Sifu Raymond Rand - Founder and Technical Director

Sifu Rand began training in the Chinese Martial Arts, specifically Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Chin Na, Dim Mak and Choy Lee Fut (Pak Sing) in January 1976, with Master Lam Kam Chuen. Prior to this he had three years experience in Ten Shin Shinyo Ryu (Ju Jitsu) and some six months in Wing Chung.

Sifu Rand started the first class at Middlesex University in June 1983 at the request of his teacher, Master Lam, and was a founder member, and first chairman, of the Lam Tai Chi Association which started in 1982.

In 1994 Sifu Rand founded the Middlesex University Students Tai Chi Chuan Association, in recognition of the growing number of students at Middlesex University and the need for his own senior students to have a recognised platform from which to grow.

Also in 1994 links were forged with Sifu Yeung Loon Fong (Sifu Peter Young) through the yearly Internal Arts Competitions and Masters Demonstrations he holds in Newcastle. A team from Middlesex University have twice demonstrated at the Masters event and Sifu Rand and his seniors have been invited to judge at the Competition yearly since 1994.

In July 2000 the Middlesex University Students Tai Chi Chuan Association became the Yongquan Tai Chi Chuan Association and in 2006 the name was officially changed to the Yongquan Martial Arts Association.
To find out why, click here

Sifu Douglas Robertson - Chairman

Sifu Robertson began training with Sifu Rand in July 1983 he was awarded his Level 3 (advanced) teaching certificate in 1994 and was awarded the rank of Sifu in April 1999. He is a founder member of the YMAA.

Sifu Robertson teaches at Bounds Green branch of Middlesex University and was a member of both display teams which demonstrated at the Masters events run by Sifu Young.

Sifu Donald Kerr LSOM- Treasurer

Sifu Kerr began training with Sifu Rand in September 1984 he was awarded his Level 3 (advanced) teaching certificate in 1994 and was awarded the rank of Sifu in April 1999. He is a founder member of the YMAA. Sifu Kerr is also a Lee School of Oriental Medicine qualified acupuncturist.

Sifu Kerr teaches at Enfield and Cat-hill branches of Middlesex University and was a member of both display teams which demonstrated at the Masters events run by Sifu Young.

Sifu Jonathan Newman

Sifu Newman began training with Sifu Rand in September 1985 he was awarded his Level 3 (advanced) teaching certificate in 1995 and was awarded the rank of Sifu in April 1999. He is a founder member of the YMAA.

Sifu Newman teaches in Brighton (where he lives). He was a member of both display teams which demonstrated at the Masters events run by Sifu Young.

Sifu Damon Smith - Senior Hsing-I Instructor

Having tried a number of different martial arts in the late 1970s and early 80s, Sifu Smith began studying the internal martial arts in 1985. He has specialised in Hsing-I, learning from a number of native Chinese teachers, including Master Yeoung Ko Te and Master Zhu Guang (both Guo Yun Shen/Hebei lineage). In addition he studies Tai Chi Chuan and Choy Lee Fut under Sifu Rand, and also does Kempo.

Sifu Smith currently teaches in Leeds and Huddersfield by arrangement.

Other YTCCA qualified instructors and other personnel

Graham Barlow - Secretary
began training in October 1993 when he trained for one year before moving to a new area. He resumed his training in 1999 and has been awarded his level two teaching certificate with martial endorsement. He teaches a Monday evening class in Bath. Graham is a member of the YMAA display team.

Matthew Calvert
has been awarded his Level 2 teaching certificate with martial endorsement. He assists Sifu Kerr with teaching and was a member of the 2003 display team.

Jon Doveston
Jon took up Southern Shaolin in 1995 and then Hsing-I in 1997. He subsequently joined Sifu Smith in 2002 in order to further his Hsing-I studies. He currently holds the Level 2 Hsing-I teaching certificate. Jon teaches in Leeds, and also assists Sifu Smith with teaching.

Norman Ridgewell
began training in September 1989 and has been awarded his Level 2 teaching certificate with Martial Endorsement. Norman assists Sifu Kerr with teaching.

Phil Edwards
begantraining in 1982 and continued for three and a bit years before loosing touch (through no fault of his own) until June 1998. He recommenced his training and has now been awarded his Level 2 teaching certificate with martial endorsement. He teaches in Bahrain.

Daniele Buccheri - Deputy Treasurer
Daniele has been awarded his level 1 teaching certificate and joined the central committee following the 2001 AGM to make up the full compliment of six. Daniele was a member of the 2003 display team.

Tina Andersen
has been awarded her Level 1 teaching certificate and assists Sifu Kerr with teaching and was a member of the 2003 display team.

Colin Plummer
Colin has been awarded the Level 1 Hsing-I teaching certificate. He began training in Jujutsu in 1989, and started internal arts training in 2001. He started studying with Sifu Smith in 2003, and currently assists Sifu Smith with teaching.

Mark Aylen
began training in October 1990 and has been awarded his Level 1 teaching certificate. He teaches at the Bounds Green and Enfield classes.

Valentina Valpato
began training in January 2003 and has been awarded her Level 1 teaching certificate. Valentina has assisted with teaching and has now moved back to her native Italy.

Deirdre Dwyer
has been training since 1994 and has been awarded her Level 1 teaching certificate. She teaches a class in Slough.

Steve Alston
has been awarded his Level 1 teaching certificate and assists Graham Barlow with teaching and was a member of the 2003 display team.

John Maxwell
began training in September 1984 and has been awarded his Level 1 teaching certificate.

Nial Sawa
has been awarded his Level 1 teaching certificate and now lives in Spain. He was a member of the 2003 display team.

Paul Andrews - Deputy Chair
Paul is a member of the Leeds Yongquan Group and mainly practices Hsing-I. He began practicing in September 2004