Newsletter

Posted 4 October 2011

 

Hello to you all ~
 
I wanted to share with you some thoughts that have arisen as a result of a conversation in class of late.
 
We were talking about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
I mentioned that I have a Qigong sister who suffered quite a bit from this.
When I talked to this dear friend, I asked her about her experience of how Qigong may have helped her.
She said that she has to remember that it is like when you earn money, it's important that you put your money in the bank and that you don't spend it all.
She spoke about getting to understand her body more, what works and what doesn't, everyone being different, learning to listen to her body more regarding foods she eats, how you spend your time, etc.
 
She said that the most important thing in her learning to be masterful around her illness was LETTING GO: the relaxation factor.
She had been SO determined to get well that it became a hindrance to her healing.
She expressed the image of FIGHTING disease and how tense your body language is when you think about fighting.
She said she didn't start making progress until she accpted that she was ill.
When she felt tired, she laid down.
She could hardly move.
She had to put one leg in front of the other to get anywhere.
In her prior life, she had been very, very active, training horses.
 
She learned to relax her whole body so that Qi could flow.
Every night she does the Level I warmup very, very gently and softly, not with a lot of energy, just stretching.
Then she does Balancing Gong and meditation.
She corrects the stress that her work on the farm has brought during the day, especially if she has been riding the quad a lot.
 
Particularly for those in the medical or healing arts world, it is so important to understand that in those professions, you give a lot of your Qi away to help others.
She said that she may be the only mother in her country whose heart sank when her son was accepted for medical school just because it would be so difficult to stay healthy over a long period of time.
 
We are very blessed to have the skill we have to help to balance our energies and to let go of the adverse effects that our jobs can have on us, clear everything away and practise our beautiful movements with no mind.
Like the purple polo for this year says: "Be Peaceful. Be empty".
 
All my best to you ~~
 
~~ Sifu

Posted 21 September 2011

New Thursday Qigong class to begin in Victoria this Fall taught by Lee Masters certified by the Tse Qigong Centre
Free Lecture/demo:
On Thursday 13 October 2011
at 10:30am 
at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street, Victoria
I will be giving this lecture/demo to give people a chance to find out about the traditional Chinese exercise for health skills I teach.
Come and watch, learn and ask questions about how practising these skills can give you more energy, help you to develop deeper health, heal illness, reduce stress and feel more calm, more centred and happier.

Wild Goose Qigong (gentle movement)
and Northern Shaolin Chun Yuen Quan (dynamic movement)

Classes:
Thereafter, I am pleased to announce a new ongoing Thursday class
every Thursday from 20 October onwards:

Chun Yuen Quan: 10am-11am
Wild Goose Qigong: 11am-12noon
Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street, Victoria
$16 drop-in per class $40 annual Tse Qigong Centre membership after the third class if you would like to continue studying with me.
You can start any Thursday!
Beginners welcome.
For more details:
www.wildgooseqigongcentre.com
rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca / 250~748~4060

 

Posted 10 January 2011

Happy New Year to all of you ~
 
May you foster ever more presence of mind, ease of action, peaceful spirit and loving heart with your growing health!
 
Here is a reminder of January's Polishing and an invitation for a special Qigong Family Dinner in early February.
 
J A N U A R Y   2  0 1 1
 
Qigong Polishing
12 ~ 4pm
Saturday 29 January
Rivendell
$65
 
Chun Yuen Polishing
12 ~ 4pm
Sunday 30 January
Rivendell
$65
 
Polishing is a very effective method of developing our skill.
When we have spent time polishing, the insights we gain take our skill to another level.
We are able to grasp more detail and gain more benefit from our practice.
 
F E B R U A R Y   2 0 1 1
 
Qigong Family Dinner
6pm
Friday 4 February
Dragon Yuan Restaurant
RSVP to reserve a spot ((250) 748~4060 or rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca)
I would like to invite you to celebrate my Sigong Master Michael Tse's birthday (1 February) and the Chinese New Year (Year of the Rabbit 3 February).  Bring family and friends...the more the merrier!
 
All my best to each one of you ~
 
~ Sifu

Posted 14 November 2010         

Hello to all students ~
 
Here are some dates for your calendar: time to come together to celebrate another great year, time to be more quiet and still and time to brush up, clarify and go deeper with the skill you already have.  So, whether or not you have been in class regulary lately, I'd love to see you in these events mentioned below.
 
 
D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 0
 
As the Autumn days progress and we head unstoppably towards the end of the year and the winter season,
I would like to invite you all to enjoy some good food and great company:
 
Wild Goose Qigong Centre Winter Party
Bring friends and family
Friday 10 December
6:00pm
Dragon Yuan Restaurant
Valley View Centre
RSVP 748~7372 or rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca
Let me know if you can come so I can book the tables well in advance
 
Over the Christmas / Winter Solstice season, we will take two weeks off from class.
There will be no classes on:
Tuesdays 21 or 28 December
Wednesday 22 or 29 December
 
The classes on 14 and 15 December and 3 and 4 January will be special classes when I will share something a bit different, so don't miss out!
 
J A N U A R Y   2  0 1 1
 
Classes start back on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 January,
 
Qigong Polishing
12 ~ 4pm
Saturday 29 January
Rivendell
$65
 
Chun Yuen Polishing
12 ~ 4pm
Sunday 30 January
Rivendell
$65
 
Polishing is a very effective method of developing our skill.
When we have spent time polishing, the insights we gain take our skill to another level.
We are able to grasp more detail and gain more benefit from our practice.
 
In the meantime, we'll see each other in class and continue learning more movement.
Take good care of yourselves and enjoy practising this beautiful Qigong and Chun Yuen and more good health.
 
All my best to each of you ~
 
~ Sifu

            


June 2010 Seminars, 5~Element Cooking
& Polishing with your Sigong

Thursday 3 June 2010:  6:30pm

5 Element Cooking
Rivendell
$45
Friday 4 June:  6:00~9:00pm
Miju Quan’ (‘Secret Ancestor Fist’) Seminar ~ Chun Yuen Quan
"A unique form that uses rhythmic movements to loosen the joints and develop co-ordination."
Mercury Theatre
$65 Early bird ($85 after 26 May) Members (plus $40 for newcomers)

Saturday and Sunday 5 & 6 June : 12:00~4:00pm
‘28 Constellation Gong’ ~ Wild Goose (Dayan) Qigong Skill
"A special Daoist Qigong form that connects with the energy of the constellations, helping to open the heart and lungs  and develop stronger kidneys".
Mercury Theatre or possibly airstrip in Cowichan Station
$170 Early bird ($200 after 26 May) Members (plus $40 for newcomers)

Monday 7 June: 6.00~9:00
Polishing ~ Polishing helps us to really develop and deepen what we practise.
$65
Mercury Theatre

 

Posted 21 April 2010

 

 

 

Posted: 21 March 2010

 

 

 

Posted: 22 February 2010

Hello to each one of you ~

Happy Chinese New Year of the Tiger!!

I'm happy with the very fulfilling Swimming Dragon seminars which are now complete and it is lovely to see a group of you enjoying your new form.

I'm looking forward to the Polishing seminar this coming weekend:
27 and 28 February:
Saturday Qigong / Sunday Chun Yuen
12 ~ 4pm each day
$65 per seminar.

Polishing makes a big difference to our practice as we are able to deepen our experience of the movements we have already learned.  We go back and check carefully to see how time may have shifted what we do in a direction that is less beneficial and we awaken ourselves to things we weren't ready to see before.  The more we polish, the more our bodies become our own and more flow develops in our forms.  When we can flow more, we can connect more with Nature and all of Creation.  When we are connected like that, our presence is more integrated with the Whole, we breathe with it, our thoughts are more in tune with it and we are more balanced.  We sleep better, we better digest our food, we more easily make decisions and we feel more peaceful.  Polishing makes us shine!

Please let me know in class this week if you are able to attend.
Even if you are unable to attend the polishings, please join us for a Qigong family and friends dinner on
Saturday night 27 February
Dragon Yuan Restaurant
5pm
RSVP in class or call (250) 748~4060.

All my best to each of you ~

~Sifu

       Posted: 1 January 2010

Happy New Year to each one of you!
I hope you are having a chance to rest and meditate during these dark days.

The New Year is here and this January we have two weekend seminars:

1.  Wing Chun Kung Fu with Sifu Derek Fowler from Seattle
2.  Qigong seminar: Swimming Dragon

1. Wing Chun Kung Fu Seminar : 16 & 17 January
Below is an article Sifu Derek Fowler has written and a breakdown of what is to be covered in the seminar, followed by seminar details ~ times, cost.

             Wing Chun's  Siu Lim Tao-Little Idea Form

Siu Lim Tao, Wing Chun's first form, translates as 'Little Idea or Little Thinking' and it introduces us to Wing Chun principles and structure. In this form, we begin learning how to develop internal energy- gong lik, how to develop and make use of explosive power-fa ging, and to practice and use basic skills. Like other martial forms, Siu Lim Tao has punches and blocks, however, it is unique in that it trains us to stand in place. When we stand in Yee Chee Kim Yuen Ma- Plum Blossom Stance, an inner calm and stillness develops, the Qi sinks to the center-dantian, the bone Qi becomes stronger, as the posture improves the body relaxes, once relaxed the Qi flows naturally, and the body becomes stronger. Sound too good to be true? The proof is in the practice. When Grandmaster Ip Chun was asked how he remained so fit and strong, he said that if it were not for his Wing Chun practice his health would not be what it is today. At 85, he is still able to move quickly, has good posture, his mind is clear, and this is particularly evident when you see him play chi sao-sticking hands with people 60 years his junior!

 

              Tsum Kiu -Searching for the Bridge Form

Wing Chun's second form, Tsum Kiu trains us to search for the bridge. In this case, we are referring to bridging the gap between yourself and your opponent. Tsum Kiu employs a number of methods to do just that. When we kick, we bridge the gap but we can also maintain the distance between two people as the leg keeps someone at bay.

The hands are also used to bridge and/or maintain this distance and by touching hands our sensitivity allows us to determine a person’s intent, strength, and even their personality!

 

In Tsum Kiu, we continue with basic skill training, but in a way that differs from our study of Siu Lim Tao. This form teaches us how to move using Wing Chun principles. We train the waist and turning -juen ma and so we begin to understand where power develops. As we continue our study of Tsum Kiu, we learn how to kick and when we might use this skill, we learn how to step and use power as we step, and that each movement is used to develop explosive power- fa ging. Just as we discovered in Siu Lim Tao, the posture continues to improve, the spirit develops and the Qi becomes stronger, but by this time in our training we start to see some new benefits. The body is stronger, but now we are able to use relaxed power, simply put, strength without tension. The structural integrity of the skeleton alone is often strong enough, so in the end it is not about force against force or even muscle against muscle but rather position and posture.

How do you stay relaxed when someone is trying to attack, you ask? Or perhaps more familiar, when someone is yelling at you? Just as all movement starts from the center, we too must remain centered and so training the spirit, often times, results from training the body.  

 

 Wing Chun is adept at encouraging us to face our challenges. When we chi sao, we discover how important this is and we must work to solve the problems we face. If it is someone who is stronger or taller, or if there is a conflict at work or home, through Wing Chun training, we will find a way to work it out. Now that is not to say that you are going to go out and hit someone!  In life and kung fu, we must, at times, hold our position, but, and perhaps more importantly, we must also learn when to yield.

 

Wing Chun fascinates me. It makes us think about our actions, how they impact those around us, and what sort of person we can become.

 

Great thanks to Sigong/ Tai Sigong Tse and Sijo Ip Chun for without them, I would not be so lucky as to have this skill.

 

I hope you can join in the Wing Chun Polishing and Seminars n January 2010 at Rivendell in Duncan. We will review material covered in the last seminars and continue on from there. Whether you are continuing on with Tsum Kiu or reacquainting with Siu Lim Tao, it is going to be great!

 

Covered in Polishing:

Siu Lim Tao

Tsum  Kiu

Chi sao

Applications

 

Covered in Seminar:
Continuing Students

Tsum Kiu

Chi sao

Applications

New Students

Siu Lim Tao

Introduction to Chi sao

Applications

 

Remember, for those who wonder, when in doubt…..its

The Golden Rooster that stands on One leg!


 

by Derek Fowler


 

Seminar Details

Wing Chun Polishing for returning students: 

Friday 15 January 2010  6~9pm

Cost: $45

The Rivendell Yurt


 

Wing Chun Seminar

Saturday and Sunday 16 & 17 January 2010: 12~4pm

Cost $140 advance in class during the week $160 on the day (members)

         $180 advance $200 on the day (not-yet-members, inc. membership)

The Rivendell Yurt

 
2.  Qigong Seminar:  Swimming Dragon : 30 & 31 January
Swimming Dragon is one of the more dynamic forms in the Dayan (Wild Goose) system.  The form imitates the movements of a dragon, using spiralling, cloud stepping and even standing on one leg.  All of these movements help develop the leg strength, which is the foundation or roots of our body.  If the legs are strong, then the back and kidneys will be strong.  If your back is stiff and tired, maybe your kidneys are weak.  The kidneys are very important as they create your "Jing" and store your Prenatal Energy.  Swimming Dragon strengthens the kidneys, develops our hidden potential and lifts our energy, leaving us feeling warm and energized.

Seminar Details
Swimming Dragon Seminar
Saturday and Sunday 30 & 31 January 2010: 12~4pm
Cost $130 (members) $170 not-yet members, including membership)
The Rivendell Yurt
Beginners welcome

So, with gratitude to the Tse Qigong Centre, we have much skill to help us to develop ourselves.

All my best to you ~ Sifu

 

 

 

 

Posted: 4 November 2009

SCHEDULE REMINDERS AND CHANGES
A warm Autumn hello to all of you as you prepare for the Winter.
There have been some changes to the schedule that I had previously laid out for you.
Please check the schedule below and make the necessary adjustments to your calendars.

Winter Schedule
Qigong Family Dinner:  Friday 4 December 2009
Last classes in December: Tuesday 8 December and Wednesday 9 December.
Begin again Tuesday 5 January and Wednesday 6 January 2010.
 
Wing Chun Kung Fu Seminar : Sifu Derek Fowler
Saturday & Sunday 16 ~ 17 January 2010
New folks welcome

Swimming Dragon Part I, II & III
Saturday & Sunday 30 & 31 January 2010

Qigong Polishing Day
Saturday 27 February 2010

Chun Yuen Polishing Day
Sunday 28 February 2010


And then Springtime ~
 
Wing Chun Kung Fu Seminar : Sifu Derek Fowler
Weekend 13 ~ 14 March 2010
 
Miju Quan, 28 Constellation Gong and Wing Chun
taught by Master Jessica Tse
Weekend 3 / 4 June 2010
plus surrounding days (Thursday ~ Monday)
Please all plan to attend for sure.
 
In short:
 
January ~ Wing Chun Kung Fu
            ~ Swimming Dragon I, II & III
February ~ Polishing
March ~ Wing Chun Kung Fu
June ~ Visit from Sigong Jessica Tse
 
Enjoy your practice and see you next time ~
 
~ Sifu Lee


 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Dear Students ~
 
Thanks to those of you who have expressed interest in the upcoming seminars with Sifu Derek Fowler from Seattle and for helping by putting up posters and spreading the word.
 
If you are registering for any of the seminars, please pay in class this week.
 
The Chinese Tea seminar is on Thursday this week from 6 ~ 9pm ($35) and promises to fun and informative.
By the end of the three hours, we should know what we like, how to find good tea and how to brew it and enjoy it.
 
The Wing Chun seminars have been an excellent opportunity to try out a different skill, yet still within the quality control of the Tse Qigong Centre.  Derek is an excellent teacher and we have learned a lot.  Please don't hesitate to register, even if you haven't yet participated in any of the previous seminars.  Just like with our classes, you can start anytime.
There will be a polishing this Friday night for those who have participated in a previous seminar.
All are welcome to join on Saturday and Sunday afternoons !2~4pm ($140 advance, $160 cash on the day).
 
Furthermore, all are also welcome, including family and friends, to join in a 'Family Dinner' at the Dragon Yuan Restaurant in the Valley View Centre in Cobble Hill at 5:30pm on Saturday night.  Whether or not you attend the seminar, come and enjoy some food together!!
Let me know so I can book the table.
 
In short:
 
Chinese Tea Seminar :  Thursday 25 March 6~9pm : $35 ~ Rivendell
 
Wing Chun Kung Fu Polishing : Friday 26 March 6~9pm : $45 ~ Rivendell
 
Wing Chun Kung Fu Seminar Seminar : Saturday and Sunday 27 & 28 March 12~4pm : $140 advance, $160 cash on the day ~ Rivendell
 
'Family Dinner' : Saturday 27 March 5:30pm : usually around $16 to $20 ~ Dragon Yuan Restaurant : Please RSVP
 
Let me know if you have any questions: (250) 748~4060.
 
All my best to each of you ~
 
~ Sifu

 

Hello everyone ~
 
There will be a change in plan for the schedule while Sifu is here in the first weekend in June.
The Friday night Miju Quan, the Saturday and Sunday afternoon 28 Constellation Gong and the Monday night Polishing seminars remain the same (see Events page on this website).
 
There will be no demo on the Thursday night this year.
Instead there will be a 5 Element Cooking seminar at Rivendell at 6:30pm on Thursday 3 June.
 
The knowledge that will be shared in this seminar is in full support of our Qigong practice and is cumulative understanding.
The two seminars I have attended have really influenced my way of considering food and diet, which adds wisdom to my decisions about the way I eat and prepare food.
Just like with Qigong, things don't change overnight but gradually.
A new sense seeps in and, over time, I realize I am less challenged by the many different diets and belief systems that are circulating out there and a simplicity is settling in in my way of eating.
 
Come with an open mind and a knowing that it is all based on yin and yang and the balancing of the 5 elements, just like Qigong.
Come with questions to ask your very-knowledgeable Sigong about how to help with health problems, nourish weaker organs and maintain health.
 
We prepare the food together under Sifu's excellent tutelage and then we sit down and enjoy eating it.
Those of you who have eaten Sifu's cooking before know that she is an excellent cook.
 
I hope everyone will be happy to have this valuable opportunity.
 
 
All my best ~
 
~ Sifu

 

 

 

Hello to you all ~
 
I wanted to share with you some thoughts that have arisen as a result of a conversation in class of late.
 
We were talking about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
I mentioned that I have a Qigong sister who suffered quite a bit from this.
When I talked to this dear friend, I asked her about her experience of how Qigong may have helped her.
She said that she has to remember that it is like when you earn money, it's important that you put your money in the bank and that you don't spend it all.
She spoke about getting to understand her body more, what works and what doesn't, everyone being different, learning to listen to her body more regarding foods she eats, how you spend your time, etc.
 
She said that the most important thing in her learning to be masterful around her illness was LETTING GO: the relaxation factor.
She had been SO determined to get well that it became a hindrance to her healing.
She expressed the image of FIGHTING disease and how tense your body language is when you think about fighting.
She said she didn't start making progress until she accpted that she was ill.
When she felt tired, she laid down.
She could hardly move.
She had to put one leg in front of the other to get anywhere.
In her prior life, she had been very, very active, training horses.
 
She learned to relax her whole body so that Qi could flow.
Every night she does the Level I warmup very, very gently and softly, not with a lot of energy, just stretching.
Then she does Balancing Gong and meditation.
She corrects the stress that her work on the farm has brought during the day, especially if she has been riding the quad a lot.
 
Particularly for those in the medical or healing arts world, it is so important to understand that in those professions, you give a lot of your Qi away to help others.
She said that she may be the only mother in her country whose heart sank when her son was accepted for medical school just because it would be so difficult to stay healthy over a long period of time.
 
We are very blessed to have the skill we have to help to balance our energies and to let go of the adverse effects that our jobs can have on us, clear everything away and practise our beautiful movements with no mind.
Like the purple polo for this year says: "Be Peaceful. Be empty".
 
All my best to you ~~
 
~~ Sifu
  

© 2009 Wild Goose Qigong Centre