Three Treasures Taijiquan

Beginning his Taiji (Tai Chi) journey in 1985, Alan originally studied Classical Yang Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) in Oxford under Richard Druitt, whom was himself trained by John Kells of London. John Kells was an indoor student of Dr. Chi who was an indoor student of Cheng Man Ching. Since then Alan studied under various teachers both in the U.K. and China (1996, 2001, 2003) before beginning training with Karel and Eva Koskuba of the Chinese Internal Arts Association. Karel is an indoor student of Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang.

In this time, as well as Tui Shou and Ta lu (Push hands), Alan's study has covered:

• Classical Yang Style Short Form
• Classical Yang Style Long Form
• Chen Style Laojia (Old Frame)
• Chen Style Xinjia (New Frame)
• Chen Style Xinjia Pao Choi (Cannon Fist)

• Taiji Sword (Two Routines)
• Taiji Sabre (Two Routines)

Alan has had the good fortune to train under some of the top masters in the world with the Chinese Internal Arts Association.

Whilst working for Oxfordshire Adult Learning (1990-2007) Alan undertook professional Teacher Training, graduating with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in 2000.

Age frightened me, so I decided that, as we all have to grow old the best way was to look for quality of life. To do my utmost to keep the body supple and balanced, to remove stress from joints and muscles and to encourage the mind to be calm and active, would be the best way to attain quality of day to day living. I had looked at different martial arts over the years and in September 1990 I joined a T'ai Chi class in Didcot and the instructor was Alan Baker. So I began T'ai Chi for Health.

The classes excited me, the Exercises, the Chi Qigong, the legends and the Form. The 'Want' to know more grew; I went to workshops and experienced several different Instructors, but at the end of the day decided the attitude and teachings of Alan suited me. I know I can be annoying with my constant questions but I need to understand. The Martial side came as a bonus. After a while I ventured into looking at Sword work and a new dimension to T'ai Chi opened for me. I started with Yang style and in more recent times have moved into Chen also practing T'aiji Sword and Sabre. I would also like to look at the Fan and Staff eventually.

When I explore another form of T'ai Chi I like to retain the Forms I have already learnt, therefore as we move on now I do not always move as fast as everyone else to remember new sequences although I understand the moves individually.

The dreaded word. Practice. I was taken with the fact that once self consciousness is overcome T'ai chi could be practiced anywhere any time, at a bus stop, in the office or in the park. Although I practice less now the quality of my practice seems deeper. Working with different groups I have also made some very good friends and enjoyed exchanging views. We are all very different people in shape size and ability physically, but I feel T'ai chi has something to offer everyone.