Brian Allan
Brian was born in 1957 and took up Tai Chi at the age of 38 in 1995. After 3 years of almost daily practice he was given permission by Sifu Ian Cameron to teach the Square Form at an evening class run by the local Authority. Brian continues to practice most days and is now permitted to teach Round Form, Push Hands, Applications, Sabre, Spear and Sword . His main focus at present are the Applications for the weapons and Partner Work.
Brian doing Sabre
Personal Statement
I first took up Tai Chi Chuan when I was working as a Health & Safety Co-ordinator with Scottish Hydro Electric. I am so grateful that I answered the advert that advised of Jim Walkers' class. Each dark and dreary evening when class was on, I swithered, (will I, won't I) about going along to the class. I'm not sure why, but I invariably made it along each night to make a fool of myself, trying to do all those movements. This procrastination went on for some three months or so before I decided I was going to do it properly and started to practice each day before going to work. After a year or so I was introduced to Ian Cameron when Jim Walker took a few of the group to Ian's class at Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh. By this time I recognised that Tai Chi was excellent for combatting Stress and Musculo-skeletal injury and that the Art as taught to me by the Five Winds School of Tai Chi Chuan has so much going for it that I felt I had a duty to share it with others. I was able to do something about this when I was given permission to teach square form in 1998. In 1999 I decided to make even more time for practice and jumped at the chance to take early voluntary severance from Hydro Electric. This allowed me to practice more and to extend my availability for teaching. In January 2002 I became a formal student of Ian Cameron and I endeavour to visit Ian's class every few months or so. The students and teachers at Meadowbank are always very helpful and willing to share. This is a testament of Ian Cameron's style of teaching and we endeavour to follow his example at Banks o' Dee. I am thankful to the Banks of Dee Sports Centre for their support over the years and for providing excellent space for my weapons practice.
Ian Carolan
Ian was born in 1967 and started practising Tai Chi in 1990. In 1997 he was given permission by Sifu Ian Cameron to teach Square Form, Round Form, Sabre, Push Hands and Applications. His main focus is, and always has been, to enjoy Tai Chi. Ian currently teaches Tai Chi classes at RGU:Sport.
Personal Statement
I started practising Tai Chi because I wanted to improve my health. I will always be grateful to my friend Theresa who recommended a Five Winds Tai Chi class in Aberdeen. I knew after the first night at class that Tai Chi was something that would hold my attention and interest from then on. After meeting Sifu Ian Cameron in 1990, I became interested in the martial aspects of Tai Chi. It is not fighting for fighting's sake that interests me, but rather, the benefits and improvements that knowledge of the martial aspects of Tai Chi bring to the development of all my Tai Chi forms. I am continually amazed at the improvement in health and well being that practising Tai Chi has given me. The most important thing I have learned about Tai Chi is to be open to all the different aspects of Tai Chi including the benefits they bring.
Jim Walker
Jim was born in 1943 and was introduced to Tai Chi in 1980 by Bob Carlyle. Jim continues to pracitice most days and teaches Square Form, Round Form, Sabre, Spear, Push Hands and Applications. His main focus at present is developing a class at the University of Aberdeen
Personal Statement
Tai Chi is an excellent form of body management and it is non competitive. The latter is important to me. The martial aspect of the Art proved itself many times when I was in the Police. Pushing Hands makes close contact much more comfortable and a quiet demeanor develops. In fact hostility often fades away. I like the modesty and good manners assoiated with Tai Chi. I use Tai Chi to keep me alert physically and mentally, because the intracacy of the moves help the body and memory to function well. Suppleness and stamina aids my golf, gardening, walking, social life and sense of assurance. I wish I had started Tai Chi a lot earlier.
Other Classes
Are you a University Student or Lecturer in Aberdeen? The Aberdeen University Sports Assosciation run a Tai Chi Chuan class for a mere £6 per annum! Contact the Butchart Centre for details
Don Wells
Don is old enough to remember being bombed by the Luftwaffe but will only admit to being 32 and claims he’ll be 31 next year. That’s because he started practising tai chi chuan in 1987 and has been getting younger ever since.
He had no previous experience of Asian martial arts but practised boxing in the Army and fought at Divisional Championship level. He is also a somewhat qualified masseur.
He and his late wife Margaret and Jim Walker were founder members of Aberdeen Tai Chi Group which later became Aberdeen Tai Chi Chuan ‘88. Like all the teachers connected with Five Winds (Aberdeen) he recognises Ian Cameron as his Sifu and his inspiration.
Personal Statement
Ever since I experienced the difference between trying to do tai chi movements and allowing them to happen, the quality of movement has been the most important aspect for me, whether it’s in hand or weapon forms, pushing hands, fighting applications - or standing still.
Alison Sage
Alison was born in 1971 and took up Tai Chi in 2004 at the age of 33. In 2007 she was given permission by Ian Cameron to teach Square Form and Round Form. She teaches classes at Westhill Scout Hut, Bannatyne’s, Linksfield and Cove. Her main focus at present is to develop these classes and improve her own Tai Chi.
Personal Statement
I’d been interested in trying Tai Chi for some time before I saw Brian’s class in Cove advertised. I wasn’t sure what to expect but found I enjoyed the combination of movement, discipline and mindfulness. Like everyone trying it for the first time, I thought I’d never be able to remember the moves, but with practice it falls into place. Tai Chi has improved my balance, flexibility and muscle tone and I’ve seen similar improvements in others. I’m also much more aware now of how tense I am, and being aware of it means I can do something about it! Tai Chi has something for everyone and it’s like an onion; the more you practice the more you discover.