Li Tianji (1914 - 1996)
Li Tianji started training in Chinese martial arts as a young child and graduated with honours in his training. He became a martial arts lecturer at Harbin University and the coach of the first national martial arts team of the People's Republic of China. He is regarded as one of the "Ten Best Wushu Masters of China", and is acknowledged as a "People's Republic of China Sports Pioneer" to the point that tai chi competition-forms in China had to be previously approved by him.

In 1956 Li Tianji was one of the main creators of the first standardised simplified 24 tai chi forms and created the 32 tai chi sword forms. He also polished the 24, 88, 48 forms and the international 42 competition forms.

He earned the title "Father of Contemporary Tai Chi" and the nickname "Lung Fei", meaning "Flying Dragon", because of his outstanding aptitude.

Professor Li Deyin
Professor Li Deyin began Tai Chi and Wushu training with his grandfather Li Yulin and Uncle Li Tianji (Lung Fei) when he was only eight years old. Professor Li is one of the main creators of the compulsory routine of 42 tai chi forms, which became the first internationally standardised Tai Chi competition routine. He has been the Vice President of the Chinese Wushu Association for many years and also served as Chief Judge at the 11th Asian Games. He teaches tai chi all over the world, including at Bao's Lung Fei Tai Chi, through his friendship with Bao and Men.

Naijian Bao (1936 - 1998)
Naijian Bao's father and grandfather were both martial arts masters and he followed in their footsteps. At the age of 14, he took up gymnastics and, in 1956, with a good foundation from his martial arts training, he became the first leading gymnastics champion of China, and is acknowledged as a "People's Republic of China Sports Pioneer" .

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, he became the chief coach to the Chinese National Gymnastics team, and also coached the national teams of North Korea, Indonesia, Iraq and Iceland.

Naijian Bao had the distinction of being number one 'Master of Sports' in China and had, amongst other qualifications, a degree in sports science.

Traditionally in China, martial arts and traditional medical treatments were taught together, so that injuries incurred through martial arts practice could be treated directly. Training also included tai chi for maintaining good health. Naijian Bao learnt all these aspects and helped many family members and friends during his career. When he retired from gymnastics, he opened a complementary clinic and built an excellent reputation, with his practice of Traditional Chinese treatments attracting clients from a wide area across the South West of England. In 1987, Naijian Bao and his wife Men Bao, started teaching tai chi in the UK.

Bev Fernandes
Bev has been studying Tai Chi since 1999 with Zabeth Macfarlane. Encouraged into teaching by Zabeth, Bev qualified as an assistant coach and has been teaching a beginners class in Langport for over two years. Since becoming a teacher Bev has enjoyed watching the beginners in her class learn and progress through her teaching and encouragement. Bev also continues to train on a weekly basis with Zabeth.

Tai Chi is an important part of her life, it has improved her focus, lowered stress levels and continues to provide both a mental and physical challenge.

Monica Murphy
Monica’s first brush with Tai Chi was in 1992 when she went on a Tai Chi
weekend with a friend, but it wasn’t until September 2006 that she eventually
managed to take up regular classes.

After only a year of learning Tai Chi Monica found her balance was
considerably better, and her general fitness and energy levels had also
steadily improved. Now, after over 4 years attendance and with all the exams
for teaching beginners under her belt, problems with energy and weight seem
to be a thing of the past.

In addition to being a qualified Tai Chi teacher, she is Company Secretary
in her partner’s business and makes and sells enamelled copper bowls,
pictures, pendants etc.