HERE'S WHAT WUJI STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE ACADEMY
Read the stories of students past and present - what motivates and inspires them in their training.
MICHAEL
My interest in T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Taijiquan) first began when I saw the ying yang symbol on the front of a book in the library, the symbol was so striking and simple it compelled me read some of the book. I read that the principles of T’ai Chi are based on the Yin and Yang circle. The book said that T’ai Chi springs from Wu Chi, the primordial state of the universe, also described as the void, the limitless, nothingness. Wu Chi, represented by an empty circle, gives birth to T’ai Chi, the mother of the Yin/Yang polarity, the source of motion and tranquility.
Many things in the book interested me but in particular the heath benefits for asthmatics stood out as I had been asthma suffer from a yearly age. With this new found knowledge I decided to look for a teacher in the local area. Luckily for me Colin was teaching in Ivybridge at the time. I attended my first tai chi class in August 1999 and it felt anything but natural at first, but I persevered. One of the first adjustments made to my posture by Colin was to sink my chest to raise the back, he then told me to breath from the dantien located just below the navel. With much practice my asthma improved, will still more practice my as asthma disappeared.
Although my initially interest in T’ai Chi was for its heath benefits I soon realised, through lessons and research that to truly understand it I must study it as a martial art as it was indented. T’ai Chi Ch’uan martial work furthers our understanding of the principles of the system, giving us the opportunity for practical application of the principles of yielding, softness and rooted-ness. We learn to develop a greater sense of awareness of our self, energy, body, as well as an experience of conflict. We also learn how to develop a greater awareness of others, by learning this sensitivity and combining softness, yielding and rooted-ness.
Gradually I have become addicted to tai chi, and now I feel I can no longer get rid of it, is in my body and mind. I no I must keep on practicing for my whole life as it is the only way to further improve and better myself. The more I practice, the more I want to learn from teachers and books. The more I learn, the less I feel I know. The theory and philosophy of Taijiquan is so profound and abstruse!
I became a Junior Instructor in December 2004. My focus now is to develop my skill to the best of my ability through hard training and study of the classics, while passing my knowledge on with minimal dilution.
One of the most important lessons passed on to me by Sifu, Colin Stevens is to have beginners mind, to have no preconceptions always open to new experiences and teachings.
IAIN
My first taste of Tai Chi Chuan came in 2000 when I visited a club run by Sifu Colin Stevens in Curledge St, Paignton. I had no idea what to expect but knew after the the first few sessions with infectious smiles from Les, Nick and Colin alongside that there was tremendous support to tap into this completely unknown territory!
I was completely taken by a new way of looking at our own movement, balance and energy. Coming from a ocean Watersport background this really resonated with me.
I've had an enlightening and rewarding journey to this point but I'm only just beginning! The sharing of knowledge throughout the club at all levels and ages is very refreshing and led from the top.
I hold Sifu in high regard; his patience is second to none in imparting a lifetime of knowledge, skills and experience gained directly from the masters of Cheng Man Ching.
The pandemic and associated lockdown gave a great window of opportunity to train outside and on a one to one basis to start learning the Dao form; an absolutely fantastic natural addition to the complete form.
If your character is motivated by continual self development and want the health, improved posture and balance benefits I can highly recommend Colin Stevens at Wuji Taiji.
IRENE
“Anyone can teach you an exercise routine but they say you need a Master to teach you Tai Chi.”
In the late 90s I joined a Tai Chi class, not because I wanted to be come a Martial Artist, but because the idea of exercising without getting hot and sweaty appealed. I trained with two instructors for nearly three years before moving abroad and leaving Tai Chi behind. On my return to the UK some years later I joined the Wuji Taiji Academy which, I have just realised was over a decade ago. So why am I still here given that as far as hobbies and interests go I am the proverbial butterfly? The answer is Sifu Colin Stevens.
In my early days with the academy a student commented, "We have struck gold here with this teacher". At the time I thought little of the remark but after six or so months I knew they were right for I had learned more from Sifu Stevens in that short time than the three years with my previous two instructors.
People often ask, "Why do you do Tai Chi?" or "You must know it by now why keep going to classes?". My reply is always, Tai Chi Chuan is a Martial Art and as such there is no end. You can do it from 8 years old until the grave and will continually learn something new both about it and yourself. I practice the Cheng Man-Ch’ing style of Tai Chi – the Form for health and the martial side for ‘Form to Function’ with both delivering the ‘Feel Good Factor’ physically and mentally. Tai Chi helps my posture and balance and the memory also gets a good workout as we are constantly learning something new! I truly believe my Tai Chi training is the reason why I, unlike nearly all my friends of a similar age, have not broken bones through a fall and I still have my own hips and knees.
Another comment I hear is, "I tried it once but gave it up because I found the moves difficult". Yes, at times Tai Chi can seem hard and even frustrating but with the right teacher you can overcome that difficulty and it is for this reason I am still doing Tai Chi as I had ‘struck gold’ having Sifu Stevens as my instructor. Cheng Man-Ch’ing called his Style of Tai Chi ‘Self Cultivation’ which it is. With Sifu Stevens’ knowledge, guidance, passion, patience and humour you learn about alignment, posture, balance, relaxation, how you engage with your body to protect and strengthen it and much much more. At Wuji Taiji Academy you become part of a family and as such we help each other as each of us travels the road at our own speed. No coloured belts etc. just ‘self-cultivation’. As with everything in this life, you get out what you put in; which, with Sifu Colin Stevens’ guidance and teaching, can be immense.
BECKY
I first started training with Sifu Colin Stevens at the Wuji Taiji Quan Academy in 2008. The first thing I noticed in class was how quickly the time flew - the teaching was so absorbing and I felt so energized! A great attention to detail meant that we were learning on many levels, but the atmosphere was light and full of humour.
I am a healthcare practitioner and interested in both the physical and mental/emotional benefits of Tai Chi, as well as the unfolding spiritual journey. As a long term sufferer of M.E/ Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome, I've found that my posture has improved subtly and deeply over the years and my stamina and energy levels have increased steadily. I train every day at home and my practice brings me peace, balance and energy.
As well as improving health, I enjoy exploring the internal aspects of Tai Chi and Chi Gong. The martial aspect of Tai Chi is more challenging. Colin is patient and generous with individual attention as he shares his wealth of skill and experience. He imparts a deep respect for his teachers, the Cheng Man Ch'ing lineage and the Taoist tradition. Every movement has an application and we practice developing their power by working with other students.
Of all the training Wuji offers, my favourite is the sword. I'm currently working with the Dao – the Chinese broadsword. The Dao form is fluid and powerful – strengthening the legs and core muscles whilst improving connection, co-ordination and flexibility. Applying the moves against an opponent is exciting and takes nerve – although Colin always makes sure that the teachings are safe and is aware of the physical and mental/emotional levels of each participant. As well as honouring Master Tan who created this form, he also talks about the women with whom he trained in Malaysia. As a woman myself, I find it empowering to know that this art has been studied by female champions. My dream is one day to progress to the Jian – the straight sword, known as the Thousand Day Sword because it takes at least that time to train. But before that, there is an awful lot of work to do!!! I hope that my training can inspire other women to enjoy the poise, precision and power that comes from dedication to training Tai Chi sword.