Edward Ware
My growing interest in Taoism and later engagement with Chi Gung, Tai Chi Chuan and Ba Gua, really grew out of an early fascination with the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching, Taoist texts of astonishing depth and insight that I was introduced to in my early teens.
Having completed an initial period of academic study in music, I embarked in my early twenties, on what continues to be an extraordinary process of growth and learning, the basic out line of which is sketched below. Taoist practices (like music) are process orientated and reward continued engagement, consequently the awareness that they cultivate continues to fascinate and inspire.
New Zealand 1988, studied Wu style long form with Master Shi Mei Lin (granddaughter of Wu-style founder Wu Chian Chuan, five time all China Champion, coach of Taiwan National Team).
From 1989 to 1994 received private lessons with Master Shi Mei Lin in Long Form, Tuishou (Push Hands), and Double-edged Sword, as well as private lessons with Dr. Yan (son-in-law of Ma Yue Liang) in Long Form, Short Form, Double-edged Sword and Chi Gung.
China 1994-1995, received instruction in Tai Chi Chuan and Tuishou from Grand Master Ma Yue Liang (son-in-law of Wu style founder, Wu Chien Chuan). Studied Tai Chi Chuan with Wu Jiang Lin (son of Master Ma) and Dr. Yan. Private lessons in martial applications of Tai Chi Chuan, Tuishou, and Broadsword with Master Zhang (senior disciple of Master Ma).
- Canada 1995, attended first international Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan Federation Conference in Toronto. Workshops with Wu Kwong Yu and other Wu family members.
- China 1996, studied Tai Chi Chuan with Wu Jiang Lin, Tuishou and Broadsword with Master Zhang.
- China 1997, studied Tai Chi Chuan with Wu Jiang Lin and Ba Gua with Master Zhu.
- USA 1997, began studies with lineage holder B.K.Frantzis including:
- Energy Gates Chi Gung Senior Instructor Certification and Bend the Bow (spinal Chi Gung) retreat
- 1998 - Spiraling Energy Body Chi Gung and Ba Gua retreats
- 1999 - Wu style short form Senior Instructor certification
- 2000 - Gods Playing in the Clouds Chi Gung and Meditation retreats
- 2001 - Marriage of Heaven and Earth and Bend the Bow in Tai Chi Chuan retreats
- 2002 - Longevity Breathing Retreat/Certified Instructor Taoist Breathing
- 2003 - Buddhist retreat with Dzogchen teacher Namkhai Norbu
- 2004 - Marriage of Heaven and Earth Chi Gung Senior Instructor certification
- 2005 - Wu style long form training
- 2006 - Wu style long form training
- 2008 - Wu style long form Senior Instructor certification
- 2009 - Ba Gua Senior Instructor certification
