Discovering Tai Chi and Reflections on a Golden Lion and its Masters

In our tai chi (TC) logo he is surrounded by a circle in the colour red for the academy. This circle also represents the sun, therefore birth, warmth, growth and prosperity. It also represents Chi, and these aspects form the basis of the academy philosophy. The gold of the lion is for our name; blue represents TC and black Kung Fu.

As the colours contrast, yet complement each other, so do the martial arts they represent. For many of us the discovery of our martial art, whether it be TC or Kung Fu, was just the beginning. For some students the class itself is all they seek; this joining together to train once a week, or more often, is enough in itself.

Others need and therefore seek, far more.

For me, discovering Tai Chi and the associated philosophy was the start of a long journey, seemingly without end; however, the difficulty for me was finding the beginning of the path and knowing that this was the way I needed to travel. Fortunatelyfrom the beginning I knew that here was that elusive something I had needed in my life.

Apart from the obvious health and fitness aspects it has opened up a new and endless source of reading and study. I have seen in various degrees, both in myself and my fellow students the power of the mind combined with the physical exercise of Tai Chi. This has shown in the healing and improvement of both mind and body.

There is always more to learn, another level to reach and a new challenge to be met with the support and companionship of like-minded people.

There is a timelessness about Tai Chi and a relevance over the ages that hasn’t diminished. It has perhaps gained even more relevance when you consider that as we practice our martial art, always showing respect to our masters and fellow students, we all, in a sense become one, with a common bond - regardless of our age, culture, background, education and life experiences outside the training hall.

We train individually and we train together, but our combined Chi is so much greater and more powerful. Although this approach may sound simplistic, in essence how great it would be if our world and all who live in it, worked towards being; were able to be, simply - one.

September 11 caused many people around the world to reflect deeply on their life and direction.

There has been a change in consciousness of people towards more social and moral issues. In the classical Chinese work the I Ching, part of the text for the hexagram representing trust, translates:-

Perhaps we can assist and further this with the study of Tai Chi, Kung Fu and associated philosophy of Taoism.

The Golden Lion Academy encourages and fosters similar attitudes through the instructor course, which in time filters through the different levels of classes to our students.

In a class, although the depth of learning is not always obvious, the opportunity to further your own knowledge is there,if you seek it.

Tai Chi and Kung Fu hasn’t been so widely practised and for so long without a need. That need has now become just that much more significant.

I would like to give thanks to my masters for helpingme to find my way. May Golden Lion prosper and grow: then, so may each and everyone of us.

Thanks to Louise Ashby for her experiences with the Golden Lion Academy .

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© Copyright Charles Tsui-Po 1971-2012. All Rights Reserved.
Golden Lion Tai Chi Dao Yin Chi Kung - Phone: 9796 1066
BERWICK: 29 Intrepid Street, Berwick 3806.
ROWVILLE: 2 Laser Drive, Rowville 3178.
MURRUMBEENA: 98 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena 3163.
Melbourne, Australia.