Sue llearns from the Master

The Astley tai chi expert is taking classes with one of the top masters - in China.

She has recently returned from trom a trip to the Orient, where she took part in the making of two TV documentaries about the gentle martial art.

Sue's trip combined training with Master Liu Yong, who starred with pupils from home and abroad in the films, and extensive sightseeing.

She first met him last year on her first visit to China while on an advanced international training course, and he introduced her to the Chinese culture.

For the past five years she has been passing on her knowledge of the art to other pupils - including the over 50s.

Sue is a senior instructor of the Chen Style Tai Chi College. She took up the way of life 10 years while she was doing aerobics, keep fit and weight training.

A friend suggested taking up the art and a sceptical Sue went along to classes in Manchester - and loved it.

She started her own classes in 1995 but admits she is still learning.

Sue, of Duke Street, said: "You never stop. I'm still refining it, adjusting it and looking for the perfect posture.

"It is a non-competitive art. You try to be the best you can. It is self fulfilment."

Sue is now taking two classes for Age Concern and the College of the Third Age.

She said: "They realise that older people should be keeping healthy and staying fit and tai chi is very accessible. It is a gentle way to keep fit.

"The Chinese have a different culture all round. There is a humbleness to it. It gets away from the rat race and the I want to be better than you attitude."

Now Sue's ambition is to go on another intensive study course in China next year and promote the art to a high standard in this country.

Sue runs a class on Monday evenings in the health and fitness club at the Forte Hotel, Haydock, and will be taking part in the China Town festivities in Manchester on September 17.

For details of classes, courses, workshops, demonstrations etc she can be contacted on 01942 703909.