teacher can tell you. Then itbecomes a very safe and beneficial skill for both sides. Themore hands you touch the better you will get. That is thewonderful thing about Touching Hands Day and we will do itagain and again

by Michael Tse

Next TouchHandsDay willbe6December withthe Yijing Meditationmoving to the following day, 7 December.

“You must have agood foundation in

either Chi Sau orTui Shou.”


Part VI

HighLevelMonkPart VI

HighLevelMonk

GoldenMountain

LivingBuddha

GoldenMountain

LivingBuddha

EDITOR’S NOTE:Although this article is based

on true events, some thingsdescribed might not be

suitable for everyone and soreaders are asked to use theirown discretion when reading.

Another unusual case about GoldMountain Living Buddha was thathe did not like riding in rickshaws.In old China, Japan, Korea etc,rickshaws were a very commonmeans of transport. Basically theywere like big wheelchairs in which

a passenger would sit and the driverwould run and pull them to their

destination.Once, one of Living Buddha’s

students called over a rickshaw for LivingBuddha to travel in. Living Buddha refusedto sit in it but the student and some othersinsisted and forced him to sit in the rickshaw.As soon as he sat down he said, “Headache!”and started screaming and shouting. Thismade everyone feel bad. The rickshaw drivereven tried to start pulling while Living Buddhawas shouting but L iv ing Buddha wasstruggling to get out of the rickshaw andeventually his students let him get out. Assoon as Living Buddha got out his headachewent away and he stopped screaming andshouting. No matter how far the journey,Living Buddha would always walk. He wouldnever travel by rickshaw and the only kind oftransportation he would use was either caror train.

Actually, this was a traditional Buddhistmonk’s rule. Monks were not allowed to ride


in a rickshaw unless the monk or nun was very old or sick. Ifriding on an animal, then the rule was that the animal thatcarried them must be a male. Buddhists believed the life ledby those pulling a rickshaw or by animals that carried peoplewas very hard work and was ahard life. Therefore, if they madethese people and animals carrythem, then in their next life theywould have to pay this debt back.This is why Living Buddha refusedto let any person or animal carryhim.

Another thing he did notlike was people saying how goodhe was to others and makinggood comments about him. Evenwhen people called him LivingBuddha he would reply by saying,“My name is Miao Shan. In futurejust call me Miao Shan.”

Master Le Guan wrotethat he remembered about hisfirst thoughts of writing a bookon the Living Buddha. He said,“In the beginning, when I did notknow that much about him, Ithought I would put all the storiesabout him into writing and sendthem to be published in someBuddhist magazines so thatpeople could see how a realBuddhist monk’s training could reach a high level even to apoint which caused certain phenomena to occur, whichsometimes people called magic. It was to explain these thingsand not make Buddhism appear to be superstitious or mystical.”

“One day I was writing and had completed about threepages when I suddenly turned my head and saw Living Buddhastanding behind me. I did not know when he had come intothe room as he walked with no sound. I knew he liked to eatpaper and so I quickly hid the pages I had been writing up mysleeves. He then asked, “What are you writing?” I was veryembarrassed and did not know what to say and without thinkingI just said I was writing a letter. He did not believe me and toldme that I was lying. We all know that as a monk I am notsupposed lie as it is against one of the precepts that we cannotbreak. So then I told him the truth and explained that I waswriting about him so that people would be impressed by himand respect him and then like Buddhism more.”

“After I had told him the truth, he immediately droppedto his knees. I was so shocked to see him kneeling in front ofme. I could not take it and so quickly bent down to help himget up. However, no matter how much strength I used I couldnot move him. When I looked at him his eyes were wateringand I could see he was going to cry. Then he said, “Thesethings cannot be written. If anyone reads them they will thinkI am a black magic monk and thenpeople will criticise Buddhismand that will be my sin.”

For a Buddhist, if you cause people to criticise Buddhism,then you have made a very big sin and will be sent to hellwhenyou die. This is because Buddhism aims toeducate peopleto make them a better person so that they will not have to bereincarnated and suffer a life paying back bad karma. It is thesame as not owing anyone any money and so you do not

need to pay any debts back to anyone. Buddhism teaches usto be smarter and wiser and not to take advantage of otherpeople. Then we can build good karma and so our lives will bebetter.

When we reach a high level, likeBuddha, then we become “nothing” andsonothing caneffect us. At the same time“nothing” also means “something”, so wecan be anything. When we reach this levelwe can educate people and tell them whatthey should not do. However if we criticiseBuddhism or do things which make otherpeople criticise Buddhism, then that is avery big sin as it will stop people’s studiesand stop them improving themselves.Living Buddha did not want stories writtenabout him because he did not want peopleto become jealous and also criticiseBuddhism because of him. For example,many people like to drink and get drunk.A lot of them actually feel bad about doingthat, but then if someone tells them it isokay to drink as long as you do not getdrunk, then some people will agree andothers will disagree and criticise thatperson.

Now some people will ask, why dowe write about him now and call himLiving Buddha? This is because he hasgone from this world and has gone to theWestern Pure Land where all good

Buddhists go when they pass away. Because he is gone we callhim Living Buddha out of respect. Just like a great man whodid many good things for the people of the world you mightcall them sir or some other special title. This shows respect.Now he has gone all that he did is an example for us to followand is not to benefit him. A good story is good for juniors tolisten to and follow so they can improve themselves becauseof it.

But going back to the situation: Living Buddha said tome, “I am touched and understand.” I promised him that Iwould not write again but Living Buddha did not believe meand was still on his knees. The owner of the house, Wu GongLin, heard the noise in the room and came to see if everythingwas okay. He saw Living Buddha down on his knees and so healso helped me try to get him up. However, it did not workand even though we both tried, both of us together could notget him up. I began to Koutou to him but he still did not getup. In the end I had to find a way to make him believe me, soI broke my favourite Earth Brand fountain pen to show I wassincere. Then Living Buddha finally got up.

Living Buddha then gently said to me, “Don’t be sad,we need to understand that fame is the way to hell. Do youknowhow many heroes throughout history have lost themselvesbecause they were obsessed with fame? I am an ordinaryBuddhist monk, how can I chase fame? I only want to honestlychant Amitofo (the name of the Western Pure Land Buddha).”

If Living Buddha was still here and saw my writings abouthim and his stories I cannot imagine how upset he would bewith me. He was a true Buddhist monk without any desire forfame. Ihope though, that everyone will be helped by his storiesas I was

by Master Le Guan


(muscle-transforming exercise) Part 4(muscle-transforming exercise) Part 4

Yijin JingYijin JingThe Chinese character “Yi” means transforming, “Jin” means muscle, and

“Jing” means method. “Yijin” means transforming atrophying and loose muscle intostrong and solid muscles.

Exercise 8: Drop Three Plates on the GroundStarting form: Continue from [4] in the previous exercise and move the left foot one step forward

to the left, withdraw both hands and keep them apart to form the following posture: stance with legsapart, wider than shoulder width, arms raised horizontally to the sides and palms facing down.i. Bend both knees to form the horse-riding stance (half squatting) and keep the waist, back and

head straight. At the same time, bend the elbows inward and press both hands downwardslowly and forcefully, together with the bending of the legs. Keep the fingers naturally apartwith the radial sides inward and keep them in the air a palm’s width right above the knees.(Fig. 8)

ii. Turn the palms over, palms upward, as if holding a very heavy weight and raise them slowlyand energetically up to chest level. At the same time straighten the knees gradually.Repeat this exercise 3-5 times.

Points for attention: The movements should be slow, steady and with force, the tongue should lickthe upper palate throughout the process, the mouth lightly closed and the eyes wide open. Breathemildly and breathe out while pressing the hands down and breathe in while raising the hands up.

Exercise 9: Thrust Fists to the Left and Right

Starting form: Continue from [2] in the previous exercise. Withdraw the left foot and stand erect,with the arms bent at elbows by the sides of the chest, palms facing up.i. Turn the left palm downward to form a hollow fist and withdraw to the ribs. At the same time,

turn the right palm down to form a hollow fist and thrust it forward to the left. At the sametime, turn the head, neck, and waist slightly to the left. (Fig. 9)

ii. Withdraw the right fist to the right ribs. At the same time, thrust the left palm to the right withthe rest of the movements being the same as above.Repeat this exercise 3-5 times.

Points for attention: Withdraw one hand to near the ribs and extend the other hand to theopposite side. Do the two movements at the same time in a coordinated way, with one hand movingforward and one hand moving backward. Breathe in through the nose and breathe out through themouth. Breathe in while extending the arm and breathe out when the hand is fully extended.

Fig 8

Fig 9


Fig 10

Fig 11

Fig 12

Starting position: Continue from [4] in the previous exercise, stand erect with the arms naturallydown.i. Hold the back of the head with both hands, fingers crossed, palms covering the ears, and

stretch the elbows outward with force to shoulder level.ii. Bend the body forward, head down to knee level, and keep the knees straight. (Fig. 11)iii. Sound the celestial drum: Cover the ears with the palms. With the index fingers on the middle

fingers, slip the index fingers down to flick the back of the head (around the Fengchi acupoints)with snapping sounds. Do this 10-12 times.

iv. Raise the body slowly to the standing position, and drop the hands down.Beginners can do this exercise once or twice, and later do it 3 - 5 times. (‘5 times’ bold font

corrected to normal font)

Starting form: Continue from [2] in the previous exercise, stand erect, move thehands back with the arms naturally down.i. Move the right foot forward to form a right bow step (bend the right knee

and straighten the left leg). At the same time, lean the body forward andthrow the hands forward and downward, with fingers touching the ground toform the push-up stance, head slightly up and eyes wide open looking ahead.(Fig. 10)

ii. Bend and stretch the elbow joints of both arms gently and slowly. Whilebending the arms, sink the upper part of the body downward, the chest andhead moving slightly forward as if to spring on the prey. While stretching thearms, raise the upper body to its original position, the chest and head moving

Exercise 11: Bend the Body

Points for attention: The range of motion while bending the body and keeping the head down differs from person to person.NOTE: Patients suffering from hypertension or cerebral arteriosclerosis should not do this exercise.

Clench the teeth tightly but lightly with the tongue licking the upper palate throughout the entire exercise. Breathe slightly,practically holding the breath. Return to normal breathing after rising and returning to the starting position.

Exercise 12: Drop Tail

slightly backward. Repeat this 3-5 times. Then stand up, withdraw the right leg, and return to the starting position.iii. Move the left foot forward to form a left bow step (bend the left knee and straighten the right leg). At the same time, lean

the body forward and throw the hands forward and downward with the essentials of the other movements the same as ini.

iv. The movements are the same as [2]. Stand up, withdraw the left foot and return to the starting position.Do this exercise only once.

Points for attention: When throwing the hands forward and downward, relax the waist, keep the spinal column flat and straight,not arched. It is desirable to use the fingertips to touch the ground to support the body. If your finger power is not enough, you canalso use your palms. Bend the elbows while breathing. Breathe out while moving the chest forward and breathe in while stretchingthe elbows and moving the chest back. Breathe in through the nose and breathe out through the mouth.

Starting position: Continue from [4] in the previous exercise, stand erect with the arms down naturally.i. Raise the hands and push the palms forward until both arms are straight, palms outward.ii. Cross the fingers, palms facing down and withdraw them to the chest, hands apart.iii. Push and press the palms downward, bend the body forward, legs straight. Push the palms downward as

much as possible, preferably to the ground. Raise the head slightly, eyes wide open, and look ahead(Fig. 12)

iv. Stretch the back, rise and raise the hands at the same time. Extend the arms to both sides seven times.Stamp the ground with both feet (jump and land) seven times to finish the whole set of exercises.Points for attention: Breathe naturally and freely. Those with hypertension or cerebral arteriosclerosis

should not do these exercises.by Zeng Qingnan & Liu Daoqing

Exercise 10: Fierce Tiger Springs on Prey


A lthough this was the day we started out on our greatHong Kong adventure, the journey had actually begunmany months before . It was back in November 2006that my Sifu, Master Michael Tse, told me that we wouldbe going to Hong Kong to see Ip Sigong (Sigong is the term for

your teacher’s teacher). Grandmaster Ip Chun is the eldest son of LateGrandmaster Ip Man. Grandmaster Ip Man is now a celebrated figurein the martial arts world as he brought the little known system of WingChun Kung Fu out of China and now it is the most widely practisedsystem of Kung fu in the world. Also, he is renowned for being theteacher of the legendary Bruce Lee. His skill, gentle manner andgood nature have been well documented. Grandmaster Ip Chuncontinued his father’s legacy and helped to spread the skill ofWing Chun even further, teaching and showing how real skill canbe used to overcome strength. At the age of 84 he has nowlargely retired from teaching and only goes to his classes inMong Kok, Hong Kong (although that is still 5 times a week).

Naturally, I was really happy to know we were going, asgoing to China with my Sifu is always a thrilling experience andI had not seen Ip Sigong for just over two years. We could nottake everyone as that would be an impossible number to cope with.So invites were given based not only on seniority, but also loyalty to theclass and how involved people were.

I was surprised when Sifu told me there would be 30 people going on the trip. Lasttime there had been six of us and I remembered how we had rushed around China, flagging downa couple of taxis at a time and racing off to our next destination. “How on earth are we going to get tentaxis at one time?” I thought to myself. Sifuobviously read my mind and said, “Don’t worry, we have to make some arrangements,”then he added, “I have a plan.”

On a cold January afternoon, Terminal 3 at London’sHeathrow Airport was besieged by a large group of peoplewearing bright, royalblue t-shirts. Their only identifyingmarks were “Tse Qigong Centre” logos on the front, thewords “Wing Chun” emblazoned on the back and the largesmiles on their faces. It became clear that this was a group ofmartial artists travelling to the Far East. Although the groupattracted a lot of attention from officials and members of thepublic, the only cause for fear was whether the coffee bar theyhad descended on had enough sandwiches.

Wing ChunAdventure


Normally, holidays are time to spend doing whatever you want,however, this trip was not going to be like that.

The main reason for going was training – Wing Chuntraining. We were going to see Grandmaster Ip Chun to payour respects and do some training in his class. Howwe behavedwas very important. We were representing our school and ourteacher. Some of the students going were two generationsaway from Grandmaster Ip Chun and so he was their Tai Sigong,so it was important that everyone knew how to behave. This isvery traditional and shows how you respect your elders.

I remember when I was a small boy, whenever myparents took us to see our grandparents we would always takesomething for them, a bag of oranges, a roast chicken, a roastduck or a box of biscuits. At the time I never asked why butnow I can see that this was the traditional thing to do. Whenwe would sit down to eat, my Dad was quite strict with us andwould make sure we held our chopsticks and bowls properly.Of course, we would complain and I remember doing it wrongand then dropping my rice all over the floor! I spent the rest ofthe meal under the table picking up the rice with my fingers!Now I am grateful that he taught me these things as I do notneed to worry about doing something embarrassing in front ofother people and it has made me observant when I dine withpeople from other cultures to see how they do things and I tryand follow. Again this is a sign, however small, of respect.

Kong Zi said, “Rules are for those people who do notknow how to behave.” So if you know how to behave then

That was all that was said over the summer and it wasnot until the autumn was drawing out that things started tohappen in earnest. Simo (Sifu’s wife, Jessica) had begunscouring the internet for flights and in the end struck gold.Added to this, she and Sifu had also been spending manyhours talking to hotels and tour companies in Hong Kong and

China, planning and making arrangements. Although noone saw the amount of effort they put in, they enjoyed

the results and everyone was very appreciative.November rushed past and everyone was

making sure they had passports and visas to Chinasorted out. Everyone got themselves sorted out

though some did leave it a little late. Now allthe preparations were made there was only

one thing left to do (apart from packing ourbags). Sifu wanted us all to meet and sitdown and talk about our trip. We needed totalk about the purpose for going and alsoclear up any questions that anyone might

have.Some of you reading this might be asking

why this was needed? After all, anyone can get on aplane and fly to Hong Kong or China. This is very true, anyonecan do this, but not everyone could travel as part of this groupas it was by invitation only. Although this was going to be anexciting trip with lots to see and do, it was not a holiday.

Grandmaster Ip ChunGrandmaster Ip ChunSupreme SkillSupreme Skill Together in Foshan,

China at the Ip ManMemorial Museum


you actually do not need any rules. Knowing how to behave isactually very liberating.

The main purpose of the trip was to go with our Sifu tosee our Sigong. Many people think that they can go on theirown to visit famous teachers. This may be true in some casesbut it is not as easy as it sounds.To learn from a true master takestime, not just time studying buttime getting to know them andfor them to know you. When yougo with your Si fu, who hasalready buil t up a goodrelationship, then things are mucheasier. Your Sigong is like yourgrandfather and what grandparent does notlove to see his or her grandchild. This isvery special and is something a lot ofpeople miss. I count myself very luckyas I have been able to get to know mySigong a little bit more and even luckierthat he knows me.

That means I do not have toprove anything to anyone, but this isnot because I am special. It is because Ihave a good Sifu (teacher) whohas helpedme and is generous enough to encourageme to get to know my Sigong. On the otherhand, going to see your Sigong without yourSifu’s permission is the height of disrespect.Students who do this only think ofthemselves and not of the relationship andthe time their teacher has spent with hisor her own teacher. This can be somethinghard for western thinking people tounderstand. I say this because there aresome Chinese people who are verywestern thinking and westernpeople whoare very Chinese thinking. This was themain point of the trip and everyoneunderstood this and this group is a goodexample of western people who are veryChinese in their thinking.

The other part we had to talk aboutwas that we were a group. We needed tothink and move as a group, not as 29individuals trying to move together. That is arecipe for disaster and the quickest way forpeople to fall out. We were going together andgoing to get to know each other better and theonly way for this to happen smoothly was to be together as agroup and look after each other and not just think about whatwe wanted or where we wanted to go. Again everyoneunderstood this, even though we had not yet left home. Thetheory sounded good but Iwas still a little concerned. However,Sifu reassured me things would be okay as, after all, he had aplan.

The time was getting close now and there were only afew weeks left to go. Sifu and Simo had already flown out asthey wanted to make sure all the preparations were completeand also Sifu wanted some time to see his family. So the firstpart of Sifu’s plan went into effect. The first goal was to geteveryone to Hong Kong. Now this might not sound like a bigtask, but think about whenever you fly away on holiday how

many things you have to make sure that you do when thereis just one person. Twenty-two people were flying out fromthe UK and the others from different parts of the world. Wewould meet in Hong Kong.

Three special T-shirts, one blue, one red and oneburgundy had been especially made for each

member of the group. For travelling, it wasdecided, that we would all wear the blueshirt. With such a distinctive shirt we wouldbe able to see each other easily and staytogether. Sifu and Simo had given us aframework to follow, “Divide and Conquer”was the name of the game. Instructions weresent out to everyone which included a meeting

time and place. The large group was sub-dividedinto smaller teams, eachwith a designated leader,

so everyone knew what to do when they arrived.So at 3.00pm on January 22nd, the first

members of the group who had flown downfrom Manchester arrived at the meetingpoint. A small group of eight wearingtheir bright blue t-shirts did not attracttoo much attention but as time wentby, the numbers swelled and half thecoffee shop was taken over by smilingWing Chun students in bright blue t-shirts. We were bound to attract someattention and a few people asked uswhere we were going and what we weredoing. Word spread around the terminaland as some of our members walkedaround, staff working there would smileand wave and even call out “good luck”.It turned out that people thought we werea team going out to compete in China.Although it was not quite accurate it wasnice.

As each person arrived, last minutenotes and instructions were handed out.Everyone arrived in good time and most hadenough time to sit down with a cup of teaand a sandwich. A delegation was sent offto exchange money while a couple ofpeople were sent to find the check-indesks. Simo had already spoken directly

to the airline and as we were such a largegroup special provisions had beenmade andthey even opened the check-in desk early

for us. They did a great job and everyonewas checked in quickly and smoothly. As we made our wayup to airport security, we thanked the check-in supervisorwho smiled and wished us good luck in China.

As most people know, Heathrow airport is the busiestairport in the world and with the heightened security checksin place we expected the queues to be long and slow. Wewere not wrong. However, what we did not expect was thegreeting from the usually stony faced security staff. As soonas they saw our t-shirts we were greeted with smiles and“Ah, the martial arts team! Good luck in China….show ‘emwhat we can do!” Word had gotten round quickly. Somemembers of the group tried to explain that we were notgoing to a tournament but that did not seem to matter. Itmade us all smile and we got through the security checks

Grandmaster Ip Chunwith his father’s statue


quickly and smoothly and, I am certain, more smoothly than ifwe had not been together as a group. Even those who hadtheir bags searched by security found that rather than lookingfor something sinister, they instead wanted to knowmore aboutwhat we were going to do in China .

Sifu has said in the past “Being with others (people)you will succeed, on your own you will suffer.” Nature alsotells us this. Watch any natural history programme on TV andyou can see animals in the wild flourish and survive better inlarge groups than those that live in isolation as they are oftenthe ones close to extinction. Although wearing co-ordinated t-shirts was not a new idea, as we had done the same when wewent to Chen Village a few years ago, they were againshowing their worth and this time it was a much bigger group.

Now we were all present and correct and “air-side”, wehad some spare time. A meeting point and time was chosenand everyone was now free to explore the wonders of DutyFree. A couple of us also went in search of a present for IpSigong. Again our t-shirtsattracted curious glancesfrom people but by now wewere all quite used to it.

We must have beenenjoying ourselves as thefew hours we had passed byvery quickly and so we allmade our way back to themeet ing point. Somepeople obviously were notdrawn to the glitz of theDuty Free hall as a few werefound exactly where we hadleft them, only now theywere curled up fast asleep!Others came back stockedup withbottles of water andsnacks for the flight. No onehad done any seriousshopping since that is whatHong Kong is famous for andso there was a lot of excitedtalk about what people wantedto buy when we got out there. Somewere on the hunt for a good, but reasonably priced digitalcamera and the odd Ipod was on the list and also a nice handbag for someone’s wife who could not come with us this time.

Suddenly, the gate number flashed up on the screensand we burst into action. All groups were quickly checked andeveryone made sure that they had all their bags - then wewere off. At the departure gate a few of the airline staff whohad checked us in recognised us and wished us well in China.Once on the plane we all settled in quickly and discussionsturned to what movies were on offer. Of course, the cabincrew had been told we were coming and so they were quitecurious about us. Word had been passed around about us onwhat in the airline trade is often called “Galley FM”. I am onlyparty to all this inside information as my wife is an airstewardess. Coincidentally, she actually knew one of the crewmembers and they knew other people she works with. BeforeIknew it they were offering champagne to us. Ironically though,most of our group did not drink and so only one or two acceptedthe offer.

The flight took eleven hours, even so it went by quicklyand smoothly. Being a night flight, most people were able toget some sleep, though I do know one person who watchedmovies back to back all the way!

As we approached Hong Kong airport, looking out ofthe window, it was obvious we had brought the UK weatherwith us. The clouds were thick and it was raining. However,this did not dampen our excitement. Now the second stage ofSifu’s plan swung into action. Though we were all tired aftersuch a long flight we were all well briefed as to what to donext. No sooner had we disembarked and got clear of theplane than everyone immediately went to their group. Everyonewas accounted for in what must have been less than tenseconds. You could tell these were Wing Chun people, directand to the point. Passport control was the next obstacle and,as ever, it was busy.

Once again our blue t-shirts were attracting attention,however, this time the Hong Kong officials were reading the

Chinese writing on the shirts and, ofcourse, some of them knew of WingChun and I overheard them talkingabout Bruce Lee and Grandmaster IpMan. The customs officials did notneed to ask why we had come toHong Kong. Soon after and a coupleof more head counts later, we hadcollected our bags and were officiallyin Hong Kong.

Simo had arranged a hotelshuttle bus for us and so, as wecame out, I began scouring thearrivals hall for the hotel desk.However, no sooner had I begunlooking when a smartly dressedChinese man came running overcalling my name. “How on earthdoes he know who I am?” I said tothe others who were all looking asbemused as me. When I asked

him how he knew who I was, hesmiled and said, “Mr Wallace arrived

earlier wearing the same t-shirt asyou.” Sadly I was not so famous but Sifu’s

plan had worked its magic in a completely unexpected way.Then we were on the bus on the way to the hotel.

Though it was dark and still raining everyone was excitedlypeering through the windows watching the lights of Hong Kong.Many of the group were amazed at how tightly packed someof the tower blocks were and also how they had been fitted inaround the hills. Everyone was chatting excitedly. One studentasked if we would get to walk along Nathan Road, as he hadalways remembered the story of how Bruce Lee had walkedthe whole length of Nathan Road with his Sifu, GrandmasterIp Man, to show everyone that even though he was famoushe still respected his teacher.

Then suddenly we turned a corner and there was thehotel. We thanked the driver and headed into the hotel lobby.A few seconds later Sifu and Simo appeared along with AdamWallace who had, as we already knew, arrived earlier. Everyonewas really happy to see them and to have finally arrived. Asthere were so many of us checking in took a while, so wearranged to meet in a little café across the road. With all theexcitement no one had really thought about food but now


hunger suddenly hit everyone and it seemed we were allstarving!

Soon we were all huddled around small tables in thecafé ordering noodles, rice, vegetables and soup. Sifu alsointroduced everyone to a watercress and honey drink withlemon called “Ling muht” and this was to become the drink ofchoice for the trip. Our hunger was quickly satisfied and thoughwe were tired it was still too early to go to bed (otherwise wewould not acclimatise to the time change). As it was the weekbefore Chinese New Year, Hong Kong was getting ready forthe big celebrations. Sifu suggested we go to TsimSha Tsui to walk along the waterfront andsee the lights across the harbour.

As was to become our routine,we met up in the lobby of the hotel.Now we were all more relaxed andsettled and Sifu spoke to thegroup as a whole for the first time.He told us how happy he was tosee us all and how exciting a timewe were going to have. He alsoreminded us of why we were hereand all the things we had talkedabout before leaving. The otherthing he stressed was “Do not belate. When you are on your own,then what you do with your timeis up to you, but when you arepart of a group, being late meansyou make everyone miss out. Soif anyone is late then the groupwill not wait and you will have tocatch up.”

Also, there was a penaltyfor being late. Latecomers wouldhave to treat the group either todrinks, cakes or dinner. This mightsound a little stern but it was aserious matter. Luckily, the cost offood in Hong Kong and China is much,much less than in the West. We all nodded in agreementand understanding. Groups were quickly checked once moreand then we were off on our first trip on Hong Kong’s MTR –the underground trains.

Everyone remembers their first trip on the MTR. It is amillion miles away from London’s aging underground system.It is modern, clean, efficient and a joy to use. Most people willbuy an Octopus card. These are very useful little cards. Youbuy credit to put on them and swipe them through the ticketbarrier to get on the train. Now some of you might be saying,“You can do that here.” London has a system called Oyster.However, Octopus cards have another use. You can use yourcredit in some shops to buy food, in parking meters as well ason any of the buses and ferries, even on the train all the wayup to the Chinese border.

The closest MTR station to our hotel was Prince Edward.So for the first time of many on our holiday, we descendedinto the Prince Edward station. Octopus cards were quicklybought and then we headed to the escalators to the trains.The first groups waited on the platform. The train pulled inand we got on and off we went. A few minutes later we gotoff and gathered for another team check. Everyone was intheir groups but one group was completely missing! We had

only just arrived and we had lost one whole group already!Luckily mobile phones still work on the MTR and so we quicklytracked them down. They had gone down the wrong escalatorat Prince Edward and so missed the train. A few minutes laterthe next train arrived and there they all were, albeit smiling alittle sheepishly.

Once we were out of the station we set off for thewater front. We turned the corner and met with an amazingsight. Most people have seen photos of the skyscrapers ofHong Kong Island. The China Bank building is probably the

most well known. I have seen it many timesbut never like this. Virtually every building

was decked in lights, multi-coloured,flashing and changing. Some had whatmust have been20 storey high Chinesecharacters for luck and other messagesfor the New Year.

Sifu led us down the promenadeand told us this was where courtingcouples would come for a romanticwalk. Further along we came acrossbrass stars set into the cement of thesidewalk and Sifu explained that thiswas Hong Kong’s equivalent toHollywood and was a showcase for itsmovie stars. Soon we came across thepalm prints for movie stars Chow YunFat, Jet Li and Jackie Chan and thenset to one side was a bronze statue ofBruce Lee. We took many photos andthen it was time to head back.

However, Sifu suggested that wewalk down Nathan Road for a whileand then catch the bus. I turned to thestudent who had been asking aboutwalking down Nathan Road and wesmiled at each other.

Tiredness was really starting tohit us now and we were glad to get

back to the hotel. On our arrival somemore students from the USA had already

arrived and introductions and reunions tookplace. Sifu decided that we would all meet at 7am to go topractise in a local park. He said, “If we practise more, then wecan get over our jet lag more quickly.” We all said good nightfollowed by the new mantra “don’t be late.”

The morning came very quickly. I myself slept reallywell. Some others did not fare so well and so were a littlegroggy when we met up. On the short walk to the park, Sifuspotted a bakery and disappeared inside. I immediately knewwhat he was looking for – hot egg tarts called “Dahn Taht” inCantonese. Unfortunately, he came out empty handed. Heshook his head and told us they did not have any. But then heburst out laughing and said that when he had told them howmany of us there were, they had said, “Give us forty minutesand we can make some for you.” I smiled to myself andthought, “Only in Hong Kong.” That was a phrase that was tobe repeated many times.

We arrived at the park. It was quite a large area whichhad a few football pitches and a large open field and a coupleof basketball courts. As it was still a little wet we headed forthe basket ball courts. In the early mornings in China the parksare usually full of people exercising. However, even though


for most us it was still early, all the locals had already been andfinished. We were almost two hours late!

As ever, our group did attract some attention. However,undeterred, Sifu lead us through our warm-ups and then wedid some Chi Sau. I am sure the sight of 30 people doing ChiSau in a park in the UK would cause some people to think ariot was going on, but here, a few people stopped to watch fora while but for them it was not too out of the ordinary. Wetrained for an hour and a half. As everyone wasstill tired and struggling with jet lag, Sifu wantedus to take it a little easier on the first morning.

A quick gathering of groups and thenwe were back off to the bakery for our hotegg tarts. To be honest, I am a big fan ofegg tarts and have been known to eat myfair share and then one or two more.However, these fresh ones were quitespecial. Not only did they taste reallygood, they were also bigger than usual.Everyone was really happy, including theshop owners and that sealed it: wewould go there every day after training.Whilst we eagerly devoured our eggtarts, Sifu had slipped off to a restaurantand arranged breakfast (or secondbreakfast if you include the tarts).

After breakfast we returned to thehotel for a rest and then we were to meetat midday when we would go to Po LinBuddha on Lantau Island. However, wehad only been in our rooms for about30 minutes or so when the phone rang.It was Sifu. “Be downstairs in 30minutes, we are going to seeSigong.” We had planned to seeIp Sigong the following day, so Iwas surprised to hear we weregoing today but it was nice wewould see him sooner. Five minutesbefore we were due to be downstairs the phone rang again. Itwas Sifu again, “Don’t forget Sigong’s present,” he remindedme. I had forgotten. Where was it? We had not unpacked itand it was still locked in a suitcase. Frantically we tore the bagopen and dug through our belongings to find it. Once we hadwe ran out of the room, got into the lift and rushed to thelobby, but we found it empty. We were five minutes late! Icould not believe we had fallen foul of the first rule of the tripwhich was “Don’t be late!”.

Luckily I knew how to get toSigong’s class so we ran outthe hotel and down the street. The hotel is only a couple ofminutes away from the Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) AthleticAssociation and so I was hoping we would catch the others veryquickly. However, when we got there it was obvious they hadalready gone in. Unlike the previous times I had been, thedoor was locked! I had a few seconds of panic. Then the doorbuzzed quietly and was pushed open. I looked down the corridorand the caretaker waved. Again the t-shirts (the Burgundy onethis time) had worked their magic. I thanked the caretaker andran up the stairs. Everyone was already in the room so I slippedin and saw Sifu talking to Sigong. They both looked up andsmiled, and I sighed with relief.

Our group was all standing around waiting patiently anda little nervously. Sigong was enjoying his chat with Sifu and

then mid-chuckle he looked over to us and smiling he said,“Chi Sau.” So we began to practise. We had arrived a littleearly and so Sigong’s students started to filter in after we hadbegun. They were a little surprised to see so many people inthe room. “Whaa, so many people,” some of them said (inCantonese) as they came in. As they came in Sifu introducedthem to us. They all addressed him as Sihing, which meansBig Brother, as he is more senior then they were, having studiedwith Sigong for many, many years.

Sifu encouraged us to Chi Sau with them as he andSigong sat watching and chatting. I could

hear Sifu asking him what he thoughtabout certain people’s hands, that isto say the ir level of sk il l. A lso

occasionally Sigong would call outto one of his students and tellthem to be careful as the iropponent was good.

Most people inHong Kongare quite small compared to the

average person in the West.Some of the people in our group

towered above Sigong’s students. Asthey were not used to an opponent sobig, they sometimes struggled and thisled them to using too much strength.Sigong would chuckle and tell themnot to do it like that and then Sifuwould step in to advise and showthem how to deal with the size and

strength difference. All the whileSigong sat and watched, smiling

whilst chomping on his pipeand nodding in agreementwith Sifu’s advise .

Afterwards, Sifu would askSigong if there was another

way, but Sigong just said, “No, that’sright. They are not used to big people.”

Before Sigong retired from travelling the world to giveseminars he did Chi Sau with thousands of different people.Sigong is tiny compared to most Westerners, however, nomatter how big or strong the opponent no one could get pasthis defence. Even Sifu says he did not realise how good Sigongwas until he saw him Chi Sauwith people in the West. AlthoughSifu learnt his Wing Chun in Hong Kong, he has been in theWest so long now he also has a vast amount of experiencedealing with big powerful opponents. Now he was sharingthis experience with his younger Kung Fu brothers and sistersin Hong Kong. I heard him say to them, “When people comehere they expect that you will all be the best, so I want you tobe good as you represent our Sifu. But you need to learn howto deal with their strength better.” One of the studentscommented, “You’re right, I really need that,” thenhe pointedto one of the bigger members of our group and said, “Yourstudent there is really good. I could not cope with him.” Sifusmiled and said, “He is not my student, he is my grandstudent.” To which they all replied, in the very Chinese way,“Ohhhhh,” as Sifu turned and went back to chatting withSigong.To be continued… by Darryl Moy

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Chinese Materia MedicaA useful reference book for Chinesemedicinal herbs. Illustra ted by linedrawings with names of herbs in Latin,Pinyin and Chinese characters witheach herb’s characteristics, underwhatcondit ions it w ould be used andsuggestions of other herbs it wouldbe used in conjunction with.


Charts of ChineseStandardLocation of AcupointsThese charts a re idea l fo r a llpractitioners and therapis ts in anybranch of TCM. In large full-co lourillus tra tions, these charts give theloca tion of all the acupo ints on thebody, the channe ls and also theChinese names as w e ll as pinyinphone tics. In addit ion, the re is anaccompanying booklet w hich giveseven more detail for locating various points.


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EatingyourWayto HealthUs ing Chinese die ttherapy, you can preparehome remedies fo r avariety of illnesses andconditions.


Life and Wisdomof Confucius(Chinese/English)This book is a collection of small stories on Confucius, his students andincidents that occurred, helping the reader to unders tand more aboutcourtesy, wisdom and ethics. Each story is nicely illustrated along withhaving the Chinese text.


Gemsof Classical Literature Set (Chinese-English)Includes: Ancient Fables , Selected Tang Dynasty Stories ,Selections from the Records of the Taiping Era, Selected ChineseStories from the Song and Ming Dynasties, Sunzi’s Art of War,Selections from the Records of the Historian, Selected ChineseTales from the Han, Wei and Six Dynasties Period, Strange Talesfrom Make-Do Studio.

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Talesof ImmortalsThis book contains over 100 stories about Daoist immortals collected sinceancient times. Interesting and easy to read.


Qigong & Chinese Medicine

Bruce Lee - Words of theDragonedited by JohnLittleThis is an inte res ting collection ofinterviews from the years 1958-1973.You learn about the early days of juststarting out from university. You areoffered insight into the family man aswell as the budding actor.


Drunkard Boxing - Zuizhiuquanby Cai Longyun& ShaoShankang.Drunkard Boxing is one of the mostspectacular and famous forms of Chinesemartial arts and has been depicted manytimes in numerous films.This bookdetailsthe movements and requirements forstudying Drunkard Boxing


SoftWeapons- Nine SectionWhip and Rope Dartby Li Keqin& Li Xingdong.Chinese Martial Arts have many variedweapons.Some of the most fascinatingare the soft weapons, the most famousof these being the Nine Section Whipand the Rope Dart. Very beautiful towatch, but extremely tricky to master.This book shows you the basic theoryand practice of these weapons.


Eighteen Arhat Methods ofShaolin Kung Fuby Cai LongyunEighteen methods of Kung Fu, usingfist, elbow, palm, leg and grabbingtechniques. Exe rcises are clea rlyillustrated showing how to practisethe exercises with a partner.


AGuide to Martial Artsby Li Tianji and Du XilianDivided into three sections, this bookexplains the background of W ushu(martial arts), the ir development andtheir role today. It then goes on tointroduce some of the many differentstyles of Chinese Wushu and fina llyexplains the key points of some of themost popular.


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The CompleteStir-Fry CookBookThis book is a verygood ‘how to’ book forbeginners who w antto learn how to cookChinese foods . Theintroduction pagesoffe r descriptions ofcommon cooking ingredients,sauces andspices along with photos. There are twopages devoted to the different kinds ofrice and noodles, also with very clear,full-colour photos.


Chen Shi Taijiquan Vol 2These books are a must buy for allChen Taiji enthusiasts.Conta ins Grandmaste r Chenperforming the 38 Step Short Form,New Frame (Xinjia), it also fea turesMaster Wang Xiang preforming theChen Ta iji Sw ord, Zhu Tianca iperforming the Chen Broadsword andMaster Chen Xiaoxing demonstratingPushing Hands. Everything is shownin clear photographs, however please note, all the text isin Chinese.

UK £16 / Europe £18USA $20 / Worldwide £19 Price per volume

Chinese Cooking

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All items displayed are subject to availability. All prices include postage and packing. Prices valid for the cover date of this issue onlyas prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Tse Qigong Centre for more details. Always order from thenewest issue of Qi Magazine or use our website secure on-line shop at www.qimagazine.com. Further currency payment options arealso available on-line.Please note that no cheques in US Dollars no longer accepted. Allow at least 28 days for delivery.

History of TeaLearn how moreabout the origins ofChinese tea and howto enjoy and prepareyour ow n brew .W ritten in bothChinese and English.


ChineseDumplings – VCDHave you eve r trieds teamed or frieddumplings? Preparedw ith many diffe rentkinds of fillings, theycan be s teamed,sauted or deep fried.This instructional VCDwill lead you through the steps to createyour own delicious dumplings.


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LearningChinese CharactersFrom Ms. Zhang –Book AThis is a workbook for learning to bothread and write Chinese characters. Thisbook is often used by foreigners in Chinawanting to learn Chinese at the BejingUniversity. With each word introduced,there is English, pinyin and Chinesecharacter shown. Below is a workspaceon how to write each stroke of the character, step bystep.


TraditionalChinese CultureTo capture 3,000 years of Chinese culturewould be an enormous fea t, however,author Zhng Qizhi has made an admirableeffort to do just this, covering philosophyand religion, arch-itecture, food, culturalrelics, calligraphy and painting.


What does “to support the practice ofkindness” mean?

What does “to support the practice of kindness”mean? Emperor Shun lived several thousandyears ago. One day, before he became emperor,he was watching some fishermen on Lake Leize.He noticed that all the younger and stronger

fishermen took the spots where the water was deep and thefish were abundant, whilethose who were older andweaker were left with therapids and shallow water,where there were very few fish.When Shun saw this, hesympathized with the olderfishermen. He joined in thefishing and whenever he sawyounger fishermen grab thegood spots, he said nothing.But whenever some yielded toothers, he praised themeverywhere he went andemulated their humble andpolite manner. He did this forone year until the fishermengot into the habit of yieldingthe good spots to others.

A wise and capable man such as Shun could have easilyinfluenced others with a few words. Why did he not simply saysomething instead of trying to change others by setting a goodexample? Shun’s painstaking and good intentions were likethe expert artisanship that results from long practice and hardwork.

In today’s era of low morality, social breakdown andloss of proper thinking, it is extremely difficult to find a goodstandard of behaviour. Therefore, when those around us haveshortcomings, we do not use our strengths to point out theirdeficiencies. When others are unkind, we do not use ourkindness to compare ourselves to them. When others are lesscapable, we do not purposely surpass them. Even when we

are intelligent and competent,these are to be kept hidden.

Instead of boasting, we need tobehave even more modestly. When

someone makes a mistake, we tolerate and donot reveal it. This provides the opportunity to reform withoutthe loss of self-respect.

When we allowothers to keep their dignity, they will beeven more careful of future actions. When we see strengths orsmall kindness in others, we can learn from them and praisethem to others. In daily life, we can refrain from speaking andacting with selfish intentions, but instead, seek to benefitsociety. We can help set standards for others to follow. Theseare the qualities of a great person; someone who thinks ofpublic welfare as more important than his or her own.

What does “to revere love and respect for others” mean?Sometimes it is hard to tell onappearance whether some-one is an honourable personor a fraud, since fraudspretend to be honourable.The difference is as black andwhite. As Mencius said, thedif fe rence betweenhonourable people andordinary people lies in theirintentions. The heart of agenuinely honourable personis filled with loving kindnessand respect for others. Thereare thousands of differenttypes of people in this world,some close to us while others

are strangers. Some have prestige while others have none.Some are smart while others are not and some are virtuouswhile others are corrupt. Nevertheless, we are all humans andare thus, all one entity. We should neither hate nor disrespectanyone.

When our hearts are filled with loving-kindness andrespect for others, it is the same as if our hearts were filledwith loving-kindness and respect for the sages and virtuouspeople. When we understand and agree with others, it is thesame as if we understand and agree with the sages and virtuouspeople. Why? Because all the virtuous people and sages wantpeople to obtain what they wish for. If we can have lovingkindness and respect for people and help them to achieve intheir endeavours, we are acting as a sage or a virtuous person.

to be continued

RecognisingGoodness

Liao Fan’s Four Lessons- The Third Lesson:

Liao Fan’s Four Lessons- The Third Lesson:

RecognisingGoodness

“When we allowothers to keep theirdignity, they will beeven more careful offuture actions.”

“When we allowothers to keep theirdignity, they will beeven more careful offuture actions.”


Xing ShouXing ShouPart 2

Xing Shou is the first form in the Chun Yuen syllabus. Itis an exciting form that teaches all the basics and attitude ofChun Yuen Quan. If your Xing Shou is good, then you will bevery healthy with a good posture, strong bones and Qi.

7. Turn the Body, Lock the Neck

i. Bring the right hand over the left and open the hands sothe palms face outwards. Fig 13.

ii. Open both hands out to the side - the right hand goes upand the left hand goes down. Fig 14.

iii. Turn the body to the right, meanwhile slide the legbackwards so that you form a bow stance. As you turn thebody, swing the left hand clockwise, bending it at the elbowso the forearm is in front of the chest. At the same timewithdraw the right hand to form a fist at right side of thechest. Fig 15.

This movement isabout turning the waistfrom our centre orDantian. We must use theDantian and the armsand legs follow the waistand this creates a lot ofpower. In the west we areusually only taught touse the hands and legsseparately and thiscauses so many injuriesand tension in the joints.Thus, understanding

how to use the waist is very important for our health. When wemove the arms and legs, we must move them in a balanced way.That means when we move the left arm we also move the rightarm and also sometimes move the legs at the same time. It is thesame if we move the legs. When we finish, the body must be in agood posture and all aligned correctly.

The martial application of this movement is for lockingsomeone’s neck.

8. Green Dragon Swings its Taili. Turn the body 180 degrees to face the left so that the bow stance changes so

that the left leg is now bent and the right is straight. At the same time theleft hand swings round to the left side of the chest, with the palm facing upand the right hand swings round so the arm is outstretched and the palmfacing up. Fig 16.

This movement is similar to Turn the Body, Lock the Neck. So we need to use thewaist when we are turning the body to create the momentum for the movement andthis is good for the waist and the Dantian. When we open the arms and swing themround it is good for the lungs and the kidneys. The lungs and the kidneys are themost important organs as they bring up your energy (Qi). The waist is also relatedto the kidneys.

If anyone has studied Heavenly River Monastery Hard Qigong in the Tse QigongCentre you will know how this exercise develops these organs so much.

Fig 16

Fig 13 Fig 14 Fig 15


Fig 18 Fig 19 Fig 19 Side

Fig 20 Fig 20 Side

i. Open the right foot so that is forms a “T” with the left foot.ii. Cross both arms in front of the chest with the left arm over

the right arm and turn your head to face the right side. Fig18.

iii. Kick the left leg up and slap the left foot with the back ofthe right hand. When you have finished the kick, hold theposition. Having slapped the left foot, the arms open sothe fingers face up. Fig 19.This movement is more difficult than the earlier ones because

you need some flexibility in the waist so that the right hand canreach the left foot. If some people cannot reach the foot, they canslap the shin or even the thigh instead. Practising the thirdmovement, Carp Fish Jumps into the Water, from Level I ChunYuen Warm-up can help with this movement as it is good for thejoints and the tendons and prepares us before we do any exercise,thus helping to prevent injury.

There are five levels of the Chun Yuen warm-ups and they aresuitable for everyone but we must build up step by step until wecan do them. Also there are different levels of performing certain

9. White Snake Spits the Message

i. While keeping the weight on the left leg, bring the rightfoot up next to the left, but keep the heel up so that onlythe toes touch the ground. Meanwhile, stretch the left handforwards and bring the right hand back to the side of thebody with the palm facing up. Fig 17In this movement make sure that the Baihui point on the top

of your head lines up with the Yongquan point on the left foot.The left hand stretches out like a snake spitting with its tongue.

In its martial art application the right hand grabs theopponents hand/arm and the left hand grabs their throat.

10. Peacock Spreads the Tail

Fig 17


Fig 21 Fig 22 Fig 23

Fig 24

movements, for example, younger people can do them a littlelower and older can do them higher. The most important thing isthat the principle is correct.

When we slap the foot in the movement, Peacock Spreads theTail, we should not lean forwards and both hands should openat the same time. The head turns to face the front and the bodytwists to the right. This is a very unusual movement, but it isactually very common in Chinese Opera. Chun Yuen is relatedto the Beijing Opera. My Sigong, Wang Ping, was a famousBeijing Opera trainer and so some of his forms have been trained

to look good as well as have good martial art application. Afterwe slap the foot, we also sink a little on the standing leg and thishelps to make the Qi go back to the Dantian.

In order to make the movement look good in the form it hasbeen developed to look like a peacock opening its tail. Chineseculture has a long history of poetry and so when names for themovements are created a name is chosen to make the movementmemorable, vivid and beautiful. So the name has a meaning, apicture and a colour as well. This makes it very artistic.

11. Fully Prepared to Fight

i. Step forward with the left foot, placing the heel on theground. Lift up the right hand and drop the left hand sothat they form a vertical line. The weight should still be onthe back leg. Fig 21.

ii. Step forward with the right leg so your legs form a bowstance (Gong Bu) with the right leg bent and the left legstraight. Meanwhile, the left hand goes forwards to shoulderheight, with the wrist bent and the fingers pointing down.The right hand pulls back. Fig 22.

iii. Then turn the body to face the left side (actually facing theoriginal direction) and meanwhile bring the left hand overto the front, but still keeping the wrist bent down. Fig 23

iv. Chop down with the left wrist so that the fingers pointupwards. Meanwhile the right hand forms a hook by closingthe fingers together and facing upwards. While bendingthe wrists, stretch the back making it a little bit firmer to letthe Qi sink to the Dantian. Fig 24.Before any fight we need to prepare ourselves. Actually,

whatever we are about to do we need to get ourselves ready,then it will be half successful. Ru Jia says “Good preparationmeans half success.” It is very true, we should not do anythingwithout a plan, even one plan is not enough, sometimes we alsoneed a plan B or even plan C. This is very Chinese as it followsthe Ru Jia principle and also prepares us in case things go adifferent way.

In the right position, the bow stance is very firm and strong.One hand is at the front to defend and the other hand is behindas backup. The hand and the legs all relate through the Dantianso they are straight and positive. This means it is good for ourbones, our joints and tendons. It also brings up the Qi and thespirit.to be continued... by Michael Tse


Reflection of a SnakeYue Guang was a sociable person and liked to invite his friends for taking refreshments

in his home. One day he invited his school friend to drink in his garden to enjoy thespring flowers. As they were drinking, his friend thought that he caught a glimpse of a small

snake swimming in this cup. Though disgusted, he swallowed down the wine, not wanting to embarrasshis host. However, the thought of a snake swimming in his belly made him feel unwell and so he madehis excuses and left for home.

Once he was home, he felt ill and took to his bed. He could neither eat nor drink much so sickdid he feel. A few days later, Yue Guang heard about his friend’s illness and the cause. He knew thatthere could not be a snake in the wine cup and so he went to inspect the place where they tooktheir drinks and eventually found the cause. On the wall of the hall, a colourful ribbon had beenhung on the wall. Occasionally the wind would make it ripple gently. The shadow of the ribbonhappened to fall in exactly the same place his friend had placed his wine cup that day.

Yue Guang hurried to his friend’s home and told him about the ribbon. Suddenly,he started to feel better and his illness left him at once, as if it had never been.

Having recently watched ‘The Curse of the Golden Flower’with thecharismatic Chow Yun-Fat, I wanted to find out more about theChrysanthemum and why it held and still holds such significance in China.

The ‘Golden Flower’

The chrysanthemum, which bloomsin the cold days of late autumn andearly winter, represents nobility and

elegance. From ancient times, its praiseshave been sung by Chinese scholarsbecause of its combination of beauty andcharacter (it can endure very coldweather). It was so well thought of that

only the noblemen were allowed to growthe chrysanthemum in their gardens -lower classes were strictly forbidden fromdoing so.

Its Chinese name “ju hua” means“gathering together” (also “Octoberflower”) , because the flower looks likea petal ball. The flower now comes inseveral varieties but originally thechrysanthemum was just a small yellowflower.

The Chinese legend tells the storyof an elderly emperor who had heardabout a magic herb that would give himeternal youth. This herb was said to growon Dragonfly Island and could only bepicked by young people. The elderlyemperor therefore sent twenty-fourchildren on what proved to be a longand hazardous journey. Much to theirdismay, when they finally arrived at theisland they found it totally deserted.There was no sign of the magic herb. Allthey found was a flower - the goldenchrysanthemum, which today sti llsymbolises the Chinese people’s ties withtheir country.

The flowers have been used inTraditional Chinese Medicine for centuries(for instance to combat sinus congestion)and simple chrysanthemum tea is saidto be a very common beverage in China.

In some European countries, thechrysanthemum symbolisesbereavement, times of sadness anddeath. Coming from France, I havenever sent bouquets to my mother whichcontained chrysanthemums because thatis how she felt about them.

In the UK however, thechrysanthemum holds a much morepositive sentiment and is used widely inall lines of floristry, but it is in Japan thatit is highly revered (it is thought aBuddhist monk brought the flower toJapan). The Japanese believe that thechrysanthemum is a symbol of the sunand they hold a “chrysanthemum festival”known as the Festival of Happiness.Indeed in Feng Shui, chrysanthemumsare said to bring laughter and happinessinto the home

by Yve Hands


Fig 2

Fig 3

Self DefenceChen Taijiquan Style

Chen style Taijiquan is a famous martialart. Its forms contain many applications,which can be used in many different ways. Thekey is to understand the principle behind itand then go with whatever happens. Here welook at two different ways to apply themovement “Three Steps Forward”.

Application 1: Stepping to the Outside

i B threatens to attack A, who remains calm. Fig 1ii B throws his punch. A blocks on the outside of B’s

punch with his left hand. Fig 2iii A deflects B’s punch and then pulls his hand down. At

the same time A steps forward and chops B’s neckwith his right hand. Fig 3

In this application A blocks and moves to the outside ofB. The outside is usually the safer side to go to as theattacker cannot usually reach you with his other hand.When using this technique the everything from the pulldown, step and chop must flow smoothly, otherwise youropponent will have time to avoid your counter-attack.

Fig 1B A


Application 2: Stepping to the Inside

i A blocks B’s punch on the inside.Fig 4.ii A steps in pulling both B’s right arm and his neck down to

break B’s posture. B attempts to throw another punch withhis free arm. Fig 5.

iii A quickly changes his right leg putting it behind B’s right leg.He then turns his waist to throw B to the floor. Fig 6a/6b/6c

As we saw from the first application, the outside is the safestside to move to. However, sometimes you do not have the choiceand so you have to go to the inside. Here we see that A has beenable to break his attackers posture, thus making him weaker. If hewas unable to break B’s posture, then B would be able to strike himwith his other hand and A would find it very difficult to throw him.He would have to use a great deal of strength which goes againstthe principles of Taijiquan. This would also put him in danger.

Fig 4 Fig 5

Fig 6a

Fig 6b Fig 6c

A B


The twelve names of the Di Zhiare:- Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen,Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu and

Hai (all in Mandarin pronunciation).In Canton-ese, these are:-Ji, Chau, Yun, Maau, Sun,Jih, Ngh, Mei, San, Yauh,Sat and Hoi. Each Di Zhi iseither Yin or Yang and isrelated to a part iculare lement . Be low areexplanations andexamples of the Yin orYang e lement of eachbranch.

Some elements are good foreachother while others alsogo againsteach other. It is a bit like when wehave good friends and also somepeople who do not like us so well. Ifwe pair up or join with the rightpeople, we can have a better life. Butif we join with the wrong people wemight have a negative life. So we allhave to be careful what kind of peoplewe are friends with. I do not meanwe should treat certain peoplenegatively or dislike them, but thatwe should choose the people whohave a positive influence onour lives.

It means they should have thesame heart and be able to tell youyour mistakes, not just be nice orpretend to be nice to you but whenproblems come they disappear or turnagainst you. A true friend is sincere,does not play games and points outour mistakes in order to help us. Theywill stand by you if you are right butnot whenyou are wrong, they will helpus to get better. Therefore, a goodfriend is not easy to get.

The Di Zhi are the same andare just like people. Paired togetherthey will form different kinds ofenergies and also, the year, month,day and hour can affect one anotheras well.

For example, in the year of Zi,the year’s energy comes from the

North and can affect those people whose houses are in the south and are facing Zi(North). This is because Zi and Wu go against each other.

Also, if your house is facing Wu (i.e. facing south) and there is a good mountainat the Chen direction (the South East direction), then this can give good support.

Therefore, themore you understand,the more you realisethat the Di Zhi are veryimportant for our FengShui environment. Inthe followingillustrations, we can see

the relationship of the Di Zhi whenthey are put together. Sometimes,these are positive relationships and

some are destructive relationships. People in the past would use some of this knowledgein looking at the compatibility of a marriage partner. Today, these are still used in FengShui, Horoscope and even in planning special events.

1. Zi, , is Yang Water, like ocean.

2. Chou, , is Yin Earth, like soft soil.

3. Yin, , is Yang Wood, like tree.

4. Mao, , is Yin Wood, like grass.

5. Chen, , is Yang Earth, like stone.

6. Si, , is Yin Fire, like candle light.

7. Wu, , is Yang Fire, like big fire.

8. Wei, , is Yin Earth, like sand.

9. Shen, , is Yang Metal, like sword.

10. You, , is Yin Metal, like earring.

11. Xu, , is Yang Earth, like stone.

12. Hai, , is Yin Water, like morning dew..

In Feng Shui we have the Di Zhi (Earthly Branches ) whose energy isin the earth. There are twelve numbers which relate to the Di Zhi but alsorelate to the twelve animals in the horoscope, twelve months, twelve hours,twelve channels in the body, twelve hours of the day and many other things.

Feng Shui - The Di ZhiFeng Shui - The Di Zhi

The Di Zhi and their Elements

“Paired together theywill form differentkind of energies.”


North

South

East WestJoin

= Join

= Combine

Join

Zi, Chen, ShenChou, Si, YouYin, Wu, XuMao, Wei, Hai

Combine

Zi, Chen, Shen combines to become WaterChou, Si, You combines to become WoodYin, Wu, Xu combines to become FireMao, Wei, Hai combines to become Metal

Combine & Join

Double Combination

Double Combination

Chou combines with Zi to become EarthYin combines with Hai to become WoodMao combines with Xu to become FireChen combines with You to become MetalSi combines with Shen to become WaterWu combines with Wei to become Fire

FireWater

Metal

Fire

Wood

Earth

Qi Magazine Jan/Feb/Mar 2008 page 49

Punishment

Punishment

Punished by being betrayed - Yin, Si andShenPunished by being bossy - Chou, Xu, WeiPunished by being impolite - Zi and Mao

Against

Against

Zi and Wu are against each otherChou and Wei are against each otherYin and Shen are against each otherMao and You are against each otherChen and Xu are against each otherSi and Hai are against each other


Damage

Damage

Zi and Wei damage each otherChou and Wu damage each otherYin and Si damage each otherMao and Chen damage each otherShen and Hai damage each otherYou and Xu damage each other

Breaking

Zi and You break each otherYin and Hai break each otherChen and Chou break each otherWu and Mao break each otherShen and Si break each otherXu and Wei break each other

Breaking

by Michael Tse


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April-June2008

FIVE TIGER KNIFE5/6 April - Norwich

5 ELEMENT CHINESE COOKING:HEALING FOODS FOR SUMMER12 April -Kentish Town Congregational Church, London,NW1 8PH. 1-5pmFind the foods than can replenish fluids, cool Yang and heat, helping to balance andnourish the five internal organs.

SEVEN STAR OPENING GONG19 April- Dunhan Unitarian Chapel, Sylvan Grove, Altrincham,WA14 4NU,South Manchester 12-4pmThis gentle form connects with the seven stars of the Big Dipper and helps us to gathermore energy from the North direction which connects with the kidneys and the elementwater. When we practise this form, we will benefit and create more kidney Qi and help todevelop our Sky Eye potential.

NEW! - CHI SAU DAY MANCHESTER26 April– Dunhan Unitarian Chapel, Sylvan Grove, Altrincham,WA14 4NU,South Manchester, 2-6pm

NEW! CHEN TAIJI DOUBLE STRAIGHT SWORDS3/4 May - Kentish Town Congregational Church, London, NW1 8PH. 1-5pm

COTTON PALM24/25 May – Dunhan Unitarian Chapel, SylvanGrove, Altrincham, WA14 4NU, South Manchester, 12-4pmThis powerful form helps to release toxins, illness and negative energy from the body. By using chopping, slappingmovements, the channels and acupuncture points are opened. Walking the Bagua helps to connect with the healingenergy of this ancient symbol and gather energy from all the heavenly directions.

CHI SAU DAY LONDON14 June – KentishTown Congregational Church, London,NW1 8PH. 1-5pm

TUI SHOU DAY15 June – Kentish Town Congregational Church, London, NW1 8PH. 1-5pm

WILD GOOSE QIGONG 1ST 6428/29 June - Kentish Town Congregational Church, London, NW1 8PH. 1-5pmWild Goose Qigong is a longevity skill that imitates the movements of the Dayan, the wild goose. It is one of the mostfamous Qigong skills that has survived over 18 centuries in China. There are two sets of movements in the Dayan Qigong,the 1st 64 and the 2nd 64. We will begin with the first set as this works on post-natal illnesses and helps to open thechannels and build balance and relaxation.

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tested and passed.Pleasecall fordetails.

MembershipYearly Membership cost is £45 (UK)& includes one year’s subscription to

Qi Magazine, reduced seminar fees oncertain seminars & classes, Centrepolo shirt & discounts on certain

merchandise.Family Membership cost is £60 andcovers family members living at the

same address. Other details asabove, but with two polo shirts.

Tse Qigong CentrePO Box 59AltrinchamWA15 8FSTel. 0845 838 [email protected]

Contact theCentre

or see our website:www.qimagazine.com

UK

Payment on day of seminar:£20 extra and cash only

accepted.

CANADA5 ELEMENT CHINESE COOKING: HEALING FOODS FOR SUMMER23 May - CanadaFind the foods than can replenish fluids, cool Yang and heat, helping to balance and nourish the five internal organs.Contact: Lee Masters (250) 748 4060 [email protected]

DAMO STAFF24/25 May - CanadaThis is one of the Northern Shaolin forms passed to Michael Tse from his teacher, Master Wu Chun Yuen. The staff is alight and flexible weapon and is enjoyable to handle, even if you have never practised with a weapon before. Thiscourse is open to everyone.Contact: Lee Masters (250) 748 4060 [email protected]

HAWAIIMIXED SEMINAR AND POLISHING31 May/1 June- Hawaii

NEW YORK28 CONSTELLATION GONG31 May/1 June - New YorkThis form is good for helping breathing problems and washingof the internal organs, particularly the lungs and heart.**Pre-registration requirements for this form.Please call for details.Contact: Adam Wallace (212) 330 [email protected]

What’s On

USA/CANADA

What’s OnTse Qigong Centre

USAHonolulu BrandonEugenio

(808) 528 [email protected]

New YorkJersey CityTeaneck New Jersey Adam Wallace (212) 330 8327

[email protected]

NORTH AMERICANREGIONAL CLASSES WITH AUTHORISED INSTRUCTORS

May-June 2008

May/Jun

e

Seattle, Washington Derek Fowler (206) 229 [email protected]

CanadaDuncan, B.C Lee Masters (250) 748 4060

[email protected]

Tse Qigong CentreWhat’s OnWorldwide

Tse Qigong Centre

What’s OnWorldwideApril 2008

CLASSES WITH TSE QIGONG CENTRE AUTHORISED INSTRUCTORS

New ZealandKapiti Coast Belinda Hadfield 04 298 7974

[email protected]

Wellington Cynthia Shaw & Susanne Jungersen04 384 3199 or 027 464 [email protected]

Hawke's Bay Bay/Hastings Jennifer Leaf 0 6 835 [email protected]

AustraliaBrisbane Jane Pollard & Vera Externest& Toowoomba 07 46364075 or 0427 320828

[email protected]

NorwayTromso Tor Arne Oigard, 00 47 9717

[email protected]

ItalyRome Guiseppie Siani 00 39 339 452 8511

[email protected]

Ap

ril

NORWAYFREE DEMONSTRATION18 April 19:00 to 20:00 TromsoContact: Tor Arne Oigard, 00 47 9717 [email protected]

WILD GOOSE QIGONG19/20 April TromsoWild Goose Qigong is a longevity skill that imitates the movements of the ‘Dayan’. It is one of themost famous Qigong skills that has survived many centuries in China. The 1st 64 is the beginningof all the Wild Goose Qigong forms. This form works on post-natal illnesses and problems in thebody and it will help balance the body and open the channels.(Will split into different groups according to what level has been learned.)Contact: Tor Arne Oigard, 00 47 9717 [email protected]

POLISHING SEMINAR21April TromsoContact: Tor Arne Oigard, 00 47 9717 [email protected]

WING CHUN KUNG FU22 April TromsoMade famous by Bruce Lee, this is a straightforward and practical method of self defence.It does not rely on physical strength and so is ideal for ladies. Master Tse is a seniorstudent of Grandmaster Ip Chun - the eldest son of Bruce Lee’s teacher.Contact: Tor Arne Oigard, 00 47 9717 [email protected]

ITALYWILD GOOSE QIGONG12/13 April Rome(Will split into different groups according to what level has been learned.)Contact: Guiseppie Siani 00 39 339 452 8511 email [email protected]

WING CHUN KUNG FU14 April RomeContact: Guiseppie Siani 00 39 339 452 8511email [email protected]

Chen StyleTajijiquan is

the oldestform of

Taijiquan and alsohas the strongest

martial arts aspect. Assuch it contains many

different weapons forms,many of which are not found inother systems of Taijiquan. The

Double Swords is one suchform. It is a very graceful

flowing form that capturesthe essence of Chen Taiji’s

spiralling energycombining it with light

and nimble movements.A form not to be

missed!

Members : £460Non-members: £520This is the first time this formfrom the Kunlun Dayan systemhas been taught. Using Qigongprinciples and techniques in combination with walking is aspecial way of healing many illnesses. The total bodymovement helps to gather more fresh Qi and release anytoxins.(Special requirements for registration - please call for details.)

For moreinformation

contactTse Qigong Centre or to reserve yourplace please see the booking form in

the centre of this issue of QiMagazine.

Download - qi_87v2.pdf

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