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Thursday
Wednesday
Natural range
Our approach to tai chi works safely within your natural range:
If you move a limb away from your centre, the support decreases the further away it goes.
Experiment with your arms and legs - stretch them away in various directions...
In each instance there should be distinct boundary points where a subtle but tangible strain occurs and increases with the degree of movement.
You may not notice this initially; finding your natural range takes patience and sensitivity.
If you move a limb away from your centre, the support decreases the further away it goes.
Experiment with your arms and legs - stretch them away in various directions...
In each instance there should be distinct boundary points where a subtle but tangible strain occurs and increases with the degree of movement.
You may not notice this initially; finding your natural range takes patience and sensitivity.
Monday
Be sensible
We ask that you disclose any medical problems before starting tai chi lessons so the practice can be tailored to suit your requirement and reduce the risk of discomfort or injury.
Should you have a condition that you think may affect your ability to perform tai chi, please consult a doctor.
Your tai chi teacher is not a medical practitioner.
Should you have a condition that you think may affect your ability to perform tai chi, please consult a doctor.
Your tai chi teacher is not a medical practitioner.
Sunday
Safety
Tai chi classes are a safe place to be.
In a relaxed, friendly atmosphere you feel comfortable letting down your barriers and being yourself.
Partner work and one-to-one training will encourage you to be calm and feel at ease.
In a stressed, busy life it can be nice to unwind and look after yourself for a change.
In a relaxed, friendly atmosphere you feel comfortable letting down your barriers and being yourself.
Partner work and one-to-one training will encourage you to be calm and feel at ease.
In a stressed, busy life it can be nice to unwind and look after yourself for a change.
Saturday
Friday
A balanced life
The system is designed to re-balance both mind and body, allowing them to move as one.
As a person becomes more balanced, their health naturally improves.
Balance is fundamental to tai chi.
To live a balanced life, all aspects of your existence must work together.
Food, drink, sleep, sex, work and your relationship with the world around you are all equally significant.
Without awareness, life can become hurried and stressful.
The emphasis in tai chi is upon enjoying yourself and being happy with who you are and how you are living your life.
As a person becomes more balanced, their health naturally improves.
Balance is fundamental to tai chi.
To live a balanced life, all aspects of your existence must work together.
Food, drink, sleep, sex, work and your relationship with the world around you are all equally significant.
Without awareness, life can become hurried and stressful.
The emphasis in tai chi is upon enjoying yourself and being happy with who you are and how you are living your life.
Thursday
Beyond the medical
It is easy to think of tai chi study in terms of how it improves your health, but tai chi is far more than treatment.
Exponents typically find that the benefits of the study extend to all aspects of their lives.
People look at things differently. They change how they live. Priorities change.
Exponents typically find that the benefits of the study extend to all aspects of their lives.
People look at things differently. They change how they live. Priorities change.
Wednesday
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Tuesday
Adapt, change & improvise
Our school motto is simple: Adapt, change & improvise.
It captures the essence of (applied) tai chi and baguazhang, and encourages an open, flexible attitude to life.
It captures the essence of (applied) tai chi and baguazhang, and encourages an open, flexible attitude to life.
Monday
Cultivating darkness
When you address the reality of human nature, the dark side becomes far less corny and much more serious.
We all have the potential for 'evil' acts. It is a part of who and what we are.
The danger lies with cultivating this part of ourselves.
No matter how strong we think we are, these emotions are not to be trifled with.
We all have the potential for 'evil' acts. It is a part of who and what we are.
The danger lies with cultivating this part of ourselves.
No matter how strong we think we are, these emotions are not to be trifled with.
Sunday
Saturday
Repressed feelings
The dark side of martial arts training speaks to the less savoury aspects of your character.
You may be sick of being ignored, taken for granted, abused by a society that does not care.
You may feel marginalised, insignificant and weak.
You may want revenge on people who have 'wronged' you.
You may have experienced an unpleasant childhood.
You may have been bullied.
Martial arts training might seem to be an answer.
But the answer does not lie with violence. It lies with getting to know yourself. It can be found through understanding rather than reacting.
You may be sick of being ignored, taken for granted, abused by a society that does not care.
You may feel marginalised, insignificant and weak.
You may want revenge on people who have 'wronged' you.
You may have experienced an unpleasant childhood.
You may have been bullied.
Martial arts training might seem to be an answer.
But the answer does not lie with violence. It lies with getting to know yourself. It can be found through understanding rather than reacting.
Friday
Emotional turmoil
Should you seek to harness your emotions, to channel their anger, fear and aggression into their martial art?
That is entirely up to you.
Harnessing your emotions may well add power to their skills but it comes with a price.
'Negative' emotions harm the body.
Strong emotions should be used sparingly, if at all.
When hostile emotions consume you, the intellect is ignored and primitive urges take control.
Tai chi does not embrace negative, strong emotions. It advocates a calm nature.
A calm, composed person sees a lot more and is far more responsible for their actions.
They come to terms with their fear and they learn how to avoid becoming upset.
That is entirely up to you.
Harnessing your emotions may well add power to their skills but it comes with a price.
'Negative' emotions harm the body.
Strong emotions should be used sparingly, if at all.
When hostile emotions consume you, the intellect is ignored and primitive urges take control.
Tai chi does not embrace negative, strong emotions. It advocates a calm nature.
A calm, composed person sees a lot more and is far more responsible for their actions.
They come to terms with their fear and they learn how to avoid becoming upset.
Thursday
The wrong way
Competitive martial arts are essentially sport, and sport is usually concerned with victory, with winning.
Sport differs from self defence.
In self defence the onus is upon escaping, not upon winning.
When victory is your aim, you become callous in your desire for success.
You may be prepared to tread on others as you 'climb the ladder of success'.
Ambition and desire have then tainted you.
Sport differs from self defence.
In self defence the onus is upon escaping, not upon winning.
When victory is your aim, you become callous in your desire for success.
You may be prepared to tread on others as you 'climb the ladder of success'.
Ambition and desire have then tainted you.
Wednesday
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Monday
Character
A tai chi student needs to have good character. They are held to a higher standard than other people.
Courtesy, manners, politeness and honesty are standard. Moral conduct and restraint are also expected.
It is important to take responsibility for what you are learning and show consideration to others who are less fortunate than you.
These may sound like old fashioned values but the martial arts tradition is an ancient one; and its values have proven their worth over the centuries.
Right conduct, courage, benevolence, respect, honour and self discipline are all a given in our classes.
Courtesy, manners, politeness and honesty are standard. Moral conduct and restraint are also expected.
It is important to take responsibility for what you are learning and show consideration to others who are less fortunate than you.
These may sound like old fashioned values but the martial arts tradition is an ancient one; and its values have proven their worth over the centuries.
Right conduct, courage, benevolence, respect, honour and self discipline are all a given in our classes.
Saturday
Excuses
When a student leaves the class, they typically need to justify it to themselves.
Rather than be honest, the individual blames the teacher, the art, the syllabus, the atmosphere.
In most cases, the teacher sees the seeds of their discontent months ahead.
If the student is keen, they are likely to seek out tuition elsewhere.
But this seldom happens.
Rather than be honest, the individual blames the teacher, the art, the syllabus, the atmosphere.
In most cases, the teacher sees the seeds of their discontent months ahead.
If the student is keen, they are likely to seek out tuition elsewhere.
But this seldom happens.
Friday
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Thursday
Learning
In tai chi classes where everyone copies the teacher, it is easy to believe that you have made progress.
The whole class work together and nobody is asked to take responsibility for themselves.
This is not learning.
Nobody is actively participating in their own development.
Learning is an interactive process between teacher and student, between classmates, between the student and the tai chi material itself.
The whole class work together and nobody is asked to take responsibility for themselves.
This is not learning.
Nobody is actively participating in their own development.
Learning is an interactive process between teacher and student, between classmates, between the student and the tai chi material itself.
Wednesday
Opinions
What breaks most people is the rigidity of their own opinions.
They cannot cope with situations that question the validity of strongly-held views and feelings.
Our classes are designed to free your minds of preconceptions concerning tai chi, strength, physics and self defence.
Not everyone likes to let go of their opinions. It must be done freely.
Most people have no wish to let go and prefer to maintain the illusion of control.
Opinionated people seldom attend a sufficient number of lessons to understand the nature of tai chi.
They quit with little more knowledge than they started with.
They cannot cope with situations that question the validity of strongly-held views and feelings.
Our classes are designed to free your minds of preconceptions concerning tai chi, strength, physics and self defence.
Not everyone likes to let go of their opinions. It must be done freely.
Most people have no wish to let go and prefer to maintain the illusion of control.
Opinionated people seldom attend a sufficient number of lessons to understand the nature of tai chi.
They quit with little more knowledge than they started with.
Tuesday
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Monday
Internal
There have been some pretty weird definitions of 'internal' from various teachers across the years.
A lot of needless debate has been carried out.
Whole-body soft movement is quite unique and easy to identify.
If you have received an internal strike, you are unlikely to confuse it with anything else.
Anyone who has tried to grapple with a real tai chi person tends to be amazed by their malleability.
The fluid, adaptive approach creates a sense of 'fighting with yourself' or with water.
What people find most odd about tai chi is the ease of the art.
A small movement produces a disproportionate consequence; and no muscular tension is ever used.
Yet it works.
To accomplish this, the tai chi classics must be adhered to strictly, with no deviation.
Yielding must be your first and last thought at all times.
A lot of needless debate has been carried out.
Whole-body soft movement is quite unique and easy to identify.
If you have received an internal strike, you are unlikely to confuse it with anything else.
Anyone who has tried to grapple with a real tai chi person tends to be amazed by their malleability.
The fluid, adaptive approach creates a sense of 'fighting with yourself' or with water.
What people find most odd about tai chi is the ease of the art.
A small movement produces a disproportionate consequence; and no muscular tension is ever used.
Yet it works.
To accomplish this, the tai chi classics must be adhered to strictly, with no deviation.
Yielding must be your first and last thought at all times.
Sunday
Grass roots
We adopt a 'grass roots' attitude to tai chi, going right back to the basics.
Students explore the human body, physics, biomechanics, principles and martial theory.
They discover the difference between jing and li; and come to recognise the significance of tao.
Such an adventure is not for the half-hearted. This is no quick fix.
The syllabus is lengthy and thorough, but you can study it at your own pace.
Students explore the human body, physics, biomechanics, principles and martial theory.
They discover the difference between jing and li; and come to recognise the significance of tao.
Such an adventure is not for the half-hearted. This is no quick fix.
The syllabus is lengthy and thorough, but you can study it at your own pace.
Saturday
Family?
A tai chi teacher needs to cultivate an atmosphere of friendship, care and respect.
The classes need to be akin to an extended family, with students feeling quite safe and comfortable with one another.
No matter what is happening in your life, the school remains a good place to be.
Traditional tai chi designations are familial in nature: 'older brother', 'younger sister' etc.
The classes need to be akin to an extended family, with students feeling quite safe and comfortable with one another.
No matter what is happening in your life, the school remains a good place to be.
Traditional tai chi designations are familial in nature: 'older brother', 'younger sister' etc.
Thursday
Tai chi is not yoga
A new starter complained to Rachel that the tai chi body mechanics were fundamentally different to those of yoga.
Rachel confirmed this: "Yoga teaches postures. Tai chi is movement. They are not the same."
Rachel confirmed this: "Yoga teaches postures. Tai chi is movement. They are not the same."
Wednesday
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Monday
Study
Our students have many opportunities for study:
You may have the desire. You also have the opportunity.
But if your commitment to practice does not tally with your ambitions, this will be a slow, arduous journey.
Be patient. Do not lose faith.
- Evening classes
- Workshops
- Private lessons
- DVD's
- Recommended reading
- Home training
You may have the desire. You also have the opportunity.
But if your commitment to practice does not tally with your ambitions, this will be a slow, arduous journey.
Be patient. Do not lose faith.
Sunday
Talkers
There is a lot more to tai chi than talking, reading books, participating in on-line discussion forums or downloading video clips.
The tai chi is found in your hard work, your patience, endurance and perseverance.
Talkers seldom even complete their white belt.
The tai chi is found in your hard work, your patience, endurance and perseverance.
Talkers seldom even complete their white belt.
Saturday
Allowing time
Tai chi has an exciting, complex syllabus that cannot be summed-up in a few words or a 90 minute class.
If you start a new class, open your mind and accept that you are only experiencing a fragment that lesson.
To truly understand the art for yourself takes time.
Few things in life yield their treasures quickly or easily; you need commitment, sincerity and patience when studying tai chi.
If you start a new class, open your mind and accept that you are only experiencing a fragment that lesson.
To truly understand the art for yourself takes time.
Few things in life yield their treasures quickly or easily; you need commitment, sincerity and patience when studying tai chi.
Wednesday
Absurdity
The danger with ideas is that you can go badly astray. How?
Consider China...
Some Western tai chi people litter their houses with Chinese paraphernalia and become obsessed with the culture.
They visit the graves of dead tai chi instructors and stand in tai chi poses.
If you want to understand the culture that spawned tai chi, look to tao and zen, not your local New Age/feng shui shop.
Tai chi is not about three legged toads or I Ching mirrors.
Consider China...
Some Western tai chi people litter their houses with Chinese paraphernalia and become obsessed with the culture.
They visit the graves of dead tai chi instructors and stand in tai chi poses.
If you want to understand the culture that spawned tai chi, look to tao and zen, not your local New Age/feng shui shop.
Tai chi is not about three legged toads or I Ching mirrors.
Tuesday
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Sunday
Friday
Thursday
Your idea
When somebody has an idea in their head they often invest a great deal of emotion in that idea.
It becomes valuable to them.
They are prepared to argue for it and sometimes even fight for it.
In the case of tai chi, if you have a strong opinion about tai chi, then you start classes looking for a confirmation of your view.
Your opinion is naturally based upon the degree of exposure you have to tai chi.
If you start a class with certain expectations in mind, you will like or dislike the class relative to whether or not the class meets your expectations.
This is not a prudent way to commence your study of tai chi; the art does not exist to gratify the individual.
It becomes valuable to them.
They are prepared to argue for it and sometimes even fight for it.
In the case of tai chi, if you have a strong opinion about tai chi, then you start classes looking for a confirmation of your view.
Your opinion is naturally based upon the degree of exposure you have to tai chi.
If you start a class with certain expectations in mind, you will like or dislike the class relative to whether or not the class meets your expectations.
This is not a prudent way to commence your study of tai chi; the art does not exist to gratify the individual.
Wednesday
Ideas
The danger with ideas is that people confuse the idea with the actual.
Your idea of tai chi is based upon your experience of tai chi and how you choose to interpret what you have seen.
This will not necessarily correspond with reality.
You should be careful not to warp reality to suit your ideas; this will only lead you astray and result in frustration.
Your idea of tai chi is based upon your experience of tai chi and how you choose to interpret what you have seen.
This will not necessarily correspond with reality.
You should be careful not to warp reality to suit your ideas; this will only lead you astray and result in frustration.
Tuesday
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Saturday
Lessons
A ju jitsu student will probably attend 2-3 lessons a week.
Although tai chi combat students have different skills to train, you really ought to be putting in the same amount of hours.
If you find that you cannot manage 2-3 lessons, then consider training every day at home.
Although tai chi combat students have different skills to train, you really ought to be putting in the same amount of hours.
If you find that you cannot manage 2-3 lessons, then consider training every day at home.
Friday
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Thursday
Qualified to teach
In 1996, Master Waller obtained a post-graduate professional teaching qualification from The University of Leeds.
He is also registered with The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain.
Teaching experience:
He is also registered with The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain.
Teaching experience:
- Bradford Yang Style Tai Chi Association (1995 - 1999)
- Dynamic Balancing Boxing (1999 - 2004)
- Newcastle Tai Chi (2004 - present day)
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Wednesday
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Tuesday
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Monday
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Sunday
Feeling good
Relaxing both mind and body will improve your health and make you feel better.
Your quality of life will change.
It takes time to re-balance, so you must be patient.
The commitment you make towards being relaxed will prove itself worthwhile when you start to feel fresh and energised.
Your quality of life will change.
It takes time to re-balance, so you must be patient.
The commitment you make towards being relaxed will prove itself worthwhile when you start to feel fresh and energised.
Masterwork/masterpiece
Traditionally, mastery was confirmed by the production of some proof of
skill.
In terms of tai chi this can be demonstrated in a wide variety of ways.
After a 20 year Master/disciple relationship, Peter Southwood awarded Sifu Waller advanced-level 'Master' status in the Year of the Tiger .
He said that Sifu Waller should start wearing the red sash instead of black.
Sifu Waller began as an apprentice, proceeded through the journeyman stage, culminating in the production of a masterwork/masterpiece.
Peter Southwood felt that Sifu Waller qualified as a Tai Chi Master on the basis of the following accomplishments:
In terms of tai chi this can be demonstrated in a wide variety of ways.
After a 20 year Master/disciple relationship, Peter Southwood awarded Sifu Waller advanced-level 'Master' status in the Year of the Tiger .
He said that Sifu Waller should start wearing the red sash instead of black.
Sifu Waller began as an apprentice, proceeded through the journeyman stage, culminating in the production of a masterwork/masterpiece.
Peter Southwood felt that Sifu Waller qualified as a Tai Chi Master on the basis of the following accomplishments:
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The 1300 page website giving unparalleled insight into tai chi
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His grasp of whole-body strength, how to cultivate it, refine it and teach it
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His study of taoism and the Tai Chi Classics and his skill in infusing the art with the requisite principles
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The production of a professional-quality syllabus, complete with logical, comprehensive grades, belts and assessment
Saturday
Prioritise
If you do not want to commit a lot of time to the training, you need to stagger the material.
Prioritise.
Address the main material as often as you can, and then stagger the rest over a few days.
Prioritise.
Address the main material as often as you can, and then stagger the rest over a few days.
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Thursday
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Tuesday
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Monday
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Busy London
I practiced my form and pao chui in St James's Park at around 6:30 AM.
Even then, the roads were busy with speeding cars.
Hobos were sleeping rough in the park.
There was a very inquisitive squirrel.
It had no shyness to it and came quite close to watch.
Rachel filmed it.
Even then, the roads were busy with speeding cars.
Hobos were sleeping rough in the park.
There was a very inquisitive squirrel.
It had no shyness to it and came quite close to watch.
Rachel filmed it.
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London trip
Rachel and I visited the Malaysian embassy in order to register our marriage there. The Malaysian staff were lovely.
However, London is not a good place if you are a tai chi person...
However, London is not a good place if you are a tai chi person...
- Pollution
- Cigarette smoke
- Dirt in the air
- Muggy heat
- Ambient noise all day and night
- People rushing
- Tension
- Aggression
- Stress
- Traffic
- Population density
Maybe the outskirts are better, but there is no ease to be had in London city.
No relaxation.
No calm.
No composure.
No stopping.
Frenzy, bustle, agitation, restlessness.
We returned after 3 hot days to find the North East cold and wet.
The following morning we walked around Jesmond Dene and marvelled at how few people there were on the streets.
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Thursday
Wednesday
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Monday
Preparation
There is a story about a king who wanted an artist to paint a bird.
The king asked the artist how long it would take him to produce the painting. The artist said "One year."
A year passed and the king called upon the artist.
The artist promptly proceeded to paint the bird whilst the king watched.
The king asked, "Why did you tell me that it would take you a year?"
The artist took him into a room. The room was littered with practice paintings, sketches of birds and research material.
The year of preparation enabled the artist to paint the bird spontaneously.
The king asked the artist how long it would take him to produce the painting. The artist said "One year."
A year passed and the king called upon the artist.
The artist promptly proceeded to paint the bird whilst the king watched.
The king asked, "Why did you tell me that it would take you a year?"
The artist took him into a room. The room was littered with practice paintings, sketches of birds and research material.
The year of preparation enabled the artist to paint the bird spontaneously.
Sunday
Living
Taoism is concerned with the art of living.
Taoism is not a religion or a belief system. It is only interested in observable reality. Not ideas and concepts.
Consider: if a person were to truly follow nature, they would need no form, no tuition, no words and no doubts.
A cat is not anxious or troubled. Nor is a tree.
They simply exist and they move in accordance with what they are. With their own natures.
We (humans) do not.
What we refer to as taoism is simply the act of working with nature, rather than against it.
Taoism is not a religion or a belief system. It is only interested in observable reality. Not ideas and concepts.
Consider: if a person were to truly follow nature, they would need no form, no tuition, no words and no doubts.
A cat is not anxious or troubled. Nor is a tree.
They simply exist and they move in accordance with what they are. With their own natures.
We (humans) do not.
What we refer to as taoism is simply the act of working with nature, rather than against it.
Bogus claims
My friend told me of a tai chi student who took private lessons sporadically with a Chinese master for only 3 years and now is claiming to be an 'indoor student' despite teaching a different style of tai chi and in no way perpetuating the master's teachings.
This seems odd.
By contrast, Sifu enjoyed a 20 year master/student relationship with his teacher Peter Southwood. It ended with Peter's sad death in June 2010.
This seems odd.
By contrast, Sifu enjoyed a 20 year master/student relationship with his teacher Peter Southwood. It ended with Peter's sad death in June 2010.
Saturday
Shredded tai chi suit
I got a taijiquan suit from: http://www.oriental-fashion.co.uk/
It literally shredded when I tried to do my tai chi form in it. The jacket shoulder split at the seam and the crotch ripped wide open.
Appalling workmanship.
To date, the supplier is not communicating with me.
To date, the supplier is not communicating with me.
Friday
Tai chi in Tynemouth?
Rachel spotted a lady stood dead centre in the middle of the beach in Tynemouth. The lady was performing some unfathomable exercises. Our friends pointed out that this was 'tai chi'.
Isn't it scary how the general pubic lump any and all odd exercise into the box labelled 'tai chi'?
What the lady was doing looked bizarre, and after 20+ years of tai chi, I can honestly say that it bore no resemblance whatsoever to any tai chi I have ever encountered.
Imagine if tai chi practitioners were required to adhere to some kind of standard?
Isn't it scary how the general pubic lump any and all odd exercise into the box labelled 'tai chi'?
What the lady was doing looked bizarre, and after 20+ years of tai chi, I can honestly say that it bore no resemblance whatsoever to any tai chi I have ever encountered.
Imagine if tai chi practitioners were required to adhere to some kind of standard?
Wednesday
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Tuesday
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Monday
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Sunday
What is the point of a corporate session?
Tai chi is an excellent way to encourage staff to relax and unwind during the busy day.
It reduces stress, improves health and generates a sense of well-being.
Corporate sessions are an ideal introduction to tai chi.
Schools, rest homes and other organisations are quite welcome to book a corporate session.
It reduces stress, improves health and generates a sense of well-being.
Corporate sessions are an ideal introduction to tai chi.
Schools, rest homes and other organisations are quite welcome to book a corporate session.
Saturday
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Friday
Thursday
Softness of mind
If the mind is rigid and inflexible, then the body will be too.
Mental tension is a kind of anticipation; a preparation for expected events.
We must learn not to anticipate and to go with the flow of what is happening instead.
Mental tension is a kind of anticipation; a preparation for expected events.
We must learn not to anticipate and to go with the flow of what is happening instead.
Wednesday
Everyday mind
The state of mind should remain the same as normal...
let there be no change at all - with the mind open and direct,
neither tense nor relax,
centering the mind so that there is no imbalance,
calmly relax your mind,
and savour this moment of ease thoroughly,
so that the relaxation does not stop its relaxation for even an instant.
(Miyamoto Musashi)
let there be no change at all - with the mind open and direct,
neither tense nor relax,
centering the mind so that there is no imbalance,
calmly relax your mind,
and savour this moment of ease thoroughly,
so that the relaxation does not stop its relaxation for even an instant.
(Miyamoto Musashi)
Tuesday
What is yielding?
One of the most difficult aspects of learning tai chi is yielding or softness.
On a crude level, softness refers to the muscles being relaxed rather than tense, the joints being mobile rather than held.
This is really just the beginning.
On a crude level, softness refers to the muscles being relaxed rather than tense, the joints being mobile rather than held.
This is really just the beginning.
Monday
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.
Sunday
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Saturday
Commitment
Your aim is to use just enough power to pull off the application.
Make contact, feel the bite and then come off immediately.
Do not wait around to see what happens. Strike like a snake or a scorpion. Fast and penetrating.
The exact same mentality applies to performing a fall or a throw.
Ignore what you think is needed.
What you think is irrelevant. The effect is all that matters. Judge your skill relative to the effect.
Make contact, feel the bite and then come off immediately.
Do not wait around to see what happens. Strike like a snake or a scorpion. Fast and penetrating.
The exact same mentality applies to performing a fall or a throw.
Ignore what you think is needed.
What you think is irrelevant. The effect is all that matters. Judge your skill relative to the effect.
Thursday
Choose wisely
When training in the martial arts, you need to take your age into account. It is a major factor. If you are 40, it is unwise to undertake a system that relies upon strength, speed and fitness.
(i) External
The external arts (karate, ju jitsu, judo, kickboxing, Thai boxing...) favour the young person. Strength, speed and aggression will work to the young person's advantage. You may find it intimidating (and demoralising) to be fighting a younger, fitter adversary. No matter how hard you train, your age will remain a negative factor. The risk of injury cannot be ignored.
(ii) Internal
Tai chi favours the older student. The subtle skills of the art require a mature, disciplined, patient mind. You focus upon physics, the application of pressure, sensitivity, rhythm, timing, balance and intention. Instead of wearing yourself out, you feel energised, relaxed and confident. You have a low risk of injury in tai chi, although bumps and bruises will occur in a self defence class.
(iii) Fighting?
The word 'fighting' has the connotation of reciprocity: two people trading blows. Taking turns. It is legally perceived as being mutually agreed upon combat. Both parties are involved in the conflict. Fighting usually involves emotion, stubbornness, pride and the desire to get your point across/have your way.
(iv) Self defence
The internal arts are about self defence, not fighting. Self defence is not the same as fighting. You have only one aim in self defence: escape without injury .It is not about winning awards and trophies or gaining a belt. It is not about looking cool or impressing anyone. In self defence you do only what you have to do and you leave immediately.
(i) External
The external arts (karate, ju jitsu, judo, kickboxing, Thai boxing...) favour the young person. Strength, speed and aggression will work to the young person's advantage. You may find it intimidating (and demoralising) to be fighting a younger, fitter adversary. No matter how hard you train, your age will remain a negative factor. The risk of injury cannot be ignored.
(ii) Internal
Tai chi favours the older student. The subtle skills of the art require a mature, disciplined, patient mind. You focus upon physics, the application of pressure, sensitivity, rhythm, timing, balance and intention. Instead of wearing yourself out, you feel energised, relaxed and confident. You have a low risk of injury in tai chi, although bumps and bruises will occur in a self defence class.
(iii) Fighting?
The word 'fighting' has the connotation of reciprocity: two people trading blows. Taking turns. It is legally perceived as being mutually agreed upon combat. Both parties are involved in the conflict. Fighting usually involves emotion, stubbornness, pride and the desire to get your point across/have your way.
(iv) Self defence
The internal arts are about self defence, not fighting. Self defence is not the same as fighting. You have only one aim in self defence: escape without injury .It is not about winning awards and trophies or gaining a belt. It is not about looking cool or impressing anyone. In self defence you do only what you have to do and you leave immediately.
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