Recent group photo in Carlisle 2006 with Patrick.

............................................................An interview given in 2005

What stimulated your interest?
I used to practice shotokan karate for 3 years from the age of 15. Then I started to get interested in kung fu (Bruce Lee was great - but the films that got me hooked was ‘King Boxer’ and ‘Ten fingers of steel’). I am not interested in scrapping. When I was in my early twenties, I was fed up with life - actually I think I was on rthe verge of almost having a nervous breakdown - reason was: I was a musician in a reggae band with dread locks flowing down my back, I had responsibilities - and to be honest the load was too great for me. Oh! and added to that I was very spiritual - i always have been since the age of (what seems) three. At first I did not know what Taiji was - but when told about it, it was explained as being spiritual, tranquil and peaceful (Hey I would not mind a piece of that). So the interest was spurred with the promise of positive outcomes.

What does Tai Ji mean to you?
Tai Ji enables me to on good days connect with **!!!???///>>>@@ (anyway it feels good - it inspires me with positive insights about me/the meaning of life/about all/above all CONTENTMENT)

What is the most important aspect for you?
There is more than one important aspect for me. To feel happy and contented. To feel safe when in a crowded place. To be learning something that has truth to it, whether it be a relative truth for the moment - maybe it shall lead to the absolute truth (hope it’s a good truth for us all - my imagination can dream up some wonderful truths for the ALL of existence)

Personal Goals in Tai Ji?
I would like to teach full time. That is 2/3 hours teaching a day - rest of time practicing tai chi for 1/2 hours personal training and then living life to the full with Taiji osmositised (integrated) in my being. Patrick Kelly has lit that spark in me for discovery and motivation to pursue the deep mind leading to ****????///\\\ (I cannot be bothered to use imagination at this stage - because at this moment in time I am absolutely clueless). So my main goal is for Taiji to be integrated naturally in every aspect of my life both inner and outer dimensions.

Who or what inspired me?
Many people - Life - Just being. Patrick without a doubt inspires me - but then a lot of my Taiji partners inspire me.

What do you make of Tai Ji current popularity?
Is it really popular - I don’t see many people doing Taiji really. OK maybe Tai chi Union of Great Britain magazine states that many people do it. I see Taiji in health complexes not attended by a lot of people. I hope it does become popular because then I might have a good chance of teaching for a living.

As a teacher what do you feel about the martial aspect of the art?
I think it’s good if you can do it. To be able to use a strong intention -fluid body - and internal energy. YES! Fantastic if you can do it without losing teeth, breaking bones. For the martial aspect to come to the forefront when you are in desperate danger of being seriously physically damaged by outside forces.

What are your views on competition?
Not interested - competition I believe keeps you at a physical level. Not that there is anything wrong with that - because that can feel good and promote the building of your self esteem. It’s not complementing the direction and focus of where I believe I want to go (achieve)

What direction would you like to see Tai Ji going in the future?
I would like to see Taiji integrated in all levels of the community. As a medicine - Taiji can be powerful in building a person self believe (self esteem - psychosocial functions); help with balance - help people with falling and fear of falling. Without a doubt - my strongest goal ‘Realization and exception of the Deep Mind to lead towards **!!!???///>>>@@. Zheng Manjing mentioned it in one of this books, but this second phase of releasing or swing has 3 hidden phases that people seldom understand.