Singing Dragon newsletter - April 2009. Go to the newsletter archive.
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Singing Dragon
This new imprint publishes authoritative books on Tai Chi, Qigong and body work for health, personal development and martial arts. It brings together the best in theory and practice from all over the world and is not allied exclusively to any one tradition. |
Singing Dragon newsletterWelcome to the Singing Dragon newsletter, a regular update of relevant news and events, entertaining interviews and articles. You can find details on how to contribute or give feedback, as well as opt out of these emails, further down the newsletter. | |
Exclusive Interview with Michael Acton
Michael W. Acton is Founder and Senior Instructor of the Wu Shi Taiji Quan and Qi Gong Association UK. He has been training for over 30 years and is the sole representative of Dr Li Li-Qun, a fourth generation Wu Style Taiji Quan master and a leading Qi Gong master. His new book entitled Eternal Spring: Taijiquan, Qi Gong, and the Cultivation of Health, Happiness and Longevity has just been published. When did you first become interested in Taijiquan and Qi Gong?
When I was young I was fascinated by Indian Yoga and so I began to practice meditation when I was eleven. I was without a teacher then and pretty much in the dark. There were no yoga teachers anywhere near my home town in the early sixties and I certainly had not heard of Taiji quan or Qi Gong then. I have always been drawn to yogic practices. What do you think is the particular relevance of Taijiquan and Qi Gong for a Western audience?
Their relevance to the Western audience must surely be the remarkable ability of Taiji and Qi Gong to bring about good health, self healing and restore a sense of vitality and mental clarity. It also bring us back into contact with our true nature and the natural environment and the conditions of life. What would be your advice for anyone in taking up either Taijiquan and Qi Gong? Find a good teacher and a good and mutually supportive group and don't get caught up in the politics of who does what and which form is best. Always avoid conceit and arrogance in a teacher and never submit anything for the promise of 'secret knowledge'. Just do it with no aim other than giving yourself up to the experience. It may take a long time to feel you are getting somewhere so persevere and do not look at the end goal. The key to the achievement of Taiji and Qi Gong are firstly perseverance, then slowness, precision, lightness and correct awareness. I rate correct awareness very highly since without it form often remains only beautiful movement and the deeper levels of achievement will remain a mystery. There are often long periods when you do not seem to achieve much but progress often occurs when you least expect it. Suddenly you may discover that your level of practice is deepening and your ability to maintain a steady and undistracted awareness is maturing. Always return to the experience, perseverance is more important than talent and never give up. The extraordinary lies hidden within the ordinary. What or who most inspires you? I think it must be the people in China who rise early and go to the park to practice their Taiji or Qi Gong. In a way they have transcended the discipline of practice because for them it is as ordinary as eating rice; just an everyday activity. One feels good, the other tastes good and both are important for a long and healthy life. My teacher Dr Li Li Qun is one of them and he has been practicing since childhood. He is now in his 80's and still cycles to the park each morning. Such an inspiration. His belief that Taiji and Qi Gong is for everybody is also inspiring. Finally I should say that I am inspired also by the humility of such people and their deep connection to an ancient and remarkable tradition and belief. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time (other than Taijiquan and Qi Gong)? I make no distinction between spare time and Taiji and especially Qi Gong time which I try to practice continuously from morning to night. I am also an artist and so I am often thinking about paintings. I spend a lot of time with my wife and daughter and the rest goes on working to make a living. My first Taiji teacher said that making money must come first, then the family (since without money the family would not be secure) and finally the practice of Taiji Quan. It is a good rule of thumb in our modern world though I'm afraid I have done it the wrong way around. Copyright © Singing Dragon 2009 
Eternal Spring is available to buy now. See the link below to order your copy or for more details. Featured Event - Shamanic Martial Arts & Healing Qigong Cultivation
On 15th - 16th August, Singing Dragon author Master Zhongxian Wu will be holding a weekend workshop in London, UK. This workshop will teach the form from Master Wu’s new book Seeking the Spirit of The Book of Change and will help students learn:
PROGRAMME
£175.00 for registration before July 15.
For further information or to book a place, contact:
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