pHIL lONGHURST (1953 - 2008)
On Tuesday 15th July 2008 our Tai Chi brother and one of Sussex Zhong Ding`s most respected teachers passed away. This page is a tribute to Phil from all of the many friends and students he made throughout the years of training.
When I found out that one of my best friends had passed away, I really didn’t know how to react. Part of me was saddened by the loss of my friend, but part of me realised that he had been released because the quality of his life had deteriorated after his stroke.
When I first started Tai Chi, I started at one of the small classes that Glen was running during the day. He always asked me to come down to the main session on Tuesday nights at the Worthing hospital social club. Glen always said that he had a nice group of people that trained there, and if I really wanted to learn, then that would be the ideal place for me.
I will never forget that first training session as it was where my friendship with Phil started. He was the first person that came up to me to welcome me into the class. At this point of my life I wasn’t a very confident person and found the interaction with people I didn’t know very difficult. I would say that Phil was one of the many people that helped get my confidence back. Over the years our friendship grew and it wasn’t long before we became regular training partners. Many Wednesday nights were spent trying to get to grips with many of the problems that we both had in our Tai Chi forms and pushing hands, always ending our session with a much deserved lemon cake and cup of tea.
Over the years Phil had made me feel like part of his family, inviting me to his home for family BBQ`s with his wife Lynn and his children Andrew and Sarah. He would always give me great advice on any problems I may have had, and would sometimes make me see things in a different light. He became like an older brother to me and I always got the feeling that he was looking out for me. So, I have not only lost a great friend that I will miss dearly, but I have also lost a great teacher, a teacher of Tai Chi and a teacher of life.
Phil may have gone, but will never be forgotten
Jan
It is difficult to write about Phil, to express what I feel in my heart, he was a martial arts brother, friend and true example of a Gentleman. He has passed on and I believe now will be able to once again practice his beloved art.
Phil was not only incredibly heard-working both as a student and a teacher but also always ready to lend a helping hand. A loving husband and father, he embodied the virtues to which we as martial artists are supposed to aspire.
I will always remember Phil’s midnight calmness as our eight storey apartment building
shook in the throes of an earthquake. Even in these extreme circumstances he was clear-headed and poised even joking as we clattered down eight flights of stairs and out into the street.
In the martial arts tradition that I follow it is believed that every act that we perform that is inspired by the example of a teacher who has passed on, grants them merits as they go on with their journey of being. Phil was a teacher to us all so I hope that everyone will take the time to perform some forms with Phil’s favourite weapon, the jian (straightsword) as a tribute and a gift to him.
At this difficult time our thoughts and love are with Phil’s family as he continues on his path.
Walk on Phil, walk on.
Nigel
I am shocked and uncertain what to say. I have not seen Phil for a number of years and truly regret that we haven't been in touch since my absence from Worthing. Although I know he had earlier suffered a stroke my foolish presumption was that he was slowly recovering. Life separates friends and we assume we will have a chance to catch up again in better circumstances. Phil was always the gentleman and I cannot say enough good words about him as a friend, martial artist and person. I hope we can all learn from his example. He will be truly missed and fondly remembered.
Steve
I expect that im not alone when I say that the sudden passing of Phil Longhurst was one of complete shock and sadness - Sadness at loseing a student, a teacher and a good friend - Over the years that I got to know Phil we had spent countless hours practising and perfecting forms and applications and nights Spirit Training on the South Downs - His love of Tai Chi seemed only to be exceeded by the love, commitment and dedication that Phil had for his family - Phil always gave his best efforts to helping others and I know that most people who came into contact with him benifited by that experience - Phil Longhurst was truely a man amonst men - A REAL Spiritual Warrior - We have a saying at Sussex Zhong Ding about people who like to talk the talk but cannot walk the walk - Our good friend Phil could do both - He was a hardworker, a dedicated father and husband - When Jan asked me to write a tribute for Phil I was faced with a dilema - To have to put pen to paper meant that I would have to accept and remind myself of the painful truth that this man who gave so much to everyone was no longer alive - No more silly or corney jokes or training sessions at Phils house with tea and cakes provided by his loveing wife Lynn - No more tales of family holidays or his massive cycling expeditions that he used to enjoy so much - No more haveing an ear to listen or someone to rely on in times of trouble - Phil was a great student to teach and a patient teacher - His ability to learn, practise and perfect was admirable - I shall always remember Phil as he was and not as he is - I would like to bring our attention back to all the good that this man has left - Our memories of someone is what keeps them alive - Haveing lost my own father some years ago I can understand the grief and complete sorrow that his family and friends are going through - We cannot intellectually comprehend or figure out why this has happened or let our feelings become ones of guilt, blame or anger - Buddists teach the value of acceptance, compassion and inpermanance - Nothing ever stays the same - I would like to believe that we never really die its just our conciousness that changes - Phill was a very funny humerous and intelligent soul - His search for self-awareness and quest for knowledge was only hindered by the amount of hours in a day - I dont know many women who could organise, complete or arrange so much in a short space of time as our Phil !! Always up for a challenge Phil decides to take up Tai Chi an art that you can never really master, which you can never personally perfect and changes virtually every time that you do it - I shall always remember Phil as a dedicated, loyal, honest, hardworking and loveing family man - "THAT WHICH IS GOOD CAN NEVER REALLY END" J.Krishnamurti is quoted as saying - Our memories of Phil should always be ones of good times and when we all laughed as we played - I know that he has touched the hearts of many and that can only be a positive thing for all of us to share - The spirit of Phil Longhurst shall always be in our minds and hearts for we cannot forget the moments of magic that we experienced - My deepest sympathies are sent to Lynn, Andrew and Sarah who will always be this exceptional mans legacy -
Glen
