Mark Atkinson Receives his Diploma

Please forgive me for "blowing my own trumpet", but I am pleased to announce that I have successfully completed the series of seminars given by Professor Zhang Guangde over the last three years in Biarritz, and in April of this year (2009) was awarded the Diploma of Daoyin Yangsheng Gong and Yangsheng Taiji of the International Institute of Daoyin Yangsheng Gong.

This is a proud achievement for me. The seminars were given in two weeks "stages" twice a year -- Easter and October --, with teaching in practice and theory taking place every day for between three and six hours. During the period between each stage participants were expected to follow an intensive training and teaching programme in order to prepare for the rigorous (and nerve wracking!) exam waiting for us at the next stage.

As I had already been awarded the status of "Senior" Judge of DYYSG in 1995, I was invited to sit on the judging panel with Professor Zhang, his nephew Zhang Jian, and Dr André Perret, the director of the International Institute when the other students who were also following the diploma course were examined. Although the official assessment was carried out completely by Professor Zhang himself, it was extremely helpful and enlightening for me to compare my judgments with his. This experience however, was only a "stay of execution" for André and me, as in our turn we were examined by the Professor and his nephew, on one occasion for three hours without a break!

Anyway, the whole experience was the most enriching and valuable one in my Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong "career", and I'm now able to say that I have studied the theory and practice of: -

49 Dynamic meridian Exercises Ba Duan Jin Preparation through breathing DY for General Health (1) The "Poem" of Dao Yin DY for Spleen & Stomach (1 & 2) Preparation through Concentration DY for the Prevention of Diabetes DY for Liver & Gall Bladder (2) DY for Bones, Muscles & Tendons (1 & 2) DY for Heart & Blood (1 & 2) The "5 Minute" Exercise. DY for Lungs & Large Intestine (1 & 2) Yi Jin Jing Preparation through 13 Stretches DY for Kidneys & Bladder (1 & 2)

Yang Sheng Taiji Sword (1) Yang Sheng Taiji Baton (1) Yang Sheng Taiji Jin (1 & 2) Yang Sheng Taiji Fan (1) Yang Sheng Taiji Palm (1,2 & 3)

entirely with professor Zhang Guangde himself, and was examined by him exclusively, making it a unique experience that I am very proud to have been a part of.

The teaching combination of the Professor's wealth of theoretical knowledge and practical experience coupled with his nephew's outstanding physical ability is a remarkable one, and the organisation and facilities provided by the International Institute made the most of the opportunity.

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