Tuesday
Monday
Perfection?
Most tai chi students attend Newcastle Tai Chi
classes in order to relax and have a good time.
They enjoy the friendly atmosphere and lack of pressure.
It doesn't matter whether or not you are good at tai chi; just have fun.
Not everything in life needs to be a competition.
You don't need to be the best.
You can simply be yourself.
They enjoy the friendly atmosphere and lack of pressure.
It doesn't matter whether or not you are good at tai chi; just have fun.
Not everything in life needs to be a competition.
You don't need to be the best.
You can simply be yourself.
Letting go
It is very hard to let-go of anxiety.
The process cannot be hurried or forced.
Old habits do not fade quickly.
You need to feel safe, comfortable, supported, familiar.
Then you can begin to let your defences soften; this is the first step on the road to relaxation.
The process cannot be hurried or forced.
Old habits do not fade quickly.
You need to feel safe, comfortable, supported, familiar.
Then you can begin to let your defences soften; this is the first step on the road to relaxation.
Sunday
Accepting the unknown
Once you are willing to drop your front and admit your fears and your
vulnerability, you can make progress.
Taoism helps us to face the unknown and realise that almost everything in existence is unknown.
When you can see the magnitude of reality, you feel humbled and small, insignificant.
You feel comfortable dropping your defences and just being yourself.
Taoism helps us to face the unknown and realise that almost everything in existence is unknown.
When you can see the magnitude of reality, you feel humbled and small, insignificant.
You feel comfortable dropping your defences and just being yourself.
Saturday
Yin/yang
Consider events in a yin/yang way...
For example: your car breaks down and you must evaluate the cost of fixing it, the frequency of repairs - balanced against the cost of replacing it.
Do you put money into an old car and risk that it breaks down again?
Or buy a new car and get a breakdown/repair warranty?
If you repair the old car, it may cost less in the short-term but maybe more in the long-term.
A new car means peace of mind but also monthly HP to pay.
A new car means no immediate repair cost on the old car but long-term financing of new.
The old car is bought and paid for but essentially worthless (beyond its function) whereas a new car is financed but may have a greater future trade-in value.
Can you see the thinking process behind yin/yang?
This constant dual perception of every event?
No event is just one thing and the yin/yang principle can be applied repeatedly, relative to different nuances, factors and variables.
For example: your car breaks down and you must evaluate the cost of fixing it, the frequency of repairs - balanced against the cost of replacing it.
Do you put money into an old car and risk that it breaks down again?
Or buy a new car and get a breakdown/repair warranty?
If you repair the old car, it may cost less in the short-term but maybe more in the long-term.
A new car means peace of mind but also monthly HP to pay.
A new car means no immediate repair cost on the old car but long-term financing of new.
The old car is bought and paid for but essentially worthless (beyond its function) whereas a new car is financed but may have a greater future trade-in value.
Can you see the thinking process behind yin/yang?
This constant dual perception of every event?
No event is just one thing and the yin/yang principle can be applied repeatedly, relative to different nuances, factors and variables.
Friday
Perception
Our sense of anxiety arises from how we perceive things.
Some people will find a situation most agreeable, whilst somebody else will find it unpleasant.
It is all about how you appraise the situation.
Every event in life can be considered from different perspectives, points of view.
Learn how to see things differently.
Some people will find a situation most agreeable, whilst somebody else will find it unpleasant.
It is all about how you appraise the situation.
Every event in life can be considered from different perspectives, points of view.
Learn how to see things differently.
Instructors levels
There are 5 levels of Tai Chi Instructor in the UK these days:
- Tai Chi Exercise Teacher
- 10 years experience
- these are the majority - Tai Chi Chuan Instructor
- equivalent of 3rd dan black belt in any martial art
- 10 years experience
- these people are less common - Tai Chi Expert
- 20 years experience
- 10,000 hours tai chi chuan practice
- 10 years teaching experience
- fewer to be found - Tai Chi Master
- 30,000 hours tai chi chuan practice
- 20 years teaching experience
- pretty rare - Tai Chi Grandmaster
- extremely rare
Thursday
Admitting your vulnerability
A well-adjusted person is honest with themselves and other people - they are not
afraid to say that they don't know or that they have doubts.
Nobody is perfect.
We all make mistakes. We are all vulnerable. We all fall ill. We all feel pain. We all experience fear. And we will all die.
This is what it means to be human.
The glory of the human spirit lies in our capacity to admit our fears and proceed regardless.
We call this 'courage'.
Nobody is perfect.
We all make mistakes. We are all vulnerable. We all fall ill. We all feel pain. We all experience fear. And we will all die.
This is what it means to be human.
The glory of the human spirit lies in our capacity to admit our fears and proceed regardless.
We call this 'courage'.
In acquiring any kind of skill, there
exists a natural learning process that coincides with the functioning of our
brains. This learning process leads to what we shall call tacit knowledge - a
feeling for what you are doing that is hard to put into words but easy to
demonstrate in action. And to understand how this learning process operates, it
is useful to look at the greatest system ever invented for the training of
skills and the achievement of tacit knowledge - the apprenticeship system of the
Middle Ages.
This system arose as a solution to a problem: As business expanded in the Middle Ages, Masters of various crafts could no longer depend on family members to work in the shop. They needed more hands. But it was not worth it for them to bring in people who would come and go - they needed stability and time to build up skills in their workers. And so they developed the apprenticeship system, in which young people from approximately the ages of twelve to seventeen would enter work in a shop, signing a contract that would commit them for the term of seven years. At the end of this term, apprentices would have to pass a master test, or produce a master work, to prove their level of skill. Once passed, they were now elevated to the rank of journeymen and could travel wherever there was work, practicing the craft.
(Robert Greene)
This system arose as a solution to a problem: As business expanded in the Middle Ages, Masters of various crafts could no longer depend on family members to work in the shop. They needed more hands. But it was not worth it for them to bring in people who would come and go - they needed stability and time to build up skills in their workers. And so they developed the apprenticeship system, in which young people from approximately the ages of twelve to seventeen would enter work in a shop, signing a contract that would commit them for the term of seven years. At the end of this term, apprentices would have to pass a master test, or produce a master work, to prove their level of skill. Once passed, they were now elevated to the rank of journeymen and could travel wherever there was work, practicing the craft.
(Robert Greene)
Wednesday
What do you want to study?
We offer two options in class:
-
Tai chi as a martial art
- qigong, neigong, strength-building, tai chi chuan (martial art), baguazhang, chin na, self defence, shuai jiao, weaponry and partner work
Let us know which
path you wish to take.
Tuesday
Baggage
Everyone who starts tai chi approaches the art with some sort of
baggage: whether physical or psychological.
The habitual actions and thoughts, the misconceptions, preconceptions and expectations are all present from the very first lesson.
People see what they want to see and frantically attempt to understand tai chi in terms of their existing life experience and memories.
As a consequence, the syllabus involves shedding the baggage before the real training can begin.
The habitual actions and thoughts, the misconceptions, preconceptions and expectations are all present from the very first lesson.
People see what they want to see and frantically attempt to understand tai chi in terms of their existing life experience and memories.
As a consequence, the syllabus involves shedding the baggage before the real training can begin.
Monday
Tuesday
Sedentary lifestyle
Many young people begin to lose their flexibility in their 20's and 30's and
seldom regain it.
The main problem is laziness.
Sitting for lengthy periods of time is bad for the body.
It causes muscles to tighten, circulation to suffer, the eyes to become fixed and the mind to dull.
The legs, lower back and shoulders typically become weak, tight and often quite painful.
Tao yin stretching slowly reverses the problem.
The main problem is laziness.
Sitting for lengthy periods of time is bad for the body.
It causes muscles to tighten, circulation to suffer, the eyes to become fixed and the mind to dull.
The legs, lower back and shoulders typically become weak, tight and often quite painful.
Tao yin stretching slowly reverses the problem.
Friday
Thursday
Warrior/sage
To be martial requires discipline, courage, and
perseverance. It has nothing to do with killing. People fail to look beyond this
one narrow aspect of being a warrior and so overlook all the other excellent
qualities that can be gained from training. A warrior is not a cruel murderer. A
warrior is a protector of ideals, principle and honour. A warrior is noble and
heroic.
A warrior will have many opponents in a lifetime, but the ultimate opponent is the warrior's own self. Within a fighter's personality are a wide array of demons to be conquered: fear, laziness, ignorance, selfishness, egotism, and so many more. To talk of overpowering other people is inconsequential. To actually overcome one's own defects is the true nature of victory. That is why so many religions depict warriors in their iconography. These images are not symbols for dominating others. Rather, they are symbols of the ferocity and determination that we need to overcome the demons within ourselves.
(Deng Meng-Dao)
A warrior will have many opponents in a lifetime, but the ultimate opponent is the warrior's own self. Within a fighter's personality are a wide array of demons to be conquered: fear, laziness, ignorance, selfishness, egotism, and so many more. To talk of overpowering other people is inconsequential. To actually overcome one's own defects is the true nature of victory. That is why so many religions depict warriors in their iconography. These images are not symbols for dominating others. Rather, they are symbols of the ferocity and determination that we need to overcome the demons within ourselves.
(Deng Meng-Dao)
Wednesday
Play
Self-consciousness ruins your taijiquan.
Ridding yourself of this crippling habit rests at the heart of all spiritual training.
The solution is to play.
Freedom of expression is vital.
Your body and mind must be agile, nimble and mobile.
To be skilled with neigong, you must have a lightness of spirit.
The way of the monkey is a good way to understand what this means in terms of neijiaquan practice.
Ridding yourself of this crippling habit rests at the heart of all spiritual training.
The solution is to play.
Freedom of expression is vital.
Your body and mind must be agile, nimble and mobile.
To be skilled with neigong, you must have a lightness of spirit.
The way of the monkey is a good way to understand what this means in terms of neijiaquan practice.
Tuesday
Natural movement
A common error is to exaggerate body use.
To seek to make neigong happen.
This forcing, this willing... it is a mistake.
If you have trained enough, then you have some measure of whole-body strength.
It is not necessary to do anything.
Just use your body in a relaxed, appropriate way relative to the incoming attack.
To seek to make neigong happen.
This forcing, this willing... it is a mistake.
If you have trained enough, then you have some measure of whole-body strength.
It is not necessary to do anything.
Just use your body in a relaxed, appropriate way relative to the incoming attack.
Monday
70/30 stance
When a student has reached a degree of suppleness, flexibility and
awareness that facilitates good body use, they must consider a more martial
framework.
The 70/30 stance is used throughout our curriculum.
It enables the student to use a deeper, longer, more powerful framework that a new starter could not physically manage.
The advantage of this stance is that it protects the centre with ease, maintains structural alignment at all times and enables rapid movement.
It is impossible to over-commit or over-extend.
The 70/30 stance is used throughout our curriculum.
It enables the student to use a deeper, longer, more powerful framework that a new starter could not physically manage.
The advantage of this stance is that it protects the centre with ease, maintains structural alignment at all times and enables rapid movement.
It is impossible to over-commit or over-extend.
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
Sunday
Understanding
At the heart of your difficulties in class lies this immense
question of whole-body
strength.
What is it?
How is it used?
A sense of wonder, curiosity and the burning need to know should fuel your endeavour.
If you ask questions based upon your own ego, life experience and perception, then you will obtain only answers to the questions you have asked.
Did you ask the right questions?
Are you any wiser now?
Were you expecting a verbal solution?
Questions frame answers. They shape and limit them.
You must learn how to seek without preconception. Without asking.
What is it?
How is it used?
A sense of wonder, curiosity and the burning need to know should fuel your endeavour.
If you ask questions based upon your own ego, life experience and perception, then you will obtain only answers to the questions you have asked.
Did you ask the right questions?
Are you any wiser now?
Were you expecting a verbal solution?
Questions frame answers. They shape and limit them.
You must learn how to seek without preconception. Without asking.
Saturday
Yin/yang
Supreme ultimate fist is a martial art based entirely on the yin/yang
diagram.
If you do not understand the requirements of mutual arising, hard/soft, etc... you will be doomed to train externally and continue to use force.
Neijiaquan must be understood.
You cannot simply practice the internal arts and hope for a positive outcome.
Treat these arts appropriately: they offer arcane knowledge and mystery. Seek out their secrets for yourself.
If you do not understand the requirements of mutual arising, hard/soft, etc... you will be doomed to train externally and continue to use force.
Neijiaquan must be understood.
You cannot simply practice the internal arts and hope for a positive outcome.
Treat these arts appropriately: they offer arcane knowledge and mystery. Seek out their secrets for yourself.
Friday
Opening & closing
In order to employ whole-body movement correctly, it must be used
effectively in relationship to other people.
Appropriate use of strength is vital.
Power comes from your own body, through into somebody else and affects them.
This journey is mirrored by the movements of your own body.
Appropriate use of strength is vital.
Power comes from your own body, through into somebody else and affects them.
This journey is mirrored by the movements of your own body.
Thursday
Magic?
Fantasy movies have long depicted warrior/sages of the Wudang
Mountains and wizards wielding uncanny powers.
Masters perform unlikely feats of physical prowess and people fly through the air.
But is there any truth to be found behind the legends, folklore and myth?
The exaggerated feats shown in the movies stem from both awe and ignorance.
Internal martial arts do offer amazing, uncommon skills, but they are not magical.
Consider the Wang treatise:
Masters perform unlikely feats of physical prowess and people fly through the air.
But is there any truth to be found behind the legends, folklore and myth?
The exaggerated feats shown in the movies stem from both awe and ignorance.
Internal martial arts do offer amazing, uncommon skills, but they are not magical.
Consider the Wang treatise:
The spectacle of an old person defeating a group of young people,
how can it be due to swiftness?
(Wang Tsung-yueh)
(Wang Tsung-yueh)
Neigong leads to jing (internal power).
Internal power has been sought after in China for millennia.
Wednesday
Faults
Lacking confidence in themselves and in whole-body movement, a student
who has neglected their training makes major faults:
Laziness and/or a failure to
comprehend the nature of neigong lie at the heart
of any problems you encounter.To remedy laziness, practice.
To use neigong, read this website, practice. Gain understanding through experience.
Tuesday
Habit
At some stage the penny must drop...
If you have trained whole-body movement with your qigong exercises every day over a sustained period of time, then your body will have incorporated this habit.
It is part of how you use your body.
Therefore, in partner work and combat practice, that habit exists already.
You do not need to be thinking about it or exaggerating its use.
If it is not there, look to the basics once more.
If you have trained whole-body movement with your qigong exercises every day over a sustained period of time, then your body will have incorporated this habit.
It is part of how you use your body.
Therefore, in partner work and combat practice, that habit exists already.
You do not need to be thinking about it or exaggerating its use.
If it is not there, look to the basics once more.
Monday
Pagoda
The next step is always contingent upon the previous one.
For example: If you are good at qigong, then form is strong.
When training form, you can focus on form alone.
You should not be even thinking about basic movement and structure principles (qigong skills).
If your form is good, then you can spend your partner work practice addressing how your skills affect the opponent.
You should not be thinking about coordination and physical harmony when doing partner work.
Each stage of practice has its own unique set of considerations. Understanding this enables you to build strong martial skills.
For example: If you are good at qigong, then form is strong.
When training form, you can focus on form alone.
You should not be even thinking about basic movement and structure principles (qigong skills).
If your form is good, then you can spend your partner work practice addressing how your skills affect the opponent.
You should not be thinking about coordination and physical harmony when doing partner work.
Each stage of practice has its own unique set of considerations. Understanding this enables you to build strong martial skills.
Sunday
Combat drills
Saturday
Poor basics
Lacking the whole-body skills acquired from qigong and form practice, the
student flounders during the
early stages of practice.
They resort to tension and force.
Their minds are awash with extraneous thoughts.
Study, stand and train the basics. Daily, thoroughly and exhaustively.
They resort to tension and force.
Their minds are awash with extraneous thoughts.
Study, stand and train the basics. Daily, thoroughly and exhaustively.
Thursday
Problems with partnered drills?
Faith
Faith lies at the heart of
mastery.
You must have absolute faith in your master and in their ability to pass on the art to you.
If you don't believe in tai chi completely and entrust yourself to its ways, then little progress can be made.
You are essentially standing in your own way.
You must have absolute faith in your master and in their ability to pass on the art to you.
If you don't believe in tai chi completely and entrust yourself to its ways, then little progress can be made.
You are essentially standing in your own way.
Professor told us that he once had a student who "got it" it
less than a year. What was the secret of this special person who attained
mastery in a fraction of the time it takes the rest of us?
"It was because he had faith," said Professor.
(Wolf Lowenthal)
"It was because he had faith," said Professor.
(Wolf Lowenthal)
Wednesday
Partnered drills
By partnering, the student receives biofeedback and some measure of their
own competence.
The themes are always the same:
The themes are always the same:
-
Peng
-
Softness
-
4 ounces
-
Stickiness
-
Sensitivity
-
Being in the body, not in the mind
-
Never resisting the incoming force
-
Listening & feeling, rather than anticipating
Mastery in the martial arts
The term 'master' in the martial arts usually
refers to a practitioner who has dedicated at least 25 years of hard training to
their chosen art, amassed tens of thousands of hours practice and is very
good
at their stuff.
Mastering tai chi requires the following:
• A lifelong commitment to the furtherance of the art
• Spontaneous demonstration of every and any aspect of the art
• The ability to train other people to become tai chi instructors
• An embodiment of the principles outlined in the Tai Chi Classics
• Highly accurate rendition of every exercise/form/drill/application
• Extensive knowledge of every facet of every subject in the syllabus i.e. 'jing'
• An in-depth understanding of every facet of the exercise/form/drill/application
• How the exercise/form/drill/application links to other aspects of the curriculum
• The ability to dismantle and explain how and why the different components operate
• Grace, ease, subtlety, sensitivity, nimbleness, appropriateness, simplicity are all a given
• The willingness to train disciples to acquire every aspect of the teaching and perpetuate the art themselves
• Unselfconscious, skilled and utterly effective application of the art in combat employing chin na, jing and shuai jiao
• The ability to develop, improve and deliver a thorough, fully differentiated syllabus suitable for all ability levels and all ages
• The ability to dismantle and explain how and why every form posture operates and how it can be applied in at least 7 different ways
• Comprehensive theoretical knowledge and the ability to discuss and explain how taoism, martial theory and actual practice all tie together
• The ability to apply the tai chi principles (yielding, stickiness, peng, jing, composure, connection, 4 ounces etc) in every situation with absolute ease and certainty
Mastering tai chi requires the following:
• A lifelong commitment to the furtherance of the art
• Spontaneous demonstration of every and any aspect of the art
• The ability to train other people to become tai chi instructors
• An embodiment of the principles outlined in the Tai Chi Classics
• Highly accurate rendition of every exercise/form/drill/application
• Extensive knowledge of every facet of every subject in the syllabus i.e. 'jing'
• An in-depth understanding of every facet of the exercise/form/drill/application
• How the exercise/form/drill/application links to other aspects of the curriculum
• The ability to dismantle and explain how and why the different components operate
• Grace, ease, subtlety, sensitivity, nimbleness, appropriateness, simplicity are all a given
• The willingness to train disciples to acquire every aspect of the teaching and perpetuate the art themselves
• Unselfconscious, skilled and utterly effective application of the art in combat employing chin na, jing and shuai jiao
• The ability to develop, improve and deliver a thorough, fully differentiated syllabus suitable for all ability levels and all ages
• The ability to dismantle and explain how and why every form posture operates and how it can be applied in at least 7 different ways
• Comprehensive theoretical knowledge and the ability to discuss and explain how taoism, martial theory and actual practice all tie together
• The ability to apply the tai chi principles (yielding, stickiness, peng, jing, composure, connection, 4 ounces etc) in every situation with absolute ease and certainty
Tuesday
Form
The form refines the basic movements and extends their scope and complexity.
Considered in a martial context, whole-body movement is no longer abstract and generalised, but focussed.
The student learns how to shape their body towards a combat outcome.
Stepping, angles, strategy and coordination lead to an expansion of consciousness and a fluidity of action.
The coarse simplicity of the qigong exercises ultimately gives way to the nimble grace of form.
Monday
Commitment
A student of any martial art should expect to be attending 2-3 classes a week.
This is normal.
An internal martial artist needs to supplement lessons with daily home training.
It is possible to progress with lesser commitment, but the journey will be long and the progress slow.
This is normal.
An internal martial artist needs to supplement lessons with daily home training.
It is possible to progress with lesser commitment, but the journey will be long and the progress slow.
Master
Master Waller has practiced martial
arts for most of his life and is a professionally qualified teacher.
• 40 years martial arts experience
• 20 years Master/disciple relationship with Tai Chi Master Peter Southwood
• 50,000 hours of tai chi training behind him (10 years being full-time study)• Teaching tai chi since 1995
• 2 lineage disciples
• 40 years martial arts experience
• 20 years Master/disciple relationship with Tai Chi Master Peter Southwood
• 50,000 hours of tai chi training behind him (10 years being full-time study)• Teaching tai chi since 1995
• 2 lineage disciples
Sunday
Qigong
The fundamental exercises teach simple whole-body habits.
Students should train the basic qigong - both standing and moving - thoroughly enough for the habit to take hold.
Train more; and the habit will come sooner.
Train less; and more patience is necessary.
This is why home training is important for supreme ultimate fist and 8 trigrams palm.
Students should train the basic qigong - both standing and moving - thoroughly enough for the habit to take hold.
Train more; and the habit will come sooner.
Train less; and more patience is necessary.
This is why home training is important for supreme ultimate fist and 8 trigrams palm.
Tai chi chuan instructors
A tai chi chuan instructor needs at least 10 years of
experience
and a serious
commitment to home practice.
Martial instructors must show clear evidence of ability in all 8 areas of skill.
An expert has 20 years study and 10,000 hours of practice.
A master should have 30-40 years martial arts experience, with at least 30,000 hours of tai chi practice.
They are capable of teaching other instructors.
A grandmaster must have taught an extensive number of high-level instructors.
They would be in a position of significant responsibility within a school and have influence within the wider tai chi/martial arts community.
Martial instructors must show clear evidence of ability in all 8 areas of skill.
An expert has 20 years study and 10,000 hours of practice.
A master should have 30-40 years martial arts experience, with at least 30,000 hours of tai chi practice.
They are capable of teaching other instructors.
A grandmaster must have taught an extensive number of high-level instructors.
They would be in a position of significant responsibility within a school and have influence within the wider tai chi/martial arts community.
Saturday
Peter Southwood's tips #21Thoughtful
Make any gift relativistic; the size is determined by intention/purpose.
A gift demonstrates sincerity more significantly than words do.
Be thoughtful.
A gift demonstrates sincerity more significantly than words do.
Be thoughtful.
Internal martial arts
The inner school of martial arts practice is called 'neijiaquan'.
To learn the internal arts, a student must stop using force, stop blocking, struggling and tensing-up.
They must cultivate balance, rhythm, timing, sensitivity and stickiness.
And remain calm.
Instead of force, the internal arts employ whole-body strength and a different kind of striking power (jing).
These systems are more difficult to learn than the external arts, but are far kinder to the body.
Physical, emotional and mental health are as important as combat skill.
There is no competition, aggression or macho behaviour.
To learn the internal arts, a student must stop using force, stop blocking, struggling and tensing-up.
They must cultivate balance, rhythm, timing, sensitivity and stickiness.
And remain calm.
Instead of force, the internal arts employ whole-body strength and a different kind of striking power (jing).
These systems are more difficult to learn than the external arts, but are far kinder to the body.
Physical, emotional and mental health are as important as combat skill.
There is no competition, aggression or macho behaviour.
Indications of internal skill
Internal skills:
-
Ease
-
Grace
-
Acuity
-
Playful
-
Circular
-
Subtlety
-
Softness
-
Sensitivity
-
Nimbleness
-
Appropriateness
-
Whole-body movement
-
Less effort to greater effect
-
Significant degree of composure in combat
-
Spontaneous combat skills against unrehearsed attacks
-
Clear competence with chin na (7 skills), jing and shuai jiao
-
The ability to apply all aspects of the art (forms, drills & skills) in a thorough & convincing manner
Friday
Historically speaking
In the movie El Dorado, James Caan cannot shoot a gun with any
skill.
John Wayne solves the problem by giving him was is essentially a sawn-off shotgun.
He matched the weapon to the user.
In Chinese martial arts, students have always used weapons that suited their art, their temperament, their strength and their abilities.
I once read Yang Jwing-Ming's book on ancient Chinese weapons, and there are literally dozens of variations of every conceivable weapon.
Something for everyone?
John Wayne solves the problem by giving him was is essentially a sawn-off shotgun.
He matched the weapon to the user.
In Chinese martial arts, students have always used weapons that suited their art, their temperament, their strength and their abilities.
I once read Yang Jwing-Ming's book on ancient Chinese weapons, and there are literally dozens of variations of every conceivable weapon.
Something for everyone?
External martial arts
Most martial arts are 'external':
• Rely upon the use of strength, speed and muscular tension
• Using the arms independently of the body
• Favours the younger student
• Competition or self defence
• Physically demanding
• Force against force
• Uses aggression
External arts are considered to be the outer school of martial arts study.
• Rely upon the use of strength, speed and muscular tension
• Using the arms independently of the body
• Favours the younger student
• Competition or self defence
• Physically demanding
• Force against force
• Uses aggression
External arts are considered to be the outer school of martial arts study.
Thursday
Arrogant
Our modern Western society applauds arrogance.
Humility and patience are no longer seen as being necessary or virtuous.
Everybody wants to have their say.
This is naive.
In Asia it is considered highly inappropriate to question the teacher at all.
The student patiently listens and then they practice diligently.
After a number of years (with a few black belts to their name) they may be invited to discuss certain approaches and skills with the instructor.
But there is still humility.
There is always respect.
Humility and patience are no longer seen as being necessary or virtuous.
Everybody wants to have their say.
This is naive.
In Asia it is considered highly inappropriate to question the teacher at all.
The student patiently listens and then they practice diligently.
After a number of years (with a few black belts to their name) they may be invited to discuss certain approaches and skills with the instructor.
But there is still humility.
There is always respect.
Tuesday
Egotism
Why do certain beginners come to class with an ego?It is inexplicable.
They know nothing. They can do nothing. They are stupid enough to think that their opinion matters.
These naive beginners want recognition.
Acknowledgement.
For what?If the individual were skilled enough to comment on the approach being taught, they would have their own class and not be seeking tuition.
They know nothing. They can do nothing. They are stupid enough to think that their opinion matters.
These naive beginners want recognition.
Acknowledgement.
For what?If the individual were skilled enough to comment on the approach being taught, they would have their own class and not be seeking tuition.
Monday
Adaptive
Partner work, combat drills, form
application and
self defence work all offer
opportunities to become adept at finding the most
advantageous relationship.
A student must be capable of demonstrating their competence in a thorough and convincing way against any attack.
The capacity to adapt, change and improvise requires a degree of awareness, presence and spontaneity that will only arise through many years of tuition, experience and practice.
A student must be capable of demonstrating their competence in a thorough and convincing way against any attack.
The capacity to adapt, change and improvise requires a degree of awareness, presence and spontaneity that will only arise through many years of tuition, experience and practice.
Saturday
Resources
We offer a lot of training opportunities for students.
There are also various resources on offer.
If you are struggling, then watch the form, exercise or drill on DVD.
Read the website.
Study the books on the reading list.
There are also various resources on offer.
If you are struggling, then watch the form, exercise or drill on DVD.
Read the website.
Study the books on the reading list.
Attention is very different from what is usually called concentration.
Concentration is usually associated with a state of over-tension manifested by a furrowed brow and interference with breathing, almost as though one were trying to hold everything in place so as to be able to focus totally on a certain aspect of one's surroundings.
(Michael Gelb)
Concentration is usually associated with a state of over-tension manifested by a furrowed brow and interference with breathing, almost as though one were trying to hold everything in place so as to be able to focus totally on a certain aspect of one's surroundings.
(Michael Gelb)
Friday
New starters
New starters seldom consider the fact that martial arts training is
actually pretty hard work.
They expect to just join in and do well.
Typically, new starters are unfit, undisciplined and lazy.
They may have enthusiasm, but they seldom possess the required level of fitness.
They expect to just join in and do well.
Typically, new starters are unfit, undisciplined and lazy.
They may have enthusiasm, but they seldom possess the required level of fitness.
Wednesday
Exercise
An exercise designed to cultivate neigong is not a neigong itself.
Neigong exists in your body all the time.
It is part of how you move.
A habit: unconscious and familiar. As easy and present as speaking or drinking from a glass.
If you have to think about a neigong quality or practice it, or engage it when needed... what good is it in combat/application?
An exercise is a training tool.
It helps you to get the hang of the habit, to feel how it works and to incorporate the feeling into your framework.
When you have the neigong quality as part of how you move, the exercise is no longer required.
Neigong exists in your body all the time.
It is part of how you move.
A habit: unconscious and familiar. As easy and present as speaking or drinking from a glass.
If you have to think about a neigong quality or practice it, or engage it when needed... what good is it in combat/application?
An exercise is a training tool.
It helps you to get the hang of the habit, to feel how it works and to incorporate the feeling into your framework.
When you have the neigong quality as part of how you move, the exercise is no longer required.
Entry method
The purpose of yielding/shuai jiao is to counter a punch,
kick or grapple using skills acquired through training the
yielding exercise and
shuai jiao basic skills.
Yielding/shuai jiao involves evading the attack, softly meeting, then redirecting the opponent.
At the opportune moment shuai jiao can be employed.
Yielding/shuai jiao is pretty much the same as yielding/chin na, except that the goal is to apply shuai jiao applications rather than chin na.
Yielding/shuai jiao involves evading the attack, softly meeting, then redirecting the opponent.
At the opportune moment shuai jiao can be employed.
Yielding/shuai jiao is pretty much the same as yielding/chin na, except that the goal is to apply shuai jiao applications rather than chin na.
Why did you join Newcastle Tai Chi?
I've had an interest in martial arts and
'bodywork' for many years. Spent a long time in recent years looking for
a good class. Now I've found a great one...
(Andy U)
(Andy U)
Tuesday
Tzu-jan
Some neigong can be cultivated by exercise.
Others are more subtle and need the mind to be engaged in a particular way until the neigong is habit.
The more advanced neigong arise because existing neigong are in place.
With practice and experience they arise by themselves.
Tzu-jan concerns cannot be made to happen or directly cultivated.
They are a by-product of ingrained internal movement habits.
Others are more subtle and need the mind to be engaged in a particular way until the neigong is habit.
The more advanced neigong arise because existing neigong are in place.
With practice and experience they arise by themselves.
Tzu-jan concerns cannot be made to happen or directly cultivated.
They are a by-product of ingrained internal movement habits.
What is taijiquan?
Taijiquan is a Chinese martial art based upon the
yin/yang concept.
It was developed hundreds of years ago and draws upon taoist observations, Chinese traditional medicine, biomechanics, physics and combat.
To train supreme ultimate fist correctly you need a highly-skilled instructor who can offer a very comprehensive syllabus.
It was developed hundreds of years ago and draws upon taoist observations, Chinese traditional medicine, biomechanics, physics and combat.
To train supreme ultimate fist correctly you need a highly-skilled instructor who can offer a very comprehensive syllabus.
Monday
Conventional fitness
The ability to lift heavy weights, run, swim or workout in the gym may
well improve your overall fitness level.
But this kind of fitness only helps to a certain degree in taijiquan training.
A student must learn how to use their body in a very different way.
The body needs to become agile, flexible, adaptive, sensitive and strong.
Engorged biceps are not going to help.
But this kind of fitness only helps to a certain degree in taijiquan training.
A student must learn how to use their body in a very different way.
The body needs to become agile, flexible, adaptive, sensitive and strong.
Engorged biceps are not going to help.
Taijiquan syllabus
Taijiquan students work through a very extensive, structured training
program.
The syllabus includes:
• Form
• Weaponry
• Stretching
• Self defence
• Partner work
• Seizing (chin na)
• Form applications
• Internal power (jing)
• Energy work (qigong)
• Strength-building exercises
• Whole-body strength (neigong)
• Grappling (shuai jiao & pushing hands)
From the onset you are introduced to material that is more advanced than what is normally practiced in the martial arts.
The syllabus includes:
• Form
• Weaponry
• Stretching
• Self defence
• Partner work
• Seizing (chin na)
• Form applications
• Internal power (jing)
• Energy work (qigong)
• Strength-building exercises
• Whole-body strength (neigong)
• Grappling (shuai jiao & pushing hands)
From the onset you are introduced to material that is more advanced than what is normally practiced in the martial arts.
Sunday
Tai chi chuan/baguazhang application
Successful application requires the student to adhere to the taijiquan guidelines.
There are 3 main considerations:
There are 3 main considerations:
What is tai chi?
Tai chi is a popular form of exercise.
It is derived from a martial art called 'supreme ultimate fist' (taijiquan).
Most tai chi classes study tai chi for exercise but only a rare few practice tai chi as a martial art.
It is derived from a martial art called 'supreme ultimate fist' (taijiquan).
Most tai chi classes study tai chi for exercise but only a rare few practice tai chi as a martial art.
Saturday
Body strength
We are not interested in pitting strength against strength.
Our aim is to evade strength, re-direct power and destabilise the attacker.
Instead of force against force, we circumvent.
We break the root.
We lead into emptiness.
You do not need to be immensely strong in the upper body.
The power will be coming from the ground, so stronger legs are more important.
Our aim is to evade strength, re-direct power and destabilise the attacker.
Instead of force against force, we circumvent.
We break the root.
We lead into emptiness.
You do not need to be immensely strong in the upper body.
The power will be coming from the ground, so stronger legs are more important.
Slow?
Most of the taijiquan syllabus is not
slow.
Of the 7 forms only the first one is practiced slowly; the rest train nimbleness and agility.
Partner work tends to begin slowly and increase in speed as competence allows.
Combat training is always fast because real-life self defence situations require spontaneity, not sluggishness.
Of the 7 forms only the first one is practiced slowly; the rest train nimbleness and agility.
Partner work tends to begin slowly and increase in speed as competence allows.
Combat training is always fast because real-life self defence situations require spontaneity, not sluggishness.
Friday
What about yoga and pilates?
If you
practice tai chi there would be no point practicing yoga or
pilates.
Neither of these styles of exercise are compatible with tai chi:
- yoga stretches the body beyond 70% and 'hatha' means willpower; forcing rather than allowing
- pilates tenses the stomach muscles, which goes against Chinese medicine and qigong
Neither of these styles of exercise are compatible with tai chi:
- yoga stretches the body beyond 70% and 'hatha' means willpower; forcing rather than allowing
- pilates tenses the stomach muscles, which goes against Chinese medicine and qigong
What do you think about this school's taijiquan?
I am very impressed
now that I have reach intermediate level; we get more time with Sifu
and you really start to see his ability.
Also working with the higher level students shows the quality of the taijiquan at Newcastle Tai Chi.
Dave Johnson
Also working with the higher level students shows the quality of the taijiquan at Newcastle Tai Chi.
Dave Johnson
Thursday
Is it really taijiquan?
Tai chi instructors seldom distinguish between tai chi for exercise and taijiquan.
Most modern tai chi classes study tai chi exercise but only a rare few practice a martial art.
It is common for classes to say that they are teaching 'taijiquan' when in fact they are teaching 'tai chi exercise' instead.
Many students are exposed to 'tai chi' and believe this to be the martial art.
In some cases it may well be, but in most cases it is merely tai chi exercise practice with a threadbare smattering of martial skill thrown in for variety.
Most modern tai chi classes study tai chi exercise but only a rare few practice a martial art.
It is common for classes to say that they are teaching 'taijiquan' when in fact they are teaching 'tai chi exercise' instead.
Many students are exposed to 'tai chi' and believe this to be the martial art.
In some cases it may well be, but in most cases it is merely tai chi exercise practice with a threadbare smattering of martial skill thrown in for variety.
Principles
Understanding the principles is essential:
-
Do not oppose force
-
Join centres
-
Attack weakness and avoid strength
-
Use momentum whenever possible
-
Take balance
-
Disconnect the opponent's body
-
Allow them to fall
Each of these considerations needs to be studied in detail
and understood thoroughly.
Once these have been explored using the yielding/shuai jiao learning tool, the skills will slowly become familiar and eventually habitual.
The aim with all training methods is to discard the method entirely at some point.
Ultimately, the skills will just emerge spontaneously.
Once these have been explored using the yielding/shuai jiao learning tool, the skills will slowly become familiar and eventually habitual.
The aim with all training methods is to discard the method entirely at some point.
Ultimately, the skills will just emerge spontaneously.
Taijiquan
Tai chi is a popular form of exercise derived from a martial art called 'supreme ultimate fist' (taijiquan).
Taijiquan is a style of internal art based upon the yin/yang concept.
It was developed hundreds of years ago and draws upon taoist observations, Chinese traditional medicine, biomechanics, physics and combat.
Most tai chi classes study tai chi exercise; fitness but only a rare few practice tai chi as a martial art.
Taijiquan is a style of internal art based upon the yin/yang concept.
It was developed hundreds of years ago and draws upon taoist observations, Chinese traditional medicine, biomechanics, physics and combat.
Most tai chi classes study tai chi exercise; fitness but only a rare few practice tai chi as a martial art.
Wednesday
Training internal movement
Qigong exercises train the body to move in a unique, connected, relaxed way.
These exercises are simple and quite easy to learn.
The student focuses upon basic movements without additional concerns intruding.
These exercises are simple and quite easy to learn.
The student focuses upon basic movements without additional concerns intruding.
Tuesday
Peng
Skilful use of peng is everything in our school.
Without it, many of the applications simply will not work.
Peng is a challenging skill to master.
The student must train diligently until it becomes natural and comfortable to employ peng at all times.
Circularity and sensitivity will allow the student to circumvent force and re-direct the opponent using the least amount of effort.
Without it, many of the applications simply will not work.
Peng is a challenging skill to master.
The student must train diligently until it becomes natural and comfortable to employ peng at all times.
Circularity and sensitivity will allow the student to circumvent force and re-direct the opponent using the least amount of effort.
Monday
Sensitivity
Listening to the opponent is vital.
Without an opponent you have no one to defend against; therefore, the opponent is the reason for your application.
You must give them your complete, undivided attention at all times.
Strong sensitivity skills will allow you to feel subtle opportunities long before they become obvious.
Without an opponent you have no one to defend against; therefore, the opponent is the reason for your application.
You must give them your complete, undivided attention at all times.
Strong sensitivity skills will allow you to feel subtle opportunities long before they become obvious.
Mind
The weakest part of any new starter is the mind.
Modern minds are lazy, distracted, eager for gratification and entertainment.
The calm, detached, logical, disciplined mind of a martial artist is very different to that of a 'consumer'.
We recognise that there is more to life than shopping, celebrity, fleeting fads and fancies.
Patience, tenacity, endurance... these develop a quiet strength.
Modern minds are lazy, distracted, eager for gratification and entertainment.
The calm, detached, logical, disciplined mind of a martial artist is very different to that of a 'consumer'.
We recognise that there is more to life than shopping, celebrity, fleeting fads and fancies.
Patience, tenacity, endurance... these develop a quiet strength.
Sunday
Feedback
I like that there's no macho, aggressive
attitude in the class, and that everyone is helpful and respectful of one
another.
I also like the structure of the class, and the clear syllabus that lets you see how you're progressing.
(Joel Halligan)
I also like the structure of the class, and the clear syllabus that lets you see how you're progressing.
(Joel Halligan)
Harmonise
Yielding/shuai jiao is about evading the attack, establishing and maintaining
contact in order to manipulate the attacker into a position of vulnerability.
When the opponent is exposed, they are easy to counter.
This skill is concerned with the process of evasion, making contact and remaining sticky.
It is all about footwork, positioning and leverage.
Instead of struggling, you flow.
By harmonising with the attack - smoothly and calmly - it is possible to defeat the opponent without rushing, aggression or force.
Once yielding/shuai jiao is familiar, all shuai jiao applications will contain the necessary first step: which is to yield to the attack.
Having yielded, you have time to move without anxiety and your options are increased.
When the opponent is exposed, they are easy to counter.
This skill is concerned with the process of evasion, making contact and remaining sticky.
It is all about footwork, positioning and leverage.
Instead of struggling, you flow.
By harmonising with the attack - smoothly and calmly - it is possible to defeat the opponent without rushing, aggression or force.
Once yielding/shuai jiao is familiar, all shuai jiao applications will contain the necessary first step: which is to yield to the attack.
Having yielded, you have time to move without anxiety and your options are increased.
Saturday
Effort/reward ratio
Internal body use challenges conventional wisdom and the conventional
application of strength.
The body must be strong.
The application of that strength is unorthodox.
The aim is to use most of your power in combat; uniting the entire body in application. Yet, the target is small.
Every action is a complete action.
Every part of you does every movement.
This may sound strenuous but it is not.
Instead of delegating the workload to your arms and shoulders, every part of the body is involved.
Instead of forcing your will upon the entire attacker, you limit your attention to a small part of their body and use everything you have on that target.
The strategy comes from The Art of War.
The body must be strong.
The application of that strength is unorthodox.
The aim is to use most of your power in combat; uniting the entire body in application. Yet, the target is small.
Every action is a complete action.
Every part of you does every movement.
This may sound strenuous but it is not.
Instead of delegating the workload to your arms and shoulders, every part of the body is involved.
Instead of forcing your will upon the entire attacker, you limit your attention to a small part of their body and use everything you have on that target.
The strategy comes from The Art of War.
Friday
Why not just apply shuai jiao without yielding?
This is a reasonable question.
The answer is simple: force versus force.
We do not want to block force. Instead, we want to use it.
To accomplish this we must let the force go where it wants to go...
Internal martial arts never oppose force. Yielding enables the student to neutralise force and counter without effort.
The answer is simple: force versus force.
We do not want to block force. Instead, we want to use it.
To accomplish this we must let the force go where it wants to go...
Internal martial arts never oppose force. Yielding enables the student to neutralise force and counter without effort.
Thursday
Corrections
After learning the crude outline, the student undergoes extensive, ongoing correction.
Regular practice of the form enables the student to begin to get a feel for the form and start the long journey towards understanding.
Corrections are vital because they teach the individual how the movements are generated and why.
Without correction, a form remains crude.
Regular practice of the form enables the student to begin to get a feel for the form and start the long journey towards understanding.
Corrections are vital because they teach the individual how the movements are generated and why.
Without correction, a form remains crude.
Wednesday
Understanding
A good rule of thumb is this: if you don't understand something then you probably can't yet.
Huh?
Understanding requires a framework; a context, a foundation.
A nursery school child may want to discuss Shakespeare or Dostoyevsky with the teacher, but are they capable?
Surely, they must learn the alphabet, sentences, the entire structure and use of language before a more in-depth exploration is even possible...
Huh?
Understanding requires a framework; a context, a foundation.
A nursery school child may want to discuss Shakespeare or Dostoyevsky with the teacher, but are they capable?
Surely, they must learn the alphabet, sentences, the entire structure and use of language before a more in-depth exploration is even possible...
Tuesday
Monday
Stick drills
Stick drills can be performed with two lengths of stick:
- Navel height
- Armpit height
Students are recommended to start with a navel height stick.
The drills encourage suppleness in the arms and wrists, connection and coordination.
They are an excellent training tool for students who suffer from stiff shoulders or are struggling to extend power out of their bodies.
The beauty of stick drills is that they train a variety of skills at the same time.
The drills encourage suppleness in the arms and wrists, connection and coordination.
They are an excellent training tool for students who suffer from stiff shoulders or are struggling to extend power out of their bodies.
The beauty of stick drills is that they train a variety of skills at the same time.
Saturday
Slagging-off your instructor
It is common for students to leave a martial arts class and then
broadcast a list of criticisms about their former teacher.
This not only reflects badly upon the ex-student but also makes them look kind of stupid:
• Do you consider yourself to have skills?
• Did you have these skills before joining the class?
• Who taught the skills to you?
• If your ex-teacher is a fool, then what value does their teaching have? What value do your current skills have?
To criticise your former instructor is to devalue what you were taught.
If your current understanding is based on what you were taught by your former instructor, then to criticise your former instructor is to undermine your own knowledge and skills.
Your own skills are the product of that tuition.
If the teaching was worthless, then what you now know is similarly worthless, and certainly not worth listening to.
If you learned your skills from your former instructor, then they must have taught you something worthwhile.
For this alone, you owe them your respect.
This not only reflects badly upon the ex-student but also makes them look kind of stupid:
• Do you consider yourself to have skills?
• Did you have these skills before joining the class?
• Who taught the skills to you?
• If your ex-teacher is a fool, then what value does their teaching have? What value do your current skills have?
To criticise your former instructor is to devalue what you were taught.
If your current understanding is based on what you were taught by your former instructor, then to criticise your former instructor is to undermine your own knowledge and skills.
Your own skills are the product of that tuition.
If the teaching was worthless, then what you now know is similarly worthless, and certainly not worth listening to.
If you learned your skills from your former instructor, then they must have taught you something worthwhile.
For this alone, you owe them your respect.
There is no shortcut
Building up your strength takes time, practice, commitment and patience.
In truth, you may not even realise it is happening.
Internal arts training is not strenuous or stressful.
You undertake regular training and let the mild exercise build up layers of strength.
An hour of training every morning mounts up over time.
Pretty soon you have a level of strength you never expected.
This is not the strength required to lift a massive weight.
It is the strength to deliver a penetrating strike, snap a limb or flip an opponent without trying.
In truth, you may not even realise it is happening.
Internal arts training is not strenuous or stressful.
You undertake regular training and let the mild exercise build up layers of strength.
An hour of training every morning mounts up over time.
Pretty soon you have a level of strength you never expected.
This is not the strength required to lift a massive weight.
It is the strength to deliver a penetrating strike, snap a limb or flip an opponent without trying.
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Friday
Knife in self defence
There are a range of training methods that teach a student to counter a knife in self defence.
Students learn how to avoid being stabbed or cut, escape from a hold and apply a chin na against a knife-wielding attacker.
Many of the basic drills can be used to great effect against a knife.
Self defence against a knife offers no guarantees in real life.
In truth, success is a more a matter of opportunity, awareness, presence and technical skill than anything else.
Students learn how to avoid being stabbed or cut, escape from a hold and apply a chin na against a knife-wielding attacker.
Many of the basic drills can be used to great effect against a knife.
Self defence against a knife offers no guarantees in real life.
In truth, success is a more a matter of opportunity, awareness, presence and technical skill than anything else.
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Thursday
Tai chi exercise attendance
Classes focus upon
flexibility, suppleness, relaxation, mobility,
strength building and boosting energy.
Students are taught a physically and mentally challenging curriculum, but no self defence at all.
Partner work is limited.
Lessons cost £7.50 per class.
Students are taught a physically and mentally challenging curriculum, but no self defence at all.
Partner work is limited.
Lessons cost £7.50 per class.
Convenience food
Some packets will tell you that the food is low fat, and this may be true, but is
it low sugar also?
Does it have additives, preservatives and flavouring?
What is the salt content?
Convenience food is generally not good for you.
Does it have additives, preservatives and flavouring?
What is the salt content?
Convenience food is generally not good for you.
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What do you like most about the class?
Detailed syllabus, progress page,
experience and ability of the instructor. Direct, layers of increasing
detail. Genuine.
(John)
Wednesday
Feedback
I would like to thank you and Master Waller for
the experience. I joined the class following a period of depression lasting
about two years, and the tai chi class was the first new activity I undertook
once I'd recovered. When I first arrived I was incredibly nervous and anxious,
both in terms of meeting strangers but also doing something the likes of which
I'd never done before. Master Waller and yourself made me feel welcome, reassured
me as to your expectations and progress, and made me feel very comfortable.
On top of that, the actual practice of tai chi I have found immensely beneficial, particularly from a stress management perspective over the past few months. I have enjoyed the classes, and I have enjoyed what limited training I've been able to do at home, as it's left me far more relaxed thus contributing overall to my general health. I'm very happy I found the group - it's been a fantastic experience.
(Rich)
On top of that, the actual practice of tai chi I have found immensely beneficial, particularly from a stress management perspective over the past few months. I have enjoyed the classes, and I have enjoyed what limited training I've been able to do at home, as it's left me far more relaxed thus contributing overall to my general health. I'm very happy I found the group - it's been a fantastic experience.
(Rich)
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Tuesday
Friday Fasting
Historically, Christians would fast all day on a Friday.
It later became no meat day, but they would still eat fish (maybe the source of confusion for some would-be vegetarians? After all, fish is meat).
In recent times, Christians ignored the Friday Fast.
It later became no meat day, but they would still eat fish (maybe the source of confusion for some would-be vegetarians? After all, fish is meat).
In recent times, Christians ignored the Friday Fast.
What do you like most about the class?
The class is so rich and well balanced it's hard to pick out something above anything else:
- The people and the class spirit
- The authenticity, clarity and practicality of the teachings
- The in-depth and progressive syllabus
- The dedication of Sifu to his practice, and the development of his students
- The honesty.
- The people and the class spirit
- The authenticity, clarity and practicality of the teachings
- The in-depth and progressive syllabus
- The dedication of Sifu to his practice, and the development of his students
- The honesty.
(Andy U)
Monday
Harmony
How is harmony accomplished?
By not forcing.
By not imposing you own will.
By immersing yourself in the event/the moment, rather than calculating and thinking.
To accomplish this you must quieten the problem-solving conscious mind, and learn to respond without choosing.
Choice denotes confusion.
A clear mind sees without cogitation; and action is sure, accurate and appropriate.
By not forcing.
By not imposing you own will.
By immersing yourself in the event/the moment, rather than calculating and thinking.
To accomplish this you must quieten the problem-solving conscious mind, and learn to respond without choosing.
Choice denotes confusion.
A clear mind sees without cogitation; and action is sure, accurate and appropriate.
Why did you join Newcastle Tai Chi?
Learn self defence skills to protect myself and loved ones from harm. Informative website, registered instructor, highly rated. Decisive.
(John)
Sunday
Weapons forms
All of the weapons forms use strategies and movements derived from the Yang Cheng Fu form.
Therefore a student unskilled with the basic form cannot reasonably learn a weapons form.
This is not negotiable.
Competence with the complete Yang Cheng Fu form is a must.
Weapons forms must be practiced slowly until the set is ingrained.
Then, the speed depends on the day's training.
Sometimes, slow practice is good.
At other times, high speed practice is advisable.
Therefore a student unskilled with the basic form cannot reasonably learn a weapons form.
This is not negotiable.
Competence with the complete Yang Cheng Fu form is a must.
Weapons forms must be practiced slowly until the set is ingrained.
Then, the speed depends on the day's training.
Sometimes, slow practice is good.
At other times, high speed practice is advisable.
Saturday
Small san sau - 4 ways
Small san sau is taught through 4 stages initially:
-
Sequence
-
Peng
-
Jing
-
Combat concerns
Friday
Refinement
The pattern of a qigong, form,
martial set or an application is not the final product.
It is the initial introduction to the material.
Many tai chi practitioners never progress beyond the pattern and remain perpetual beginners, regardless of how many years they practice.
It is vital that a student does not remain at the lower echelon of skill.
In order for the tai chi to improve, the pattern must be revised, corrected, improved-upon - not once - but as an ongoing process.
There is no final product, no graduation.
Even an advanced practitioner continues to explore and tinker with their practice.
It is the initial introduction to the material.
Many tai chi practitioners never progress beyond the pattern and remain perpetual beginners, regardless of how many years they practice.
It is vital that a student does not remain at the lower echelon of skill.
In order for the tai chi to improve, the pattern must be revised, corrected, improved-upon - not once - but as an ongoing process.
There is no final product, no graduation.
Even an advanced practitioner continues to explore and tinker with their practice.
New starters @ £7.50
If you want to try the class, there is no need to e-mail in advance.
Just come along.
We welcome adults of all ages.
Prior experience is not expected. New starters are treated as beginners.
Just come along.
We welcome adults of all ages.
Prior experience is not expected. New starters are treated as beginners.
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