Ultimately, tai chi is not about exercise or self defence. These are by-products.
Instead, tai chi exists to show you that there is a wall in your mind; a wall so familiar and complete that you do not notice its presence.
If you are relaxed and let-go, the wall does not exist.
If you push the wall with your body and mind, it will not yield - tai chi cannot be forced, cajoled, coerced or dismantled by thought.
Only when you yield, will the wall cease to exist.
The wall is your conflict, your resistance, your need to control what cannot be controlled.
Years can be spent in unnecessary frustration, as you seek to will your way through the system - and for all your apparent accomplishments, you will have nothing.
When you can see the barrier in your mind, you have come a long way.
Awareness is the beginning of change.
If you stop pushing and forcing, you will find that you possess energy in abundance.
Sunday
Saturday
Our way
There are many aspects of the syllabus that will be different to how other schools approach the material.
Every school has its own agenda and focus, and the way in which tai chi is practiced will reflect the character of the teacher as much as anything else.
We are keen to avoid the 'cult of the personality' and feel that the teacher should remain in the shadows rather than the forefront of the class.
Our syllabus follows martial science and the tai chi classics, rather than the opinion of one individual.
Every school has its own agenda and focus, and the way in which tai chi is practiced will reflect the character of the teacher as much as anything else.
We are keen to avoid the 'cult of the personality' and feel that the teacher should remain in the shadows rather than the forefront of the class.
Our syllabus follows martial science and the tai chi classics, rather than the opinion of one individual.
Losing fatigue
The root of fatigue is to be found in the way in which we do things.
Our approach to tai chi emphasises the process above all else; if you do not consider the principles involved, you do not fully understand a topic.
Fatigue comes from attitude.
We do too much, we are greedy, we do not rest, we use too much strength, we have forgotten how to relax, we eat the wrong types of food in the wrong amounts at the wrong time of day.
Our approach to tai chi emphasises the process above all else; if you do not consider the principles involved, you do not fully understand a topic.
Fatigue comes from attitude.
We do too much, we are greedy, we do not rest, we use too much strength, we have forgotten how to relax, we eat the wrong types of food in the wrong amounts at the wrong time of day.
Friday
Condition
You must exercise in a relaxed, comfortable manner; not straining or forcing anything.
Slowly your condition improves and you become stronger.
Conditioning work is vital in tai chi; you cannot hope to practice it martially without a strong centre and bow tension.
These things only come with time, patience and daily training over many years.
Slowly your condition improves and you become stronger.
Conditioning work is vital in tai chi; you cannot hope to practice it martially without a strong centre and bow tension.
These things only come with time, patience and daily training over many years.
Doing
Doing sounds more positive than trying because struggling has been removed.
However, doing usually entails self-consciousness.
Doing involves the use of willpower.
Willpower is the act of forcing; attempting to re-shape reality to suit your own design.
The whole point of taoism and tai chi is that it is not about you.
You must move as part of the situation, rather than regard yourself as the lead role or focus of attention.
There must be no division between yourself and another.
However, doing usually entails self-consciousness.
Doing involves the use of willpower.
Willpower is the act of forcing; attempting to re-shape reality to suit your own design.
The whole point of taoism and tai chi is that it is not about you.
You must move as part of the situation, rather than regard yourself as the lead role or focus of attention.
There must be no division between yourself and another.
Thursday
Doing some good?
Many people know their skills are lacking but continue teaching because people like their classes.
They argue that even a limited sense of tai chi is better than none.
If somebody is unfit, walking around the block will do them good. Moving around will do them good.
But this does not make it tai chi.
Would you be satisfied if your employer chose to only pay you 5% of your expected salary? No.
Yet, you spend years tooling around with poor quality tai chi-style keep fit exercise in the belief that you are receiving the complete art.
Why are you so easily satisfied? Raise your standards.
Most people are on a path with a dead end.
They train ten years and they end up with nothing.
(Paul Gale)
They argue that even a limited sense of tai chi is better than none.
If somebody is unfit, walking around the block will do them good. Moving around will do them good.
But this does not make it tai chi.
Would you be satisfied if your employer chose to only pay you 5% of your expected salary? No.
Yet, you spend years tooling around with poor quality tai chi-style keep fit exercise in the belief that you are receiving the complete art.
Why are you so easily satisfied? Raise your standards.
Most people are on a path with a dead end.
They train ten years and they end up with nothing.
(Paul Gale)
Trying
There is the image (or concept) and the reality.
The process of bending reality to fit the image is what we call 'trying'.
Trying is a kind of forcing; it is the act of seeking to adhere to an idea or pattern that exists in your mind.
When you try, exertion is required.
Effort creates anxiety and tension.
Tension impedes you.
Rather than try... allow.
Allowing is a passive, relaxed approach that involves stepping out of the way.
Some things happen by themselves.
The process of bending reality to fit the image is what we call 'trying'.
Trying is a kind of forcing; it is the act of seeking to adhere to an idea or pattern that exists in your mind.
When you try, exertion is required.
Effort creates anxiety and tension.
Tension impedes you.
Rather than try... allow.
Allowing is a passive, relaxed approach that involves stepping out of the way.
Some things happen by themselves.
Accord
Lao Tzu saw tao as permeating everything.
He thought that if a person could accord themselves with the nature of existence then resistance would be removed.
Without resistance there cannot be conflict.
The reality of his observations can be seen by studying wind or water.
This accord is also known as 'wu wei'.
He thought that if a person could accord themselves with the nature of existence then resistance would be removed.
Without resistance there cannot be conflict.
The reality of his observations can be seen by studying wind or water.
This accord is also known as 'wu wei'.
Build your strength
For a long time tai chi has been promoted as being an effortless exercise.
Do not be misled by this: if it were truly effortless, there would not be any exercise.
The word 'effortless' should refer to the absence of resistance in your body and the surprising effect of your actions once conflict has been removed.
Tai chi involves physical work, the strengthening of muscles and bones, the stretching of the elastic tissues.
This is not to be confused with gym work, sport or weight training.
Do not be misled by this: if it were truly effortless, there would not be any exercise.
The word 'effortless' should refer to the absence of resistance in your body and the surprising effect of your actions once conflict has been removed.
Tai chi involves physical work, the strengthening of muscles and bones, the stretching of the elastic tissues.
This is not to be confused with gym work, sport or weight training.
Wednesday
Ready to teach?
No one should consider becoming a teacher until they have something to teach. Many tai chi classes are tutored by people who have seen a fraction and believe it to be the whole.
Teaching people a fragmented view of tai chi is deceptive; it denies the student the richness of the complete art.
No matter what the style, tai chi practice must always contain the tai chi principles.
The principles are what make the art 'tai chi'. If your teacher does not know them, they should not be teaching anybody.
Teaching people a fragmented view of tai chi is deceptive; it denies the student the richness of the complete art.
No matter what the style, tai chi practice must always contain the tai chi principles.
The principles are what make the art 'tai chi'. If your teacher does not know them, they should not be teaching anybody.
Structure & movement
Tai chi chuan focuses upon learning a sequence of movements. The movements are known as 'postures' and the sequence itself is called 'form'. The postures train good body usage and promote health.
In tai chi we look for optimal alignment and relaxation at all times. Form exists to provide a framework for movement.
The movement must ultimately be allowed to operate without the scaffolding of fixed postures.
Tai chi chuan is the movement itself, not the postures.
In tai chi we look for optimal alignment and relaxation at all times. Form exists to provide a framework for movement.
The movement must ultimately be allowed to operate without the scaffolding of fixed postures.
Tai chi chuan is the movement itself, not the postures.
A different body
Most of your training is concerned with developing a certain way of moving.
This kind of motion is called 'internal'.
Various drills have been designed as a means of experimenting with how you use the body.
It takes time for your muscles and nerves to re-grow but they will.
Once you have gained a new body skill, it will remain.
We regard the body as a conduit through which energy and motion can be transmitted.
Until your body changes and becomes loose, it will block the flow of energy.
Fa jing will not pass through a stiff body.
This kind of motion is called 'internal'.
Various drills have been designed as a means of experimenting with how you use the body.
It takes time for your muscles and nerves to re-grow but they will.
Once you have gained a new body skill, it will remain.
We regard the body as a conduit through which energy and motion can be transmitted.
Until your body changes and becomes loose, it will block the flow of energy.
Fa jing will not pass through a stiff body.
Philosophy & religion
Our school does not subscribe to or promote any form of organised religion, philosophy or faith.
The study of taoism and zen can be likened to physics or chemistry; they are more about science than religion in the conventional sense.
Neither are 'philosophical' in nature - both are simply the observation of reality.
If you think of taoism as being an 'ism', as being some sort of religion or philosophy, study further.
You have perhaps misunderstood.
The study of taoism and zen can be likened to physics or chemistry; they are more about science than religion in the conventional sense.
Neither are 'philosophical' in nature - both are simply the observation of reality.
If you think of taoism as being an 'ism', as being some sort of religion or philosophy, study further.
You have perhaps misunderstood.
Shadows & illusions
When your mind finds the beauty of life you will see cultures, conventions, traditions and habits break loose of their fixity and float.
For they are all dreams.
Dreams so widespread and accepted that we think of them as real...
And unless we see the illusion for what it is, we will never be free to choose for ourselves.
For they are all dreams.
Dreams so widespread and accepted that we think of them as real...
And unless we see the illusion for what it is, we will never be free to choose for ourselves.
Do less as standard
Conservation of energy is a major theme in our school.
If a movement is flamboyant or exaggerated, it wastes energy and takes time to perform.
You learn to listen to your body.
Trimming off what you do not need is the beginning of living in a more energised way; you cease to waste resources on the unnecessary.
If a movement is flamboyant or exaggerated, it wastes energy and takes time to perform.
You learn to listen to your body.
Trimming off what you do not need is the beginning of living in a more energised way; you cease to waste resources on the unnecessary.
Tuesday
How can I become a teacher?
Many people expect to become a tai chi teacher overnight.
This is an unfortunate by-product of questionable tai chi schools who make false promises and hand out teaching certificates to people who possess no skill whatsoever.
You can only teach tai chi once you have gained an advanced-level understanding of the art and know how to articulate it to a class of people such that they can learn something too.
Trainee teachers know the art. They are long-term students with considerable experience in tai chi.
If you do not know it yourself, what can you possibly teach?
Expect to be studying for a decade before you are taught how to teach somebody else.
This is an unfortunate by-product of questionable tai chi schools who make false promises and hand out teaching certificates to people who possess no skill whatsoever.
You can only teach tai chi once you have gained an advanced-level understanding of the art and know how to articulate it to a class of people such that they can learn something too.
Trainee teachers know the art. They are long-term students with considerable experience in tai chi.
If you do not know it yourself, what can you possibly teach?
Expect to be studying for a decade before you are taught how to teach somebody else.
Learning
Learning is a complicated process.
People tend to think of learning in a very formal way. They go to school, college or university and they learn.
Or they are taught something at work.
Setting time aside in order to learn is a wasteful use of our brain. Ideally, we want to be learning all day every day.
This is not about making time to study. Or 'bettering yourself'. It is about absorbing things informally.
Instead of sitting down and studying, we can learn things constantly - by interacting, by observing.
You do not even need to try.
There is a difference between looking seeing, listening and hearing.
A healthy mind is like a sponge. It learns constantly. It is passive but receptive.
Learning is not simply proceeding from a condition of 'not knowing' to 'knowing'.
That is merely acquisition, the collecting of information.
What good is that?
People tend to think of learning in a very formal way. They go to school, college or university and they learn.
Or they are taught something at work.
Setting time aside in order to learn is a wasteful use of our brain. Ideally, we want to be learning all day every day.
This is not about making time to study. Or 'bettering yourself'. It is about absorbing things informally.
Instead of sitting down and studying, we can learn things constantly - by interacting, by observing.
You do not even need to try.
There is a difference between looking seeing, listening and hearing.
A healthy mind is like a sponge. It learns constantly. It is passive but receptive.
Learning is not simply proceeding from a condition of 'not knowing' to 'knowing'.
That is merely acquisition, the collecting of information.
What good is that?
Adapt, change, improvise
Intelligence is all about awareness. About seeing and moving with what is happening.
This simply will not work in reality.
You need to proceed with no techniques, no formulas, no methods.
Intelligence is not about planning or being prepared in advance.
It is about 'thinking on your feet', making the best use of what is available and being capable of instantaneous change.
Appropriateness is entirely contingent upon your ability to keep adapting, changing and improvising.
You do what is necessary, and you keep on changing as the situation demands.
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
(Charles Darwin)
In tai chi self defence, it is not enough to learn by rote and then churn out techniques.(Charles Darwin)
This simply will not work in reality.
You need to proceed with no techniques, no formulas, no methods.
Intelligence is not about planning or being prepared in advance.
It is about 'thinking on your feet', making the best use of what is available and being capable of instantaneous change.
Appropriateness is entirely contingent upon your ability to keep adapting, changing and improvising.
You do what is necessary, and you keep on changing as the situation demands.
Monday
Learning from mistakes
People frequently fail to learn from their mistakes. They just keep on doing the same thing again and again and again.
There is far more to intelligence than acquisition. We must be alert.
If something does not work, it is necessary to determine why it failed and try something else.
This capacity to change is a key factor.
A dull mind is doomed to repeat the same error continually. An intelligent mind adapts and moves on.
There is far more to intelligence than acquisition. We must be alert.
If something does not work, it is necessary to determine why it failed and try something else.
This capacity to change is a key factor.
A dull mind is doomed to repeat the same error continually. An intelligent mind adapts and moves on.
Tai chi in your area?
People ask us to recommend other classes and schools. We cannot do this. Every tai chi school has its own agenda. Each school has its own values, concerns and interests.
These are not necessarily compatible with other schools.
Our advice is to explore what is available in your area. Try out some classes. You may find something you like. Something that appeals to your values, concerns and interests.
Look for the virtue. The tai chi-ness of 'tai chi'. If you can find it, enjoy the journey.
These are not necessarily compatible with other schools.
Our advice is to explore what is available in your area. Try out some classes. You may find something you like. Something that appeals to your values, concerns and interests.
Look for the virtue. The tai chi-ness of 'tai chi'. If you can find it, enjoy the journey.
Childish
The way in which our school teaches tai chi is unique.
It has been developed through our own experience and study.
We follow the taoist principle of returning the mind and body to a child-like condition.
We encourage students to be fresh and open, supple and curious...
Rather than add to your existing habits patterns, physical and psychological problems, we plan to take away what you have.
You have to let-go, to lose, to give-in, to fail.
Shedding the accumulated impediments of a lifetime will be an arduous but rewarding experience.
Like dropping a rock you never knew you were carrying.
It has been developed through our own experience and study.
We follow the taoist principle of returning the mind and body to a child-like condition.
We encourage students to be fresh and open, supple and curious...
Rather than add to your existing habits patterns, physical and psychological problems, we plan to take away what you have.
You have to let-go, to lose, to give-in, to fail.
Shedding the accumulated impediments of a lifetime will be an arduous but rewarding experience.
Like dropping a rock you never knew you were carrying.
Sunday
Expertise
Beyond mere competence is expertise.
Expertise suggests a very strong grasp of the art, an ability to make connections and associations, to turn things on its head.
This level of skill is evident in every move you make. There is ease, grace, flow and power.
No faltering, no hesitation, no loss of power.
Every application is functional, devastating and final.
If you pass beyond 3rd dan, you may well be an expert.
Expertise suggests a very strong grasp of the art, an ability to make connections and associations, to turn things on its head.
This level of skill is evident in every move you make. There is ease, grace, flow and power.
No faltering, no hesitation, no loss of power.
Every application is functional, devastating and final.
If you pass beyond 3rd dan, you may well be an expert.
Tai chi
We teach people to become incredibly aware of their own bodies.
To feel the most subtle tension; to identify it, be with it and then allow it to pass.
Then to take this sensibility into partner work and ultimately self defence.
When you have augmented your body with the first series of neigong qualities, you move in a new manner.
Internally united, your structure feels strong, yet possesses the same degree of looseness apparent in a child.
Every gesture joins mind and body together: you feel calm, composed, relaxed and energised.
Alert and vigorous, you are unflustered by passing and changing of life.
To feel the most subtle tension; to identify it, be with it and then allow it to pass.
Then to take this sensibility into partner work and ultimately self defence.
When you have augmented your body with the first series of neigong qualities, you move in a new manner.
Internally united, your structure feels strong, yet possesses the same degree of looseness apparent in a child.
Every gesture joins mind and body together: you feel calm, composed, relaxed and energised.
Alert and vigorous, you are unflustered by passing and changing of life.
Saturday
Yielding in life
Yielding is harder than people realise because it requires humility.
e.g. You book a plumber to come and he doesn't turn up. Your instinct is to ring up and complain but instead you ring to let him know that you have to go out and you arrange a different time. At no point do you lay blame or complain.
He knows that he never turned up and so do you. The fact that you did not get upset demonstrates a different kind of strength.
e.g. You book a plumber to come and he doesn't turn up. Your instinct is to ring up and complain but instead you ring to let him know that you have to go out and you arrange a different time. At no point do you lay blame or complain.
He knows that he never turned up and so do you. The fact that you did not get upset demonstrates a different kind of strength.
Friday
Do what you can
You may reach a point when you have gone as far up the grades as you want to go. The prospect of more sophisticated, physically demanding work may not appeal to you. This is fine. You are welcome to stay at your present grade and keep on training.
Thursday
Starting anew
If you are 40 (or over) and starting a martial arts class for the first time, be careful. You are not as resilient as you once were. Injuries, bumps and bruises will not heal as fast as they once did. And getting up off the floor may be somewhat harder than it was 20 years ago.
Don't be macho.
Don't be macho.
Meditation
Meditation is not about sitting for long hours. It is about presence, about being in the immediate moment - wide awake and aware of what is happening.
You can sit all day long and never reach a condition of meditation.
Ideally, your tai chi should have a meditative component to it. You can also benefit from working on meditation exercises independently from your tai chi practice.
You can sit all day long and never reach a condition of meditation.
Ideally, your tai chi should have a meditative component to it. You can also benefit from working on meditation exercises independently from your tai chi practice.
High cocoa solids: the stuff of nightmares
If you want a good nights sleep, don't have high cocoa solids after your evening meal.
Wednesday
Value
Good' and 'bad' are value judgements applied to things relative to how well they meet our expectations.
Taoism has no equivalent form of assessment. It gauges value relative to whether or not something is true to its nature.
In terms of tai chi, there is no such thing as good or bad tai chi. There is tai chi, and there is exercise or martial arts practice that simply cannot be called tai chi.
Tai chi follows certain taoist principles and must meet certain criteria. It is a martial art, a viable, working form of self defence. It uses softness and yielding rather than force and aggression.
It is also a way of moving, a way of interacting and a way of being.
Taoism has no equivalent form of assessment. It gauges value relative to whether or not something is true to its nature.
In terms of tai chi, there is no such thing as good or bad tai chi. There is tai chi, and there is exercise or martial arts practice that simply cannot be called tai chi.
Tai chi follows certain taoist principles and must meet certain criteria. It is a martial art, a viable, working form of self defence. It uses softness and yielding rather than force and aggression.
It is also a way of moving, a way of interacting and a way of being.
Wedding photos
Wedding photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6819&id=100000904121377&l=8333d9576b
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7517&id=100000904121377&l=edb9617484
Honeymoon photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7164&id=100000904121377&l=2e11346676
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7168&id=100000904121377&l=40c7b79ddc
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7167&id=100000904121377&l=050fbdfdbb
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7166&id=100000904121377&l=f60b7d4c31
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7165&id=100000904121377&l=58bd1fde8b
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7162&id=100000904121377&l=98d9c6eb00
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7163&id=100000904121377&l=7f9862e748
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6819&id=100000904121377&l=8333d9576b
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7517&id=100000904121377&l=edb9617484
Honeymoon photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7164&id=100000904121377&l=2e11346676
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7168&id=100000904121377&l=40c7b79ddc
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7167&id=100000904121377&l=050fbdfdbb
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7166&id=100000904121377&l=f60b7d4c31
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7165&id=100000904121377&l=58bd1fde8b
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7162&id=100000904121377&l=98d9c6eb00
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=7163&id=100000904121377&l=7f9862e748
Tuesday
Seek out quality
Authentic tai chi can be found. You just have to look for it. Be patient. Be discerning.
Go to different schools and find out what they are teaching and how they are teaching it.
Be humble. Be quiet and receptive.
A good teacher should be able to illustrate internal power without any difficulty.
Watch for ease, comfort, consideration and softness.
It should look like no effort was required. It should feel to be without force, without conflict.
A good teacher is composed. They are graceful, smooth, unhurried. Never aggressive.
Their self defence skills should be quietly impressive. Effective. Decisive. Final.
Go to different schools and find out what they are teaching and how they are teaching it.
Be humble. Be quiet and receptive.
A good teacher should be able to illustrate internal power without any difficulty.
Watch for ease, comfort, consideration and softness.
It should look like no effort was required. It should feel to be without force, without conflict.
A good teacher is composed. They are graceful, smooth, unhurried. Never aggressive.
Their self defence skills should be quietly impressive. Effective. Decisive. Final.
Monday
What does 'tai chi' mean?
Tai chi is an abbreviation of tai chi chuan. Other spellings commonly used - t'ai chi, taiji or taijiquan.
It is pronounced 'tie jee'.
Tai chi is usually translated as 'great ultimate' or 'supreme ultimate' but this does not explain what the words mean.'
Great ultimate' is a reference to the yin/yang process of dynamic balancing.
Chuan means fist, boxing, or martial art.
Tai chi chuan means yin/yang boxing or supreme ultimate fist.
It is pronounced 'tie jee'.
Tai chi is usually translated as 'great ultimate' or 'supreme ultimate' but this does not explain what the words mean.'
Great ultimate' is a reference to the yin/yang process of dynamic balancing.
Chuan means fist, boxing, or martial art.
Tai chi chuan means yin/yang boxing or supreme ultimate fist.
Sunday
Purpose
We are told that life must have meaning and purpose, but who says so?
And why do you choose to believe them?
Are they saying what you want to hear?
Is that it?
Maybe we do not have a purpose. Maybe our actions are largely meaningless.
Do you know for sure?
And why do you choose to believe them?
Are they saying what you want to hear?
Is that it?
Maybe we do not have a purpose. Maybe our actions are largely meaningless.
Do you know for sure?
Feedback
I have found your website to be very helpful with my practice. My teacher is very open to questions, but as a beginner it is sometimes hard to put into words the right question to ask, and in addition the site often offers a slightly different take on the material learnt in class.
It is the inspiration that you offer that I find most invaluable, delivered through the website, but also through the blog. Both pages are a positive influence on me, and I wanted to thank you for your day to day insights which provide nuggets of contemplation to anchor me to my day. It is so easy to get wound up about everyday chaff, but I feel that you help me put these things in context.
Sincere thanks,
(Rob)
It is the inspiration that you offer that I find most invaluable, delivered through the website, but also through the blog. Both pages are a positive influence on me, and I wanted to thank you for your day to day insights which provide nuggets of contemplation to anchor me to my day. It is so easy to get wound up about everyday chaff, but I feel that you help me put these things in context.
Sincere thanks,
(Rob)
Saturday
Syllabus
Tai chi is not Western in conception or application, so it seemed appropriate to design a syllabus that adhered to an Eastern aesthetic.
The zen qualities found in Japanese garden design suited tai chi tuition particularly well.
This may be confusing to new starters but there are some things that cannot be approached in a logical, linear fashion.Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel captures the experience of learning a martial art in this way.
The zen qualities found in Japanese garden design suited tai chi tuition particularly well.
This may be confusing to new starters but there are some things that cannot be approached in a logical, linear fashion.Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel captures the experience of learning a martial art in this way.
Friday
Limitations
Tai chi pays close attention to how you are using your body. If you are feeling discomfort, it is possible to adjust what you are doing and solve the problem. People do suffer from injuries and illness as they age. And these limitations cannot be ignored. Much of the deterioration is the normal and acceptable outcome of growing older.
If you are over 40, you are unwise to ignore your body and force it to pretend that its 20 years old again. A 'no pain, no gain' attitude will only lead to suffering. Go easy on yourself. Do not put yourself under pressure or duress. What would be the point?
If you are over 40, you are unwise to ignore your body and force it to pretend that its 20 years old again. A 'no pain, no gain' attitude will only lead to suffering. Go easy on yourself. Do not put yourself under pressure or duress. What would be the point?
Copying
A lot of tai chi classes operate on a 'follow-the-leader' basis, where the students simply watch and copy the teacher.
The students are never asked to train the form by themselves.
This is contrary to learning. Copying is not understanding.
If a student cannot practice the form without the teacher, then the teacher is a failure because they have not taught anything.
The role of the teacher is to pass-on their knowledge and skills.
The students are never asked to train the form by themselves.
This is contrary to learning. Copying is not understanding.
If a student cannot practice the form without the teacher, then the teacher is a failure because they have not taught anything.
The role of the teacher is to pass-on their knowledge and skills.
Thursday
Tai chi applied as karate
Many tai chi people apply their art as if it were karate.
But tai chi is not karate. Karate is karate. If you want to use contracted muscles, learn karate. Karate is effective in combat. Contract your muscles in tai chi and you ruin everything.
Tai chi self defence is based entirely on yielding to force.
But tai chi is not karate. Karate is karate. If you want to use contracted muscles, learn karate. Karate is effective in combat. Contract your muscles in tai chi and you ruin everything.
Tai chi self defence is based entirely on yielding to force.
Wednesday
Koans explained
Nobody can answer a koan for you.
It may take years for your mind to see what a koan is telling you - a sudden unexpected flash of insight will occur.
Some interpretations you may come across are rather misleading: esoteric, convoluted religious explanations that assume an understanding of Buddhist precepts.
They go against the child-like simplicity and immediacy of zen.
It may take years for your mind to see what a koan is telling you - a sudden unexpected flash of insight will occur.
Some interpretations you may come across are rather misleading: esoteric, convoluted religious explanations that assume an understanding of Buddhist precepts.
They go against the child-like simplicity and immediacy of zen.
Tuesday
Monday
Giving it time
Students want the ability to defend themselves using the body in a relaxed, soft manner - whilst simultaneously improving their health. This is quite a lot to ask for.
It is very clear in the class where people are in the syllabus. We do not encourage competition or rivalry, yet some people do try to one-up each other. They hold too tightly or behave in an unnecessarily awkward manner with their partner. This is naive and macho - not in the spirit of tai chi at all. You are where you are, and it will take as long as it has to. Pushing for a result is force on force and this will not work in tai chi.
It is very clear in the class where people are in the syllabus. We do not encourage competition or rivalry, yet some people do try to one-up each other. They hold too tightly or behave in an unnecessarily awkward manner with their partner. This is naive and macho - not in the spirit of tai chi at all. You are where you are, and it will take as long as it has to. Pushing for a result is force on force and this will not work in tai chi.
Sunday
Less is the new more
Try doing less.
Cancel appointments, reduce commitments, neglect and pare away at things until hardly anything is left. Now you have lots of time. Don’t make the mistake of filling it.
A weekend without activity can last at least a fortnight.
Cancel appointments, reduce commitments, neglect and pare away at things until hardly anything is left. Now you have lots of time. Don’t make the mistake of filling it.
A weekend without activity can last at least a fortnight.
Unravelling
When you can simply 'do' tai chi, you are a skilled exponent. You have transcended the point where conscious thought intrudes.
At this point in your learning, you can perform tai chi very well but could not realistically teach what you can do.
To teach, you have to methodically unravel the process that got you there.
When you can dismantle how you got there and teach it to others such that they can do it too, you are an instructor.
At this point in your learning, you can perform tai chi very well but could not realistically teach what you can do.
To teach, you have to methodically unravel the process that got you there.
When you can dismantle how you got there and teach it to others such that they can do it too, you are an instructor.
Saturday
Sifu and Rachel got married today
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Our best wishes to everyone...
We would like to thank those people who have endeavoured to make our lives easier and more enjoyable.
We would like to thank those people who have endeavoured to make our lives easier and more enjoyable.
Friday
Becoming a teacher #8
The facism of force...
Tai chi is about feeling the flow. Going with the grain, not against it. Naturalness. Smoothness. Receptivity. Ease.
You need to be in touch with these things. If your urge is to tense-up; physically, mentally, emotionally - then you should not teach anyone anything. You need to work on yourself more.
Forcing is just not tai chi. In fact, it is as far removed from tai chi as you can get.
There is a danger in believing yourself to be calm, relaxed, open and composed. But are you? How do you respond to pressure, to crisis? Does being thwarted cripple you? Tai chi students commonly imagine themselves balanced only to lock-up horrendously when surprised. Force is not the way...
Working on yourself is where you should begin and where you should end. Gain the knowledge, the experience, the skills, but also go further and make sure that you are balanced and in tune. Get third-party assessment. Listen to people. Learn not to take life too seriously. Or yourself. Especially not yourself.
Tai chi is about feeling the flow. Going with the grain, not against it. Naturalness. Smoothness. Receptivity. Ease.
You need to be in touch with these things. If your urge is to tense-up; physically, mentally, emotionally - then you should not teach anyone anything. You need to work on yourself more.
Forcing is just not tai chi. In fact, it is as far removed from tai chi as you can get.
There is a danger in believing yourself to be calm, relaxed, open and composed. But are you? How do you respond to pressure, to crisis? Does being thwarted cripple you? Tai chi students commonly imagine themselves balanced only to lock-up horrendously when surprised. Force is not the way...
Working on yourself is where you should begin and where you should end. Gain the knowledge, the experience, the skills, but also go further and make sure that you are balanced and in tune. Get third-party assessment. Listen to people. Learn not to take life too seriously. Or yourself. Especially not yourself.
Composure
One outcome of tai chi is composure. Many people try to fake composure but the phoniness is manifested through their brittleness, fear and physical tension.
Real composure comes from being detached and a little laid back about life.
You stop taking things quite so seriously, especially yourself.
Being emotionally honest with yourself is crucial. You should not suppress or pretend.
Feel whatever emotion comes your way and if it is adverse, contemplate the cause.
Dig deep and find out the source of your upset. Work to remedy the problem if you can.
Real composure comes from being detached and a little laid back about life.
You stop taking things quite so seriously, especially yourself.
Being emotionally honest with yourself is crucial. You should not suppress or pretend.
Feel whatever emotion comes your way and if it is adverse, contemplate the cause.
Dig deep and find out the source of your upset. Work to remedy the problem if you can.
Thursday
I can't get a handle on tai chi
Why do you expect to?
The beginners syllabus is an introduction to tai chi. You are not expected to understand it straight away. Understanding takes time.
People often try to understand tai chi in terms of something else: boxing, judo, karate, wing chun. This is like considering Paul in terms of Peter.
A beginner initially lacks context. As they practice, the pieces slowly come together and the art makes sense.
The beginners syllabus is an introduction to tai chi. You are not expected to understand it straight away. Understanding takes time.
People often try to understand tai chi in terms of something else: boxing, judo, karate, wing chun. This is like considering Paul in terms of Peter.
A beginner initially lacks context. As they practice, the pieces slowly come together and the art makes sense.
Wednesday
New footage
We are experimenting with using a new camera for video footage.
This was our first attempt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMdLXwlaIqw
This was our first attempt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMdLXwlaIqw
Advanced-level (at last)
To Peter Southwood for a very nice card and an extremely generous gift of a fancy changshan.
Peter put the icing on the cake by giving feedback on Sifu's latest assessment and pronouncing him to be 'advanced'. What a wonderful wedding gift!
Sifu is more excited about the wedding than being officially 'advanced' and hasn't made any formal announcement to the class just yet.
After 20 years of tai chi chuan and baguazhang practice this is a long-overdue acknowledgement from a very difficult teacher to learn from.
After 20 years of tai chi chuan and baguazhang practice this is a long-overdue acknowledgement from a very difficult teacher to learn from.
Waist leads
Your waist must lead initially.
Once this is comfortable, work for a whole-body action such that the movements come from the feet, right through to the fingertips.
You must work at stretching out your tendons and ligaments, reaching further without strain.
Be careful not to lift the sternum.
Eventually, you lead from the centre, which is an experienced-level skill.
Once this is comfortable, work for a whole-body action such that the movements come from the feet, right through to the fingertips.
You must work at stretching out your tendons and ligaments, reaching further without strain.
Be careful not to lift the sternum.
Eventually, you lead from the centre, which is an experienced-level skill.
Tuesday
Wear & tear
A 40 year old has accumulated a lifetime of bad physical habits. The joints are often over-worked. The body is unbalanced. A person stoops or slouches. This is common. The internal arts work to improve your awareness, so that you can start to correct bad habits of body usage. The material gently re-trains your body to move differently, to use less strength, to rely upon the physics. There is consequently less wear and tear.
Passing judgement
When a person passes judgement without criteria, they reveal a certain ignorance and arrogance.
They assume to know.
This is like the notion of 'mastery'.
The word 'master' suggests an end, a conclusion. But is there such a condition? Surely all students of tai chi are evolving.
If you are not growing and changing, you become stagnant and stale.
Taoism and zen recognise the significance of process. Everything is changing.
There is no still point, no end.
How we see things is changing as we change.
Are your current thoughts and beliefs the same ones you held as a toddler/a young child?
Surely not.
Everything is provisional. Existence is protean.
They assume to know.
This is like the notion of 'mastery'.
The word 'master' suggests an end, a conclusion. But is there such a condition? Surely all students of tai chi are evolving.
If you are not growing and changing, you become stagnant and stale.
Taoism and zen recognise the significance of process. Everything is changing.
There is no still point, no end.
How we see things is changing as we change.
Are your current thoughts and beliefs the same ones you held as a toddler/a young child?
Surely not.
Everything is provisional. Existence is protean.
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Monday
Illusion
Modern society reveres beauty; it values aesthetics over substance and has a very narrow definition of what it considers beautiful.
In terms of people, the aesthetic appears to be that of a television celebrity teenager: wrinkle-free, smooth-skinned, pubescent body and straight hair.
Television uses make-up and lighting, as do magazine photographers.
What you see is not real.
Adults actually turn to the butchery of cosmetic surgery in the hope of looking like a teenager again.
There is a danger in believing illusions and attempting to re-shape your looks to fit them.
In terms of people, the aesthetic appears to be that of a television celebrity teenager: wrinkle-free, smooth-skinned, pubescent body and straight hair.
Television uses make-up and lighting, as do magazine photographers.
What you see is not real.
Adults actually turn to the butchery of cosmetic surgery in the hope of looking like a teenager again.
There is a danger in believing illusions and attempting to re-shape your looks to fit them.
Sunday
Becoming a teacher #7
Teaching experience is vital.
Knowing your material is not enough. Helping others encourages you to see the art in a very different way. Practicing is one thing. Explaining is another. It makes you re-consider the art and how it operates.
If a student with no teaching experience in class suddenly sought to be a teacher, I'd seriously question their motives. What makes them convinced that they have something to teach? Also, with no demonstration of a helping nature, what makes them imagine themselves capable or willing? It is a little naive.
A good student teacher has fun teaching. There is humour, rapport, skill present at all times. They know how to adapt, change and improvise. How to turn things on their head.
Knowing your material is not enough. Helping others encourages you to see the art in a very different way. Practicing is one thing. Explaining is another. It makes you re-consider the art and how it operates.
If a student with no teaching experience in class suddenly sought to be a teacher, I'd seriously question their motives. What makes them convinced that they have something to teach? Also, with no demonstration of a helping nature, what makes them imagine themselves capable or willing? It is a little naive.
A good student teacher has fun teaching. There is humour, rapport, skill present at all times. They know how to adapt, change and improvise. How to turn things on their head.
In touch
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.
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