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Over 200 members gathered in Perth over the weekend of 4th/5th of April for a workshop in the warm spring sunshine. The event was aimed at instructors and seniors and focused on the benefits of Tai Chi for older people, especially the use of the foundation exercises as a means of improving and maintaining our health.
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The workshop was hosted by the Strathtay branch, and led by Carmen Capilla, who flew in from Spain especially. Carmen is a Director of the international society with over 20 years experience teaching, many of them spent studying under Master Moy. Carmen was assisted by Mike Usher, Paul Davies and Peter Jones (who form the Instruction Co-ordination Committee of the GB Society) who also trained under Master Moy for many years, and between them have over 50 years teaching experience.
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Carmen proved to be an inspirational leader, helping the participants to understand and experience the deeper workings of the exercises and moves of the set, as well as providing many insights into the unique form of training that Master Moy developed, and the role of the Society in safeguarding his legacy for future generations.
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| It was a fantastic opportunity for the participants, both old and young, to learn from such an experienced group of instructors, and they worked long and hard, supported by their enthusiasm and the clear teaching provided, and Carmen’s infectious sense of humour. We even managed to get outside on Sunday afternoon to enjoy some sun and take a few pictures.
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| Carmen reminded the participants (around half of whom were instructors) that Master Moy was especially keen to help seniors, and that they need to work hard in order to preserve their health. So often in the modern world, older people are told to 'take it easy' and not do so much, whilst Master Moy was busy telling them to do more and work harder - use it or lose it! His form of taijiquan was specifically developed to improve health, and is particularly suitable for older people. Focusing on the foundation exercises helps seniors to maximise the benefit without the worry of remembering long sequences of moves, or losing their balance.
Many people were surprised that such deceptively simple-looking exercises could be so powerful and penetrating - which explained why they are not taught straight away in beginner classes, but left to more experienced instructors to work with students once they have learnt the basic moves of the set.
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Altogether a most enjoyable and memorable weekend.
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