Stephen Barbary became a British Taiji Champion after less than one year of Yang Style Taiji instruction from Lama Dondrup Dorje. He went on to win another Gold for Britain at the 1992 US National/International Invitational Competitions; followed by five more international titles in 1994. Stephen has completed his study of acupuncture in Beijing under a scholarship programme initiated by Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies. He now works in Scotland:

“I once injured my lower back in an accident which caused the sacrum to swell up and become tender to the touch, made worse by general movement. I did not seek Sifu’s help until 24 hours later. The moment Sifu started the treatment, I could feel strong pulsating sensation at the point of injury which proceeded to become very warm. Afterwards, there was very little pain even when walking, whereas before, this had been very uncomfortable. Within 48 hours there was little evidence of there having been an injury. On another occasion, Sifu and I were having a conversation with some friends who had just started work as qualified physiotherapists. One of them admitted to having an aching back. Initially she dismissed the need for any help; insisting it would be ‘okay’ in a few days. However, due to her scepticism of Sifu’s healing ability, she took up his offer of help, and after a few quiet moments was totally surprised to find her back feeling very loose and comfortable. For the rest of the evening, she persisted in wriggling her back about just to make sure it really had been cured.”