Tai Chi Ch'uan Tournament.

The Tai Chi Association of Australia was proud to present its first Tai Chi Ch’uan tournament on January 12^th, 2003 at Hurstville Boys High School, Sydney.

In January 2002 at the T.C.A.A. meeting held in Sydney, it was decided that the T.C.A.A. should hold an open Tai Chi competition. As I have had competition experience as a competitor and judge, it was suggested that I take on the job. This was a big ask, but I said that I would give it a go. Logistics would cause some difficulty as I was in Queensland and it was decided that the competition would be held at Hurstville Boys High School in Sydney, following Dr Lam’s January workshop. My goal was that the competition be the best it could and showcase the great Tai Chi talent we have in this country, in a friendly atmosphere with our motto in mind, to "Share Knowledge and Skill".

The amount of work involved in setting this in motion was a bit daunting, but with a team of Elva Arthy, Rosemary Palmer, Charles Tsui-Po, Paul Lam, John Mills, Ken Goh and Anthony Shing, I felt that I could reach the goal. During 2002 re-election of positions took place and a new President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary were elected. This brought on board Stephen Lucas as President and Charles Tsui-Po as Vice President - two people who would play a big part in helping me organise the competition.

Finally January 11 was here and Charles Tsui-Po, Head Judge, conducted a training workshop to fill in judges and officials on what was required for their part in the competition. Sunday January 12 arrived, the venue was set out with all the judges’ tables and chairs, and the floor marked for two arenas for competition. From the time the doors opened, competitors and spectators began arriving. The atmosphere filled with anticipation as Charles Tsui-Po gathered the competitors at 8.30am for his introductory talk. At 9.00am the official opening was conducted by the new President of T.C.A.A., Stephen Lucas, and a short talk was given by Walt Missingham of the AKWF on the future of Tai Chi and the Olympic Games. At 9.30am competition commenced.

For those who had never been to competition, it was great for them to see everyone in their silk performance uniforms. All the different colours brought a vibrancy to the whole proceedings. From my view point, the whole day seemed to run smoothly as each Form division went on with each competitor striving to reach their best on the day. For some the pressure of competition began to show with some loosing their place in their forms.

The venue was abuzz all day. A display area was set up where Master Tang Lai Wei had many items, swords, and spears, etc. for sale and display. Annette Fletcher was kept busy at the T.C.A.A. competition T/shirt stand. There are still a few competition T/shirts available if anyone would like one. The shirts are white cotton polo with the T.C.A.A. logo on the front and the competition logo on the back. Cost is $28 plus postage and can be acquired by calling me, Dennis Watts on 0755245238 or E-mail dwatts@qldnet.com.au.

At 12.00 noon a lunch break was taken, and a lovely fresh cooked Chinese takeaway meal was on sale from a portable Chinese kitchen set up at the venue. Competition resumed at 1.00 till around 4.00pm. At this point, Master Charles Tsui-Po gave a great demonstration of Tai Chi Sabre. Kam Lau Fung then gave an exciting demonstration of Chen Second Cannon fist form, followed by Dr. Paul Lam’s demonstration of Chen 36 Forms. The presentation of certificates, medals and Grand Champion trophies followed and the day wound up at 5.30pm. From the reports coming to me, everyone had a great day and commented on how smoothly it all ran.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Charles Tsui-Po, who kept the day running smoothly, and Ken Goh for the great help and work that was put in by them, and for standing by me during the organising time. Their expertise made things easier for me. To all the judges and officials, thank you for your expertise and effort in making it a great day of competition. Also to Gai Wanless and Ken Goh for helping me on the Saturday night, cleaning and setting out the venue, after a long day of meetings, and to John Mills for being there on Sunday morning to help with chairs.

Results from the competition can be found in Charles Tsui-Po’s report of the competition.

To all who competed, you are all winners. The way you all conducted yourselves during the day made it the success that it was. I look forward to next year and to improving on this year’s effort. I trust that those who came to watch were impressed by the high standard of competition and that you all had an enjoyable day. I look forward to seeing you all next year.

Our inaugural Tai Chi competition was held at the Hurstville Boy’s High School, Sydney on Sunday, 12^th January 2003.

The judging program started with a briefing on the Saturday afternoon. Judges were provided with information on the rules of competition and on how the judging processes were to be applied. As this was to be our first competition, it was important to address the need to keep the competition fair and unbiased. To maintain a flowing program of events, and to make it an enjoyable day for everyone, with minimum stress for all.

On the day of the competition I held a preliminary talk to the competitors to inform them of the day’s procedures. This was followed by a further short briefing to the judges on the rules and regulations. As there were to be two arenas operating, judges were then assigned to each arena. Kam Lau Fung was assigned to be the other Head judge for the second arena.

The day started with the Beijing 24 and International 42 Barehands in all divisions being held on Arena A and the Yang, Chen, Wu and Sun Styles on Arena B.

In order to standardise the judging scores for each event, the Head Judge called in the 5 floor judges to conference after the first two competitors in each event.

The process for determining the final scores followed the International Wushu Federation Competition Procedures in that, of the 5 judges scores, the highest and lowest scores were deleted and the remaining 3 scores were averaged. The Head Judge then made any further deductions, for example, for time infringements (over and under time), and for incomplete, missing or additional movements.

Overall the standard of judging was good. At most times, the range of difference between judges came well within the standard acceptable in International Wushu Federation competition procedures. Our standard will improve with further practice and ongoing training.

I would like to thank all the judges and officials who worked tirelessly throughout the day. Your contribution is greatly appreciated by both competitors and organisers.

I would like to thank all competitors for their discipline, courtesy and the professional way in which they conducted themselves. This competition was distinguished by a unique camaraderie and good humour between competitors in keeping with the theme of the "sharing of skills" which was a major aim of the competition.

Last but not least, thanks to Dennis Watts for putting this competition together and for making the judges’ work as easy as possible.