“Taiji” or “Tai Chi” is a Chinese martial art practised for centuries and is now popular as an exercise system. I started my Tai Chi training in London in 1980 under Rhiannon Mirrams, a student of Dr Chi Chiang Dao, a senior student of Cheng Man-ching. Rhiannon, previously known as Yasmine Holbroke, took up Tai Chi under the tutelage of Dr Chi. She taught a small group in Bayswater, central London, known as the “White Cranes.”
After forming the “White Crane Bamboo School” in 1995, I learned other lineages of the Yang style, including the 24-step form, sword forms, pushing hands, and sparring routines.
In 2007, I created the Yang Style 55-Step “flow Form,” which eliminates squatting, kicking, and one-leg stance postures to make it easier on the knees, hips, and lower back. The form maintains martial arts movements and intent in the postures, making them interesting and challenging but not too stressful on the body. It is ideal for those with health issues that prevent them from performing more strenuous exercise.
In 2013, I was made Honorary President of the Tai chi Union for Great Britain.