Have you ever read zen koan?
Students are asked to offer commentaries on koan, Tao Te Ching and martial theory before being taught new material.
You are invited to notice things, to examine, explore, see further and find things out for yourself.
If you do not see the details, how can you progress?
Sunday
Saturday
Trainee instructors (2)
My school does offer instructor training...
However, many would-be instructors have something in mind that requires a shorter-term commitment.
Herein lies the problem.
Are the prospective instructors already skilled at tai chi?
If they cannot do it themselves, how do they expect to teach it?
To teach, you must have experience.
And experience takes time.
To perform tai chi skilfully requires decades of training and ongoing corrections and development.
It is not akin to keep fit or yoga.
At its heart it is a Chinese martial art, and even if your intention is 'health', a thorough grounding in the principles of the art are necessary.
Popular culture gives the impression that people can qualify to be a tai chi instructor in 2 years or so.
This is ridiculous. And unethical.
How long does it take to learn how to play the piano, to dance, to pass a degree?
A person may learn how to drive a car in a matter of months, but are they then a driving instructor also?
To teach, you must possess the skills.
Possessing the skills demands time and daily practice.
Attempting a shortcut is unethical, ill advised and dangerous.
Who will insure you?
If someone is injured because of poor quality tuition, you may be liable for malpractice.
However, many would-be instructors have something in mind that requires a shorter-term commitment.
Herein lies the problem.
Are the prospective instructors already skilled at tai chi?
If they cannot do it themselves, how do they expect to teach it?
To teach, you must have experience.
And experience takes time.
To perform tai chi skilfully requires decades of training and ongoing corrections and development.
It is not akin to keep fit or yoga.
At its heart it is a Chinese martial art, and even if your intention is 'health', a thorough grounding in the principles of the art are necessary.
Popular culture gives the impression that people can qualify to be a tai chi instructor in 2 years or so.
This is ridiculous. And unethical.
How long does it take to learn how to play the piano, to dance, to pass a degree?
A person may learn how to drive a car in a matter of months, but are they then a driving instructor also?
To teach, you must possess the skills.
Possessing the skills demands time and daily practice.
Attempting a shortcut is unethical, ill advised and dangerous.
Who will insure you?
If someone is injured because of poor quality tuition, you may be liable for malpractice.
Friday
Trainee instructors
I got an e-mail today from a healthcare professional wanting to train their staff to be tai chi instructors...
At first glance such a request may sound reasonable, until you consider one essential point: to teach a subject, you must know the subject thoroughly and comprehensively. And this takes time.
Until you can do tai chi to a high standard yourself, you are not fit to teach. In fact, you have nothing to teach. Passing on bad habits, misconceptions and mistakes is unwise. Only experience can prevent this from happening.
There is more to tai chi than can be learned in a short course. It is an ongoing endeavour. To become good you must make a deep investment. To become a instructor you must be good at tai chi, be capable of teaching people, and have rapport with people.
At first glance such a request may sound reasonable, until you consider one essential point: to teach a subject, you must know the subject thoroughly and comprehensively. And this takes time.
Until you can do tai chi to a high standard yourself, you are not fit to teach. In fact, you have nothing to teach. Passing on bad habits, misconceptions and mistakes is unwise. Only experience can prevent this from happening.
There is more to tai chi than can be learned in a short course. It is an ongoing endeavour. To become good you must make a deep investment. To become a instructor you must be good at tai chi, be capable of teaching people, and have rapport with people.
Gratification
We are also inclined toward things that please us and away from things that do not.
This is called gratification.
Yet, there is great danger in dismissing things on the basis of gratification.
Not everything in life is there to please us.
Indeed, much of existence is not about us and has no bearing on us.
We are not the centre of the universe.
Embracing the unknown inevitably means doing things that are not necessarily pleasurable.
This is like drinking green tea.
The taste is bitter and unpleasant, but you drink anyway, and eventually the bitterness no longer concerns you.
This is called gratification.
Yet, there is great danger in dismissing things on the basis of gratification.
Not everything in life is there to please us.
Indeed, much of existence is not about us and has no bearing on us.
We are not the centre of the universe.
Embracing the unknown inevitably means doing things that are not necessarily pleasurable.
This is like drinking green tea.
The taste is bitter and unpleasant, but you drink anyway, and eventually the bitterness no longer concerns you.
Be nice
This is a good rule to live by: if you don't have anything pleasant to say, don't say it. Think about it...
If you watch the old black and white movie Harvey, you appreciate the value of just being nice to people. Being nice is a lovely alternative to the bitterness we so commonly encounter in our culture.
You may even find that you enjoy it...
If you watch the old black and white movie Harvey, you appreciate the value of just being nice to people. Being nice is a lovely alternative to the bitterness we so commonly encounter in our culture.
You may even find that you enjoy it...
Thursday
How you are
Often our perception of things says more about ourselves than the subject of our assessment.
A person passes comment, and in so doing reveals the inner workings of their mind.
How we see things and what we take the information to mean will vary from person to person.
In truth, we do not see things as they are, but as we are.
Our perceptions are coloured by our upbringing, our education, our memories, our bias, our opinions, our culture, our desires and expectations.
A person passes comment, and in so doing reveals the inner workings of their mind.
How we see things and what we take the information to mean will vary from person to person.
In truth, we do not see things as they are, but as we are.
Our perceptions are coloured by our upbringing, our education, our memories, our bias, our opinions, our culture, our desires and expectations.
Business address
Newcastle Tai Chi
St Andrew's Church
Station Road
Benton
NE12 8AW
0750 3604568
http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk
newcastletaichi@hotmail.com
St Andrew's Church
Station Road
Benton
NE12 8AW
0750 3604568
http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk
newcastletaichi@hotmail.com
Wednesday
Assessment
A new starter watches the tai chi in class and remarks upon the quality of the material.
A reasonable reply might be: "How can you tell?"
This simple question is extremely penetrating.
On what basis is the new starter assessing the tai chi performance?
How are they measuring the skill?
What criteria are being applied?
Which qualities do they consider to be valuable?
A reasonable reply might be: "How can you tell?"
This simple question is extremely penetrating.
On what basis is the new starter assessing the tai chi performance?
How are they measuring the skill?
What criteria are being applied?
Which qualities do they consider to be valuable?
Tuesday
Not doing
Our lives are enmeshed in activity. We are relentlessly doing. Incessantly active.At every moment we are caught up in cogitation. Choosing, judging, assessing, predicting.
Yet, instead of selecting this or that option, we can simply be.
There is no need to look, to seek, to actively do anything. We can simply remain calm and do nothing.
We do not try to change the situation into something else, or accomplish anything.
Instead of doing, we stop doing. We come to a halt. At this point, we are relaxing.
Yet, instead of selecting this or that option, we can simply be.
There is no need to look, to seek, to actively do anything. We can simply remain calm and do nothing.
We do not try to change the situation into something else, or accomplish anything.
Instead of doing, we stop doing. We come to a halt. At this point, we are relaxing.
Sunday
Zen in the martial arts
The raw immediacy advocated by zen suits the martial arts.Superfluity has no place in self defence, and zen is an ideal way to trim your art down to the fundamentals.
A student who is absorbed in the doing is said to be in a condition of 'shen', where no division exists between the art and the individual.
Our school advocates a zen approach to the study and practice of tai chi.
If you are not sure what this means, read Zen in the Art of Archery - it reflects our approach very well.
A student who is absorbed in the doing is said to be in a condition of 'shen', where no division exists between the art and the individual.
Our school advocates a zen approach to the study and practice of tai chi.
If you are not sure what this means, read Zen in the Art of Archery - it reflects our approach very well.
Muscles not bones
Our aim is to spiral through the soft tissue of the body, not through the joint.
The joint moves far less than the kwa does.
The joint moves far less than the kwa does.
Good character
The martial arts have always been associated with good character. Students are expected to behave in a virtuous manner. They should be moral and honourable.
The petty, cowardly aspects of modern culture should be beneath the martial artist.
They have no desire to stoop to gossip, malignant conduct and abuse. A martial artist is better than that. They leave unpleasant behaviour to people who need help.
The petty, cowardly aspects of modern culture should be beneath the martial artist.
They have no desire to stoop to gossip, malignant conduct and abuse. A martial artist is better than that. They leave unpleasant behaviour to people who need help.
Saturday
Becoming an instructor #6
You need to have a syllabus. Without it, you will flounder and so will your students. A step-by-step path through the material is necessary.
It is unlikely that you will get it right first time.
A syllabus is a work in progress. If you find a method that works for everyone, regardless of age, gender, experience, background, then great - stick with it. Otherwise, you'll need to review it regularly and figure out what to improve.
To create a syllabus, you need guidance from another instructor. Or you need to attend an instructor training course.
It is unlikely that you will get it right first time.
A syllabus is a work in progress. If you find a method that works for everyone, regardless of age, gender, experience, background, then great - stick with it. Otherwise, you'll need to review it regularly and figure out what to improve.
To create a syllabus, you need guidance from another instructor. Or you need to attend an instructor training course.
Buddhist?
It is not necessary to become a Buddhist in order to understand and appreciate zen.
The process of formalising zen is a contradiction in terms, as it removes the natural simplicity of the flower sermon.
Zen is a sensibility not a religion.
The process of formalising zen is a contradiction in terms, as it removes the natural simplicity of the flower sermon.
Zen is a sensibility not a religion.
Friday
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Thursday
Self defence
Self defence training need not be brutal or unpleasant. It can be a fun, creative journey with many insights and unexpected breakthroughs. Much of the initial training is concerned with composure, sensitivity and good body use. A working knowledge of basic physics and body mechanics is cultivated. Once you have remembered how to play, you realise how the self defence skills can be applied to conflict management in everyday life.
Strength-building
Tai chi was designed to cultivate an unusual kind of strength, which is very different to what you may think of as being strength. The muscles stay loose and relaxed, and avoid tension. Yet, your body gets much stronger. Instead of doing sudden, extreme amounts of work, your body undertakes milder training. As you grow stronger and more capable, the training moves with you, challenging your body without straining it.
Cutting up an ox
Prince Wen Hui's cook
Was cutting up an ox.
Out went a hand,
Down went a shoulder,
He planted a foot,
He pressed with a knee
The ox fell apart
Was cutting up an ox.
Out went a hand,
Down went a shoulder,
He planted a foot,
He pressed with a knee
The ox fell apart
With a whisper,
The bright cleaver murmured
Like a gentle wind.
Rhythm! Timing!
Like a sacred dance,
Like "The Mulberry Grove"
Like ancient harmonies!
"Good work!" the Prince exclaimed, "Your method is faultless!"
"Method?" said the cook
Laying aside his cleaver,
"What I follow is Tao
Beyond all methods!
Beyond all methods!
When I first began
To cut up oxen I would see before me
The whole ox
All in one mass.
"After three years I no longer saw this mass. I saw the distinctions.
"But now, I see nothing
With the eye.
My whole being
Apprehends.
My sense are idle. The spirit
Free to work without plan
Follows its own instinct
Guided by natural line,
By the secret opening,
The hidden space,
My cleaver finds its own way. I cut through no joint, chop no bone.
"A great cook needs a new chopper
Once a year - he cuts.
A poor cook needs a new one
Every month - he hacks!
"I have used this same cleaver
Nineteen years.
It has cut up
A thousand oxen.
Its edge is as keen
As if newly sharpened.
"There are spaces in the joints;
The blade is thin and keen:
When this thinness
Finds that space
There is all the room you need!
It goes like a breeze!
Hence I have this cleaver
Nineteen years
As if newly sharpened!
"True, there are sometimes
Tough joints.
I feel them coming, I slow down, I watch closely,
Hold back, barely move the blade,
And whump! the part falls away
Landing like a clod of earth.
"Then I withdraw the blade,
I stand still
And let the joy of the work
Sink in. I clean the blade And put it away."
Prince Wen Hui said, "This is it!
My cook has shown me
How I ought to live
My own life!"
(Chuang Tzu)
Thank you, Brian
I would like to thank Brian for fixing my PC.
He has done a great job and I'm hoping to able to continue updating the website over the next few days.
If you want multi media/technology advice or would like to create your own exotic tropical fish environment, ask Brian. His fish tank is amazing.
He has done a great job and I'm hoping to able to continue updating the website over the next few days.
If you want multi media/technology advice or would like to create your own exotic tropical fish environment, ask Brian. His fish tank is amazing.
Wednesday
Facing death
Japanese samurai used to contemplate death. This was not some morbid fixation.
Admitting their own mortality forced the warriors to accept that life is a precious and fleeting gift.
They regarded the cherry blossom as a symbol of this insight.
Cherry blossoms bloom for a brief period and then fall at the very height of their beauty.
To the samurai this was a melancholy reminder of death amidst life.
It was an example of great beauty and sadness.
Admitting their own mortality forced the warriors to accept that life is a precious and fleeting gift.
They regarded the cherry blossom as a symbol of this insight.
Cherry blossoms bloom for a brief period and then fall at the very height of their beauty.
To the samurai this was a melancholy reminder of death amidst life.
It was an example of great beauty and sadness.
Tuesday
Sore shoulders?
Students sometimes get sore shoulders. Usually this stems from over-stretching.
Aim to drop the elbows; not just lower them, but actually feel the weight and allow them to hang.
Rather than stretch at all, feel what your natural range is and stay within 70% of that.
Your frame may look and feel much smaller, but the emphasis will be taken from the shoulders and arms, and placed back upon the centre; the muscles around the waist, hips, groin, sacrum and spine.
Make sure that you remember that muscles move your body, not bones. Stretch too far and the joints will be sprained. Keep the joints loose and open, relaxed.
Aim to drop the elbows; not just lower them, but actually feel the weight and allow them to hang.
Rather than stretch at all, feel what your natural range is and stay within 70% of that.
Your frame may look and feel much smaller, but the emphasis will be taken from the shoulders and arms, and placed back upon the centre; the muscles around the waist, hips, groin, sacrum and spine.
Make sure that you remember that muscles move your body, not bones. Stretch too far and the joints will be sprained. Keep the joints loose and open, relaxed.
Choiceless
Krishnamurti spoke a great deal about being choicelessly aware. He said, "Freedom is precisely the state of not having to choose." Now, that sounds quite paradoxical, because we are always talking about freedom of choice. But choice in this sense of the word is not a form of freedom.
What is choice in Krishnamurti's sense of the word? It is the act of hesitation that comes before making a decision. It is a mental wobbling, much like when some people take up a pen to write but don't just start writing; they jiggle the pen around indecisively for a while and then start. When a person comes into a room and hesitates and wonders who to talk to, in that moment he is choosing. Whereas when a person comes into a room and goes up to someone without waiting to choose, we say he is decisive. But that is a funny thing to say, because it really means that he hadn't stopped to decide.
(Alan Watts)
Monday
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Do you like it?
Does anyone enjoy being on the receiving end of abuse? Nobody sane and healthy.
Who wants to hear ugliness, malice, insults and sarcasm? No one who respects other people.
Is anger constructive? Anger is about force, destruction, bullying and frustration. It is the emotion of impotence.
Can you find peace through conflict? Hostility perpetuates itself.
Who wants to hear ugliness, malice, insults and sarcasm? No one who respects other people.
Is anger constructive? Anger is about force, destruction, bullying and frustration. It is the emotion of impotence.
Can you find peace through conflict? Hostility perpetuates itself.
Sunday
Moving with strength
A beginner initially learns a combination of standing and moving qigong exercises, along with the form sequence and partner work.
Once the moving qigong is familiar, it is necessary to imbue every exercise with power, such that the entire body is involved. A wave-like flow of softly-connected tissue is required, and the ability to focus the force in a clear direction. The ability to work with gravity is fundamental.
The next task is to do the same with form and silk arms. Consider each posture very carefully and ask yourself: what do you need to do to produce power from this posture? How does the movement work?
Avoid local muscle usage and pay attention to the opening and closing of the joints and vertebrae, the turning of the waist and the spiralling of the body. Finding the correct body mechanics is essential - until you can move in a flowing manner (with power) your form will remain empty.
When your moving qigong and form can both produce jing, you are ready to consider applying those form movements.
Once the moving qigong is familiar, it is necessary to imbue every exercise with power, such that the entire body is involved. A wave-like flow of softly-connected tissue is required, and the ability to focus the force in a clear direction. The ability to work with gravity is fundamental.
The next task is to do the same with form and silk arms. Consider each posture very carefully and ask yourself: what do you need to do to produce power from this posture? How does the movement work?
Avoid local muscle usage and pay attention to the opening and closing of the joints and vertebrae, the turning of the waist and the spiralling of the body. Finding the correct body mechanics is essential - until you can move in a flowing manner (with power) your form will remain empty.
When your moving qigong and form can both produce jing, you are ready to consider applying those form movements.
Saturday
Tai chi for health
Trained correctly, the internal arts should significantly improve your health. You may not think that health is important, but how often do you expect to be using your combat skills?
Health comes first. Everything else is secondary. We teach a very comprehensive curriculum that exercises your body in a wide variety of ways. Everything from self-massage to stretching is addressed.
Health comes first. Everything else is secondary. We teach a very comprehensive curriculum that exercises your body in a wide variety of ways. Everything from self-massage to stretching is addressed.
Becoming a teacher #5
Walk your own path.
You cannot teach or even practice in someone else's style or manner. You have to find your own.
This will entail periods of doubt, confusion, frustration and joy. Being the teaching means that you are out on a limb. Yes, people will help you, but ultmately, all decisions must come from you. Classes require a leader not a democracy.
If you train for long enough, you'll develop a flavour that is distinct to you. Otherwise, what is different about your classes? Without uniqueness, you are interchangeable. That unique quality comes from you. Let it flourish.
Eventually, your syllabus becomes an expression of you.
You cannot teach or even practice in someone else's style or manner. You have to find your own.
This will entail periods of doubt, confusion, frustration and joy. Being the teaching means that you are out on a limb. Yes, people will help you, but ultmately, all decisions must come from you. Classes require a leader not a democracy.
If you train for long enough, you'll develop a flavour that is distinct to you. Otherwise, what is different about your classes? Without uniqueness, you are interchangeable. That unique quality comes from you. Let it flourish.
Eventually, your syllabus becomes an expression of you.
Slow
Reach out from the centre slowly. Pause. Then withdraw the arms slowly.
Feel the weight of your limbs as you relax.
Rushing weakens your connection and will not train the nervous system correctly.
Feel the weight of your limbs as you relax.
Rushing weakens your connection and will not train the nervous system correctly.
Shaped movement
Tai chi form is not yoga; it does not involve fixed postures. The so-called ‘postures’ serve to shape movement so that it can be used constructively in combat.
Every physical action you perform in life involves connecting and aligning your body such that the movement can produce an effect. Pressing a light switch requires accuracy, balance and the correct degree of pressure.
Tai chi is the same.
If the postures are too static or inflexible, your ability to shape movement will be impaired. Movement must pass through your body.
Every physical action you perform in life involves connecting and aligning your body such that the movement can produce an effect. Pressing a light switch requires accuracy, balance and the correct degree of pressure.
Tai chi is the same.
If the postures are too static or inflexible, your ability to shape movement will be impaired. Movement must pass through your body.
Thursday
Ugly
Modern society features many outlets that encourage unpleasant behaviour. Television presenters belittle contestants, journalists enjoy ruining reputations... People enjoy watching other people suffer.
If you like to see other people being harmed, what does this say about you? Nothing good, surely? Gaining pleasure from the misfortune of others is extremely ugly.
If you like to see other people being harmed, what does this say about you? Nothing good, surely? Gaining pleasure from the misfortune of others is extremely ugly.
So what?
Not everything in life could or should go the way you had planned it. Plans are, after all, just ideas. They are not real.
When things thwart you, bring you down, compromise you, put you out… good. Overcoming hardship builds strength of character.
If things are difficult, do not despair.
When things thwart you, bring you down, compromise you, put you out… good. Overcoming hardship builds strength of character.
If things are difficult, do not despair.
Wednesday
How long until I can teach?
A good martial arts school makes the student work for their art. The journey from new starter to teacher can take decades.
It is not enough to simply learn the art. You must know how to teach it as well. Teaching is an entirely different skill.
Our school makes no guarantee that every student will one day become a teacher.
It is not enough to simply learn the art. You must know how to teach it as well. Teaching is an entirely different skill.
Our school makes no guarantee that every student will one day become a teacher.
Tuesday
Arrogance
People go to university, they get a degree and usually some additional conceit. Yet, a degree is only a small measurement: 1/360th of a circle, a small wedge of knowledge.
Beyond degree is mastery. Yet, this too is still within the same small degree of expertise.
The more advanced your skills become, the greater your awareness of the unknown. When you can truly see the magnitude of your own ignorance, humility is immediate.
What is one droplet of water relative to the ocean?
In tai chi, there is no true mastery. It cannot be mastered. Mastery refers to the removal of division between yourself and all else. It is not the art that is mastered. It is you.
Beyond degree is mastery. Yet, this too is still within the same small degree of expertise.
The more advanced your skills become, the greater your awareness of the unknown. When you can truly see the magnitude of your own ignorance, humility is immediate.
What is one droplet of water relative to the ocean?
In tai chi, there is no true mastery. It cannot be mastered. Mastery refers to the removal of division between yourself and all else. It is not the art that is mastered. It is you.
Monday
Anger
Anger is often touted as being a ‘powerful’ emotion.
In reality it is a behavioural habit learned in early childhood; a means of exhorting pressure through emotional upset.
Children denied toys or fast-food often have tantrums. They unleash their anger…
If an adult loses their temper with you, do your best not to grin at the pantomime. Give them a rating out of 10.
In reality it is a behavioural habit learned in early childhood; a means of exhorting pressure through emotional upset.
Children denied toys or fast-food often have tantrums. They unleash their anger…
If an adult loses their temper with you, do your best not to grin at the pantomime. Give them a rating out of 10.
Sunday
Becoming an instructor #4
Know when to stop. Rest. Find your own space again.
You must have boundaries. Otherwise you will burn out. Students can be very trying at times, demanding and occasionally offensive. It is necessary to step-back. To have some distance.
Training by yourself is one thing. Running a class/school is something else entirely. You will have a lot of different personalities to deal with. This is not easy.
You must have boundaries. Otherwise you will burn out. Students can be very trying at times, demanding and occasionally offensive. It is necessary to step-back. To have some distance.
Training by yourself is one thing. Running a class/school is something else entirely. You will have a lot of different personalities to deal with. This is not easy.
Feedback
Sifu Waller,
Thank you! I've never thanked anyone for their web site. There is so much to learn, isn't there? You are providing endless opportunity, thanks! & Happy wedding day!
Thanks,
(John F. Erlbaum)
Thank you! I've never thanked anyone for their web site. There is so much to learn, isn't there? You are providing endless opportunity, thanks! & Happy wedding day!
Thanks,
(John F. Erlbaum)
Saturday
Fear
Macho behaviour usually stems from fear. At the heart of aggression is the need to present a strong external image. When you are hurt, you pretend that it did not hurt. When you are upset, you hide your feelings. You cultivate and maintain a stoic image of indifference.
This is not healthy. You are who you are. You are the age that you are. Your feelings are real. The pain is real. Your age is real. Pretending is dangerous.
This is not healthy. You are who you are. You are the age that you are. Your feelings are real. The pain is real. Your age is real. Pretending is dangerous.
Running away
There is no shame in seeking out help.
Not everyone is 'sorted' and happy with their life. If you are spending your time slouched in front of a computer screen, gleefully insulting people, you may have a few problems in life.
Running away from your problems by finding an outlet is not necessarily healthy. It may feel pleasant to express your rage, but does it solve anything? The rage is still there.
It takes courage to switch off the computer and seek out a real person. Do not be afraid. No one will judge you.
Not everyone is 'sorted' and happy with their life. If you are spending your time slouched in front of a computer screen, gleefully insulting people, you may have a few problems in life.
Running away from your problems by finding an outlet is not necessarily healthy. It may feel pleasant to express your rage, but does it solve anything? The rage is still there.
It takes courage to switch off the computer and seek out a real person. Do not be afraid. No one will judge you.
Exhausted?
Modern living burns people out.
The pressures of media, culture and the greedy acquisitive lifestyle leaves husks of humanity wandering around weary and tired.
Chuang Tzu wrote a story about a man who refused to ‘invest in loss’ called "Flight from the Shadow."
Rest should be seen as an investment not a chore. Unless you see rest as being more important than your new sports utility vehicle, nothing will ever change.
The pressures of media, culture and the greedy acquisitive lifestyle leaves husks of humanity wandering around weary and tired.
Chuang Tzu wrote a story about a man who refused to ‘invest in loss’ called "Flight from the Shadow."
Rest should be seen as an investment not a chore. Unless you see rest as being more important than your new sports utility vehicle, nothing will ever change.
Friday
Functional tai chi
If you want to learn tai chi for combat, your training should include:
- Chin na
- cavity press
- sealing the breath
- dividing the muscle
- misplacing the bones - Conditioning exercises
- seasoning the body to combat
- strengthening joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments - Countering punches, kicks and grapples
- solo attacker
- multiple attackers - Countering a knife
- Energy work (qigong)
- Escapes- from a wide variety of holds, locks and situations
- Floor work
- Form application
- Gangs/multiple opponents
- Internal power- neigong- reeling silk
- Self defence
- Striking
- fa jing
- using body weight
- striking bags, target pads and people
- punch, palm, finger, elbow, shoulder, knee, kick - Weaponry
- sticks, knives, swords
- improvised weapons
- modern weaponry (rather than ancient)
The training must be varied. Pushing hands, form and form application is not enough. Although set patterns and drills are an acceptable training method, they should only represent a small portion of the actual practice. Unpredictability, surprise and disadvantage need to be addressed thoroughly and regularly.
Thursday
Stretch
There must be a slight stretch at all times throughout the exercise.
Be careful not to exert, strain or compromise the posture.
It is common for people to lose their shoulder alignment by lifting the arm too high, or the hip alignment by swaying the pelvis .
Be careful not to exert, strain or compromise the posture.
It is common for people to lose their shoulder alignment by lifting the arm too high, or the hip alignment by swaying the pelvis .
Strong pensioners
Bruce Frantzis wrote an inspiring account of a bagwa teacher in China who taught pensioners his system and how these senior citizens were extremely strong despite their age.
This story inspired our syllabus with regards students over 50.
Young and old alike work through an extensive range of qigong and neigong partner and solo exercises.
Form is not the focus of our Age Concern classes.
We do teach form but address internal strength first. Awareness, balance, mobile joints, soft muscles and a healthy psoas are more important than choreography. Connection and gravity replace the use of contracted muscles.
Since tai chi uses no actual strength in the conventional sense, older students find themselves becoming very strong in a matter of months.
This story inspired our syllabus with regards students over 50.
Young and old alike work through an extensive range of qigong and neigong partner and solo exercises.
Form is not the focus of our Age Concern classes.
We do teach form but address internal strength first. Awareness, balance, mobile joints, soft muscles and a healthy psoas are more important than choreography. Connection and gravity replace the use of contracted muscles.
Since tai chi uses no actual strength in the conventional sense, older students find themselves becoming very strong in a matter of months.
Wednesday
Becoming an instructor #3
Many instructor become so committed to teaching that they don't leave enough time for their own development. Such neglect is harmful and will diminish your practice.
You need to have a daily routine whereby you train the material throroughly. It cannot be merely dull drilling. Progress must be made. New ideas, new insights, new challenges. An instructor can spend a few hours a day addressing their own training, before ever teaching a student that day. This is not a commitment for everyone.
At some point your syllabus must be capped, and you focus deeper on your existing material. A more, more, more mentality will leave you with too much to train and no time to do it all.
In order to avoid the risk of injury, your own body must be carefully exercised in a variety of ways each day. For example, tai chi is just a portion of my own training. I also walk 5-10 miles a day (it helps the legs), perform massage and mild stretching.
The average student has no need of this level of training, but an instructor is not just a student anymore.
You need to have a daily routine whereby you train the material throroughly. It cannot be merely dull drilling. Progress must be made. New ideas, new insights, new challenges. An instructor can spend a few hours a day addressing their own training, before ever teaching a student that day. This is not a commitment for everyone.
At some point your syllabus must be capped, and you focus deeper on your existing material. A more, more, more mentality will leave you with too much to train and no time to do it all.
In order to avoid the risk of injury, your own body must be carefully exercised in a variety of ways each day. For example, tai chi is just a portion of my own training. I also walk 5-10 miles a day (it helps the legs), perform massage and mild stretching.
The average student has no need of this level of training, but an instructor is not just a student anymore.
Sorrow
The modern world is engrossed in a child-like quest for eternal happiness.
People want to live in the perfect house with the perfect partner and perfect kids, with the perfect job and the perfect car and have perfect friends and perfect holidays. They want to be respected and loved, envied and pleased.
This is profoundly unbalanced. There is something superficial in such a life.
Without sorrow, happiness would have no meaning. Without pain, there cannot be joy. Happiness that stems from having something is not real happiness.
Consider these songs:
"Hurt" sung by Johnny Cash
"Mad World" sung by Gary Jules
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" sung by Simon & Garfunkel
They are stirring, disturbing, moving songs that trouble the heart. There are thousands more but you get the idea.
Experience every feeling. Don't run from sadness. If you are unhappy, be with it. Sorrow makes you whole.
People want to live in the perfect house with the perfect partner and perfect kids, with the perfect job and the perfect car and have perfect friends and perfect holidays. They want to be respected and loved, envied and pleased.
This is profoundly unbalanced. There is something superficial in such a life.
Without sorrow, happiness would have no meaning. Without pain, there cannot be joy. Happiness that stems from having something is not real happiness.
Consider these songs:
"Hurt" sung by Johnny Cash
"Mad World" sung by Gary Jules
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" sung by Simon & Garfunkel
They are stirring, disturbing, moving songs that trouble the heart. There are thousands more but you get the idea.
Experience every feeling. Don't run from sadness. If you are unhappy, be with it. Sorrow makes you whole.
Tuesday
Translating
The Chinese characters for 'tai chi' are translated in a variety of ways.
Some people say 'yin/yang', 'supreme ultimate' or 'great pole' but this has just substituted one obscure phrase for another.
Ray Grigg translates tai chi differently: 'dynamic balancing'.
This is a translation that says something. You can understand what dynamic means and what balancing involves. It depicts a process that sounds alive. The words produce a meaningful response. Contrast with 'supreme ultimate'?
Dynamic balancing captures the essence of what is involved in the doing of tai chi. Your muscles are dynamically stretching as you move; opposing groups supporting and resisting. Energetically, you are in the process of constantly re-balancing the body.
Some people say 'yin/yang', 'supreme ultimate' or 'great pole' but this has just substituted one obscure phrase for another.
Ray Grigg translates tai chi differently: 'dynamic balancing'.
This is a translation that says something. You can understand what dynamic means and what balancing involves. It depicts a process that sounds alive. The words produce a meaningful response. Contrast with 'supreme ultimate'?
Dynamic balancing captures the essence of what is involved in the doing of tai chi. Your muscles are dynamically stretching as you move; opposing groups supporting and resisting. Energetically, you are in the process of constantly re-balancing the body.
Monday
8:00 PM - Partner work/self defence
Our syllabus is complex, sophisticated and logical.
Students work though each grade methodically, gaining an increasingly diverse range of tai chi abilities.
Students work though each grade methodically, gaining an increasingly diverse range of tai chi abilities.
Being realistic
Facing up to your age can be a bit hard if you have an ego.
A well-balanced 40 year old usually recognises that they do not really want to undergo violent combat. They are looking for something milder. Yes, they want self defence skills, but they also want more. They want to feel fit, calm and comfortable in their own body.
A good tai chi class can offer self defence without the risks associated with the external arts.
A well-balanced 40 year old usually recognises that they do not really want to undergo violent combat. They are looking for something milder. Yes, they want self defence skills, but they also want more. They want to feel fit, calm and comfortable in their own body.
A good tai chi class can offer self defence without the risks associated with the external arts.
Get help
If you find yourself prowling the web looking for some way to assuage your boredom and vent your wrath, you may have some problems.
Rather than pour your heart out via your blog, why not talk to a real person?
There are counsellors and therapists in most cities around the world. Seek them out. Talk to them. Find a constructive release for your frustrations.
Let a caring professional assist you. Find meaning and balance once again.
Rather than pour your heart out via your blog, why not talk to a real person?
There are counsellors and therapists in most cities around the world. Seek them out. Talk to them. Find a constructive release for your frustrations.
Let a caring professional assist you. Find meaning and balance once again.
Corrections
If your tai chi doesn't look perfect, so what? Ascertain what needs work and work on it. But don't ever stress about it. A positive, patient approach to tai chi is what you need. Watch. Feel. Explore.
Tai chi is filled with fussy prissy people who fret about the choreography of their moves and worry about pinpoint accuracy. The internal content of their tai chi is usually absent. They are caught up in the spectacle, the show, the superficial.
Tai chi is not performance art. Being a performer is totally incongruent with taoism. How the tai chi looks is meaningless relative to how it feels.
Think of tai chi as being 'shaped movement'. Use the relevant, useful part of the arc. This may not look crisp and tidy but it will loosen your joints and soften the muscles.
Corrections are about helping the student to feel the essence for themselves, structurally and martially. The teacher should care for their students and not put them down or make them feel inadequate. Correction is not criticism.
Tai chi is filled with fussy prissy people who fret about the choreography of their moves and worry about pinpoint accuracy. The internal content of their tai chi is usually absent. They are caught up in the spectacle, the show, the superficial.
Tai chi is not performance art. Being a performer is totally incongruent with taoism. How the tai chi looks is meaningless relative to how it feels.
Think of tai chi as being 'shaped movement'. Use the relevant, useful part of the arc. This may not look crisp and tidy but it will loosen your joints and soften the muscles.
Corrections are about helping the student to feel the essence for themselves, structurally and martially. The teacher should care for their students and not put them down or make them feel inadequate. Correction is not criticism.
Sunday
Saturday
Becoming a teacher #2
Knowledge is never enough. You must also want to share it. Not for ego, but because you cannot help yourself - its in your nature to communicate.
Not every student likes to share. Many take no real interest in other people. They decline to help out in class and do not mix well with others. No extra-curricular activities. No socialising. These people can never be a teacher. They are too insular, isolated and uncomfortable with themselves. It is not possible to go from self-centred to extrovert. It goes against the grain. Against what is.
A teacher must be comfortable in a social setting, interacting freely with people from many different backgrounds. They must have passion. They need to actually like people.
Nietzsche wrote that a teacher who teaches from the heart takes all things seriously only in reference to the students, even themselves. Unless you are passionate about helping, sharing, and have genuine fun interacting with people, you cannot ever become a good teacher.
Not every student likes to share. Many take no real interest in other people. They decline to help out in class and do not mix well with others. No extra-curricular activities. No socialising. These people can never be a teacher. They are too insular, isolated and uncomfortable with themselves. It is not possible to go from self-centred to extrovert. It goes against the grain. Against what is.
A teacher must be comfortable in a social setting, interacting freely with people from many different backgrounds. They must have passion. They need to actually like people.
Nietzsche wrote that a teacher who teaches from the heart takes all things seriously only in reference to the students, even themselves. Unless you are passionate about helping, sharing, and have genuine fun interacting with people, you cannot ever become a good teacher.
Intent
Use mind, not force.
Force is a major problem in tai chi and leads to muscular tension and fatigue.
Force is a major problem in tai chi and leads to muscular tension and fatigue.
May I tell you a joke?
Some of you may have heard it, so don't get bored.
The devil and his friend are walking the earth.
Ahead of them, they see a man bend down and pick up something shiny on the ground.
He looks at it with delight, puts it in his pocket and elatedly walks off.
The friend asks, "What did that man find that changed him so much?"
The devil answers, "I know. He found a piece of truth."
"By jove!" exclaims his friend. "That must be bad business for you."
"Not at all," the devil replies with a sly smile, "I'm going to help him organise it".
"By jove!" exclaims his friend. "That must be bad business for you."
"Not at all," the devil replies with a sly smile, "I'm going to help him organise it".
(Krishnamurti)
Friday
7:00 PM - Qigong & weaponry
New starters learn the basic qigong exercises.
Graded students work on weapons drills:
Graded students work on weapons drills:
- 20 cane/stick drills
- 13 knife drills
- 15 broadsword drills
- 2-person cane/stick
- 2-person small stick
Exercise videos
Be wary of attempting to learn a sophisticated exercise system using a video.
If you are making fundamental errors, how will you know?
If you have an existing injury, there is a risk of making matters worse.
If you are making fundamental errors, how will you know?
If you have an existing injury, there is a risk of making matters worse.
Thursday
Blogs & chatrooms
One of the problems with the internet is that it encourages all manner of unpleasantness. Blogs and chatrooms allow malignant people to insult strangers anonymously. Bad feeling and gossip are rampant.
Troubled people are free to pour out hatred and malice, with no risk of consequence.
This is not healthy.
Troubled people are free to pour out hatred and malice, with no risk of consequence.
This is not healthy.
Falter at the finish
Lao Tzu said that people typically don’t see things through. They begin with enthusiasm and good intentions, but rapidly grow restless and lack the staying power to reach anything truly worthwhile.
How many times have you read a story or seen a movie that has a great beginning but a poor ending?
A good story should tantalise at the beginning, add texture and depth in the middle and have a resounding conclusion; with insights, lessons and understanding to take away with you.
This is a model for our syllabus.
How many times have you read a story or seen a movie that has a great beginning but a poor ending?
A good story should tantalise at the beginning, add texture and depth in the middle and have a resounding conclusion; with insights, lessons and understanding to take away with you.
This is a model for our syllabus.
Wednesday
Timing & coordination
Before you can jing successfully, a fully-functioning pathway must be developed through which you can generate power.
The correct muscle groups need to be engaged.
The muscles must direct the kinetic energy in the line of your choosing.
Force is not projected by means of the curve. It is linear. Circularity only occurs when the line of force changes.
This is called 'square on the inside and round on the outside'.
You must become adept at channelling kinetic energy down a deliberate, conscious path.
This process takes time to master.
Daily training is encouraged.
The correct muscle groups need to be engaged.
The muscles must direct the kinetic energy in the line of your choosing.
Force is not projected by means of the curve. It is linear. Circularity only occurs when the line of force changes.
This is called 'square on the inside and round on the outside'.
You must become adept at channelling kinetic energy down a deliberate, conscious path.
This process takes time to master.
Daily training is encouraged.
Find joy
Every circumstance is an opportunity to find levity and happiness.
Even the most unpleasant-seeming situations are a chance to refine your character and respond to hardship with good spirits and humour.
It is our response to the event that counts, not the event itself.
Even the most unpleasant-seeming situations are a chance to refine your character and respond to hardship with good spirits and humour.
It is our response to the event that counts, not the event itself.
Tuesday
Becoming an instructor #1
The first quality necessary when seeking to become an instructor is that you must have something to teach.
Not only must you have information and experience, you need a level of knowledge that enables you to see connections, associations and themes - linkages between apparently separate qualities/components.
To posses this degree of insight, your own research, study and training must transcend mere regurgitation. For an instructor, it is not enough to copy and then pass on the same material. You must see things from many different angles, and be capable of selecting the most appropriate route for the given student's perceptual capacity.
A vast number of hours must be spent in solo and partnered training, watching, thinking and reading. Test, dismantle, explore and start again.
Not only must you have information and experience, you need a level of knowledge that enables you to see connections, associations and themes - linkages between apparently separate qualities/components.
To posses this degree of insight, your own research, study and training must transcend mere regurgitation. For an instructor, it is not enough to copy and then pass on the same material. You must see things from many different angles, and be capable of selecting the most appropriate route for the given student's perceptual capacity.
A vast number of hours must be spent in solo and partnered training, watching, thinking and reading. Test, dismantle, explore and start again.
Mirror, mirror
Do you like people for who they are, or only to the degree to which they reflect your own values?
Monday
Emotional weaponry
Emotion is the tool the personality uses to grant its opinions credibility and value. It’s how the personality feels worthwhile. It is also how the personality gets what it wants. It can wield emotion like a baseball bat, manipulating others to react to its needs and desires.
We learn the trick as children. A bit of theatrics, temper tantrums – howling at 120 decibels in the middle of the supermarket – worked marvelously when we wanted an ice cream. Emotion was how we got grown-ups to take notice.
(Stuart Wilde)
Sunday
Memory
What have you put in your mind?
Is it facts & figures, general knowledge, gossip and opinion? How often do you use the information that you store? Could your mind do with a good clean out? Can you shed some opinions?
What have you stored in your mind - necessities for a worthwhile life, or trivial junk?
Is it facts & figures, general knowledge, gossip and opinion? How often do you use the information that you store? Could your mind do with a good clean out? Can you shed some opinions?
What have you stored in your mind - necessities for a worthwhile life, or trivial junk?
Saturday
Labour-saving
Labour-saving devices make life easier.
For what purpose?
What do you do with this easier life?
Sit and watch TV?
Eat?
Perhaps manual labour serves a purpose.
For what purpose?
What do you do with this easier life?
Sit and watch TV?
Eat?
Perhaps manual labour serves a purpose.
Friday
No honour
We live in dishonourable times. From a war waged on questionable ground, to the smaller things that remind us every day that something important has been lost: the guy who opens a candy bar and tosses the wrapper on the street, the white collar worker who pads his expense account because everyone else is doing it, the woman in accounting who’s nice to your face but tears you down when you’re out of the room, reporters who fabricate stories and CEOs who cash out the retirement funds of their employees to buy yet another big house in the Bahamas... we are daily deluged by duplicity, convenient fabrications, self-indulgence, outright lies and the elevation of enlightened self-interest to an art form practiced by both the lofty and the low.
Because you gotta look after numero uno first. Because only losers put other people first. Screw the next guy before he has a chance to screw you. Do unto others then split.
(J M Straczynski)
Wednesday
Hardship
Enduring hardship is tough.
It can be very difficult to stay relaxed, calm and compassionate when things seem to go from bad to worse.
These are trials of character. We can learn a lot from them; about who we are and how we respond under pressure.
If we can endure, then the experience can change us for the better - like the forging of a sword, where the raw metal is beaten repeatedly by the blacksmith until it has strength that is needed for what lies ahead.
To bear that which you think you cannot bear is really to bear.
(Nitobe)
(Nitobe)
It can be very difficult to stay relaxed, calm and compassionate when things seem to go from bad to worse.
These are trials of character. We can learn a lot from them; about who we are and how we respond under pressure.
If we can endure, then the experience can change us for the better - like the forging of a sword, where the raw metal is beaten repeatedly by the blacksmith until it has strength that is needed for what lies ahead.
Tuesday
Be scientific about your knees
Every form of exercise has the potential to harm your body if you do not perform it correctly. Even tai chi.
If you do experience knee problems, it is worth talking with your instructor.
Usually the only people who get knee trouble are those with an existing history of hard style external martial arts, sports injuries or occupational damage. Those people need to be very slow and careful in order to rehabilitate the knees.
If you do not have a history of wear and tear, and you are experiencing discomfort, logic dictates that you are performing the exercise incorrectly.
After all, the rest of the class is alright...
Your practice is going to require some rehabilitation, so be scientific about the situation: work with your instructor and figure out what you are doing wrong - and correct it. It can be difficult to admit an error and take responsibility for your own wellbeing, but it is a necessary first step.
If you do experience knee problems, it is worth talking with your instructor.
Usually the only people who get knee trouble are those with an existing history of hard style external martial arts, sports injuries or occupational damage. Those people need to be very slow and careful in order to rehabilitate the knees.
If you do not have a history of wear and tear, and you are experiencing discomfort, logic dictates that you are performing the exercise incorrectly.
After all, the rest of the class is alright...
Your practice is going to require some rehabilitation, so be scientific about the situation: work with your instructor and figure out what you are doing wrong - and correct it. It can be difficult to admit an error and take responsibility for your own wellbeing, but it is a necessary first step.
Monday
The past
The past is past and can’t be fixed. The only tragedy is when you carry a negative memory of it into the future. Absolve yourself. If needs be, create a solemn ceremony, light a candle, say a prayer or meditate, release yourself from previous stuff-ups.
If you’ve hurt people in some way, write them a mental letter and mail it to their heart – tell them you’re sorry. Or, better still, pop around and apologise to them personally. That’s very cathartic for them and for you.
If you’ve hurt people in some way, write them a mental letter and mail it to their heart – tell them you’re sorry. Or, better still, pop around and apologise to them personally. That’s very cathartic for them and for you.
(Stuart Wilde)
Sunday
Stuck in the past
If you assess new experiences based upon old ones, are you learning anything and are you actually seeing the new at all?
In our quest for security and comfort we cling to what has been and employ comparison as a coping mechanism.
Yet, the new is not familiar and may not reflect your existing experience. The danger with comparison is that you are blind to the new because you see only the old. You value what seems important to you.
These values may appear less significant from a different perspective.
In our quest for security and comfort we cling to what has been and employ comparison as a coping mechanism.
Yet, the new is not familiar and may not reflect your existing experience. The danger with comparison is that you are blind to the new because you see only the old. You value what seems important to you.
These values may appear less significant from a different perspective.
Saturday
Learn for yourself
He didn't want anyone to copy him. He himself had learned very little through conscious imitation and he distrusted it as a genuine learning process. He wanted his teachers to make their own discoveries and work things out for themselves as he had done, so that each teacher would have their own unique approach and way of working with the principles.
(Glen Park)
(Glen Park)
Friday
Zen
If tao eludes you, read zen or study a zen-related discipline.
Zen is the spirit of spontaneity; the art of being in the immediate, in the now.
Many zen books are a mixture of taoism and Buddhism, and this occludes the heart of zen somewhat.
Since zen sprung from taoism, it can be an interesting way to expand your understanding.
Zen is the spirit of spontaneity; the art of being in the immediate, in the now.
Many zen books are a mixture of taoism and Buddhism, and this occludes the heart of zen somewhat.
Since zen sprung from taoism, it can be an interesting way to expand your understanding.
Thursday
Before the classics
The tai chi classics are not the root of tai chi.
To extend the metaphor; they are the tree trunk, with the various schools and families representing the branches and leaves.
The root of tai chi is taoism.
Taoism is not about tai chi and never mentions tai chi, but everything in the tai chi classics presupposes an understanding of taoism and its associated principles and insights.
If you are not familiar with Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu, you should expect to find the tai chi classics difficult.
Lao Tzu spoke of how his insights were nothing remarkable yet no one would implement them. His book Tao Te Ching is a clever piece of literature; it is so utterly understated and easily ignored.
The title tells you its worth: The Way Things Are And Their Inherent Power.
In other words: accord yourself with existence and you will draw strength from your relationship.
This lies at the centre of tai chi chuan.
To extend the metaphor; they are the tree trunk, with the various schools and families representing the branches and leaves.
The root of tai chi is taoism.
Taoism is not about tai chi and never mentions tai chi, but everything in the tai chi classics presupposes an understanding of taoism and its associated principles and insights.
If you are not familiar with Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu, you should expect to find the tai chi classics difficult.
Lao Tzu spoke of how his insights were nothing remarkable yet no one would implement them. His book Tao Te Ching is a clever piece of literature; it is so utterly understated and easily ignored.
The title tells you its worth: The Way Things Are And Their Inherent Power.
In other words: accord yourself with existence and you will draw strength from your relationship.
This lies at the centre of tai chi chuan.
Wednesday
Taoism
Taoism is not a religion in any real sense; it is more like science than religion.
Imagine watching an insect and noting the cunning ways in which it utilises its body relative to its environment - and then adopting and adapting those insights yourself - that is taoism.
You are not expected to memorise anything or quote witty insights.
You can possess tremendous taoist wisdom without ever reading a book; all the books do is help you to notice things and contemplate.
Imagine watching an insect and noting the cunning ways in which it utilises its body relative to its environment - and then adopting and adapting those insights yourself - that is taoism.
You are not expected to memorise anything or quote witty insights.
You can possess tremendous taoist wisdom without ever reading a book; all the books do is help you to notice things and contemplate.
Tuesday
Tai chi classics
What are the tai chi classics?
What do they constitute?
The tai chi classics are the recorded wisdom of some famous tai chi teachers.
Do and don'ts concerning tai chi.
Most of the suggestions are quite clear, although others are more cryptic.
It is very important for every student of tai chi to read the classics periodically and use them as a meter against which to gauge the quality of their own practice.
If your tai chi deviates from the classics, you are probably not doing tai chi.
What do they constitute?
The tai chi classics are the recorded wisdom of some famous tai chi teachers.
Do and don'ts concerning tai chi.
Most of the suggestions are quite clear, although others are more cryptic.
It is very important for every student of tai chi to read the classics periodically and use them as a meter against which to gauge the quality of their own practice.
If your tai chi deviates from the classics, you are probably not doing tai chi.
Saturday
Yang Cheng Fu form
Our school practices the Yang Cheng Fu style of tai chi, which is quite martial in nature but very good for health.
We teach the small frame, small circle version.
This is not the simplified form taught by Cheng Man Ching or Beijing/Peking schools (24 step etc).
We teach the small frame, small circle version.
This is not the simplified form taught by Cheng Man Ching or Beijing/Peking schools (24 step etc).
Friday
What is tai chi?
Tai chi is:
- a form of healthy exercise
- a system of self defence
- meditation training
- the physical embodiment of taoist and martial insights
- a spiritual journey
The meaning of tai chi can be found in its application of taoist insights and principles in everyday life.
It is about making skilful use of what is available.
Making the best of things.
Thursday
Variables
The problem with techniques is orthodoxy.
A self defence situation calls upon you to adapt and change relative to the opponents behaviour.
This requires a dynamic relationship.
There is no fixity.
You cannot make any assumptions concerning your opponent.
Every encounter is fresh, alive and changeable.
The variables are considerable, and you must move with them, flowing and fluid.
Your appropriate response is akin to building your own technique, tailored specifically for the attacker and discarded when you break contact.
It lives only as long as the attack does and is not the product of conscious thought.
A self defence situation calls upon you to adapt and change relative to the opponents behaviour.
This requires a dynamic relationship.
There is no fixity.
You cannot make any assumptions concerning your opponent.
Every encounter is fresh, alive and changeable.
The variables are considerable, and you must move with them, flowing and fluid.
Your appropriate response is akin to building your own technique, tailored specifically for the attacker and discarded when you break contact.
It lives only as long as the attack does and is not the product of conscious thought.
Wednesday
A doll of wood
Bruce Lee spoke of being a doll of wood, an animated machine with no thoughts and feelings. (He took the idea from Chuang Tzu's Fighting Cock).
You must leave aside any notions or concerns.
It is important to become blank and receptive, open to the situation and responsive to what is happening.
This is what zen does to the student.
You must leave aside any notions or concerns.
It is important to become blank and receptive, open to the situation and responsive to what is happening.
This is what zen does to the student.
Tuesday
Playing the attacker
If you play a lousy attacker during self defence partner work, it will show up during san da.
You will be hesitant, dithery and anticipatory.
Learn to step forwards with confidence and skill.
You will be hesitant, dithery and anticipatory.
Learn to step forwards with confidence and skill.
Monday
Feedback
I've done some martial arts before including tai chi but sifu's syllabus is so beyond anything I've seen it's ridiculous! Practically all my previous training has not helped me at all and I'm just grateful I found sifu when I did.
(Tim)
(Tim)
Sunday
One form
You may know two hundred different martial arts but what is the quality of your movements? It's still just movement, it doesn't matter how many forms you know.People with wisdom will use a tool properly, but a person with lower knowledge will recognise only one function of the tool. In the same manner, internal martial arts can be used for many functions because you use the same tool. This training method is only one tool, but it has many different uses. You need to use one form for practice and include everything in it - mind, structure, movement and qi. If you can easily do all of these within each motion, that is the internal martial arts.
(Luo De Xiu)
(Luo De Xiu)
Saturday
Thursday
Tuesday
Monday
Feedback
I very much enjoy your sessions - without any false flattery, you have been one of the best teachers I have had for any martial art. Your commitment, patience and dedication to the art and your students is something that I believe many teachers should aspire to. I won't pretend that all of it made sense (after all, you often told us that it shouldn't at our stage!), but I have taken some vital lessons about martial arts, tai chi and humility away with me...To your credit Sifu Waller, you have shown me something that has I did not expect to find in tai chi... a comprehensive fighting system in itself. I wish the rest of the MA community would wake up and see what you see.
(Stuart Sadler)
Saturday
Turtle-neck
Why do tai chi people tuck the chin-in?
It restricts the natural mobility of the spine and tilts the pelvis unnecessarily. There is also tension behind the neck and restriction in the throat.
The neck should be relaxed. The head free to move forwards and up. This generates a 'suspended from above' feeling.
It restricts the natural mobility of the spine and tilts the pelvis unnecessarily. There is also tension behind the neck and restriction in the throat.
The neck should be relaxed. The head free to move forwards and up. This generates a 'suspended from above' feeling.
Friday
Dictionary game
Answering a question in class can occasionally result in endless side-tracking. In order to explain one thing, you must explain another, and in order to explain that thing, something else...
It is like a dictionary.
You look up 'car' and it says 'vehicle'.
You look up 'vehicle' and it says 'transport'...
We aim to build up the vocabulary of tai chi patiently, and deflect questions that require background knowledge in order to comprehend the answer.
The answer will come, and it will make sense. But you need to know what 'transport' means first.
It is like a dictionary.
You look up 'car' and it says 'vehicle'.
You look up 'vehicle' and it says 'transport'...
We aim to build up the vocabulary of tai chi patiently, and deflect questions that require background knowledge in order to comprehend the answer.
The answer will come, and it will make sense. But you need to know what 'transport' means first.
Thursday
Feedback
I'm thoroughly enjoying the training; it is on a completely different level to anything I've done previously.
(Simon)
Tuesday
Saturday
Feedback
I recently read in The Little Zen Companion a quote that I liked:
"Every exit is an entry somewhere else."
Our Sifu has a syllabus that contains countless exits that always turn out to be an entry to somewhere else. Even though it is usually difficult to pass through a particular barrier we at Newcastle are fortunate in having a teacher who can teach and has the patience to help us over the obstacles we come up against.
Before I came to Sifu Waller three years ago I had spent six years at four different classes trying to learn tai chi. None of them had a syllabus of any kind. Most were offering tuition of the simplified 24 step Yang style tai chi, with no self defence and no regard for the health of knees or back. The classes were for one hour only and cost about the same as ours.
(John Bell)
Friday
Good morning
Since 1983 it has been habit to get up and train between 6:00 - 8:00 approx every morning. Sometimes the training has started sooner or lasted longer, but the habit remains. It is an excellent way to start the day.
It was yoga initially, along with judo and karate. Then later, it became tai chi - ideally performed outdoors.
Nothing is forced. You just wander through material at leisure, covering what needs to be done. Never rushing or performing by rote.
No matter how you feel in the morning, the training wakes you up. If you follow it with a cool shower and breakfast, you feel balanced and calm.
It was yoga initially, along with judo and karate. Then later, it became tai chi - ideally performed outdoors.
Nothing is forced. You just wander through material at leisure, covering what needs to be done. Never rushing or performing by rote.
No matter how you feel in the morning, the training wakes you up. If you follow it with a cool shower and breakfast, you feel balanced and calm.
Thursday
Feedback
I've been in attendance of Sifu Waller's school for over 3 years now and from day one I felt it was a good place to be, warm and welcoming but most importantly for me I found it incredibly inspiring and constantly challenging. The way in which the subject material is taught I believe is second to none, incredible attention to detail with friendliness and a patience to really help you along the way. The self defence material taught is quite simply devastating, but the most important thing for me is the manner in which you are taught to apply it, with extreme care and restraint. The refinement of character is priceless.
(Paul Booth)
Tuesday
Workshop wonders
The thing with workshops is to earnestly consider what £25 (or whatever) is going to buy you. Is a tai chi master honestly going to show a total stranger everything he has?
It seems somewhat unlikely.
Most teachers don't reveal anything quickly - partly out of secrecy - but mainly because the material would be meaningless without the prerequisite foundation training and understanding. There are no shortcuts.
Workshop are often beginners stuff packaged to sound advanced...
It seems somewhat unlikely.
Most teachers don't reveal anything quickly - partly out of secrecy - but mainly because the material would be meaningless without the prerequisite foundation training and understanding. There are no shortcuts.
Workshop are often beginners stuff packaged to sound advanced...
Monday
World-view
Embrace others as part of yourself. Treat every family as your family. See all communities as your community. Think of all nations as your nation. Know that your world is everyone's world. Why do I see things this way? Because this is the way things are.
(Lao Tzu)
(Lao Tzu)
Sunday
Exercise videos
Fitness instructors offer the promise of a great body and typically use their own physique as evidence that the system works.
Read the biography carefully. Many of these people are gymnasts, ballerinas, or have a long-term background in yoga. They may be genetically predisposed towards a lean physique.
How many of them had great bodies to start with? What proof do you have that their body is the result of the offered system?
Apply these questions to exercise classes too.
Read the biography carefully. Many of these people are gymnasts, ballerinas, or have a long-term background in yoga. They may be genetically predisposed towards a lean physique.
How many of them had great bodies to start with? What proof do you have that their body is the result of the offered system?
Apply these questions to exercise classes too.
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