无标题文档

Double Dragon Alliance director Rose Oliver was invited to take part in a meeting arranged by Mr Qu Shi Jing of the “Overseas Chinese Association” between key members of the Yang Pu district’s Shanghai Sports University.

Mr Qu, who also invited several prominent martial arts masters, including Mr Ren Gang, Wu Mao Gui, Liu Hong Cai, Liu Ji Fa and Wang Ming Bo to the meeting, met to discuss ways in which traditional Chinese martial arts can further be introduced and handed down to new generations without losing the essence of their information and can preserve the “real” information for the future.

Members of the Sports University, which have recently completed a museum dedicated to the history of martial arts along with many exhibits of ancient weaponry, armour, and current competition practices, have been given a grant by the Chinese central government to research and help preserve the art of traditional Chinese Wushu for future generations.

The meeting at the university was preceded by a guided tour of the museum and after the meeting was followed by a banquet lunch, giving everyone a further chance to get to know one another and explore the possibilities of how to keep one of China’s most precious and ancient cultures alive.

It was a very interesting and enjoyable day and a real pleasure to share time with so many genuine martial arts enthusiasts and practitioners.

We recently held our wine tasting evening on the 4th September at the Yong He Tang Art and Culture Centre’s showroom in Huai Hai road.

The evening was attended by about 30 guests from many different backgrounds and nationalities, making it a really international and intercultural event; the aim of which being to offer guests a chance to socialize and make new friends, enjoy the beautiful artwork of Yong He Tang’s marvelous art wares and “taste” some delicious French wines.

The mixed group of visitors, including Chinese and Westerners; were all equally impressed by the exquisite porcelains, unique bamboo carvings and stunning jadeite jewellery at Yong He Tang’s showroom. The carvings and porcelains particularly attracted a lot of interest and admiration from the guests, especially the amazing artistry displayed in the paintings and carvings on the various pieces, which tell a story of ancient Chinese heroes, myths and legends.

We were also very honoured to welcome guests from Dragon TV’s Good Morning show, and Master Ni Zeng Zhao – one of Shanghai’s top martial artists to our event.

The evening started with a “blind” tasting, where the guests were given a list of seven wines, marked Wine A – Wine G, which they had to taste, then provide a connoisseurs’ description and estimation of the price.
The participant with the closest estimation and best description of the wines would be awarded the prize of a bottle of wine.

After some seriously dedicated “tasting”, the evening drew to a close with the announcement of the winners. And for their unique and imaginative descriptions of all the wines on the list, the first prize was awarded to Virginia Withers and Margaret Bishop. Two other prizes were awarded to Sheryl Cooke and Barbara Kusocia for their close estimation of the prices.

We finished the evening tasting one of GFC Vinery’s top wines, a delicious and full-bodied, fruity red wine and with a toast for everyone’s good health and happiness.

The event was a wonderful, fun-filled evening, a truly inter-cultural experience.

We hope to hold a similar event in the near future, as it is a really enjoyable way to build new friendships and cement old ones, and take pleasure in each other’s rich cultural heritage.

The instructor is Mr Dai Yi Feng from Shanghai’s Shu Fa Jia Xie Hui (Shanghai’s Calligraphy Institute).

Learn Chinese handwriting, as well as the inside meaning, history and origin of the Chinese language from Ms Wang Xiu Hua of the Shanghai Mei Shu Jai Xie Hui (Shanghai’s Fine Arts Institute).

Mr. Zhu Bai Yun from the Shanghai Mei Shu Jai Xie Hui (Shanghai’s Fine Arts Institute) instructs participants in painting bird and flower subjects.

Mr Ah Xiang from the Shanghai Zhu Ming Hua Jia School of Art takes participants through the skills of painting traditional Chinese animals, in particular the tiger – being a key animal and symbol of potency, spirit and power in traditional Chinese tales.

Mr. Gao Chun Hua of the Shanghai Yin Yue Xue Yuan (Shanghai Academy of Music) who performed at Double Dragon Alliance’s traditional Chinese music evening in 2007, will introduce the history of and teach the various forms of Chinese flutes; plus Ms. Song Xiao Lu of the Shanghai Wu Dao Xue Yuan Music Academy will take classes in the Chinese harp (Gu Zheng).

Ms. Yang Ya Nan, graduate of the Shanghai Jing Ju Yuan Yi Ji Yan Yuan (Shanghai’s Academy of Peking Opera and Performing Arts) and frequent performer at the Yi Fu Wu Theatre near People’s Square, will introduce the history

of Peking Opera, the characters and meanings behind the movements and gestures of the various styles and types.

Ms. Yang recently cooperated with Double Dragon Alliance at their Peking Opera seminar for the British Consulate Cultural and Education Section’s summer school in Shanghai in 2007.

Traditional Chinese Crafts (including Paper Cutting and Sculpture):

Mr Zhao Feng Lin will teach the traditional skills of paper cutting and design.

Courses are available in a wide variety of traditional Chinese martial arts, ranging from Taiji Quan to Hsing-yi Quan (heart and mind boxing) to Ba Gua Zhang (8 Trigram boxing) and Tong Bei Quan among others.

Study with some of the highest level teachers and martial artists that Shanghai has to offer.

Ranging from Qigong to Taiji Quan and Chinese Yoga; Chinese traditional exercise systems for health and longevity can assist everyone, no matter what age or state of physical fitness, to improve their health, maintain good levels of fitness and achieve peace of mind and relaxation. Especially important in this day and age, with our fast-paced lifestyles and busy schedules, these ancient forms of exercise will calm the mind, improve the body and give you a new lease of life!

Train with top teachers in the Taiji and Qigong field, with expert instruction and translation.

Doctor Li Yong of the “Conjoint Health and Advisory Centre”, a regular partner with Double Dragon Alliance at their seminars with the British Consulate’s Cultural and Education Section, as well as through their own privately run internship course; will provide introductions to the methodology and history behind TCM, as well as teach participants his system of massage to detoxify and stimulate the body’s meridian system and promote healing, balance and good health.

Dr. Li’s patients include many of the staff of the British Council, after several took part in a Double Dragon Alliance TCM seminar and got to try out his Tuina techniques for themselves!

An introduction to the ancient philosophy of balance and harmony within your environment. Learn about the origins of the art of Feng Shui and how it can affect your life, as well as how to re-balance and harmonize your home and work environment to facilitate a calm and healthy lifestyle, and improve business!

With lectures and introductions into the diverse and fascinating philosophies that underpin Chinese culture.

We offer a variety of learning courses, ranging from weekly classes over 10 week duration; seminars and workshops, designed to be “hands-on” interactive learning experiences, plus lectures for a larger audience.

Our fees vary according to the type, length and duration of the course, the location, and particular client requirements; and prices range from around 350 - 500rmb for a weekly class, to up to 5000rmb for large lectures.

Please contact our administrative office by email for further details or contact Rose Oliver on the telephone number below.

Our previous clients include The British Consulate’s Cultural and Education Section, various schools and institutions as well as private individuals; and it is our continuous aim to offer great service, top-class instruction, value for money and a rewarding learning experience for all participants.

You are cordially invited you to a wine tasting evening to be held on Thursday 4th September 2008 at the Yong He Tang Art Centre.

The evening will be a chance to taste some delicious wines and meet new friends, as well as enjoy the cultured ambience of Yong He Tang’s beautiful, traditional Chinese artworks and craftsmanship.

The soothing atmosphere amongst the Chinese porcelains and carvings will provide a well-needed opportunity to relax and socialize with friends, whilst enjoying some top quality French wines from Shanghai’s Centong Winery Co.
There will also be a fun competition, with a prize of one Centong’s wines for the winner.

Yong He Tang Art Centre, 128 Pu An Road, Huai Hai East Building, Apartment 2203-4, Shanghai. (At the corner of Jin Ling Road, about 5 minutes walk from the Huang Pi Nan Road No.1 line metro station).

Tickets are 150Rmb for the evening, which includes all the wine you can “taste”, plus snacks and entry into our competition. Please confirm your attendance by Wednesday 3rd September. Friends and family are welcome!

For more information or to confirm your place, please contact Rose Oliver at the above email address or call:

This year DDA were again invited by the British Consulate’s Cultural and Education Section school links department to sponsor their annual summer school in Shanghai and organize some activities for the UK participants.

As in 2007, we again donated Taiji uniforms for the 90 UK students and teachers, which they wore for their daily classes in Taiji Quan and Taiji Fan forms.

The 70 students, aged between 13 – 17 and their 20 UK teachers were accompanied for most of the 2 week-long summer school by their middle school counterparts from Jincai International school, who co-host the event in Shanghai in partnership with the British Council.

This year, the activities of the summer school were based mostly in Shanghai and consisted of a variety of activities and courses in Chinese culture, including lessons in calligraphy, painting, Kunqu Opera and Chinese. In fact some of the students already learn Chinese back in the UK and coming to Shanghai is a chance for them to improve their language skills, learn more about the culture and gain a deeper understanding of another way of life.

DDA is fully committed to helping mutual understanding and communication between cultures and peoples and so is always very happy to support the British Council’s annual event, which gives people from both backgrounds a real inside look into another culture and lifestyle.

This year, DDA organized a lecture and tour of the Shanghai Seismology Centre in Pudong. After the earthquake in Wen Zhou, Si Chuan province, people around the world have been following the news and contributing to the help and rebuilding of the area.

So, it was extremely topical for the UK and Chinese students to have the chance to visit the Seismology Bureau and listen to one of the bureau’s seismologists about the role of the Seismology Centre, how earthquakes happen and some details about the Wen Zhou earthquake.

Following the lecture, DDA organized a self defence seminar, inviting six of Shanghai’s top masters to teach the group of 160 students and teachers a variety of self defence techniques from 6 different martial arts systems.

Masters Wu Mao Gui, Ni Zeng Zhao, Liu Ji Fa, Liu Hong Cai, Ren Gang and Wang Ming Bo taught techniques varying from Chinese wrestling lifting and throwing techniques, Taiji leg tripping, Tong Bei combination strikes, Wu style Taiji push hands techniques for deflecting and redirecting incoming strikes, joint locks and pressure points.

The seminar which lasted for over 2 and a half hours ended with a lighthearted competition, with volunteers from each of the eight schools demonstrating some of the techniques learned, with the winner being awarded the prize of a Taiji straight sword.

The winning team were three boys from Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, who demonstrated wrestling techniques taught by Master Ni, wrist joint locks taught by Master Ren Gang, pressure points taught by Master Wang Ming Bo and leg tripping taught by Master Liu Hong Cai.

Their lively and active performance greatly impressed the masters, as did all the students’ performances, and the spirit and enthusiasm displayed by all the participants helped to make the event a resounding success.
Some of the students were so impressed by the masters that they immediately invited them to come to the UK to teach!

DDA would also like to thank the DDA assistants, which included many of Rose Oliver’s Chinese university students and colleagues, who came to the event to act as translators and assistants to the masters and Rose, and helped with the smooth running of the event.

The 17 assistants worked really hard, but also felt it was a wonderful opportunity to practice their English, meet new friends and have a genuine cultural-exchange experience!

At the closing party on the 31st July at the British Council offices, to which DDA representatives Rose Oliver, Ren Gang and Wang Ming Bo were invited; Rose also presented the 9 UK volunteer performers with a book of Chinese paintings by the artist Ren Yao Yi, as a small token for their wonderful performances from the self defence activity.

The farewell party, which was attended by the UK school students and teachers, plus the representatives and teachers from Jincai School, was a very pleasant evening and a chance for everyone to chat informally and exchange their own experiences and feelings about the time spent together at the Summer School Immersion Course.

The following day, Rose Oliver was invited to join the Summer School closing ceremony, where each of the participating UK school performed a short “play”, including some of the things they’d learned whilst here and some of the key parts of the course that they’d enjoyed most.

Many of the students demonstrated some of the techniques they’d learned at the self defence seminar, as well as scenes from Kunqu opera, Taiji sequences and Fan forms which they’d learned every morning.

It was a very enjoyable and moving ceremony and I’m sure that everyone will have made life-long friends with their partners at Jincai School and will be a cherished memory for all the students who took part.

The summer school which ended on 1st August was a great event and one which DDA are proud to have taken part in, we look forward to next year with much excitement and wish all this year’s participants a very happy and safe journey home and hope that they will keep up their practice in Chinese martial arts!

Double Dragon Alliance in association with Clear’s Tai Chi Association are organizing a series of workshops with Master Liu Ji Fa in Maryville, Tennessee, USA from 18th September – 30th September 2008.
The seminars will cover aspects of Wu Style Taiji Push Hands and utilizing energy and intention within push hands practice.
For further information about the seminars and for information about accommodation etc, please see Clear’s Tai Chi website:
www.clearstaichi.com

Workshop 1
Sat & Sun Sept 20th & 21st

Workshop 2
Sat & Sun Sept 27th & 28th

10:00-1:00pm & 2:30-5:30pm
6 hours per Day
$249 per Workshop

Includes both Weekend Workshops and
Mon, Tues, Thu, and Fri Sept 22nd , 23rd , 25th and 26th.
11:00 -1:00pm & 2:30 - 4:30pm, & 4:30 – 5pm Q & A session.
4.5 Hours per day – 42 hours total training time.
$1295 – Limited to 12 participants

Due to the limited availability we recommend you register early!

Push Hands Basics including Rooting skills, Dan Tian work, Breath Work, Softly dissipating an opponents force, Introduction to Freestyle Push Hands, Introduction to Grandmaster Ma Yue Liang “No Style” Push Hands.

Short Review & expansion of 1st weekend workshop, Freestyle Push Hands Concepts, Principles and Applications, “Yi” Intention Training and practice, “Qi” Energetics in Push Hands. How to use and apply the same energy for Fa Kung (Directing Chi) Healing.

Freestyle Push Hands
Qi Energetics
Yi- Mind Intent Training
How to Use Push Hands Energetics for Healing
Magnetic Chi Energy as demonstrated by Master Liu Ji Fa on video.

Minimum of 4.5 hours per day - Limited to 12 total participants.
There will be lots of Personal Attention and In Depth Explanation, with translation by Rose Oliver of Double Dragon Alliance. Students will gain real ability at the workshops! Register Early! Space is extremely limited.

Double Dragon Alliance recently conducted its second “Masters from China Seminar Programme” UK tour.
This year’s workshops featured Master Wu Mao Gui of Shanghai’s Tong Bei system.

Master Wu, who was accompanied by the organizer Rose Oliver, who also acted as translator and facilitator for the seminars, toured several areas around the North and South of England, including Manchester, Birmingham and London.

The seminars in Manchester were also co-organized by David Thorpe and Colin Jefferson, who attended both the DDA 2006 and 2007 martial arts training camps in Shanghai; and helped organize Master Ren Gang’s 2007 visit to the UK.

This year’s seminars in Manchester were again attended by many of David and Colin’s students, as well as several of the UK’s prominent and well-respected Taiji teachers like Chris Thomas of the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain.

At the weekend seminar, Master Wu taught various Tong Bei basic foundation exercises, which are especially good for developing a strong root, hip and leg power, plus help unite and connect the whole body; Master Wu also integrated the exercises into push hands training and sparring training as well as walking through several Tong Bei line drills, so that participants could start to utilize the concepts and principles in movement and ultimately incorporate them into their own practice.

Master Wu’s training aims to build a full and complete “picture”, building up from basics step by step, so that practitioners can understand and fully utilize their body in their own forms and applications.
His methods take students through a methodical and scientific approach, helping them to fully comprehend and develop skills, so that they can start to feel, develop and harness the correct ‘jing’ or power.
Participants also got to “feel” for themselves the very special and devastating power of Tong Bei Quan, which penetrates through the opponent, applying a dynamic and unstoppable energy.
All were deeply impressed by Master Wu’s tremendous power and energy, even though he was only delivering a fraction of his potential force for them to experience.

Master Wu’s especially generous teaching approach, also allowed each student the opportunity to learn the basis of Tong Bei’s power and Master Wu himself acted as “receiver” for their applications, so as to gauge whether or not they were applying the energy correctly and making the movements accurately, and where possible problems lay.
His refined and deep understanding and ability to listen clearly to the “jing” meant that he could give very precise feedback to the students and judge precisely what mistakes they were making, plus give the exact corrections necessary in order for them to be able to produce the power correctly.

By the end of the seminar, everyone had a very clear feeling for what they needed to do to be able to discharge energy and be able to dissipate an opponent’s incoming force.

The Manchester seminar was a very enjoyable experience for everyone involved and the workshop had a wonderfully relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Thank you very much to David and Colin for helping to make the event such a success, for taking such great care of Master Wu and Rose and for extending such wonderful hospitality!

The second workshop was organized by Ms Eva Golding of Birmingham’s Wu Style Taiji Society.
Ms Golding contacted Rose Oliver and very generously invited Master Wu and Rose to their school in Birmingham, to put on a push hands seminar and introduction to Tong Bei Quan.
The workshop was open to their students, as well as other teachers and practitioners in the local area.

The workshop was attended by over 30 participants and was very well organized and both the school’s instructor, Master Jiang, Ms Golding and the students were extremely welcoming, cordial and friendly.
The two hour evening seminar was a great chance for all participating to learn more about Chinese martial art’s rich and varied history and culture and an opportunity to “taste” Tong Bei’s individual flavour and special characteristics.

Master Wu, who’s a very enthusiastic and generous teacher, really enjoyed the informal and friendly atmosphere and loved pushing hands and sparring with the association’s students, who were very respectful and responsive to Master Wu’s training.
The evening, which was tremendous fun, was a great experience for all concerned, and a lesson that those in the martial arts world can all learn, about being open-minded, generous and willing to welcome and accept others.
Special thanks to Ms Golding and Master Jiang and all the Wu Style Taiji Society’s students for their kindness and friendly reception, both Master Wu and Rose had a marvelous time and appreciated their kindness in inviting them and giving everybody the chance to make new friends and learn from each other.

The evening culminated in a group photo, after which Ms Golding and Master Jiang invited Master Wu and Rose with some of their senior students to a delicious dinner at one of the local Chinese restaurants.
Ms Golding’s Wu Style Taiji Society regularly organizes seminars and “free taster sessions” at their Custard Factory Studio premises in Birmingham, and they are open to everyone interested in martial arts, not just Wu Style Taiji. They’re a chance to practice together, share ideas and meet new friends. For more information about their association and their classes and workshops, check their website: www.wutaiji.co.uk

The final workshops on the tour were held in London and were co-organized by Danny Fajardo, a very old friend of Rose and Rey’s; who also helped organize Master Ren Gang’s London seminar last year.
This year, our weekend seminar was held in Dulwich and was attended by an international group of participants, including some of Master Wu’s students from Germany, who particularly travelled to the UK just to see Master Wu.

Master Wu, who has twice taught in Germany over the last couple of years, has a strong student following in Germany and has many international students who’ve followed him for several years, regularly coming to Shanghai to pursue their training.

The London seminar which was attended by around 12 participants over the course of the weekend was also joined by several of our “old” friends from DDA’s Shanghai Camps and Ros and Rey’s previous UK workshops, including Sheila Gent, Donald Kerr and John Gordon, as well as some “new” participants.

The atmosphere was extremely relaxed and informal and being smaller in number, everyone got many chances to train directly with Master Wu and have lots of opportunities to spar, push and work with him.
For many it was the first time to experience this kind of training and some of the more “experienced” participants commented that it was one of the best martial arts seminars that they had ever attended, owing to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the “tea and cake break” and the amount of time they got to spend personally with the master.

Master Wu again worked on Tong Bei basics, push hands and sparring drills, as well as a lot of Tong Bei walking drills, aimed to further develop a strong root and connected body.
We all had many chances to push hands with Master Wu and try out our own applications on both Master Wu and each other, all done in a very friendly and non-threatening way, that allowed everyone, including all the women participants (both young and slightly less-young) to feel safely how the power works and how to harness and deliver it ourselves.
It was a fantastic seminar and really was unique in its friendliness and informal style, and had a real “family” feel.
On the Saturday evening, many of the participants also had an evening meal with Master Wu at Leicester Square’s colourful Chinatown, at a wonderful Chinese restaurant, where the staff were very eager to please and take care of our large and exuberant party.

At the restaurant, we also got to taste some of Master Wu’s personal supply of delicious Oolong tea, which he brought all the way from Shanghai, giving everybody a taste of traditional Chinese culture and was a perfect compliment to the wonderful dinner.
It was a lovely evening and I think added to the fun and friendliness of the Sunday seminar, having cemented relationships and given everyone a tremendous feeling of camaraderie.
The Sunday seminar ended with a group photograph, after which Danny invited Master Wu and Rose for an informal BBQ in their London home garden, which brought the UK tour to a very enjoyable and happy close.

Many thanks to Danny and his family for their wonderful hospitality and kindness, especially to their daughter in giving up her bedroom to Rose for the weekend!
Their wonderful welcome and care made us feel very relaxed and it felt very much like a home away from home; plus both Danny and his wife’s delicious cooking kept us stocked up with plenty of energy for the seminars!

Thank you very much to everyone who helped to make this year’s Double Dragon Alliance seminar tour such a success and such a magical experience.

We met many wonderful people, caught up with old friends and visited some beautiful places around Britain, all in all it was a fantastic time and we’re looking forward to next year’s tour. Master Wu also extends his thanks and good wishes to everyone and we hope to see you all again next year, as well as meeting some new friends for seminars in Scotland, Ireland and the South West.

If you’d like more information about Master Wu Mao Gui, Double Dragon Alliance, the association’s classes and activities, or this year’s martial arts training camp in Shanghai in November, please check out our website, or contact Rose Oliver at: roseinchina2006@yahoo.co.uk

The Shanghai Expat Association again invited us to provide traditional Chinese musicians as entertainment for their annual Huang Pu River boat cruise.

This year’s event was attended by over 230 guests from around the world, all living and working in Shanghai.

The cruise, which is organized by the SEA, takes place around the middle of May every year and is a great chance for members to meet, catch up with old friends and enjoy the beautiful views of the Huang Pu River and the joint waterfronts of the Bund and Pudong’s skyline. The 4 hour long boat cruise, offers the participants a delicious buffet, disco and free-flowing wine, plus a mixture of entertainment ranging from the traditional Chinese music quartet which DDA organized, to magicians and dancing.

The musician’s, who this year were again headed by flautist Mr Lu Xing Yi, of the Shanghai Jiang Nan Traditional String and Bamboo Instrument Association, played several pieces of traditional Chinese music as well as some requests by the expat crowd, for some of their own countries’ traditional songs, were extremely well-received.
The band played for over 2 hours until the ship docked for the first time, and received very generous applause from the highly appreciative audience and have already been invited to play again at next year’s river cruise.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, mixing the best of traditional Chinese culture and Western hospitality and event management.

Rose Oliver was recently invited to appear on Dong Fang television’s Olympic Sport special.

The series of programmes will cover a wide variety of sports and disciplines, featured in this year’s Olympics, including traditional sports such as table-tennis and boxing as well as demonstration sports such as Taiji Quan.

Rose, who was invited to take part due to her background and interest in Chinese martial arts especially Taiji, visited the Shanghai Specialist Sports Education Institute on Old Humin Road. There, she got the chance to meet some of the young pupils attending the Institute practicing their acrobatic drills and martial arts moves, as well as join in the “fun” training with Sifu Guo Liang of the Long Wu Gongfu Academy and Mr Ci Ming of Dong Fang TV Station’s broadcasting team.

The pupils of the Institute, although young, were all very dedicated and serious practitioners and it was an honour to meet them and see their earnest practice of an art we all love.

The day was great fun and an interesting look into the more acrobatic and dynamic styles of Shaolin martial arts and traditional weapons forms; and Sifu Guo’s patience and expertise in taking us through some of the forms and drills was also impressive.

We were recently invited by the producers of the German TV show “Around the World in 70 Days” with Markus Koch, to be a part of their “Shanghai section” of the programme.

The TV crew, with Kim Taylor of Kaimu Productions came to Shanghai’s Cao Yang Park to film members of the Double Dragon Alliance practicing Taiji, along with other early morning risers and practitioners who regularly frequent this small but lively park.

The programme’s host has been on a sojourn around the world visiting various countries and finding out about the many varied cultures and customs of our diverse societies.
The trip to China started in Beijing, where they spent a couple of days, followed by the visit to Shanghai, where they visited Cao Yang Park and the Bund, before setting off to Vietnam on the next step of their journey.

Markus, who hadn’t practiced Taiji before, got to experience the fun and enjoyment of playing Taiji in the park with the local practitioners and taste a flavour of one of China’s most famous traditional pastimes.

We played the form, up to “Grasp the Bird’s Tail”, went through some of the applications together, before playing a bit of Push Hands.

Although the section of the programme was quite short, we all had a great time and it was a fantastic honour to meet friends from around the world and be able to represent Shanghai on their programme.

You to the third annual “Chinese Culture and Martial Arts Training Camp” in Shanghai, for a unique opportunity to study with some of the highest level masters in China and experience traditional Chinese culture, friendship and hospitality firsthand.

The 9 day seminar will be held in and around Shanghai, one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world, surrounded by many beautiful, traditional old towns, villages and countryside steeped in history.

The event will give participants a chance to sample the flavour of traditional Chinese food and culture, including Beijing Opera and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and meet and train with some of Shanghai’s finest martial artists and health practitioners.
Classes will include Yang Style, Chen Style, Wu Style, Hao Style and Sun Style Taiji Quan, Qigong, Xing-Yi Quan, Ba Gua Zhang, Tong Bei Quan, Push Hands and San Shou, among others.
The emphasis will be on internal training, how to make your form work and on enhancing one’s health and longevity, rather than on leaming new forms.

Participants will also be able to experience and/or learn traditional Chinese health giving treatments, such as Tuina (acupressure massage) from a qualified and highly skilled Doctor. (Depending on participant numbers).
There will also be visits to some cultural centres and galleries of traditional Chinese artwork, where they can enjoy Chinese tea ceremonies and see traditional handicrafts for themselves.
Classes need a minimum of 5 students each and more instructors and classes will be included according to demand.
Early booking is recommended as there is a maximum of 45 participants.
The event begins in Shanghai on November 15th 2008 and ends on November 23rd 2008.

Day 1.15 November In the morning, we will go to visit Master Dong Bin and Master Ren Gang for Taiji practice, plus visit People’s Park to train and have a chance to push hands. Afterwards we will adjourn for a banquet lunch, followed by a sightseeing trip to some of Shanghai’s most scenic spots, like Long Hua Temple and gardens, Yu Fo Buddhist Temple, which houses some of the largest and rarest pieces of Jade and Buddha statues, Cheng Huang Miao, with its myriad little shopping streets, where guests can buy traditional gifts, and in the evening stroll along the Bund waterfront overlooking the Yellow River and Pudong New Area’s Oriental Pearl Tower and visit the colourful Xin Tian Di .

Shanghai's Cheng Huang Miao at night.
Shanghai's famous landmark - The Oriental Pearl Tower and the waterfront in Pudong.

Day 2.16 November In the morning we will have an interactive Chinese Medicine Tuina demonstration by Dr Li Yong, where participants will have an opportunity to “taste” and try out the Tuina health massage techniques for themselves. In the afternoon, training will begin in the classes of students’ choice. In the evening we will have a Qigong class with a guest instructor.

Day 3.17 November Early morning we will have qigong and basic training exercises in the park. After breakfast, full day training begins, where students train in the classes of their choice. In the evening, there will be lessons by the masters and/or guest instructors. Tuina treatments will also be available; early booking is recommended. (Depending on participant numbers).

Day 4.18 November Early morning training and breakfast, followed by an all day sightseeing trip to Hang Zhou, famous for its magnificent West Lake and ancient temples and pagodas. The lake, which is surrounded by mountains and forests, is one of China’s most beautiful and scenic areas, described in ancient Chinese legends as “Heaven on Earth”.

Day 5-6.19 & 20 November Early morning training in the park, followed by full day training in the classes of your choice. On the first evening there will be lectures and classes by guest instructors in Push Hands, Sparring and applications, Qigong and Tuina massage treatments; the second evening there will be a visit to Shanghai’s famous Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s “Oxford Street”, plus guests can experience a luxurious foot massage treatment at one of Shanghai’s traditional health centres.

Day 7.21 November Early morning training and breakfast, followed by a sightseeing trip to Mo Gan Shan, a picturesque village set in the hills. We will visit a Buddhist temple and shrine on top of the “mountain”, situated amongst an unspoiled, natural forest and park. In the evening we will return to Shanghai for a splendid, traditional vegetarian feast at the renowned Yu Fo Jade Buddhist temple.

Day 8.22 November In the morning there will be an exhibition and workshop, by some of Shanghai’s leading martial artists and practitioners; plus a performance of Peking Opera. Followed by a banquet lunch, where everyone will have a chance to meet the masters informally. Afternoon classes continue in the classes of students’ choice. In the evening there will be classes and lectures in push hands, sparring, qigong and Tuina massage.

Day 9. 23 November Early morning training in the park, followed by the last class in the art of the students’ choice. Plus, a general question and answer session with some of the camp masters; a final chance for everyone to polish up their skills, ask questions about a variety of issues and cover any remaining problems in the participants’ individual training. Followed by a closing ceremony and group photographs, where everyone will be presented with their certificate and camp souvenir.

Should participants wish to lengthen their stay, or continue to study with any of the masters, then we can help arrange accommodation and tuition.

Early morning session 7am - 8am
Breakfast 8am - 10am
Morning Class 10am - 12pm
Lunch & Rest 12pm - 3pm
Afternoon class 3pm - 5pm
Dinner & Rest 5pm - 8pm
Lectures/Push Hands/Sparring Techniques and Tuina 8pm - 10pm

The fees are: ￡850, €1300 or US$1700.
For participants returning from last year’s camp there is a discount fee of: ￡800, €1200 or US$1500.
This includes all training, accommodation, meals, transportation and trips for the 9 day event. (Including collection from Pudong International airport, for guests arriving on 14th November)
Participants should purchase their own visas and airplane tickets to and from Shanghai.
A non-refundable deposit of ￡250, €300 or US$400 is payable by 2008 August 31st.
Final payment for the camp is due by 2008 October 31st.
Cheques or money orders should be made payable to ROSALIND OLIVER, and should be sent to:-

ROSALIND OLIVER, c/o Yong He Tang Art and Culture Centre, Room 805-807, Huai Hai East Building, 128 Pu An Rd, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 200021.

Participants bringing 5 or more students/friends will receive a discount of 25% off their own fee. Participants bringing 10 or more students/friends will receive their own place at camp free.
Cancellations before 2008 October 1st will receive a refund of all funds, minus their deposit.
If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the event is cancelled, participants will receive a full refund of all monies paid.

Cost for spouses/friends who are not training: ￡450, €750 or US$900.

Please apply for a visa at your local Chinese embassy. You can use this program to facilitate your visa application, and to give exact dates.
Overestimate your stay in China by an additional 2-4 weeks.
Make sure you have at least six months left on your passport and bring at least two passport photos.
Weather in Shanghai at this time is still fairly warm and mild, but there can be rain, so it’s best to bring a few warm clothes and/or an extra pair of shoes.
Accommodation is based on two people sharing a double room. Participants should indicate on their registration form who they wish to share with, or we can allocate guests to share accommodation. There is a single room supplement for those wanting a room by themselves.
Additional masters will be invited to teach according to the number of participants. Each class/master must have a minimum of 5 participants.
There will also be guest instructors, teaching Push Hands, Internal "secrets", sparring techniques, qigong and Tuina, among others.

Register now to be a part of this unique experience and to taste the flavour of genuine traditional Chinese Culture in one of the most exciting places in the world!

For further information and to receive application forms, please contact ROSE OLIVER at:-
roseinchina06@yahoo.co.uk / roseinchina2006@yahoo.co.uk
Telephone: 0086 21- 62577091 evenings Beijing time, 0086 21 - 13564190544.

ADDRESS: ROSE OLIVER, C/O YONG HE TANG ART CULTURE AND ADVISORY CENTRE, 128 PU AN ROAD,HUAI HAI EAST TOWER, Room 805-807, SHANGHAI, CHINA, 200021.

Disclaimer: Please note events, programme and teachers maybe subject to change.

DDA’s recently held martial arts demonstration and informal training session featured Masters Liu Ji Fa, Wu Mao Gui, Liu Hong Cai, Lu Zhi Liang, Wang Ming Bo and Luo Ying Liang, both performing and teaching at the Shanghai Earthquake Centre.

The Saturday morning session, introduced a mixed audience of Chinese and Western guests to a variety of martial arts forms, namely: Wu Style Taiji, Tong Bei Quan, Chen Style Taiji, Yang Style Taiji and Tong Bei Broadsword forms; as well as allowing them to feel for themselves the different masters particular specialities.

The workshop also covered several basic training exercises from each style, which allowed the guests to get a real flavour of that specific art, and although some of the participants were new practitioners, they could still experience the genuine artistry involved in the individual styles and appreciate the skill shown by all the masters.

The event, was also filmed by Kaimu Productions on behalf of the International Channel of Shanghai (ICS) Television Company, who are interviewing Rose Oliver for their “Shanghai Quest” programme, which is due to be shown at the end of March.

Following the workshop, we all shared a banquet lunch together as a further chance to chat, exchange information and simply enjoy each others company.

We hope to organize such similar events on a more regular basis, for both new and experienced practitioners alike, as it gives everyone a chance to see and feel for themselves, the benefits of traditional Chinese martial arts and the pure magic of the masters themselves.

Double Dragon Alliance will be organizing a series of workshops around the UK featuring Master Wu Mao Gui of Shanghai, from 26th April to 4th May 2008.

Master Wu is a master of Tong Bei Quan and one of the foremost martial artists in Shanghai.
Tong Bei, which translated means the power emanates from and through the back (and is not related to Monkey Fist) is an extremely effective system, both in terms of promoting good health and in connecting and opening the entire body; as well as being a very efficient form of self defence.
Tong Bei’s history is also related to Chen Style Taiji and Tong Bei has a very strong internal flavour, especially in the utilization of the Dan Tian and whole body power, and in its cultivation and use of the spirit and energy.

Master Wu’s seminars will focus on Tong Bei’s basic foundation training exercises, which are suitable for practitioners of all types of martial arts, and are designed to connect the body to become a unified, integrated yet relaxed and vigorous whole unit; in addition to opening and relaxing the joints, to allow the power and energy to flow freely throughout the entire body.

Seminars will be held around the UK, mainly focusing in the North (around Manchester), London and the South (around Devon).

Venue: The Reading Rooms, Upper Hibbett Lane, Hawk Green, Marple, Greater Manchester.

Venue: St Faith's Church Hall, Red Post Hill (near the junction of Sunray Avenue), North Dulwich, London.

Venue: "Hele's School", Seymour Road, Plympton, Plymouth. Tel: 01752 - 337193.

You can see footage of Master Wu on our website: www.doubledragonalliance.com and on You tube, “roseinchina”.

Evening seminars are from 7pm-10pm, fee: ￡40 per person.
Weekend seminars are from 10am-5pm, fee: ￡75 for one day only or ￡100 for the weekend.

Master Wu has students from all around the world and regularly teaches in Germany. He is a patient, diligent and extremely generous teacher, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to study with not only one of the top masters in Shanghai, but also one of China’s best martial arts teachers.

For more information, to book your place, or to host a seminar in your area, please contact Rose Oliver at the above email address, or postal address.

Arrive in the USA and airport pick up by US colleagues.
Students will then be taken to meet their “Host Family” and spend the rest of the day settling in and getting to know each other; a chance to experience normal American family life.

In the evening there will be a group meeting, with a review of the weekly schedule and the students will prepare their individual journals which they’ll keep during the entire visit. This will be followed by a welcome banquet.

A chance for the families, students, organizers and all individuals involved in the program to meet, relax, and become acquainted.

8am - 8:30am: Pick-up from host families and transportation.

9am -12noon: A visit to Portsmouth High School. There will be a tour of the school, where students will be able to attend classes in English, Literature and History and meet the high school students.

1:30pm - 4:30pm: A visit to the University of New Hampshire. The students will be taken on a tour of the campus, with introductions to the facilities and a chance to meet and communicate with the University students and find out about their University life.

9am – 12noon: A visit and tour of Great Bay High School. A chance to see classes and meet with students and teachers.

1pm - 2:30pm: Our first visit to the Exeter Centre for Creative Arts.(See above photo) Students will participate in a joint cultural art program with their American student counterparts.

3pm – 5pm: A visit to Phillips Exeter Academy. (See below inset photo)
Students will be taken on a tour of the academy, plus meet and discuss life at the school and US education in general, with the Academy’s students and teachers.

5:30pm: Evening with their “Host Families”, a taste of family life in the USA.

An all day trip including tours, observing classes and meeting with students at Harvard University and Massachusetts’ Institute of technology. (See inset photo below)

Plus a visit to John F.Kennedy Museum, and Newburyport, an historical city in Massachusetts.

9am - 10:30am: Our second visit to Portsmouth High School, with attendance and participation in English, Literature and History classes.

11am – 1pm: Our second visit to the Exeter Centre for Creative Arts.Continuation of the cultural art programme for the American and Chinese students.

2pm – 5pm: A visit to Hackmatack Theatre. Students will take part in a contemporary theatre acting class with American teens, New York City directors and actors. A good opportunity to practice their listening and speaking skills and participate in an acting class.

7:30pm – 9pm: Students will watch a live performance at Hackmatack Theatre.

9am – 12noon: Our third visit to Portsmouth High School to participate in English, Literature and History classes.

1:30pm – 4pm: Our second visit to the University of New Hampshire for classes and dialogue with the University students.

Evening with their “Host families”, a chance to experience everyday American family life.

10am - 2:30pm: Tours of Historical sites including the Freedom trail,Harbour, China town, followed by lunch.

7:30pm – 9pm: Dinner at the beach followed by a visit to an American amusement area.

9am – 12noon: Our final visit to the Exeter Centre for Creative Arts for the Cultural Arts Programme. Today students will finish making a quilt, one of the oldest traditional art forms in America.

1pm - 2:30pm: A visit to the city of Portsmouth New Hampshire, including a visit to the famous historical site of Strawberry Bank.
(See inset photo)

3pm – 5pm: A visit to Orion Science Centre, a marine
biology centre, where the students can learn more about the
local marine life and environment.

7pm - 8:30pm: A visit to Phillips Exeter Academy, to view
marine biology classes and art work based on the marine environment.
Day 9

9am – 12noon: Our final visit to Portsmouth High School for participation in their English, Literature and History classes, and a chance to say goodbye to the American students and teachers.

1:30pm - 4:30pm: Last visit to the University of New Hampshire to view classes and meet with the University students.

7:30pm – 9pm: Seacoast Arts.
A chance to see art work from local artists and for the Chinese students’ work to be exhibited.

4:30pm – 8pm: Farewell gathering with everybody involved in the visit.
Plus, exhibit of the finished quilt from the cultural art programme.

1 day is scheduled for travel time, to allow for a full 10 days for the exchange programme.
The timetable and events maybe subject to alteration.

School Exchange Programme:
To Promote Language, Culture, Awareness and Confidence

Double Dragon Alliance Cultural Centre, in partnership with Yong He Tang Art, Culture and Advisory Centre has put together a programme for a group school exchange with colleagues in the USA and Holland.

The programme is designed for a group of up to 20 students ranging from ages 14 – 19, although larger group numbers or other ages can also be catered for.

The trip would be around 9 – 10 days in duration and preferably planned in the summer break, although other dates and countries can be considered, (eg. Spring term break or to Europe, etc.)

The trip would centre around the concepts of English language learning in a natural setting, with emphasis on gaining cultural awareness; learning about the local environment; promoting self confidence and team spirit; health and fitness; having consciousness of other cultures and their historical background and sightseeing around some of the areas’ most noted monuments and landmarks.

The aim is to introduce students to a genuine slice of the local culture, with the opportunity to have meaningful communication with native people, by being placed in reliable home-stay surroundings, plus with visits to schools and learning facilities, where students can communicate with local teachers, educators and students.

The tour will visit the city of New York as well as the city of Boston, both rich in culture and history, in addition to spending time in the beautiful areas of New England and New Hampshire, which are at their best in the summer season, with mild weather and fabulous natural scenery.

The programme will include home-stay accommodation for all participating students, to give them an opportunity to experience firsthand the living style and different culture of American families, as well as excellent opportunities to further improve and refine their English speaking and listening comprehension skills. An invaluable asset in improving their English level, both in the academic world in terms of exam scores and classroom ability, but also for their future lives and careers.
CLASSES INCLUDE:

School Tours and School Exchange (combining Art and Culture): there will be guided tours around some of the areas top universities and schools, with a view to introducing the students to academic life in the US and have a chance to experience and understand different education systems; especially beneficial for students hoping to continue their education abroad.

There will also be classroom activities focusing on language, art and culture, to allow the students an invaluable chance to really meet and interact with the local American children, practice their English speaking skills and learn more about the native culture.
Some of these activities will combine Art and Culture classes, as a medium to promote easy interaction, enjoyment and understanding.
Plus, activities in acting, film-making and direction and art/painting classes, all with top level tutors and professionals and the chance to make a short documentary of the trip and their own experiences, which they can bring home to show parents and their school.
Activities will be overseen by the local tutors, mentors and/or parents, to facilitate the learning experience.
Students will also include their own feelings and experiences in their “Study Journals”.

American Culture and History: There will be visits to some of the famous landmarks and areas, like Exeter, Portsmouth, Boston and New Hampshire, all with their close historical links to Britain and the Pilgrims. Introductions will be given by local educators and guides, who will be able to give informative background details of the various locations and landmarks; plus visits to cultural centres like Art Galleries and Museums, to show students the history of the area and its culture.
Students will also keep a record of their journeys and experiences in their journals, so that on their return to their own school they can share what they’ve learned not only with their parents, but also with other students in their school; thus opening the experience up to other children who may not have been able to participate in this exchange.

The Environment: There will be chances to learn more about the local marine biology and environment, the effects of pollution on the ecosystem and the different marine life to be found in the local area, through some group activities with local students concentrating on environmental issues and the beach environment, again allowing the visiting children and the American children chances to interact and complete some interactive school projects beneficial to both groups.
The idea is to help set up some more firm links between the two schools and their students, in order to help facilitate future exchange programmes between the schools involved.

Health and Fitness: with some activities situated in one of the New England school’s region, set in a natural environment; the students will spend some time in the beautiful scenic location, where they can enjoy some simple outdoor activities, hiking into the woodlands and exploring the natural surroundings; and at the same time take part in some team building pursuits and games, designed to boost confidence and foster a team spirit.

(The itinerary is open to modification depending on numbers/ages/abilities etc, and the range of activities can be tailored to suit different requirements. The aim is to make the programme accessible for all).

The programme is designed to involve many local institutions and educational facilities, with a view to giving the visiting students a chance to exchange information, find out about another culture and understand the local environment and customs.

The activities will be conducted in an English language environment, with Chinese used only as a backup for aiding in any comprehension difficulties.
All activities will be overseen by Team Leaders: myself (Rose Oliver) and my colleague Ms Julie Netti, a highly experienced middle school teacher from the US who also works in a private school in Holland, local teachers and educators, plus language assistants from the host schools/Chinese school and Shanghai University/Shanghai University for Science and Technology.

Students will keep a written journal in English of their day to day activities, experiences, thoughts and feelings, which will be checked daily by the Team Leaders and there will also be group discussions (in English) of what the students have accomplished during their activities; what progress they’ve made/wish to make; what problems or difficulties they’ve encountered and how they have solved them or ask/receive advice on how to solve them; what they understand about the area and culture; plus any questions they may have.

The goal is to involve all students, so there is 100% participation and everyone gets an opportunity to increase their confidence and improve their English level, enjoy the new environment and broaden their horizons; thus giving them an edge over their peers in their home setting, vital in this age of competition and rapid social development.

The programme will allow students access to the local community and let them see how other people live their daily lives, find out about their local history and culture and get a taste of a different mode of education; thereby increasing students English vocabulary, idiomatic expressions and interactive communication techniques and gain a more global perspective on life, in addition to promoting a strong sense of self, as well as one of leadership amongst their peers.

This is a rare chance for students to benefit from genuine “Community Education”, improve their English Language skills, learn about history and the environment, exchange culture, cultivate friendship, build individual ability and develop a sense of community, cooperation and team spirit.

COST BREAKDOWN:
Cost per student ranges from between 15,000 - 30,000Rmb per student (fee subject to change/negotiation according to $/Rmb fluctuation, income level, activities, size of group etc,) and includes home-stay expenses, accommodation, meals, trips, transportation, activities, Team Leaders’ and language assistants’ expenses.

Flights, insurance and visa fees are not included.
The host US schools can also help provide documentation to help facilitate the visa process.

Double Dragon Alliance is also putting together a programme in China, to arrange exchange visits for British, Dutch and American schools, for their students to come to China and in particular Shanghai, for a cultural learning experience.

Our association can offer a variety of activities for the visiting students: including classes in Chinese language; introductions to Chinese culture, including art, calligraphy, Chinese martial arts, Peking Opera, traditional Chinese folk music and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) among others.

Plus, we will arrange sightseeing around local heritage sights, with introductions to the history of the area and its famous landmarks.

Our school exchange programme seeks to unite the two cultures, allowing the students from the countries involved, ample opportunities to interact and exchange information and get to know each other better; through both classroom activities supervised by the local tutors and informal fun activities, like local environmental “clean up” projects in the area and community events and excursions to some of the areas most attractive tourist spots.

We can arrange dormitory or hotel accommodation, according to request and all accommodation provided will meet strict standards of safety and hygiene.

Several of the Chinese schools involved, have already been involved in international exchange programmes and many of their facilities are state of the art “western” designs from the Netherlands and the US.

The wide variety of activities available in Shanghai and China, especially for cultural learning and awareness, and the generosity and hospitality of the local people, will not fail to delight and engage the visiting students; and I can guarantee that once they have experienced China, they will be eager to come again and taste more of the marvels China, and in particular Shanghai and its close neighbouring areas, have to offer.
China is becoming a real hub for both economic and cultural exchange and with its long and fascinating history; it really has an amazing story to offer visitors and learners alike.

The aim of our association is to be able to offer students and tourists a deeper look into the “real” China, and with introductions to some of the top schools and masters of their chosen fields and expert instruction and translation in English, people can gain a genuine understanding of Chinese culture.

Double Dragon Alliance, in conjunction with the British Council in Shanghai, regularly host visits from visitors and students from UK schools and private parties and organizes a wide variety of activities that provide education, art, cultural awareness, fun and friendship for all concerned.
It is our pleasure to provide a forum that gives everyone an opportunity for real cultural exchange and communication that is worthwhile and provides long term benefits for all.

Please contact Rose Oliver to arrange a cultural visit or to discuss in detail the requirements for your particular programme.

We hope that we will soon be able to welcome you and your party to China, so that you too can enjoy this country’s wonderful history, hospitality, delicious food, art and culture.

Rey’s daughter Ariane, who started learning Taiji from her Dad when she was very young, carries on the family tradition training in Shaolin and Taiji Quan.

Now 18, she and her friends took a recent tour around Zhongshan Park accompanied by Rose, Wang Ming Bo, who was an old friend of Rey’s, and Master Tang Jun Fang, who was Rey’s Lan Shou teacher, along with Master Qin Zhong Bao.

We all had a wonderful time and got to ‘play’ with Master Pan, who’s in his 80’s and an avid Shaolin practitioner, as well as several other friends, practicing front kicks and spinning kicks, which Ariane excelled at.

Master Tang very kindly introduced us to several teachers and made Ariane very welcome, it was a really special day for myself and Master Tang to be able to show Rey’s daughter where her Dad practiced and meet several of his old friends.

The event was organized by Master Zhu Yu Cheng, grandson of Master Zhu Gui Ting.
The annual meeting is attended by the Yang Style generation holders who are descendants of Yang Cheng Fu’s 5 famous top students in Shanghai.

Yang Cheng Fu’s 5 disciples were the main lineage holders and teachers of Yang Style Taiji in Shanghai and most students learning Yang Style Taiji here today will be studying from one of the descendants or through their lineage.

Fu Zhong Wen’s grandson – Fu Qing Quan
Zhu Gui Ting’s grandson – Zhu Yu Cheng
Tian Cao Ling’s grandson - Tian Bing Yuan
Cheng Wei Ming’s grandson - Cheng Wen Chen
Wu Hui Chuan’s 3rd generation representative – Shou Guan Shun,
Plus many other great masters, teachers, representatives from the Wushu Federation in Shanghai and representatives from the martial arts community in Shanghai.

The group meets yearly to maintain relationships, discuss events and catch up with what’s happening in the Wushu world, in particular Yang Style Taiji.

Master Zhu Yu Cheng, who recently performed Hsing-Yi Quan at the Double Dragon Alliance Masters’ Exhibition in November 2007 and at Master George Xu’s December 2007 event, invited Rose Oliver and Master Wang Ming Bo to join them at this year’s event.

It was a tremendous honour to be invited and a rare chance to meet some of the famous names in Taiji.
The atmosphere was both friendly and informal and was a great opportunity to be a part of a wonderful tradition.

Sitting with the masters was a very special experience and listening to the stories about the past and their discussions of Taiji “secrets” and training methods was an opportunity not often attained in normal lessons.

We recently held our 2007 Christmas party at the Ming Ya Culture Centre and Tea House, situated inside the Shanghai Grand Theatre.

The party which took place on the 27th December was attended by a mixed group of western and Chinese guests, to celebrate a traditional “English” Christmas, with home-made mince pies, sherry and Xmas carols.

The guests mainly wore traditional Chinese costume as part of the festive fun, with the “best dressed” being awarded a prize from Ming Ya’s selection of beautiful carvings and traditional Chinese crafts.

Ms Lynn Patti, who attended with her family, was presented with a sandalwood bead bracelet, for wearing her costume - a beautiful Qing Dynasty-style silk jacket; along with Ms Virginia Withers, who also received a gift for kindly baking delicious mince pies for the evening. (Which were very happily devoured by all the guests attending!)

The evening drew to a close with a wonderfully, fun and enthusiastic round of carols and traditional Chinese folk songs, including Peking Opera, especially sung in dedication to Ms Patti’s son and daughter-in-law, who are recently married.