China 2016 Trip Feedback is a feedback letter from Bonnie Lindsay, who along with her fellow Golden Lion “follower” Jenny, is from Tai Chi Hervey Bay, Queensland.

Greetings to everyone at the Golden Lion Academy.

What a great time we had touring China this year. Many thanks to Si-gung Charles and Master Tang, who once again gave us their absolute all to make our journey most enjoyable. From the moment we stepped foot in Beijing, we were on the go.

Our experience with Grandmaster Wu-Bin, learning the Li Style was just incredible. We were hugely privileged to be in the presence and to be taught by one of the fathers of modern wushu.

Since we were going to be training at the Chinese Wushu Association headquarters on specially made carpet we were asked to buy new tai chi shoes the day before we began. The transaction was organised by the very competent team of the masters of magical tricks, Sigung Charles and Tang! It happened when our bus driver suddenly pulled over on the side of a busy road near the site of the 2008 Olympics and there we waited. After what seemed quite a while a black Buick pulled in front of the bus popped open the trunk. It was full of “original genuine Prada” shoes suitable for all of us. Next boxes of shoes were being handed out and with huge excitement everyone was trying on their new white shoes! As it turned out the shoes are very comfortable and Jenny and myself are wearing them with pride. After all, they have trodden on sacred ground in China.

Thanks Sifu Chris for leading tai chi in the park each morning. Wasn’t it great having so many of us turning up? It was the best way to begin each day with lovely weather and good company with the happy camaraderie of doing tai chi together. There were so many wonderful days with everyone from Golden Lion. Jenny and I are so impressed with the closeness, the inspirational feeling of togetherness from a group of like minded people working and playing together. For me there was an immense awareness of the dedication and effort given by the training from your mentors and masters. It was enormous privilege to be in your company.

What can I say about “the four lads!” Lincoln, Erl, Floyd and Michael, entertainment, plus. Mealtime was just insane with them. I’m assuming that at your reunion recently you would have all reminisced on the antics of these fabulous four. Jenny and I would have loved to be there too. I must remind Floyd that he has to warn us if he does ever get to Hervey Bay that he needs to let us know so we can stock up on pineapples, and all those goodies he likes. Thanks for the fun time boys.

We had the most wonderful trip, and look forward to seeing you again next year. In the meantime Jenny and I are trying hard to keep up with Li Style.

In the immortal words of Lao Tzu. Man follows the earth. Earth follows heaven. Heaven follows the Tao. Tao follows what is natural.

A detailed account of the trip can be read here: Sifu Di Logan’s Golden Lion China Trip 2016.

Bonnie Lindsay, Tai Chi Hervey Bay.