Episode 2 - Tai Chi Generations

In this episode we will be interviewing Stephen McLaughlin of White Cloud Kung Fu Academy as we discuss the practice of lineage succession. Located in Blackburn, Lancashire of the United Kingdom. White Cloud Kung Fu Academy was founded by Sifu Derek Gordon in 1962 and is today guided by 2 of his students, Dave Cowell & Head Coach Bill Keith, both with more than 40 years of Martial Arts experience. Steven McLaughlin is one of 2 senior instructors both with nearly 2 decades of continuous Martial Arts experience under their belt. He currently teaches Long Boxing(Chang Chuan), Wing Chun, Hsing-I , Bagua Zhang and Yang style Taiji Chuan. He began his training in Chinese Gong Fu at the age of 6 and at age 20 he received his 3rd rank of black belt in 2010. 

Lineage succession is the practice of grooming specific students to act as a vessel of transmission for a particular martial style. Tai Chi Chuan is one style in particular that uses lineage documentation much like a family tree to trace its roots and origination. These lineage holders are then entrusted to become caretakers of a particular style ensuring their art continues to thrive in its entirety. Lineage succession is predominantly practiced throughout Asia but we are finding that this method of knowledge preservation is also surfacing in the Asian martial arts in the western world. 

Although White Cloud Kung Fu Academy does not officially use Lineage succession the principles of personal growth, self-realization, and lifetime cultivation, are carefully fostered and guided. Steven Mclaughlin is now the 3rd generation of instructors at White Cloud Kung Fu academy.