Celebrating Chinese New Year with
Master Simon Watson
The Year of the Fire Horse
South Dorset Tai Chi recently celebrated Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse with a special event featuring Master Simon Watson from the Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain. Master Simon, who began his tai chi journey in 1974, is one of only three disciples of Professor Li Deyin, nephew of the renowned Li Tianji, known as 'Long Fei' and regarded as one of China’s “Ten Best Wushu Masters”.
The celebration included a day dedicated to the 16 step Yang style form, where participants of all skill levels enjoyed guided practice and instruction under Master Simon’s expert guidance. This created a supportive environment for both beginners and advanced students to further develop their Tai Chi skills.
On the Sunday, the relaxed day also raised £330 in donations for Weldmar, demonstrating the group’s commitment to supporting local causes alongside their dedication to Tai Chi practice.
The range of activities on Sunday included Shibashi Qigong Set 1 and massaging of the meridians, as well as demonstrations of the Walking Stick form and the Fan form.
South Dorset Tai Chi Welcomes Master Tary Yip
In late September 2025, South Dorset Tai Chi was honoured to host a transformative training session led by Master Tary Yip of the Deyin institute. His depth of knowledge, precision, and warmth brought fresh energy to our practice, inspiring both seasoned practitioners and newcomers alike.
From subtle refinements in form to profound insights into internal energy, Master Yip’s teaching reminded us why Tai Chi is not just a martial art, but a lifelong journey of balance, awareness, and connection.
We’re deeply privileged to have shared this time with him — a weekend that will resonate in our movements and minds for months to come.
The group who trained on Saturday
The photo above shows the attendees for Tary's 24 Step Yang Tai Chi form.
People came from as far afield as Winchester and Taunton, as well as locally.
Tary's teaching methods allow both beginners and more experienced students to benefit.
The group who trained on Sunday
This photo of the group during Sunday's Qigong training session shows Bob front right.
Bob is qualified with the Deyin Institute and is currently teaching qigong on a Tuesday at our class,
Bob's reflections on a Weekend with Master Tary Yip
I really enjoyed Master Tary Yip’s Tai Chi teaching this weekend. His emphasis on mindfulness and the subtle interplay of concentration and balance brought fresh clarity to my practice. One insight that particularly resonated was the importance of maintaining a steady gaze — not letting it flit up and down, but anchoring it with intention. It’s a deceptively simple adjustment, yet it deepens the sense of presence and flow.
Grateful to have had the chance to learn from someone who teaches with such precision, warmth, and depth.
