While the complete workshop is still fresh in my memory I’ve immediately
started to put my experiences on paper. It is only a personal
description of my experience these are not my notes (I’ll will mail my
notes as soon as I’ve worked them out). Please keep in mind that my fellow
attendee’s will have had different experiences and probably different
opinions regarding the workshop.
This workshop took place between 21 and 23 April 2008 and again has been
well organized by master Chen Liansheng. The accommodations where good.
The words I’ll would use for describing the workshop are: clarifying, a
lot of information, tiring and above all a lot of fun.
The funny part is that there is a lot you know already but somehow you
don’t use that knowledge while doing your exercises or the form. So, when
Master Chen Zhonghua explains something , you’ll think: “I’ll know that
already but why don’t I use it?”
I’ll missed the informal discussions like we had in the past years.
Instead the were some formal discussions planned in the evening and it
felt quit awkward. There was some hesitation on my part to open my mouth
and start to ask questions. It felt more like some kind of interview than
a discussion.
The theory was well explained and deepened my understanding of tai Chi but
it is really difficult to translate all that information in to body
movements. It seemed to me that how harder I tried the more reluctant my
body became. This means to me that my mind and body are absolutely not as
one.
If I had to decide what the most important things where that I’ve learned
than that would be;
1. Stretch your body to your outer limits but stretch your mind
further
2. The only part that’s moving is the foot, the rest is changing
angles.
3. Keep adding necessary energy take away unnecessary movement.
I’ll want to thank both Master Master Chen Liansheng and Master Chen
Zhonghua for sharing their knowledge en being patient with a stubborn
student.
Respectfully yours,
Marc Siekman
Holland
