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Name: Ken J Mead
Email: jnrmead@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: 07833 346505
Interests: Tai Chi, Baguazhang, Qi Gong, Silat, Shoalin, Xingyiquan
       
       
Profile

Ken is a full time Tai Chi instructor who has been studying the art for twelve years. He has obtained five gold medals in Tui Shou which include the Cheng Man Ching Open 2002 in France and the Zhong Ding International Push Hands Competition 2003 in Malaysia.

Prior to taking up Tai Chi, Ken studied Tae Kwan Do and only came to take a Tai Chi class because a few friends were attending and he decided to join them. It was at this point that he met his first Sifu, the late Ian Cassetari with who he studied Chen Man Ching Tai Chi with for 6 years. He subsequently became an "inside the door" student of Ian.

As his experience in the art grew, Ken had the opportunity to travel to Malaysia in 2003 to study with Master Nigel Sutton. This was an opportunity to grow his Tai Chi skills and to also study Baguazang and Xing Yi Quan. He continues with these arts today and they have proved to be useful tools to help further develop his Tai Chi.

A further trip to Malaysia in 2006 provided the opportunity to study Silat Tua with Guru Zainal Abidin and Master Nigel Sutton which has further extended his Martial Arts portfolio. In addition to this, he has also studied Capoeira, Hapkido and Aikido in the UK .

He is a Reiki Master and has studied meditation. He has also qualified as a Reflexologist, and Masseur.

Ken’s current focus is in education and is at University studying part time for his Certificate in Education. He is interested in how Tai Chi can be more effectively taught to all people in society. He currently works with people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health issues and those recovering from substance misuse. His philosophy follows that of his late teacher, Ian Cassetari and Master Chen Man Ching in that Tai Chi is for everyone.

He believes stress is big sickness in the West and Tai Chi can reduce stress and improve self esteem. He is currently starting a programme teaching children and hopes by teaching kids, it will catch them while they are young and reduce possible health issues occurring as adults.

Since Ian Cassetari's passing, Ken is now an "inside the door" student of Darren Roberts and has recently taken on his first "inside the door" student.

 

 

 
picture courtesy of scot@wopiks.com
picture courtesy of scot@wopiks.com
picture courtesy of scot@wopiks.com