"I first started attending the East Midlands Wushu Association over a year ago, initially only attending the Monday night classes of the Long and Broad Sword. Prior to attending these classes I had experienced quite a severe injury to my left shoulder resulting in a limited range on movement in my left arm.

However with the realistic and honest approach, advice and guidance offered by Sifu John Read, during these classes I have been able to improve my performance and indeed range of movement in the effected shoulder through gentle and regular exercise identified by Sifu John.

In addition to this and as time has progressed I have now also been able to attend several other sessions during the week held at the Nottingham university in respect of, Long Fist and Staff Routines and one private session a week during which time I study the Beijing 24 Tai Chi Routine .

On thought in relation to Sifu John's methods to the teaching of Wushu I can only describe it as an holistic and well rounded approach and one which not only addresses the physical and external aspects of this art but also the much more subtle and gentle issues in respect of , self awareness, control and personal development.

This is highlighted by the in depth explanations and examples given by Sifu John, during all classes at which time he offers ample opportunity for all students to ask questions or seek additional guidance in respect of moves, techniques, application and so on.

For any person wishing to take up the art of Wushu I would not hesitate to recommend Sifu John as a perfect teacher and trainer. In the time I have known him and many of his students I can only praise the quality of his lessons and the personal and caring interest he takes in respect of his students their wellbeing, progression and development."

Jeff Fairfield-Read - July 2005

"I have been training with Sifu John Read for more than two and a half
years. I have, at various times, studied Tai Chi, Chang Chuan, Jian Shu
and Hsing Yi under him. In my experience he is a very knowledgeable and
committed teacher. The atmosphere in his classes is always friendly and
good humored. His lessons are also safe, I have not seen an injury in
all the time I have been training with him.

I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone interested in
Wushu.

Yours,

Oliver Jauncey"

"After many years of learning tai chi in classes I was feeling growing levels of frustration, boredom and dissatisfaction in my lack of progress.
John Read has not only introduced me to Chen style tai chi, but has mixed various styles to address areas requiring improvement.
He matches an acute awareness of a students needs with a vast repertoire of exercises and processes to meet those needs. Sessions with John are, as a result, half lesson, half exploration and always challenging.
Whilst the form is extended and refined each time, I never quite know what
route we will take to get there, but I do know it will be an interesting route."
Gordon.