Wednesday
The role of qigong in the internal martial arts
Taijiquan, baguazhang and xingyiquan use forms to practice combat movements, build strength and gain agility.
The forms are highly intricate, with many different levels of skill.
Yiquan (mind fist)/dachengquan (the great accomplishment) - an offshoot of xingyiquan - does not use forms.
Instead, it uses static standing qigong postures in lieu of form.
Xingyiquan uses form(s) for power development.Dachengquan uses standing qigong.
See the difference?
What should a tai chi school do?The answer is somewhat self evident, isn't it?
Taijiquan is not dachengquan.
It uses forms, not standing qigong postures.
Read The Tai Chi Classics... There is no mention of standing qigong but a whole lot of information about movement.
The forms are highly intricate, with many different levels of skill.
Yiquan (mind fist)/dachengquan (the great accomplishment) - an offshoot of xingyiquan - does not use forms.
Instead, it uses static standing qigong postures in lieu of form.
Xingyiquan uses form(s) for power development.Dachengquan uses standing qigong.
See the difference?
What should a tai chi school do?The answer is somewhat self evident, isn't it?
Taijiquan is not dachengquan.
It uses forms, not standing qigong postures.
Read The Tai Chi Classics... There is no mention of standing qigong but a whole lot of information about movement.
Tuesday
Feedback
I feel extremely lucky to have found a martial arts school where integrity and being a nice person matters, this is missing from every school I have ever attended.
(Dave G)
Sunday
Saturday
Making progress
Column 3 is not taught.
You arrive there through long years of daily home practice.
If you can practice the simple qigong/neigong exercises at this level, you can make any movement this way.
Column 3 training takes place at the experienced-level.
Until then, you just need to work on moving in an accurate, connected, consistent way.
Adhere strictly to the tai chi principles.
You arrive there through long years of daily home practice.
If you can practice the simple qigong/neigong exercises at this level, you can make any movement this way.
Column 3 training takes place at the experienced-level.
Until then, you just need to work on moving in an accurate, connected, consistent way.
Adhere strictly to the tai chi principles.
Tuesday
Flowing or flawed?
Some beginners make the mistake of trying to make their form flow.
This is absurd.
It always (without exception) leads to disconnected movement.
This is absurd.
It always (without exception) leads to disconnected movement.
Monday
Starting form
Beginners focus upon the pattern, the outline of form.
This is hard enough to learn.
Where to face, how and where to put the feet, what the hands are doing...
But this is not really form. It is a vague, sketchy shell.
This is hard enough to learn.
Where to face, how and where to put the feet, what the hands are doing...
But this is not really form. It is a vague, sketchy shell.
Sunday
Finding out for yourself
Figuring things out for yourself is an important component in learning.
An intelligent mind does not have to be 'told'.
You should have the capacity to make connections and associations, have insights and discover things for yourself.
An intelligent mind does not have to be 'told'.
You should have the capacity to make connections and associations, have insights and discover things for yourself.
Thursday
Girls don't lose out
External martial arts such as karate, ju jitsu, wing chun or kickboxing are all about strength and speed.
Strength is pitched against strength and the stronger, faster person usually wins.
This means that women often lose out.
Tai chi was designed to be a soft martial art. Strength is circumvented. They rely upon sensitivity and gravity rather than brute force.
Our classes ensure that you know what 'self defence' means and how to use your body effectively in difficult situations featuring multiple opponents (and ultimately armed attackers).
We will not patronise women in our school.
If you are not pulling your tai chi together, we will tell you.
Strength is pitched against strength and the stronger, faster person usually wins.
This means that women often lose out.
Tai chi was designed to be a soft martial art. Strength is circumvented. They rely upon sensitivity and gravity rather than brute force.
Our classes ensure that you know what 'self defence' means and how to use your body effectively in difficult situations featuring multiple opponents (and ultimately armed attackers).
We will not patronise women in our school.
If you are not pulling your tai chi together, we will tell you.
Tuesday
Self defence
Our school aims to address self defence without resorting to undue violence.
Violence against violence can lead to further escalation.
We simply desire to evade conflict and escape unharmed.
There is no ego involved, no desire to win or claim a trophy.
We learn how to incapacitate the attacker smoothly and easily. Then we walk away.
Violence against violence can lead to further escalation.
We simply desire to evade conflict and escape unharmed.
There is no ego involved, no desire to win or claim a trophy.
We learn how to incapacitate the attacker smoothly and easily. Then we walk away.
Monday
Stronger
Neigong (internal power) will make your body strong without the need to exert yourself.
Mild, regular exercise is what we advocate.
Little and often.
With commitment and patience you will find that your fitness level improves massively and you learn how to use your body in a more powerful way.
Mild, regular exercise is what we advocate.
Little and often.
With commitment and patience you will find that your fitness level improves massively and you learn how to use your body in a more powerful way.
Sunday
More harm than good?
It is widely-known that martial arts schools can have a positive effect upon the lives of young people.
However, some martial arts practice can lead to long-term injuries.
Sifu Waller's wife Rachel studied tae kwon do as a child and gained her black belt in her early teens.
She now has clicking joints.
Training involving locked joints, weights and high impact can be harmful to a young body.
However, some martial arts practice can lead to long-term injuries.
Sifu Waller's wife Rachel studied tae kwon do as a child and gained her black belt in her early teens.
She now has clicking joints.
Training involving locked joints, weights and high impact can be harmful to a young body.
Friday
Thursday
Incapacitation
The self defence approach taught by Sifu Waller aims to incapacitate the attacker.
We are not interested in 'beating' anyone up or winning contests.
Self defence is all about escaping injury, not causing it.
If you can escape without inflicting pain, that is good. You have nothing to prove to anyone.
Self defence is not about payback or vengeance.
We are not interested in 'beating' anyone up or winning contests.
Self defence is all about escaping injury, not causing it.
If you can escape without inflicting pain, that is good. You have nothing to prove to anyone.
Self defence is not about payback or vengeance.
Wednesday
Over 40?
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.
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.
It is a major factor.
If you are 40, it is unwise to undertake a system that relies upon strength, speed and fitness.
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.
Tuesday
My tai chi class isn't that expensive...
Most tai chi classes are not combat-oriented.
They offer what is essentially a keep-fit session.
Martial arts practice is not the same as tai chi for health & fitness exercises.
They offer what is essentially a keep-fit session.
Martial arts practice is not the same as tai chi for health & fitness exercises.
Sunday
Balance
Beyond the high-minded values of bygone days there is a simplicity at the root of respectability.
It is called the 'golden mean'.
The Greeks are credited with the articulation of the golden mean; although taoism, Buddhism and Christianity teach this too.
It was the middle way between the extremes of deficiency and excess.
The rule is simple: if you want to be respectable, treat others with respect.
It is called the 'golden mean'.
The Greeks are credited with the articulation of the golden mean; although taoism, Buddhism and Christianity teach this too.
It was the middle way between the extremes of deficiency and excess.
The rule is simple: if you want to be respectable, treat others with respect.
Saturday
Conduct
Respectability has nothing to do with wealth.
It is about the quality of your interaction with those around you.
Treating other people with courtesy and consideration; being well-mannered and even-tempered are all indications of respectability - providing you are genuine.
Integrity and fairness, generosity and modesty; these are more respectable than having a well-paid job and a large car.
It is about the quality of your interaction with those around you.
Treating other people with courtesy and consideration; being well-mannered and even-tempered are all indications of respectability - providing you are genuine.
Integrity and fairness, generosity and modesty; these are more respectable than having a well-paid job and a large car.
Tai chi chuan exponents
You may encounter many different people in a tai chi school.
The martial path has 6 tiers:
The martial path has 6 tiers:
-
Student
-
Lineage disciple
-
Instructor
-
Expert
-
Master
-
Grandmaster
Levels 2-6 require a much deeper degree of commitment and practice, and will not suit most people's lifestyle.
It may be useful to determine what level an instructor has reached.
Friday
Feedback
I have trained with many instructors including yourself where I know that I want what they have (Peter Young, Chris Chappel, Master Ma, Mikhail Ryabyko, Wai Lum Choi, Alex Kozma, etc).
However, you have a training method that works and have students with real abilities.
This is very rare in the internal arts.
Thanks again.
(Tim)
However, you have a training method that works and have students with real abilities.
This is very rare in the internal arts.
Thanks again.
(Tim)
Thursday
Life
Life presents us with countless situations that test our mettle.
We have the opportunity to behave in a variety of different ways and make a whole range of choices.
How and what we do stem from who we are.
Our actions reflect what sort of person we are.
We have the opportunity to behave in a variety of different ways and make a whole range of choices.
How and what we do stem from who we are.
Our actions reflect what sort of person we are.
Wednesday
Seeing the now
Imagine measuring the length of the UK coastline...
We use a mile-long ruler. The initial measurement is 7000 miles approximately.
However, the length of the ruler meant that a lot of the detail was missed.
So, we decide to use a smaller one.
We use a foot-long ruler. Now the coast is 7760 miles long.
By including the details, the in-between bits, the measurement has increased.
Clearly, if we used an inch-long ruler, the length would increase still further.
Can you see the point? The closer you look, the more detail you find.
Lao Tzu said that you can know the whole world without ever leaving your room.
If you want to truly come to terms with your tai chi, cease form collecting, cease striving and competing.
Searching far for what what you already have is futile.
Look at what is right in front of you. But do not force it. Be passive. Let the information come to you. See it.
We use a mile-long ruler. The initial measurement is 7000 miles approximately.
However, the length of the ruler meant that a lot of the detail was missed.
So, we decide to use a smaller one.
We use a foot-long ruler. Now the coast is 7760 miles long.
By including the details, the in-between bits, the measurement has increased.
Clearly, if we used an inch-long ruler, the length would increase still further.
Can you see the point? The closer you look, the more detail you find.
Lao Tzu said that you can know the whole world without ever leaving your room.
If you want to truly come to terms with your tai chi, cease form collecting, cease striving and competing.
Searching far for what what you already have is futile.
Look at what is right in front of you. But do not force it. Be passive. Let the information come to you. See it.
Tuesday
Becoming a teacher #7
Teaching experience...
Students in our school who are seeking to be a teacher have trained with me for many years and have loads of notes, handouts, insights and perceptions. They've helped out in class for so long that taking the next step is not so daunting. But it is still harder than you may imagine.
As a helper, you can always fall back on the teacher for assistance. As the teacher, you have no one to fall back on.
There is more to teaching than delivering material. You must find ways of interacting with people, of being comfortable with people. Students who help out in class over many years cultiavte rapport.
If a non-helper asked to suddenly become an instructor, I'd question their motives. What drives them?
If a non-helper asked to suddenly become an instructor, I'd question their motives. What drives them?
Helpers are eager to assist, to guide. They learn by helping, it changes their tai chi and alters their perceptions.
The present
If we allow the mind to return to the here and now, we can find clarity.
The chattering of our ambitions, greed, anxieties, insecurities and pain will cease.
We can simply be here. Present. Alert. Aware.
There is so much around us in every given moment, but we just do not notice it.
We are too busy chasing our own tails.
The chattering of our ambitions, greed, anxieties, insecurities and pain will cease.
We can simply be here. Present. Alert. Aware.
There is so much around us in every given moment, but we just do not notice it.
We are too busy chasing our own tails.
Sunday
There is no box
In our tai chi school we encourage people to avoid fixity.
There are no techniques, no preset responses. We can do things in any number of ways.
Some methods work better than others. And all have ramifications and consequences.
There is not one fixed way at the exclusion of all others.
Students learn to appreciate that they are thinking within a box. Instead of 'thinking outside the box' they realise that there is no box.
Our conditioning limits us.
Transcend it.
Let your mind open and your consciousness expand. Embrace what is.
There are no techniques, no preset responses. We can do things in any number of ways.
Some methods work better than others. And all have ramifications and consequences.
There is not one fixed way at the exclusion of all others.
Students learn to appreciate that they are thinking within a box. Instead of 'thinking outside the box' they realise that there is no box.
Our conditioning limits us.
Transcend it.
Let your mind open and your consciousness expand. Embrace what is.
Saturday
Santa Claus
Santa Claus was not always a mythical Hollywood character.
St Nicholas was born in Patara on the southern coast of Turkey. He was raised as a Christian and used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.
No reindeers. No North Pole. No elves. No present lists. No Christmas cards, tinsels, trees, cakes, holly, mistletoe or carol singing.
Deviate from the essence and all is lost.
St Nicholas was born in Patara on the southern coast of Turkey. He was raised as a Christian and used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.
No reindeers. No North Pole. No elves. No present lists. No Christmas cards, tinsels, trees, cakes, holly, mistletoe or carol singing.
Deviate from the essence and all is lost.
Friday
Re-discover Christmas #2
In the 1970's Peter McNally (the local Scout leader) used to take large gangs of children and adults around the village on Christmas morning.
He'd found out which old people were alone and had no family. He'd filled shoe boxes with presents and asked people to sign cards.
Then he took everyone to visit each and every lonely old person. We would all stand and sing outside their houses.
The expressions on the faces of the old people said it all.
He'd found out which old people were alone and had no family. He'd filled shoe boxes with presents and asked people to sign cards.
Then he took everyone to visit each and every lonely old person. We would all stand and sing outside their houses.
The expressions on the faces of the old people said it all.
Thursday
Decorations
If you think that's tacky, come and have a look around where we live...
One house has that Santa you described, plus Blackpool illuminations, plus new addition - 7 foot mock snow-globe with Santa scene.
That's just one house, I think they're aiming to be seen from space.
(Up My Street)
One house has that Santa you described, plus Blackpool illuminations, plus new addition - 7 foot mock snow-globe with Santa scene.
That's just one house, I think they're aiming to be seen from space.
(Up My Street)
Wednesday
Striking
Learning to strike somebody and learning how to take a strike are essential.
Being hit can really mess you up.
Clever self defence tactics and techniques may fall to pieces when you are actually taking hits.
It is imperative that you know how to relax and roll with the punch.
Developing your own striking ability is critical. Without it, you cannot hope to defend yourself.
You need to make each blow count.
Range, timing, distance, accuracy and penetration must be practiced relentlessly.
A bag or focus mitt is not the same as a person. You need to strike real people.
Do not pull your punches. Let them land. Feel whether or not you are receiving adverse feedback.
Learn to control your power, your commitment and your intent.
Punching thin air may train the body mechanics behind a strike but tells you nothing about your ability.
Being hit can really mess you up.
Clever self defence tactics and techniques may fall to pieces when you are actually taking hits.
It is imperative that you know how to relax and roll with the punch.
Developing your own striking ability is critical. Without it, you cannot hope to defend yourself.
You need to make each blow count.
Range, timing, distance, accuracy and penetration must be practiced relentlessly.
A bag or focus mitt is not the same as a person. You need to strike real people.
Do not pull your punches. Let them land. Feel whether or not you are receiving adverse feedback.
Learn to control your power, your commitment and your intent.
Punching thin air may train the body mechanics behind a strike but tells you nothing about your ability.
Tuesday
Re-discover Christmas
Do not get caught up in the sickening sentimentality of carol singing and Christmas decorations.
Give.
Go to the Salvation Army over Christmas or donate money to the thousands of charities out there.
Take nothing for yourself. Ask for nothing. Make it a season of giving. A time for caring.
Give.
Go to the Salvation Army over Christmas or donate money to the thousands of charities out there.
Take nothing for yourself. Ask for nothing. Make it a season of giving. A time for caring.
Sunday
Christmas - the media spectacle
Christmas is a marketing triumph.
The inane catchy jingles played constantly, the lights and the decorations, the kitsch, the sentimentality and nostalgia, the peer pressure, the overindulgence...
People willingly spend money they do not have on things they do not need.
They do this for no reason whatsoever.
The inane catchy jingles played constantly, the lights and the decorations, the kitsch, the sentimentality and nostalgia, the peer pressure, the overindulgence...
People willingly spend money they do not have on things they do not need.
They do this for no reason whatsoever.
Saturday
Charity & judgement
You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving."
And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you should see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
(Kahlil Gibran)
And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you should see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
(Kahlil Gibran)
Friday
Substance
Many marriages break up after a few years and this is not surprising.
If a wedding symbolises truth, commitment, honour, fidelity and love - why is it treated like a circus?
Where is the integrity, the honesty, the genuine earnest warmth, love and feeling?
Novelty, noise, excess, costumes, scripted promises and money seem a poor way to begin a sincere pact between two people.
Only when you pare away the clutter can you see the real. And also what is lacking...
If a wedding symbolises truth, commitment, honour, fidelity and love - why is it treated like a circus?
Where is the integrity, the honesty, the genuine earnest warmth, love and feeling?
Novelty, noise, excess, costumes, scripted promises and money seem a poor way to begin a sincere pact between two people.
Only when you pare away the clutter can you see the real. And also what is lacking...
Thursday
Peter Southwood's tips #14 Mind
The mind leads the body.
Neglecting the mind makes for a witless martial artist.
Mind games, puzzles and other gimmicks are worthless.
Study, koan and quietude will expand your consciousness, and encourage clarity.
Neglecting the mind makes for a witless martial artist.
Mind games, puzzles and other gimmicks are worthless.
Study, koan and quietude will expand your consciousness, and encourage clarity.
It is what you make it
If we continue the theme of 'marriage':
The idea of 'getting married is only a concept.
What you choose to do with the idea is the important part: you make it what it is; you imbue the idea with meaning.
The truth is in the doing of things, so if you get married and have the entire lavish affair - that is your wedding.
Every part of the experience is the truth of it, the reality of it: the 'good' and the 'bad', the pleasure and the excess, greed and waste.
This is the actual substance of the event.
The original meaning is lost and whatever you have made of 'wedding' is the reality of the event.
If your wedding is a gaudy, vulgar spectacle then it is a gaudy, vulgar spectacle.
That is the truth of it; surface glitz and glamour smeared across the relationship in the hope of what?
The idea of 'getting married is only a concept.
What you choose to do with the idea is the important part: you make it what it is; you imbue the idea with meaning.
The truth is in the doing of things, so if you get married and have the entire lavish affair - that is your wedding.
Every part of the experience is the truth of it, the reality of it: the 'good' and the 'bad', the pleasure and the excess, greed and waste.
This is the actual substance of the event.
The original meaning is lost and whatever you have made of 'wedding' is the reality of the event.
If your wedding is a gaudy, vulgar spectacle then it is a gaudy, vulgar spectacle.
That is the truth of it; surface glitz and glamour smeared across the relationship in the hope of what?
Tuesday
Monday
Simplicity
Taoism values the essence of things. It seeks to find the heart, the centre. The unique quality.
Invariably, this leads to simplicity, to elegance, to a paring away of the non-essentials.
Tai chi should reflect this approach.
Invariably, this leads to simplicity, to elegance, to a paring away of the non-essentials.
Tai chi should reflect this approach.
Sunday
Not so Christian Christmas
If Christmas is intended to celebrate the birth of Christ, how come its a commercial holiday?
Jesus said, "Take everything you have and give it to the poor."
The modern Christmas is not very Christian.
Jesus said, "Take everything you have and give it to the poor."
The modern Christmas is not very Christian.
Saturday
Appropriateness
In self defence, you must do whatever feels appropriate.
Some of your responses will have gaping holes in them, but others will not.
The more skilled you become, the more effective your responses will be.
Gauge the appropriateness relative to the effect:
- Did it work?
- Are you compromising yourself? Over-committing?
- Was there any adverse feedback?
- Did you allow for multiple attackers?
- What did it do to your opponent?
- Were they rooted when you struck/manipulated them?
- Was it easy to perform?
- Smooth or jarring?
- Was it hurried and quick?
- Were you calm and composed?
Be honest with yourself and work on any weaknesses in your composure, body use and application.
Friday
Classes
A short course in self defence may provide a measure of self confidence.
But can you really protect yourself when you need it?
For self defence to work you need ongoing training.
Your body must develop the ability to respond reflexively to all manner of attack without conscious effort.
To learn self defence, you need a longer-term commitment.
But can you really protect yourself when you need it?
For self defence to work you need ongoing training.
Your body must develop the ability to respond reflexively to all manner of attack without conscious effort.
To learn self defence, you need a longer-term commitment.
Thursday
Responsibility
When a person becomes a lineage student, everybody knows who that individual is and what their relationship with the instructor is.
Should the instructor move away or die, people will look to the lineage student to continue the teaching in the instructor's name.
This is the responsibility of the lineage student.
For example, when Peter Southwood died, several total strangers contacted Sifu Waller to advise that Peter Southwood was dead.
Even though they had never trained with Sifu Waller, they knew that he was Peter's indoor/lineage student.
Peter had made no secret of the fact.
Should the instructor move away or die, people will look to the lineage student to continue the teaching in the instructor's name.
This is the responsibility of the lineage student.
For example, when Peter Southwood died, several total strangers contacted Sifu Waller to advise that Peter Southwood was dead.
Even though they had never trained with Sifu Waller, they knew that he was Peter's indoor/lineage student.
Peter had made no secret of the fact.
Wednesday
Having 'presence'
Presence can be seen in a different way...
Some people seem to have 'presence'. They exude a notable air of security and calm.
These people quietly walk through life in a comfortable, natural way.
They are unaffected and genuine.
There is no conflict or aggression in their manner. Just gentle humour and grace.
Some people seem to have 'presence'. They exude a notable air of security and calm.
These people quietly walk through life in a comfortable, natural way.
They are unaffected and genuine.
There is no conflict or aggression in their manner. Just gentle humour and grace.
Tuesday
Clarity
Krishnamurti: The first thing to find out, surely, is whether or not the mind can ever think clearly as long as it is confused. The fact is that whatever a confused mind seeks and finds must also be confused; its leaders, its gurus, its ends, will reflect this confusion, isn't it so?
Questioner: That's hard to realise.
Krishnamurti: It's hard to realise because of our conceit. We think we are so clever, so capable of solving human problems. Most of us are afraid to acknowledge to ourselves the fact that we are confused, for then we would have to admit our own utter insolvency, our defeat - which would mean either despair of humility.
Isn't it also a fact that choice indicates confusion?
Questioner: I don't understand how that can be. We must choose; without choice there is no freedom.
Krishnamurti: When do you choose? Only out of confusion, when you are not quite 'certain'. When there's clarity, there's no choice.
(Krishnamurti)
Questioner: That's hard to realise.
Krishnamurti: It's hard to realise because of our conceit. We think we are so clever, so capable of solving human problems. Most of us are afraid to acknowledge to ourselves the fact that we are confused, for then we would have to admit our own utter insolvency, our defeat - which would mean either despair of humility.
Isn't it also a fact that choice indicates confusion?
Questioner: I don't understand how that can be. We must choose; without choice there is no freedom.
Krishnamurti: When do you choose? Only out of confusion, when you are not quite 'certain'. When there's clarity, there's no choice.
(Krishnamurti)
Monday
Activities
Certain activities can help a person gain presence.
These are not 'meditation'.
They are simply activities or exercises that encourage you to be conscious of the 'here and now'.
Ultimately, everything that you do should help to bring your mind back to reality; whether it is washing dishes, walking on the beach or sitting quietly.
The activity itself is not important - it simply serves to initiate the condition of presence.
If you come to rely upon the activity, this is a mistake.
These are not 'meditation'.
They are simply activities or exercises that encourage you to be conscious of the 'here and now'.
Ultimately, everything that you do should help to bring your mind back to reality; whether it is washing dishes, walking on the beach or sitting quietly.
The activity itself is not important - it simply serves to initiate the condition of presence.
If you come to rely upon the activity, this is a mistake.
Saturday
Presence
There is nothing mystical about 'presence'.
It is simply a condition of awareness whereby you are rooted in the immediate moment rather than absorbed in thought or memory.
In order to do anything wholeheartedly you need to be present, not daydreaming or 'spacing out'.
It is simply a condition of awareness whereby you are rooted in the immediate moment rather than absorbed in thought or memory.
In order to do anything wholeheartedly you need to be present, not daydreaming or 'spacing out'.
Friday
Meditation
Many people talk about meditation or claim to do meditation. Yet, meditation is not an activity.
It is presence.
It is presence.
Thursday
Simplicity
At the heart of all things is a simple quality.
Clarity arises when we are capable of seeing this simplicity. When we notice small things. The details.
Instead of pursuing greater and wider experiences, we are content to remain where we are and notice what is in front of us.
The art of teaching is clarity and the art of learning is to listen.
(Vanda Scaravelli)
Lao Tzu said that you can know the whole world without leaving your room.
He was talking about awareness. About clarity. About being.
Clarity arises when we are capable of seeing this simplicity. When we notice small things. The details.
Instead of pursuing greater and wider experiences, we are content to remain where we are and notice what is in front of us.
The art of teaching is clarity and the art of learning is to listen.
(Vanda Scaravelli)
Lao Tzu said that you can know the whole world without leaving your room.
He was talking about awareness. About clarity. About being.
Competition
Students of the martial arts in the West feel that they must use their art to fight, or at least to compete, to show people how good they are. In tai chi, this is unacceptable, because that is against the principle of tai chi.
(Gabriel Chin)
(Gabriel Chin)
Wednesday
Monday
Empirical
Rather than operate from the basis of the known it is perhaps more prudent to see things without expectations.
Instead of seeking to prove a point or demonstrate a perspective, why not simply observe?
See what is actually happening.
Instead of seeking to prove a point or demonstrate a perspective, why not simply observe?
See what is actually happening.
Wednesday
Small school
Other martial arts classes may attract students in droves but the internal arts do not.
Not everyone is capable or willing to explore the hidden teachings of tai chi.
We will never attract a large number of students.
The training is too sophisticated - it requires considerable patience, self-discipline, self-awareness and time.
We are a small school and will probably stay that way.
Not everyone is capable or willing to explore the hidden teachings of tai chi.
We will never attract a large number of students.
The training is too sophisticated - it requires considerable patience, self-discipline, self-awareness and time.
We are a small school and will probably stay that way.
Tuesday
Friday
Thursday
Tuesday
Truth
The truth is not some concept, some message or secret. It is everyday reality, all around you.
What is so special about this? Why do people seek the truth?
Reality is not so easy to see.
We are conditioned to want things we do not need, to crave, to be ambitious, selfish, careless and blind.
Our lives are spent chasing ephemeral things that lack any real substance or meaning.
Tao, zen and our approach to tai chi is all about paring away the accumulated nonsense that prevents clear sight.
Instead of seeing what we want to see, we learn to see what is really there.
This may not sound like anything significant but clarity changes your entire existence.
What is so special about this? Why do people seek the truth?
Reality is not so easy to see.
We are conditioned to want things we do not need, to crave, to be ambitious, selfish, careless and blind.
Our lives are spent chasing ephemeral things that lack any real substance or meaning.
Tao, zen and our approach to tai chi is all about paring away the accumulated nonsense that prevents clear sight.
Instead of seeing what we want to see, we learn to see what is really there.
This may not sound like anything significant but clarity changes your entire existence.
Monday
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Friday
Talk is cheap
The way most people do tai chi, it's not a martial art. They could never use it the way they're doing it. Everything's in their hands, they just fill in the rest with fantasy talk.
(Paul Gale)
(Paul Gale)
Thursday
Cost
If you want to learn tai chi properly, you need a thorough understanding of the art.
Much will be asked of you.
Don't be lazy.
Much will be asked of you.
Don't be lazy.
Wednesday
Frustration
It is common for a student to become frustrated or disheartened. Patience is vital. Your mind and your body is learning something new.
Quite often the problem resides with unrealistic expectations and a limited commitment to practice.
Don't give up at the beginning of your journey.
Quite often the problem resides with unrealistic expectations and a limited commitment to practice.
Don't give up at the beginning of your journey.
Tuesday
Front
Another example of compensation is seen in the person who has to have a big house, an expensive car or a large boat to overcome an inner sense of smallness. What is small is his range of self-expression. He may be rich in money, for that is his ambition, but he remains poor in his inner life and in his manner of self-expression.
(Alexander Lowen)
(Alexander Lowen)
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Tuesday
Sunday
Saturday
Advanced?
Advanced abilities arise from focussing your time and effort.
No one could reasonably claim high-level skill in a wide variety of arts.
i.e. a heart surgeon is unlikely to also be a neurological specialist.
No one could reasonably claim high-level skill in a wide variety of arts.
i.e. a heart surgeon is unlikely to also be a neurological specialist.
Friday
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Thursday
Relaxation
Relaxation is a condition of ease that arises from feeling comfortable.
You may do many things in order to relax:
You may do many things in order to relax:
- Sit
- Walk
- Read a book
- Talk with friends
- Spend time with your family
- Gardening
- Cooking
- Eat a nice meal
- Watch TV
- Socialise
What is relaxing for one person may not be relaxing for another.
It is important to discover ways in which to relax.
You may even choose to do absolutely nothing...
Wednesday
Self defence
Self defence training is the best form of stress management.
Learning how to stand alone against assailants who plan to hurt you is a serious test of nerve.
It is essential to remain calm when faced with a crisis.
Tai chi demands that the student does not tense-up or meet force with force; the system must be applied in accord with what is happening.
The ability to meet such challenges is a major coping skill and demonstrates strong character.
Our students proceed through the self defence syllabus with a grin on their face; nothing is asked of them that they cannot do.
We find that each individual knows when they are ready for a challenge and will ask for it when the time is right.
Learning how to stand alone against assailants who plan to hurt you is a serious test of nerve.
It is essential to remain calm when faced with a crisis.
Tai chi demands that the student does not tense-up or meet force with force; the system must be applied in accord with what is happening.
The ability to meet such challenges is a major coping skill and demonstrates strong character.
Our students proceed through the self defence syllabus with a grin on their face; nothing is asked of them that they cannot do.
We find that each individual knows when they are ready for a challenge and will ask for it when the time is right.
Monday
Coping
The most sensible approach to stress may be to adopt a different attitude to coping.
'Coping' is the way in which you handle a situation and has the connotation of being in control.
In reality, our ability to control external events is quite limited.
In tai chi we initially focus upon our own behaviour and consider how we respond.
Later, self consciousness passes and we become immersed completely in the happening.
Rather than seek control, we cope by addressing the underlying concerns of a given situation.
Coping is not easy.
There is no quick fix or easy answer.
Lao Tzu teaches that we should deal with difficulties whilst they are still small.
If it is past that stage, then you need to be calm and patient.
Take small steps.
Go easy on yourself.
Build a strong foundation by sorting out small problems, by creating good habits.
'Coping' is the way in which you handle a situation and has the connotation of being in control.
In reality, our ability to control external events is quite limited.
In tai chi we initially focus upon our own behaviour and consider how we respond.
Later, self consciousness passes and we become immersed completely in the happening.
Rather than seek control, we cope by addressing the underlying concerns of a given situation.
Coping is not easy.
There is no quick fix or easy answer.
Lao Tzu teaches that we should deal with difficulties whilst they are still small.
If it is past that stage, then you need to be calm and patient.
Take small steps.
Go easy on yourself.
Build a strong foundation by sorting out small problems, by creating good habits.
Sunday
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Saturday
Friday
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