editor’s Note
Nasser Butt
W
elcome to Volume 18 of Lift Hands Magazine! The current issue has been slightly delayed due to the ongoing Covid crisis stop/start situation in the UK as well as around the world.
Britain is finally emerging from lockdown, the eyes of the world are firmly set upon us… waiting to see the results! Many schools have been planning for this day when we can return back to what we do best — teaching martial arts. Sadly, during this past year and a half many martial arts schools have either folded or have had to drastically cut back on their activities, or have had to find other innovative ways to teach. Whichever category we fall in, the slow rebuilding process now begins… after all we are students of martial arts and dealing with adversity — no matter what form it comes in — is a huge part of our make up! I sincerely want to thank each and every one of you, who despite the difficulties, have continued to contribute towards the magazine. It certainly has been tough, but I continue to be amazed at the high quality of content folk are producing despite the daily distractions of life under the shadow of Covid. This issue sees the second part to Dr Gregory Lawton’s amazing ‘Walking The Mystic Path,’ as well as the continuation of Peter Jones’s ‘Yang Cheng-fu — The Martial View’ and Alan Ludmer’s latest — ‘Starting Tai Chi Study’. These three practitioners alone have well over a hundred and twenty years of combined experience between them and we are privileged to have them share their knowledge from their unique perspectives with our readership. We are also continuing with our introduction to Baguazhang. This beautiful and brutal art is not as commonly known as other Chinese martial arts — especially to practitioners of nonChinese arts — however, if you do get the opportunity, you should seek it out. Its principles will add to whatever style you practice. With each issue of Lift Hands, our readership continues to grow. We currently stand at 22K readers around the world. I am hoping that by the time this year ends, we will have surpassed the milestone of 25K. Let’s keep the good oil flowing and hit the mark. Stay safe and stay well and… where those who are in need — continue to offer your help, no matter how little, unconditionally. Humanity is a family. When children are born, they have no concept of colour, creed, flag or artificial geographical barriers. See you in September.
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