TCUGB Judges’ Seminar History

 

2019

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

2 June 2019

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Anna Kiriakoulakis (Judge)

• Catherine Birkenhead (Judge)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• Cliff Cox (Referee)

• Costas Mavromatis (Judge)

• Daniel OGrady (Judge)

• David Muller (Referee)

• Gary Wragg (Judge)

• Jamal Alek (Judge)

• Jane Carlton (Judge)

• Liming Yue (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts (Judge)

• Mark Corcoran (Judge)

• Mark Langweiler (Judge)

• Matthew Catlin (Judge)

• Mike Selby (Referee)

• Mirilee Pearl (Judge)

• Nicole Halliday (Judge)

• Pete Hornby (Judge)

• Sam Leon (Judge)

• Sam Ma (Judge)

• Susanne Hackney (Judge)

• Tary Yip (Judge)

• Yazi Lui (Judge)

 

Head Judge Workshops in London

1 Jun 2019

Attendees:

 

• Anna Kiriakoulakis

• Caroline Glynn

• Clive Kellerman

• Costa Mavromatis

• Daniel O'Grady

• Egon Janikowski

• Gary Shanley

• Jane Carlton

• Jono Podmore

• Luke Deefholts

• Mark Corcoran

• Mike Selby

• Sam Leon

• Susanne Hackney

 

2018

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

10 June 2018

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Catherine Birkenhead (Judge)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• Cliff Cox (Referee)

• Costas Mavromatis (Judge)

• Diane Pullen (Judge)

• Faye Yip (Judge)

• Gary Wragg (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts (Judge)

• Mark Corcoran (Judge)

• Mark Langweiler (Judge)

• Rhonda Bailey (Judge)

• Richard Metliss (Judge)

• Sam Leon (Judge)

• Shezad Dawood (Referee)

• Simon Watson (Judge)

• Stuart Verity (Judge)

• Susan Rushworth (Judge)

• Susanne Hackney (Judge)

• Susie Collins (Judge)

• Tary Yip (Judge)

• Toby Wragg (Referee)

• Tony Hardiman (Judge)

• Vicky Ahern-Hardiman (Judge)

• Yazi Lui (Judge)

 

Head Judge Workshops in London

9 Jun 2018

Attendees:

 

• Caroline Glynn

• Cleber F. L. de Souza

• Clive Kellerman

• Costas Mavromatis

• Daniel O'Grady

• Egon Janikowski

• Helen Koenig

• Joe Boakes

• Mark Corcoran

• Rhonda Bailey

• Sam Ma

• Susan Rushworth

• Susanne Hackney

• Susie Collins

 

2017

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

18 June 2017

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Andy Salt (Referee)

• Carla Scigliano (Judge)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• Cliff Cox (Referee)

• Costas Mavromatis (Judge)

• Don Spargo (Judge)

• Fabio Varesi (Judge)

• Faye Yip (Judge)

• Gary Wragg (Judge)

• Jamal Alek (Judge)

• Joe Boake (Judge)

• Kai Cheong (Judge)

• Liming Yue (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts (Judge)

• Mark Corcoran (Judge)

• Mark Langweiler (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl (Judge)

• Pete Hornby (Judge)

• Philippa Timmins (Judge)

• Plamen Draganov (Judge)

• Richard Odell (Judge)

• Rob Volke (Judge)

• Sam Leon (Judge)

• Sam Ma (Judge)

• Shez Dawood (Referee)

• Stuart Verity (Judge)

• Susan Rushworth (Judge)

• Susanne Hackney (Judge)

• Susie Collins (Judge)

• Tary Yip (Judge)

• Toby Wragg (Referee)

• Tony Hardiman (Judge)

• Vicky Ahern-Hardiman (Judge)

 

Head Judge Workshops in London

17 Jun 2017

Attendees:

 

• Costas Mavromatis

• Helen Koenig

• Kai Cheong

• Mike Selby

• Peter Hornby

• Philippa Timmins

• Plamen Draganov

• Susanne Hackney

• Susie Collins

• Vicky Ahern-Hardiman

 

2016

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

5 June 2016

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Andy Salt (Referee)

• Catherine Birkinhead (Judge)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• Dan Docherty (Judge)

• Di Qiang (Judge)

• Diane Pullan (Judge)

• Don Spargo (Judge)

• Fabio Varesi (Judge)

• Fred Handchard (Judge)

• Gary Wragg (Judge)

• Joe Boake (Judge)

• John Smith (Judge)

• Jonathan Krehm (Judge)

• Kongjie Gou (Judge)

• Kuang Wenhua (Judge)

• Li Ho (Judge)

• Liming Yue (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts (Judge)

• Mark Corcoran (Judge)

• Mark Langweiler (Judge)

• Marnix Wells (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl (Judge)

• Nicholas Taylor (Judge)

• Peter Hornby (Judge)

• Richard Odell (Judge)

• Richard Watson (Judge)

• Robert Byrnes (Judge)

• Shezad Dawood (Referee)

• Simmeon Lawrence (Judge)

• Simon Watson (Judge)

• Stuart Verity (Referee)

• Susanne Hackney (Judge)

• Susie Collins (Judge)

• Tary Yip (Judge)

• Toby Wragg (Referee)

• Tony Hardiman (Judge)

• Yasmin Knowles (Referee)

 

Head Judge Workshops in London

4 Jun 2016

Attendees:

 

• Catherine Birkinhead

• Joe Boake

• Mike Selby

• Nicola Day

• Nicholas Taylor

• Peter Hornby

• Plaman Draganov

• Rhonda Bailey

• Simmeon Lawrence

• Simon Robins

• Susie Collins

 

2015

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

7 June 2015

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Andy Salt (Referee)

• Angela Howarth (Judge)

• Anny Ploegmakers (Judge)

• Carol Gascoyne (Judge)

• Catherine Birkenhead (Judge)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• Cliff Cox (Referee)

• Costas Marvromatis (Judge)

• Dan Downey (Judge)

• Don Spargo (Judge)

• Dounia Ahmed (Judge)

• Faye Yip (Judge)

• Garry Seghers (Judge)

• Gary Wragg (Judge)

• Jacqueline Ansem (Judge)

• Jonathan Krehm (Judge)

• Kai Cheong (Judge)

• Liming Yue (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts (Judge)

• Mark Corcoran (Judge)

• Mark Langweiler (Judge)

• Mike Selby (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl (Judge)

• Philippa Timmins (Judge)

• Richard Odell (Judge)

• Richard Watson (Judge)

• Sandy Corcoran (Judge)

• Shezad Dawood (Referee)

• Simon Watson (Judge)

• Susanne Hackney (Judge)

• Susie Collins (Judge)

• Tary Yip (Judge)

• Toby Wragg (Referee)

• Tony Hardiman (Judge)

 

Head Judge Workshops in London

6 Jun 2015

Attendees:

 

• Angela Howarth

• Arvid Huss

• Caroline Glynn

• Catherine Birkinhead

• Cherry Collins

• Costas Mavromatis

• Dan Downey

• Joe Boake

• Kai Cheong

• Mark Corcoran

• Mike Selby

• Nick Blake

• Nicola Day

• Phillipa Timmins

• Sandy Corcoran

• Susanne Hackney

• Tony Hardiman

 

2014

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

1 June 2014

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Angela Howarth (Judge)

• Ben Wragg (Referee)

• Carol Gascoyne (Judge)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• Cliff Cox (Referee)

• Costas Mavromatis (Judge)

• Faye Li Yip (Judge)

• Garry Seghers (Judge)

• Gary Wragg (Judge)

• George Rose (Judge)

• John Smith (Judge)

• Jonathan Krehm (Judge)

• Liming Yue (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts (Judge)

• Mark Corcoran (Judge)

• Mark Langweiler (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl (Judge)

• Pablo Salas Vazquez (Judge)

• Philippa Timmins (Judge)

• Richard Odell (Judge)

• Rob Kelly (Judge)

• Robert Byrnes (Judge)

• Sandy Corcoran (Judge)

• Shezad Dawood (Referee)

• Stuart Reed (Judge)

• Stuart Verity (Judge)

• Toby Wragg (Referee)

• Tony Hardiman (Judge)

• Tony Stadlen (Judge)

• Vicky Ahern (Judge)

• Yanyan Yang (Judge)

• Yazi Liu (Judge)

 

Head Judge Workshops in London

31 May 2014

Attendees:

 

• Angela Howarth

• Carol Gascoyne

• Costas Mavromatis

• Dan Downey

• Don Spargo

• Faye Li Yip

• Gary Seghers

• Gary Wragg

• John Smith

• Kai Cheong

• Liming Yu

• Luke Deefholts

• M Tarratt

• Mark Corcoran

• Mark Langweiler

• Mike Selby

• Pablo Salas Vazquez

• Pat Saults

• Phillipa Timmins

• Radha Binod

• Richard Odell

• Rob Burns

• Rob Kelly

• Robert Agar-Hutton

• Sandy Corcoran

• Steve Wright

• Stuart Reed

• Stuart Verity

• Susie Collins

• Tamara Russell

• Tony Hardiman

• Tony Stadlen

• Vicky Ahern

• Yangyan Yang

• Yazi Liu

• Wu Kwong Yu

 

2013

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

2 June 2013

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Aamir Rafi (Judge)

• Ben Wragg (Referee)

• Carol Gascoyne (Judge)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• Cliff Cox (Referee)

• Dan Docherty (Judge)

• Don Spargo (Judge)

• Faye Li Yip (Judge)

• Garry Seghers (Judge)

• Gudula Motsch (Judge)

• Jonathan Krehm (Judge)

• Laurie Blundell (Referee)

• Liming Yue (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts (Judge)

• Mark Corcoran (Judge)

• Mike Selby (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl (Judge)

• Pat Saults (Judge)

• Peter Hornby (Judge)

• Richard Odell (Judge)

• Richard Watson (Judge)

• Sandy Corcoran (Judge)

• Shezad Dawood (Referee)

• Simon Watson (Judge)

• Steve Wright (Judge)

• Tary Yip (Judge)

• Toby Wragg (Referee)

• Tony Ulatowski (Judge)

 

Head Judge Workshops in London

1 June 2013

Attendees:

 

• Alison Smith

• Carol Gascoyne

• Ceciel Kroes

• Cherry Collins

• Dan Downey

• David Muller

• Garry Seghers

• Gary Wragg

• Gudula Motsch

• Liming Yue

• Luke Deefholts

• Mark Corcoran

• Mark Spenser

• Mike Selby

• Mirilee Pearl

• Richard Clark

• Richard Odell

• Sandy Corcoran

• Simon Watson

• Steffi Sachsenmaier

• Stephane Debailleul

• Stuart Verity

• Tary Yip

 

2012

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

10 June 2012

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Adrian White (Judge)

• Ali Walmsley (Judge)

• Ben Wragg (Referee)

• Carol Gascoyne (Judge)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• David Muller (Referee)

• Don Spargo (Judge)

• Dounia Ahmed (Judge)

• Faye Li Yip (Judge)

• Gudula Motsch (Judge)

• Jonathan Krehm (Judge)

• Kongjie Gou (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl (Judge)

• Richard Odell (Judge)

• Richard Watson (Judge)

• Sandy Corcoran (Judge)

• Simon Watson (Judge)

• Steffi Sachsenmaier (Referee)

• Stroud Cornock (Judge)

• Toby Wragg (Referee)

• Tony Stadlen (Judge)

 

Head Judge Workshops in London

9 June 2012

Attendees:

 

• Ali Walmsley

• Alison Smith

• Ceciel Kroes

• David Muller

• Faye Li Yip

• Gary Wragg

• Gudula Motsch

• James Norman

• Jonathan Krehm

• Kongjie Gou

• Luke Deefholts

• Mark Corcoran

• Mirilee Pearl

• Richard Odell

• Richard Watson

• Saar Avivi

• Sandy Corcoran

• Simon Watson

• Steffi Sachsenmaier

• Tony Hardiman

• Vicky Ahern

 

2011

Liming Yue, Chen style spear in London

26 June 2011

A masterclass for criteria in performance of Chen style spear form.

Attendees:

 

• Don Spargo

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Liming Yue, Senior Instructor

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Stroud Cornock, non-member

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

 

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

12 June 2011

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Anthony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor (Referee)

• Ben Wragg, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• Chris Jones (Judge)

• Dounia Ahmed (Judge)

• Eric Batchelor (Judge)

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee (Judge)

• George Rose (Judge)

• Laurie Blundell (Referee)

• Liu Quan Jun (Judge)

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor (Judge)

• Marnix Wells, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor (Referee)

• Richard Odell, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Shez Dawood, Intermediate Instructor (Referee)

• Stuart Verity (Judge)

• Tary Yip (Judge)

• Toby Wragg, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

 

Faye Li Yip, Modern Fan form in London

5 March 2011

A masterclass for criteria in performance of modern fan form.

Attendees:

 

• Alfia Nakipbekova

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor

• Fiona Anderson, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Gary Wragg, Wu style spear in London

26 February 2011

A masterclass for criteria in performance of Wu style spear.

Attendees:

 

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Richard Odell, Wudang style spear in London

26 January 2011

A masterclass for criteria in performance of Wudang style spear form.

Attendees:

 

• Alfia Nakipbekova

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Dounia Ahmed, Intermediate Instructor

• Eric Batchelor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• George Rose

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Odell, Senior Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

• Stephen ?????

• Stuart Verity, member

 

2010

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

13 June 2010

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Ben Wragg, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor (Referee)

• Dounia Ahmed (Judge)

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Fred Hanchard, non-member (Judge)

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee (Judge)

• Gou Kongjie (Judge)

• Laurie Blundell (Referee)

• Lei Zhou (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor (Referee)

• Patrick Saults, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Richard Odell, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Shez Dawood, Intermediate Instructor (Referee)

• Stuart Verity (Judge)

• Toby Wragg, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Victoria Oakey, member (Judge)

 

Liming Yue, Chen style sword in London

8 May 2010

A masterclass for criteria in performance of Chen style sword form.

Attendees:

 

• Fiona Anderson, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Leon Samuel, non-member

• Liming Yue, Senior Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Stephen Halls, member

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Gary Wragg, Wu style sword in London

17 April 2010

A masterclass for criteria in performance of Wu family sword form.

Attendees:

 

• Andy Salt, Intermediate Instructor

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Fiona Anderson, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Leon Samuel, non-member

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Shez Dawood, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Stephen Halls, member

• Stuart Verity, member

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Faye Li Yip, Simplified 24 form in London

14 March 2010

A masterclass for criteria in performance of Yang style simplified 24 form.

Attendees:

 

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor

• Fiona Anderson, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Jonathan Ruffer

• Leon Samuel, non-member

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Stephen Halls, member

• Stuart Verity, member

 

Shelagh Grandpierre, Yang style sword in London

13 February 2010

A masterclass for criteria in performance of Yang family sword form.

Attendees:

 

• Andy Salt, Intermediate Instructor

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Fiona Anderson, Intermediate Instructor

• Leon Samuel, non-member

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Shelagh Grandpierre, Senior Instructor

• Stephen Halls, member

• Stuart Verity, member

 

Richard Odell, Wudang style sword in London

23 January 2010

A masterclass for criteria in performance of Wudang style sword form.

Attendees:

 

• Diane Pullen, member

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Dounia Ahmed, Intermediate Instructor

• Fiona Anderson, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Seghers, member

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Paul Brighton, member

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Odell, Senior Instructor

• Stephen Halls, member

• Stuart Verity, member

• Victoria Oakey, member

 

2009

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

7 June 2009

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Ben Wragg, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Ceciel Kroes (Judge)

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor (Referee)

• Dounia Ahmed (Judge)

• Eric Batchelor (Judge)

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Fred Hanchard, non-member (Judge)

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee (Judge)

• Janet Murray (Judge)

• Liming Yue, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Peter Blake (Referee)

• Qiang Di (Judge)

• Richard Odell, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Sérgio Terramoto (Judge)

• Shez Dawood, Intermediate Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Stroud Cornock (Judge)

• Stuart Verity (Judge)

• Toby Wragg, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor (Judge)

 

Liming Yue, Chen style in Manchester

28 March 2009

This is the fourth level two seminar, covering the unique features of the Chen style. The judging criteria are taught in the morning, with a group test in the afternoon. (Previous seminar attendance is not required.)

Attendees:

 

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Janet Murray, non-member

• Liming Yue, Senior Instructor

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Shelagh Grandpierre, Yang style in Nottingham

28 February 2009

This is the third level two seminar, covering the unique features of the traditonal Yang family style. The judging criteria are taught in the morning, with a group test in the afternoon. (Previous seminar attendance is not required.)

Attendees:

 

• Chris Fryer, Intermediate Instructor (Pending)

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Shelagh Grandpierre, Senior Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Richard Odell, Wudang style in Eastbourne

24 January 2009

This is the second level two seminar, covering the unique features of the Wudang style. The judging criteria are taught in the morning, with a group test in the afternoon. (Previous seminar attendance is not required.)

Attendees:

 

• Angela Tucker, non-member

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Dounia Ahmed, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Lyn Wood, Intermediate Instructor

• Mandy Deacon, non-member

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Odell, Senior Instructor

• Tony Pilkington, Intermediate Instructor

• Victoria Oakey, member

 

2008

Introduction to the 2008 Judging Seminar Programme

The Autumn and Winter Judges Seminars 2007 have all been very positive and well attended. The participants for each are listed below. Some members have attended all three.

Mark Peters hosted the Cheng Man Ching Style on September the 29th near Birmingham, Faye Yip conducted the October 13th Sun Style day, and I gave the November the 11th seminar. The aim with these all style training seminars is to enable potential judges to be experienced and skilled in appreciating the specific criteria in each style, and at least to have had some actual coaching and practise. To have some idea of how each style feels in practise, plus very necessary pointers in observational skills, makes a considerable difference when it comes to judging a contestant fairly.

The aim for next year 2008, is to continue these monthly seminars around the UK, covering all the related traditional styles. So far they have focused on forms only, and on one form in depth on any seminar day. There will also be separate weapons and pushing hands seminars. It is hoped that a qualification certificate test will take place by next Autumn for those members who have attended six seminars and wish to go on to be properly qualified. I will say that still only a minute fraction of Union members have been involved in this programme. The more other, of the, six hundred instructor members, and their students who could be involved, the healthier the judging situation will be, apart from a natural outcome of a better appreciation of each others Tai Chi Chuan.

Faye Yip will take a 24 form seminar on the 8th of December at Coseley, and also a 42 Form day on January 26th. On February 17th, I will host a Wu Style day in London, and Li ming Yue will give a Chen Style day in Manchester on Saturday March 8th. These details plus the continuation of the 2008 programme will be featured on the Union website and regularly in our magazine and newsletters.

Gary Wragg, Chairman November 2007

Gary Wragg, Wu style in London

6 December 2008

This is the first level two seminar, covering the unique features of the Wu style competition form.The judging criteria are taught in the morning, with a group test in the afternoon. (Previous seminar attendance is not required.)

Attendees:

 

• Andy Salt, Intermediate Instructor

• David Muller, non-member

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

 

Faye Li Yip, 32 Yang style Sword in Wolverhampton

30 August 2008

Tai Chi Jian (sword) is one of the most representational apparatus of Tai Chi Training. It is not only demonstrates the centreness, gracefullness and continunity of Tai Chi Quan, but also expresses the agility, increditability and beauty of traditional Chinese Sword Play.

32 Step Yang Style Sword routine was structured on the basis of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Sword by GM Li Tian Ji (Faye Li Yip's Grand Unle), with the aim of making easier for beginners to master basic skills in sword fencing. This routine was also examined and approved by the Chinese National Sports Council.

We will cover 13 sword techniques as they appeared in the form, study their meanings and applications.

Attendees:

 

• Beverley Robinson, non-member

• Carol Gascoyne, non-member

• Carol Bemrose, non-member

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicola Day, non-member

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

• Viv Sleeman, non-member

 

The London Competition for Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

7 June 2008

A competition for forms and push hands, judged within styles, rather than in mixed-style categories and the judging led by international experts from the Tai Chi Union. Pushing hands competition with fixed feet, restricted step and moving step.

Participants of the Tai Chi Union Judging Seminar Series running since 2005 are particularly invited for opportunities to practice judging in a supervised setting.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Ben Wragg, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Chris Fryer, non-member (Judge)

• Dan Chisholm (Judge)

• Dan Doherty, Executive Committee (Judge)

• Don Spargo, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Fred Hanchard, non-member (Judge)

• Gary Wragg, Executive Committee (Judge)

• Liming Yue, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Patrick Saults, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Peter Blake (Referee)

• Shelagh Grandpierre, Senior Instructor (Judge)

• Shez Dawood, Intermediate Instructor (Referee)

• Stephen Davies (Judge)

• Toby Wragg, Advanced Instructor (Judge, Referee)

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor (Judge)

 

Gary Wragg, Competition Pushing Hands in London

11 May 2008

As part of the Tai Chi Union Judging Programme, learn and practice how to judge and referee pushing hands competition. Includes fixed step, restricted step and moving step, plus the roles of the main referee and foot judges. Opportunities to push these skill into practice will be available at the forthcoming competition in London.

Gary Wragg, Judging and Sabre in Oxford

5 April 2008

At the Tai Chi Union Festival of Chinese Internal Arts: An introduction to judging and a hands-on chance to get a feel for Wu style sabre.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Ann Spreadborough, Intermediate Instructor

• David Radford, member

• Joanne Webb, non-member

• Judy Birks, member

• Katherine Allen, Intermediate Instructor

• Libi Welthy, Intermediate Instructor

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Senior Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Peter Histed, Advanced Instructor

• Ranjeet Sokhi, Advanced Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Teresa Shepherd, non-member

 

Liming Yue, Chen style in Manchester

8 March 2008

As part of the Judges Training Programme organized by the Tai Chi Union, Master Liming Yue will give a Chen Style Tai Chi day in Manchester on Saturday March 8th 2008. The main emphasis of the day is for participants to be familiarized with the main criteria of the first 15 movements of Laojia (old frame) form with all participants learning form over the seminar. This seminar is suitable for the instructors who is interested in being a qualified Judge in the future competitions in the UK and Europe.

Attendees:

 

• Dan Chisholm

• David Hackett, Executive Committee

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Garry Seghers

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Liming Yue, Senior Instructor

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Northwood, non-member

• Robert Agar-Hutton

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Gary Wragg, Wu style in London

17 February 2008

Gary Wragg is one of the foremost exponents of Tai Chi Chuan in the UK and Europe. His is the original and main Wu's Tai Chi Academy for London, UK and Europe of which he is the senior representative of the Wu family.

He is a founder member and former chairman of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain and is currently an executive committee and technical panel member of the Union. He is also on the executive committee of the International Federation of Wu's Style Tai Chi Ch'uan. He teaches in Great Britain and abroad, and has an international reputation for his demonstrations, workshops, and Tai Chi skills.

This seminar will cover the unique characteristics and judging criteria for the Wu style 54 Competition Round form.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• David Hackett, Executive Committee

• David Muller, non-member

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Faye Li Yip, 42 Step Combined Form in Wolverhampton

26 January 2008

In recent years, the spread of Taijiquan throughout the world has been spurred on by the increasing number of international exchanges and competitions. The 42 Step Combined Taijiquan was developed by a group of renowned Taijiquan masters among whom Professor Li Deyin was the editor in chief. This routine was approved by the Chinese Wushu Association to be used as the international competition form from. It also became one of the most popular routines of all times for athletes and enthusiasts in China and UK.

The 42 Step Taijiquan offers a good hand-on practice method for all the four major styles and it conforms to international competition rule in formats, quantity and timing. Until very recently the 42 Step Taijiquan was always the only routine competed by the British Wushu Team at international competitions.

Attendees:

 

• Beverly Robinson, non-member

• Bob Hall, non-member

• Carol Gascoyne, non-member

• Chris Lewis, non-member

• David Hackett, Executive Committee

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Hazel Hunt, Intermediate Instructor

• John Smith, non-member

• Maggie Leadbeater, non-member

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

• Vince Williams, non-member

 

2007

Introduction to the 2007 Judging Seminar Programme

Demonstrations at a competition are when private practice becomes public. A meditation becomes a demonstration. It is the embodiment of the meditation in action, the form being demonstrated, that the Judges respond to.

My intended programme for 2007 is to have a whole day devoted to one traditional form only. Faye Li-Yip has agreed to give three seminars: Sun Style, 24 form and 42 form. I will give a Wu Style seminar. Shelagh Grandpierre will be hosting a Yang Style day, and there will be Cheng Man Ching and Chen Style seminars to complete this year's programme. These will be held at venues local to each instructor and will be advertised on the website, our magazine and newsletter.

From the very beginning I have envisaged these seminars to be annual, on-going events specifically available for the training of judges at top level. It will mean that fully qualified Judges will have trained in all the relevant styles to be able to distinguish one criterion from another, rather than having a biased preference for their own style. Completion of six seminars will provide a good base level of qualification, and judges can then choose to continue to improve with the on-going seminars.

While it is true that good Tai Chi will usually stand out, some contestants' forms will suffer due to ignorance and/or bias on the part of the judges. Many competition-wise contestants these days alter their forms to pander to the judges for extra marks. To some judges this will not always be apparent. No matter which part of the world I visit, these same problems arise, China, North America, Europe, Russia and the UK equally.

For most participants these judges' seminars have been real eye openers, where we have re-appraised the meaning of quality and accuracy of judging. Also the criteria for the traditional family styles of Tai Chi are close to, but not exactly the same as, the very popular and successful system of the combined 24 and 42 forms seen in competitions today. In the course of the coming seminars we will take a look also at the acceptable variations of traditional styles and hybrid forms. In addition, I would like to propose a new special category for self-invented forms that judges may respond to freely. There is a huge amount of creativity in the world and we cannot be so rigid as to ignore it; Tai Chi Chuan and the Internal Arts are no exception. There are many practitioners in the UK, as there are in most other countries, who wish to learn the Internal Arts properly, which is often an incentive to join the TCUGB. There are also many who just wish to do their own thing.

Much experience is necessary for top-level judges. The training at our seminars also involves looking at the various rules and systems in competitions throughout the world. Knowledge of the different styles and rules is imperative, and while good Tai Chi is good Tai Chi regardless of a few technical inaccuracies, it is the substance of the style that is important. The contestants at competitions deserve the best possible judges available.

In the UK Tai Chi Chuan and Internal Arts world we have a wealth of talent, and we are capable of sending a high quality national team to any major world competition, but from the standpoint of the TCUGB, we do not condone or agree with the jazzed up versions of Tai Chi Chuan geared for the Olympics in 2008, that is, according to the IOC's three special movements conditions. This is a distortion of the principles of Tai Chi Chuan. While the IOC are in control of the rules for Olympic Tai Chi Chuan, we in the TCUGB will continue to do our best to preserve the best values in traditional Tai Chi Chuan in our competitions, and not to lose sight of what the purpose of Tai Chi Chuan has been and still is.

Gary Wragg, Chairman 22 March 2007

Faye Li Yip, Simplified 24 form in Wolverhampton

18 December 2007

The 24 Step Taijiquan is perhaps the most successfully promoted Forms in the world, practising by millions of people. It was simplified by Faye's great uncle, the late master Li Tian Ji in 1956.

Many people thought that the 24 Step Taijiquan is not for training Gongfu. Wrong! Many people run though the 24 Step Taijiquan without understanding properly the intentions of each movements nor following the 10 essential principles set by Gandmaster Yang Cheng Fu properly. This seminar will focus on the quality of applying Yang Cheng Fu's 10 training principles in the 24 Step taijiquan.

Although the form is called 'simplified', the principles and essentials have not been compromised..

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Andy Salt, Intermediate Instructor

• Angela Jordan, non-member

• Carol Bemrose, non-member

• Dave Fletcher, Associate Member

• David Clark, non-member

• David Hackett, Executive Committee

• Don Morgan, non-member

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor

• Fred Hanchard, non-member

• Fred Stevens, non-member

• Gary Wilson, non-member

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Hazel Hunt, Intermediate Instructor

• Ian Woollands, non-member

• John Smith, non-member

• Liz Raphael, non-member

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Marie Sharpley, non-member

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Jordan, non-member

• Rob Ward, non-member

• Sharon Lane, non-member

• Sue Smith, non-member

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

• Viv Sleeman, non-member

 

Gary Wragg, Wu style in London

11 November 2007

Gary Wragg is one of the foremost exponents of Tai Chi Chuan in the UK and Europe. His is the original and main Wu's Tai Chi Academy for London, UK and Europe of which he is the senior representative of the Wu family.

He is a founder member and former chairman of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain and is currently an executive committee and technical panel member of the Union. He is also on the executive committee of the International Federation of Wu's Style Tai Chi Ch'uan. He teaches in Great Britain and abroad, and has an international reputation for his demonstrations, workshops, and Tai Chi skills.

This seminar will cover the unique characteristics and judging criteria for the Wu style 54 Competition Round form.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Adam Bentley, Intermediate Instructor

• Dave Fletcher, non-member

• David Muller, Intermediate Instructor

• Fred Hanchard, non-member

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Patrick Saults, Senior Instructor

• Richard Davies, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Faye Li Yip, Sun style in Wolverhampton

13 October 2007

Faye Li Yip has a strong and direct family lineage to the creator of the Sun style Taijiquan, Grand Master Su Lu Tang. Faye's great grandfather Li Yun Lin was one of Sun's top disciples along his own sons. Her grand uncle late master Li Tian Ji, the creator of 24 Step Standardised Taijiquan, and her father Professor Li Deyin, the creator of Taiji Kung fu Fan, 42 Step Combined Taijiquan, all enjoyed a strong and close relationship with late grandmaster Sun Jian Yun. Faye is the fourth generation in her family to carry on as professional Taijiquan teachers. Before leaving China for the UK, Faye had frequently entered competitions and won numerous medals on Taiji and sword routines.

This seminar will be working on Sun Style Taijiquan 38 Step Short Form as the practice focus and identify the essential characteristics of the Style. Suitable for anyone who might have experience in other styles of Taijiquan or had some experience with the Sun Style.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Andy Salt, Intermediate Instructor

• Dave Fletcher, Associate Member

• David Hackett, Executive Committee

• Diane Brindley, non-member

• Don Morgan, non-member

• Faye Li Yip, Senior Instructor

• Fred Hanchard, non-member

• Garry Wilson, non-member

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Hazel Hunt, Intermediate Instructor

• John Smith, non-member

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Mark Peters, Cheng Man-Ching style in Birmingham

29 September 2007

The instructor for the course, Mark Peters, has been practicing and teaching Cheng Man-Ching style Tai Chi for many years and has competed and judged both in the UK, US, Taiwan and Singapore, winning many trophies in forms, weapons sparring and push-hands. He was part of the British team to compete in the world championships in the USA in 1994 and he captain the British team in Taiwan in 1998 where he was elected vice president of the World Tai Chi Federation alongside William CC Chen. Marks training started in The UK With Nigel Sutton and after becoming a closed door student, was given the oportunity to train in Mayalsia and Singapore. Mark now heads the Kai Ming Association for Tai Chi Chuan.

The workshop will focus on the key elements of Cheng Man-Ching style, clarifying difference between it and traditional Yang style. to allow those wanting to judge and/or compete, to do so in a clear and solid way.

Cheng Man-Ching is quoted as saying "my form is simplified not simple". Now is your chance to understand what is meant by this statement.

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Andrew Salt, Intermediate Instructor

• Dave Jones, Advanced Instructor

• David Hackett, Advanced Instructor

• Don Craig, Advanced Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Graham Lambert, non-member

• Heather Lomas, non-member

• Ian Jacobs, Intermediate Instructor

• Josie Upson, non-member

• Luke Deefholts, Intermediate Instructor

• Mark Peters, Senior Instructor

• Mark Walker, Intermediate Instructor

• Martin Ryan, Intermediate Instructor

• Michael Bodenstein, Intermediate Instructor

• Mike Selby, Intermediate Instructor

• Mirilee Pearl, Advanced Instructor

• Neil Rankine Intermediate Instructor

• Nicole Lomas, Intermediate Instructor

• Steffi Sachsenmaier, Intermediate Instructor

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

2006

Judges Seminar in Rickmansworth

11 November 2006

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Adam Omtis - Intermediate Instructor (Pending)

• Christine Pollard, Intermediate Instructor (Pending)

• Clifford Cox, Advanced Instructor (Pending)

• Gary Wragg, Chairman.

• John Craddock, Associate Member

• Mirilee Pearl - Advanced Instructor

• Robert Agar-Hutton, Advanced Instructor

• Steven Price, Advanced Instructor

• Steven Tan, Intermediate Instructor (Pending)

• Tony Stadlen, Advanced Instructor

 

Judges Seminar in Caledonia

11-12 June 2006

Two day seminar counts as four seminar subjects.

Attendees:

 

• Alan Peatfield, Advanced Instructor

• Angela Smith, Intermediate Instructor

• Arta Splits, Intermediate Instructor

• Barrie Jehu, Intermediate Instructor

• Chris Henney, Advanced Instructor

• Daan Hengst, non-member

• Dan Docherty, Technical Panel

• Eva Golding, Chinese Cultural Exchange

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Gina Singleton, Advanced Instructor

• Heather Budge, Associate Member

• Luis Molera, non-member

• Peter Ellis, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Odell, Advanced Instructor

• Shelagh Grandpierre, Senior Instructor

• Yan Long Jiang, non-member

 

Judges Seminar in Nottingham

19 February 2006

Photos

Attendees:

 

• Carl Bateman, non-member

• Chris Fryer, non-member

• Chris Henney, Advanced Instructor

• Clifford Cox, Advanced Instructor

• Dave Martin, non-member

• Des McDermott, Advanced Instructor

• Dounia Ahmed, Advanced Instructor

• Gary Wragg, Chairman

• Loraine Tucker, non-member

• Luce Condamine, non-member (TCFE)

• Marnix Wells, Advanced Instructor

• Paul Maslowski, non-member

• Richard Farmer, Intermediate Instructor

• Richard Odell, Advanced Instructor

• Shez Dawood, Intermediate Instructor

• Shelagh Grandpierre, Senior Instructor

• Su Ying, non-member

 

Report on the second Judging Seminar by Gary Wragg, February 2006

My second judges seminar at Nottingham 2006, included fifteen participants from the traditional ; Wu Style, Yang Style, Wudang style and Sun Style. 
They were; 

• WU------ Gary Wragg [A] & Shez Dawood[B]

• YANG---- Shelagh Grandpierre, [A], + non-tcugb members, Loraine Tucker, Paul Maslowski & Chris Fryer. 

• WUDANG------Cifford Cox [A], Chris Henney [A], Luce Condamine TCFE, Dounia Ahmed [A], Richard Odell[A], Richard Farmer [B] & Des McDermott [A].

• SUN-------- Non tcugb members, Su Ying, Dave Martin & Carl Bateman.

• CHEN / YANG combination &, special needs representative-----Marnix Wells [A].

All participants will receive one credit per attendance. Those who attended for the second time on this occasion will receive theyÕre second credit. Six credits are required to become fully qualified and able to mark in a competent and fair manner at National and International competitions to the highest level, working towards the Olympics in 2008 and 20012. All credits are recorded by myself the Chairman, and when qualified passed on to the secretary. TCUGB certificates will be awarded on completion of the six seminars per participant by the secretary. The seminars will continue each year on an ongoing basis.. First time non tcugb members will be credited provided that they enrole for membership on occasion of the second seminar. Six seminars must be completed for Qualification. Trained judges with less than six credits will receive partial qualification certificates and recognized as such.

At the seminar participants are required to demonstrate and explain the criteria of theyÕre traditional style in keeping with the tcugb website traditional and authorative examples.
Discussion and demonstration of details are necessary to clarify the differences and similarities of styles. It is important and usefull to make notes as some of these points can easily be forgotten, especially when you do not practise them yourself. It is very possible that you may not be fully aware of the points of accuracy of forms other than your own. The basic criteria pertinent to all styles needs also to be properly recognized. All participamts will be expected when necessary to join in and practise some forms that are being demonstrated ,when clarification is needed. 

Discussion, also comprised of;

• [A], How it has been at past competitions.

• [B], Should it change to the Olympic method, similar to skaters?

• 3= FAIR-1--9.

• 4=GOOD. 1-9

• 5=VERY GOOD, 1-9

• 6= TOP,1-9.

Olympic newcomers are usually marked down until they have competed successfully several times at Olympic level, Then they are marked at the top end of the scale. [Agreed not to follow this line of thinking.]

At present three specific moves are required in China under the Wushu rules.

Biased judging still occurs with each nation.

We the TCUGB need to strengthen links with the International Wushu Federation in China, beginning by a delegation of TP members to visit Zhengzhou China in October 2006.

Certified TCUGB judges only and officials will be invited to attend national and international competitions with expenses paid. Once qualified, judges will be expected to be available for competitions and invited in advance so as to avoid past ad hoc situations
Dress must be suitable and smart.

Also needed are timekeepers and adder- uppers.

It was agreed that marking should be between 4_6.
Conferring is allowed after the first competitors slot.
The top and bottom marks should be erased to determine the average score.

We still need legitimate website criteria for; WUDANG, SUN, CHEN MAN CHING, BA KUA & HSING-I.

Gary Wragg, Chairman

Shelagh Grandpierre, demonstrating Yang style criteria

Shelagh Grandpierre, demonstrating Yang style criteria

Demonstration of Sun style criteria by non TCUGB members Su Ying, Dave Martin and Carl Bateman

Participants of 2-nd judges seminar

2005

1st Judges Seminar, Nottingham, Sunday 13th February 2005

This was the first of a series of events to encourage professionalism and quality of Judging at UK and European Competitions, working towards the Olympics in 2008 in Beijing, China.

For this to happen it is a matter of urgency to convince the British Sports Council that we The Tai Chi Union For Great Britain, are indeed capable and competent in representing the UK in such an event independant of the Wushu umbrella.

The following proposition was agreed by the Technical Panel of the TCUGB on the 13/3/05, at the 1st Judges Seminar, Nottingham.

Proposition; Those TCUGB 'A' grade instructors of adequate experience and who are Technical Panel qualified who wish to be certified by the Union Technical Panel may attend six pre -competition events such as this by the end of 2006, and or designated workshops to be advertised in due course. On completion, at the end of this period, those instructors will be properly certified as UK & European judges for International standard events, and awarded a TCUGB certificate.

The Traditional recognized styles are; Chen, Yang,Chen Man Ching, Wuu [Hao], Wu, Sun, and Fu. Each of these styles will have a number of variations that need also to be recognized.For example the WU Style has the Hong Kong main Family Style, the Shanghai Style, the Cheng Wing Kwong Style ,Wudang and Beijing.Judges must eventually be well versed in all of these forms, as to the specific features and requirements. It will be up to a genuine and qualified representative of each of the styles to demonstrate and explain clearly the essential characteristics in relation to the expectations at each level and the regular ten point criteria for competitions.

Self made styles would need to be in a separate category dependent on the competition organizers.
Although all styles of Tai Chi Chuan have basic principles in common re the Tai Chi Classics, when it comes to judging in a competition most judges in reality will have a bias towards thier own style and mark down other styles that are not the same. Judges need to have a genuine understanding of the other styles, and an impartiality. So this is an attempt to set a standard of fairness and real understanding, it is not to rival each other.

The levels are Beginners, Intermediate, Senior, Advance and Expert International: 

Beginners: 
A recognizable form, a reasonable grasp of basic mechanics of posture, balance, co-ordination and weight distribution, according to basic principles of Tai Chi Chuan. In reality probably still a little stiff.

Intermediate: A basic grasp of circularity with flow, continuity and relaxed external co-ordinations. Better than a beginner but not so good as a senior. More confidant than a beginner but in reality only a little less stiff with inconsistancies of root and han shun ba bei,chi shun tan tien, and hui lin din jin.

Senior & Advanced: Accuracy of body posture, circular movement, focused mind control and breathing. Better than intermediate but not so good as expert. Loose relaxed and rooted with substance and power generation with maintainance of correct height.Evidence of Sung and principles of Tai Chi Chuan. Advance have more assurance and ability than senior.

Expert: A very good level of ability with each aspect of Tai Chi Chuan. Movements propelled with concentrated spirit and awareness, natural and at ease.

The Ten Point Criteria are:

1. Correct Stance (high or low) foot position, leg knee and hip.

2. Correct Posture (high or low), whole body; spine straight,extending of the back and hollowing of the chest, head upright, chin tucked in, mouth closed and breathing through the nose, pelvis tucked in, arms relaxed- elbows and shoulders down, with proper extension and contraction of the hands.

3. Balanced movements, stepping and turning, with clarity of motion. 
   Separation of yin and yang [positive and negative], weight, ie; 
   100%,,70/30, 60/40, etc. [Weapons emphasize agility].

4. Rooting[Sung], with relaxation,softness and fimness, steady step and shifting of weight.

5. Smooth transition from one posture to the next with synchronization and co-ordination of whole body movement , continuous and flowing.

6. Correct function and turning of the hip and waist.

7. Looseness of actions with chi breath sinking to tan-tien.

8. Martial intent and focus, eye hand co-ordination, evidence of technique and power. (Weapons include control, jing and harmony of weapon.)

9. Aesthetic, head, body,hands uniform and overall look.

10. Internal (not external), spirit, movements propelled by internal energy. Naturally integrated principles of Tai Chi Chuan.

How would you mark up or down in relation to the specific features of the style, or accepted variation of the style at each level, and the ten point competition criteria?

Attendees:

At The Nottingham Open Championships we began with

• Shelagh Grandpierre, Yang style representative

• Chris Thomas, Cheng Man-Ching style representative

• Gary Wragg, Wu style representative

• Dan Docherty, Wudang style representative

• Carl Burgess, Wudang style representative

• Marnix Wells, Dynamic Tai Chi representative (self made form from Yang style)

 

One of the main aims is to appreciate the criteria relevant to the style demonstrated that may be different to your own.

Endeavour to keep your ten minute slot simple and clear. Please show the expectations at each level, ie; Beginner, intermediate, senior, advanced, and expert international level. How would you mark a contestant up, or down. Marks are 1 to 10. Take 4 as below average, 3, is very poor, 2, is struggling badly, and 1 is not considered at all ready for competition. Average is 5, good is 6, very good 7, 8 is very very good, 9 is exceptional and 10 the tops.

The forms,hand and weapon are four minutes.

Lastly, something to consider. The International Wu Style Federation has in the past few years established a competition form specifically for all Wu Stylists worldwide regardless of the different branches of style, ie, Wu Family, Shanghai, Beijing, Cheng Wing Kwong and Old Wu Chuan Yau Style. This is intended to be the form to be demonstrated in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Apparently Grand Master Chen ofthe Chen clan, and Grand Master Sun of the Sun clan are considering the same reasoning. This was discussed in Beijing at a tournament last October,2004.It is hoped that in July 2006 in Toronto, at the next Pan American Championships, the Grandmasters of each of the traditional families ,ie; Chen, Yang Wu, and Sun, will convene to further review representation of forms in competitions.

The Judges:

1. Should be well dressed, tie, blazer etc not casual clothes.

2. To be invited in advance, aware of the criteria and procedures, and not ad hoc, and Technical Panel qualified.

3. Scoring, no conferring, Olympic method, scores of the groups contestants shown at the conclusion of each event with line up of competitors.

4. The adding up of scores should be done by an independent official.

5. The time keeper should also be an independent official. 

6. Avoid favoritism.

7. The competitions should be held in choice Venues.

8. The entire event should be of the highest standards comparable to anywhere in the world.

Gary Wragg, Chairman 19 March 2005.