Friday 6th - Friday 13th June 2003

For the 7th annual Tai Chi Caledonia we are once again in the delightful setting of Stirling University Campus, deep in the heart of Scotland’s ‘Braveheart’ country.

As usual, our varied programme features a wide range of highly experienced instructors, offering practical workshops, lectures and informal discussion groups to stimulate the interest of everyone from the complete novice to the experienced practitioner.

In addition to providing high quality seminars we also appreciate the need for a ‘diversion’ from all the hard work which you will undertake, during your stay. To this end we will, of course, also be staging an accoustic folk night, New Games, traditional Scottish Celidh Dance and a Disco for you to let your hair down!

General Information
Instructors
Weekend details
Week details
Booking Information
Contact information


 

General Information

The Location
Stirling University Campus. Stirling - Gateway to the Highlands - is Scotland’s former ancient capital and is at the centre of Braveheart county. It offers a unique combination of history, heritage, and cultural activities.

The Campus
The Campus is in a spectacular setting of woodlands, lakes and ancient buildings. It has acres of open green space and excellent facilities including shops, cinema, bars, laundries and cafeterias.

Accommodation
Accommodation is in either chalet rooms (week-long visitors) or halls of residence (weekend visitors). Everyone has their own private room and the chalet buildings have fully-fitted kitchens and sitting areas. (Some double-rooms available.) There are public telephones nearby which take incoming calls. Bed linen is supplied but you should bring towels.

Other Activities
The campus has swimming, gym facilities and saunas. On Wednesday we have organised an optional Celidh (£10 extra). There will be also be dancing on Saturday, New Games on Sunday evening, and an accoustic folk night on the final evening.

Tai Chi Union AGM
The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain will, for the first time, host its Annual General Meeting at Tai Chi Caledonia. In addition to the business of the TCUGB there will be special demonstrations and an opportunity to socialise with instructor & student members.

Getting There
The University is strategically situated in the heart of beautiful countryside and is well connected to road and rail routes. Glasgow and Edinburgh international airports are less than one hour away. Full travel details will be provided on booking.



If you are travelling by car and would like to share the cost/driving of the journey why not say so on the message board. Equally if you would like to help pay travelling expenses in return for a lift say so. Experience from last year showed that several people had come from relatively close areas to each another and could have car pooled to save money.

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Instructors

Isabelle Boitiore Has studied Wudang Tai Chi Chuan with Dan Docherty for over 10 years. A regular competitor at major European events she recently won a gold medal at the 2nd Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe’s competition in Denmark performing the Wudang Sword Form in the Group Weapons category.

Katy Cheng is the daughter of the late Professor Cheng Man-Ching who studied Taijiquan, with her father, since childhood. Katy has taught for 25 years and continues in her father’s tradition. In addition to her ongoing weekly classes, Katy is a regular instructor at Cheng Family events.

Dan Docherty has studied Tai Chi Chuan since 1975 with Master Cheng Tin Hung. In 1980 he won the Open Weight Division at the South East Asian Chinese Championships. Dan teaches Wudang TCC and has written articles and books on Tai Chi Chuan. He is a founder member of the TCUGB and organiser of the British Tai Chi Open Championships.

Gordon Faulkner is a professional martial arts and qigong instructor who teaches in the UK, USA & Europe. Teaching since 1974 Gordon is a qualified Healing Tao Instructor, assistant to Master Mantak Chia; Senior Referee of Yangsheng Gong Association and founder of the Scottish Branch of Yangsheng Gong, China Wushu Society.

Wang Haijun has studied Chen Style Taijiquan at Chen Village in China since he was 9 years old. He has won a number of Gold Medals at major Taiji Tournaments in China and is now living in Manchester where he continues the Chen Style tradition.

Claudy Jeanmougin was a Professor of Physical Education who studied Yoga in Punya and then moved to Taiwan where he studied Chinese language and Taijiquan under Master Wang Yen Nien. He has been teaching Taiji for the past 16 years and is a practising Acupuncturist and Osteopath.

Bob Lowey has studied martial arts since the 60’s. In 1970 he began studying Chinese Martial Arts and became a qualified instructor in 1979. To complement his skills he has studied Tai Chi Chuan since 1982 and established the 7 Stars School in 1986. He is on the Technical Panel & Executive Committee of the Tai Chi Union G.B. and is a regular participant at European events

Armelle Malfilatre Has studied Wudang Tai Chi Chuan with Dan Docherty for over 10 years. A regular competitor at major European events she recently won a gold medal at the 2nd Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe’s competition in Denmark performing the Wudang Sword Form in the Group Weapons category.

Ronnie Robinson has studied taijiquan since 1981 and is a full-time instructor who uses taiji and qigong in a wide range of environments including health, education and business establishments. He is editor of Tai Chi Chuan magazine and Secretary of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain and the Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe. He has taught in Europe and the US.

Jan Silberstorff has studied Taiji for 18 years, training in Chenjiagou Village with Master Shen Xijing and Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang. In 1994, in conjunction with these teachers, he founded the World Chen Xiao Wang Taijiquan Association. Jan is the first ever foreign medalist at Chenjiagou competition and has won a number of medals at various European competitions.

Dee Swift has studied Taijiquan since the 80’s and has been teaching Yang style T’ai Chi and Chi Kung for 12 years. A full time instructor she works in a variety of venues from sports centres and village halls to hospitals. Dee is a member of the Steering Group for the T’ai Chi and Chi Kung Forum for Health and Special Needs.

Aarvo Tucker lived in Taiwan and China from 1981 - 1997 and studied Taijiquan, Baguazhang and Xingyi with 2 Teachers, namely : Liu Hsi-heng - the Senior Disciple of Cheng Man Ching; and Lo Dexiu, who featured in the BBC production of “The Way of the Warrior” with his Teacher Hung Yi-hsiang.

Luigi Zanini has studied Chinese Martial Arts since 1977 and has trained in Tang Lang, Tam Tuei, Baguazhang and traditional weapons. He was the winner of the Italian Championships in 1988 and has since committed himself to the study of internal fighting arts and healing systems. He recently published the book, ‘Kung Fu’ with Yves Kieffer.

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Weekend Details

The weekend workshops are each about 45-60minutes in length and are designed to give you a brief introduction to the various arts on offer.
Saturday
10.00 - 10.45
Ronnie Robinson
‘Deep Feelings’ in
Push Hands
Aarvo Tucker
Bagua Circle Walking
Gordon Faulkner
Chin Na
(Grasping Techniques)
10.50 - 11.40
Wang Haijun
Silk Reeling Exercises
Katy Cheng
Chen Man-Ch’ing Hand Form
Luigi Zanini
Bagua Arm Techniques
11.45 - 12.30
Bob Lowey
Relaxation & Massage
Claudy Jeanmougin
Shi San Shi
(Two-Person Form)
Isabelle & Armel
Push Hands for Women
14.00 - 15.00
Ronnie Robinson
Taiji Qigong
Jan Silberstorff
Push Hands
Dan Docherty
Weapon Applications
15.10 - 16.00
Wang Haijun
Silk Reeling Exercises
Aarvo Tucker
Bagua Circle Walking
Gordon Faulkner
Chin Na
(Grasping Techniques)
16.20 - 17.30
Dee Swift
Daoist Health Exercises
Claudy Jeanmougin
Shi San Shi
(Two-Person Form)
Luigi Zanini
Bagua Arm Techniques
Sunday
10.00 - 10.45
Wang Haijun
Silk Reeling Exercises
Dee Swift
Yang Style Training Exercises
Gordon Faulkner
Chin Na
(Grasping Techniques)
10.50 - 11.40
Bob Lowey
Relaxation & Massage
Claudy Jeanmougin
Shi San Shi
(Two-Person Form)
Jan Silberstorff
Push Hands
11.45 - 12.30
Ronnie Robinson
Taiji Qigong
Katy Cheng
Chen Man-Ch’ing Hand Form
Luigi Zanini
Bagua Arm Techniques
14.00 - 15.00
Bob Lowey
Relaxation & Massage
Aarvo Tucker
Bagua Circle Walking
Dan Docherty
Weapon Applications
15.10 - 16.00
Ronnie Robinson
Introspection in Taiji
Isabelle & Armel
Push Hands for Women
Gordon Faulkner
Chin Na
(Grasping Techniques)
16.20 - 17.30
Wang Haijun
Silk Reeling Exercises
Katy Cheng
Chen Man-Ch’ing Hand Form
Jan Silberstorff
Push Hands
This programme is correct as of this time, however, there may be some minor changes which would involve adding attitional workshops as necessary. This being the case there may be some alterations to timings. Any amendments will be posted as soon as possible.

 


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Week Details

Over the course of the week (Monday - Thursday) you have the option of selecting two disciplines, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, (i.e. four sessions) enabling you to study something in a little more depth.
The workshops have advisory notices allowing you to choose according to your level of experience or how active you want to be during your stay.
Carefully consider the descriptions provided and mark your choices of seminars on the booking form.
Should any newcomers to Taijiquan or internal arts require further assistance, contact us and we will be pleased to advise you.

Morning workshops

Dragon Form Qigong- Dee Swift
This is a dynamic and lively Qigong Form originating with Sun Lu-t’ang, and containing the wave-like serpentine movements of the dragon. We will learn each movement slowly as a separate exercise before putting them together into the flow of the Form.
No experience required.

Form & Function - Bob Lowey & Ronnie Robinson
Bob & Ronnie will be sharing these sessions looking at strengthening the student’s knowledge of Tai Chi, irrespective of style, dealing with a number of aspects including structure, relaxation, purpose and meaning.
Beginners welcome.

Old Wudang Sword Form - Claudy Jenmougin
Claudy will work with two levels for this ancient sword form: an introduction for beginners and an opportunity to go to the next levels for those who attended Claudy’s seminar at Caledonia in 2001.
Beginners & Advanced.

Xiao Yijinjing, Tendons Changing Simple Method - Luigi Zanini
Yijinjing is a Qigong method that traces back to the 5th century and is recognised for being effective in making the body strong. There are different ways to practice Yijinjing and we will work on different levels of this simple yet powerful form that gives you the chance to become healthier and have a better perception of your body-mind-spirit connection.
No experience required.

Afternoon workshops

24 Step Peking Form - Gordon Faulkner
This beautiful hand form is widely used in competitions to assess competitors capabilities and competence in Taijiquan. It is also very popular with beginners as it provides all the necessary aspects to build upon in the study of Taijiquan.
No experience required.

Cheng Man-Ch’ing Sword Form - Katy Cheng
Who better to learn the Professor’s Sword Form from than his daughter. A unique opportunity to work in detail on this beautiful Sword Form.
Some experience required.

Advanced Push hands - Jan Silberstorff
Working with advanced skills to to underline a deeper meaning from correct body structure to maximise internal energy flow. Students will also discover the difference between technique and real internal work.
A knowledge of push hands recommended.

Foundations of Bagua Body Training - Aarvo Tucker
Working especially with spiralling movements centred on the waist, Bagua circle walking with static postures and Single Palm Change, whole body power, footwork drills, some partner work.
Some experience recommended.

 

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Booking Details

In order to make Tai Chi Caledonia accessible to everyone we offer the following options for attending the event.

 

1. Friday 6th - Friday 13th

2. Monday 9th - Friday 13th

3. Friday 6th - Sunday 8th

3. Friday 6th - Monday 9th

4. Day Visitors You can attend on non-residential basis, for £50 per day. Lunch will be provided.

The safety of personal property is the owner's responsibility and they are advised to insure against loss or damage.

Booking Conditions

Reservations can be made by paying the relevant deposit. No booking will be considered confirmed until the full balance is paid. This must be done by Friday 16th May 2003. Places are allocated on a first come basis.

Those attending the full week are elligible for 10% discount if booked before Monday 24th February 2003
Those attending the full week are elligible for 5% discount if booked before Monday 24th March 2003
Discounts only apply if the complete fee is received by Monday 5th May 2003

All Bookings must be paid in full by Friday 16th May 2003

To secure a place complete the form below sending £50 deposit (non-refundable)
(£25 Weekend or Day Visitors) payable to Tai Chi Caledonia.

Booking form

This is NOT an online booking form.
Please print it out and send it along with your payment/deposit.

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Contact Information