What a weekend! This was the second year that the Tai Chi Inter-Fest was held. It is a coming together of two organisations – Deyin Taijiquan Institute and Longfei Taijiquan Association – creating one amazing summer camp. Last year was the first one and coincided with Professor Li’s 80th birthday and was a huge celebration of the contribution this man has made to the world of Tai Chi.
I was unable to attend the whole weekend last year but nothing was going to stop me in 2018. The location was the same – Lilleshall National Sports Centre and on both occasions we were blessed with beautiful weather. The grounds alone are something to enjoy and savour although due to the full on training schedule there was less time for that and a feast of activity to be enjoyed.
On the first day I was joined by five of the Wednesday class and we had an amazing, challenging day. In the morning we took part in some of the demonstrations then later that morning Professor Li did a session on the 24 step. In the afternoon Professor Yang gave a session on the Daoyin Yang Sheng Gong health qigong set. Both sessions were brilliant and left us all with plenty to think about and practise. There was a mini certificate ceremony for those who were leaving at the end of the day which was a lovely touch. And of course a good photo opportunity.
On Saturday and Sunday we were given a choice of six sessions in total, choosing one in the morning and another one in the afternoon. Over the two days I did pushing hands, Taiji Kungfu fan routine 2 and 73 step Sun style taiji. Every minute was packed with loads of fantastic teaching and experience and has certainly given me (and everyone else) plenty to work on. A huge thank you to Professor Li, Professor Yang, Master Faye Yip, Master Tary Yip and Master Simon Watson for all the wonderful teaching and inspiration.
By Sunday I think we were all starting to feel tired but we had such a brilliant time. We were all presented with certificates and another opportunity to have photos taken and then it was the goodbyes. I’m already looking forward to next year. View the photos in the gallery.