The morning is balmy and the surrounds of Westlake are beautiful in the morning sun. 20 plus hours in transit yesterday and we arrived in Hangzhou at 11 pm local time, tired and a little disoriented.
Kieran had a local sim in his phone so we used the map function to find our way to the hotel. Gave up on trying to catch a cab after a couple of attempts and decided to leg it. It was further than it looked on the map and quite warm and humid, but without rushing we had checked in to the hotel and gone next door for a well earned pint of Tsing Tao by midnight.
Rooms are comfy and clean and sleep was easy after a long day - until Kieran's alarm went off at 3 am!
While the others are still sleeping I went to west lake and did some practice and took in the atmosphere. Many now familiar faces in their usual places practicing all forms of Tai Chi and gentle exercise around the lake.
Looking forward to a relaxed couple of days as a tourist before starting our retreat.
Take a breath, relax the body, allow the energy to settle into one point at the centre.

Congratulations to Alex, Kevin, Ben and Ted on a great grading. Good performances from all candidates and spirited free-fighting sees each candidate being promoted to advanced levels of Blue Belt (Alex & Kev) Green Belt (Ben) and Purple Belt (Ted).

Departure day 19th September is rapidly approaching. Everything is ready for us in Hangzhou. 

In addition to our intensive Tai Chi training program, Master Li has organised a get together with his Hangzhou Disciples for September 28th. 

There will also be exchange of Tai Chi with Zhou Rongfu, Chairman of the Zhejiang Sports Commission. 

Visit our sponsor Action Emporium

4th Gup grading for Alex, Kevin, 6th Gup for Chris, Ben and 8th Gup for Ted.
Should be fun so bring your friends and watch the candidates demonstrate their skills. Karate Kids coming to watch should wear their uniform.
Join us for lunch after if you like.
It is also Federal election day so don't forget to vote.

Alex, Kev, Chris and Ben all performed very well in the Gup Grading on June 22. The energy and intensity was impressive and all candidates completed their 19 mm pine board breaks. The highlights were  Alex's breaks (front kick and reverse punch), Kev's free sparring, Chris's jump side kicks and Ben's one steps. Presentation of Blue Belts for Alex and Kev, and green belts for Chris and Ben will happen in the next week or so.

Some dates in the spread of Tang Soo Do

Gaden Relief is a Canada based charity which supports the charitable work of Zasep Tulkul Rinpoche.

A key figure in the lineage of Osan Martial Arts and Tang Soo Tao

A very interesting video regarding diet.

Lifestyle diet for those who want to walk the walk