Noriko Shimada
It was my colleague Timothy who introduced me to Sifu Ric Lum. It was perfect timing for me as I needed some gentle physical exercise after suffering tinnitus. And I’d been interested in Tai-chi for some years. Tai-chi looks cool. I always liked watching martial arts, because it looks cool.
I started learning Yuan-Chi Tai Chi Chuan in August 2017. When I started, I felt absolutely hopeless. I struggled to learn the movement and used to blame my age. I’ve just turned 60! After attending sessions for more than two years, I finally got to the Initiate’s starting point; 04.01.
I was born, raised and schooled in Tokyo. Left for W.Germany to continue studying the bassoon and worked in Europe for 20 years before moving to Sydney. I joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2001. Love teaching bassoon to my students.
I enjoy learning with Sifu . It is fascinating to watch him performing. He challenges us. At every session I learn something new which makes me feel good. I mean, I gain awareness of my body and become more aware of the outside world (trees, air, wind, earth etc.) One day I’d like to be able to move like Sifu.
What happens to me when following Sifu?
Body and mind shall be united. Since when has my mind separated from my body? How did it happen? Why didn’t I notice?
If one knows where to go, his/her body will be able to follow even if not instantly. Since when I lost my way?
It is the conversations with Sifu, which challenges my brain deeply.
Sifu knows next steps and his body always follows where he goes. It does not resist.
I watch Sifu’s graceful movement with full attention not to miss anything.
I try to peek Sifu’s continuous, seamless, peaceful yet sometimes energetic movements.
Sifu rarely tells us how to move. This forces us to find our self-awareness.
We cannot become Sifu. We are, ourselves. I am myself. I shall find myself.
Then my body and mind will be united and I will be open to perceive everything around me. Then I will truly be able to dance WITH Sifu.