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The "Lung Fei Tai Chi Club"was started in 1987 when Naijian and Men Bao moved to the UK from China. Naijian was born in a family of martial artists and Men learned tai chi from the famous Li Tianji who is regarded as one of the "Ten Best Wushu Masters of China".
The Lung Fei Tai Chi Club was named in honour of Men's coach Li Tianji, nicked named Lung Fei (flying dragon), and then, in honour of Bao, who we sadly lost in 1998, it was renamed to 'Bao's Lung Fei Tai Chi Club'.
Men Bao took over the running of the club after Bao passed away and in 2007 she asked Zabeth Macfarlane to join her in the running of her club which she agreed, merging her own club "Tien Chow Tai Chi Club" with Men's club. With this merging, both clubs have become an association under the name of "Bao's Lung Fei Tai Chi Association".
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Following are letter translations, one from the famous Li Tianji (Lung Fei) sent to Men just before she came to England, encouraging her to pass on his tai chi knowledge in the west and another letter from the prominent professor Li Deyin, a friend of Naijian and Men Bao and nephew of Li Tianji:
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Dear Men, I understand that in England there are many people who are interested in Tai Chi. When you move to England soon I hope you will make contact with these people, and increase their knowledge and ability. I hope you will be able to spread the use of Tai Chi exercise throughout the country.
Li Tianji - 5.09.1986 |
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Tai Chi is the ancient Chinese sport of Wushu for health and exercise. Mr. Bao Naijian established Bao's Lung Fei Tai Chi Association twenty years ago. As a friend of Mr. Bao, I have been invited to visit the Association every year since 1988 and given tuition to members of the Association during each of my visits.
I give all my best wishes to the Association and hope it continues to develop, so that more and more people can benefit from Chinese Tai Chi.
Professor of Chinese Tai Chi
Wushu International Judge
Li Deyin
Wushu 18.10.2007 |
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The famous Chinese artist Qu Leilei with Men and Naijian Bao. Qu Leilei painted the Chinese letters Lung Fei, meaning flying dragon, for the T-shirts and association logo.
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Artist Men Xiaoming designed the Chinese dragon for the association to represent the flying dragon Lung Fei. |
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Li Tianji with Mrs Men Bao |
Li Tianji practising tai chi in Singapore |
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Professor Li Deyin, Men and Naijian Bao |
Mrs Men Bao and Professor Li Deyin |
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Classes in the beginning of the association |
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Professor Li Deyin taking a class during one of his many visits to the association
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