Our aim is to teach tai chi with sincerity, good humour and integrity.
By following the authentic training methods detailed in the Tai Chi Classics, our lessons are always thought-provoking, balanced and thorough.
In addition to qigong and tai chi for health, we teach the complete tai chi chuan (martial art) syllabus.
Sunday
What we offer
We offer a very high standard of tuition from instructors with decades of experience.
There is a syllabus in place to ensure that the tai chi is taught in a consistent, structured, methodical way.
Students work towards a comprehensive understanding of tai chi, whole-body strength and the ability to use their body in an intelligent, healthy manner.
There is a syllabus in place to ensure that the tai chi is taught in a consistent, structured, methodical way.
Students work towards a comprehensive understanding of tai chi, whole-body strength and the ability to use their body in an intelligent, healthy manner.
Wednesday
Reaping what you sow
The bliss that comes with a responsive, agile, dexterous, capable body is hard to articulate.
You can move with the grace of a dancer, strike with the force of a sledgehammer, feel immensely composed, physically at ease and also have on-going mental acuity/alertness.
Appealing?
You make it happen.
You did the work. You overcame the challenges. You did it by yourself. You did it for yourself.
You can move with the grace of a dancer, strike with the force of a sledgehammer, feel immensely composed, physically at ease and also have on-going mental acuity/alertness.
Appealing?
You make it happen.
You did the work. You overcame the challenges. You did it by yourself. You did it for yourself.
Making the most of it
To gain the full health benefits of tai chi, you must make it part of your daily life.
It was designed to be a tonic, not a solution/cure.
Weekly class practice is fine, but daily tai chi offers a degree of suppleness, strength, mental clarity and flexibility you are currently unfamiliar with.
Martial artists are another matter entirely.
Muscle memory and reflex must be cultivated and trained continually so that the body simply responds habitually.
This requires heavy repetition, practice, homework.
Sound familiar?
It was designed to be a tonic, not a solution/cure.
Weekly class practice is fine, but daily tai chi offers a degree of suppleness, strength, mental clarity and flexibility you are currently unfamiliar with.
Martial artists are another matter entirely.
Muscle memory and reflex must be cultivated and trained continually so that the body simply responds habitually.
This requires heavy repetition, practice, homework.
Sound familiar?
Saturday
Cultivate the habit of daily home practice
The main challenge people face when learning tai chi is their unwillingness to practice at home between lessons.
Look at some of the key features of school learning once again: heavy repetition, practice, homework.
Even 10 minutes a day of tai chi or qigong will aid you in learning.
Most people spend longer than that texting, surfing the web, watching TV, gossiping, drinking coffee or styling their hair.
Look at some of the key features of school learning once again: heavy repetition, practice, homework.
Even 10 minutes a day of tai chi or qigong will aid you in learning.
Most people spend longer than that texting, surfing the web, watching TV, gossiping, drinking coffee or styling their hair.
Monday
Regularly read some of the suggested books (for pleasure)
This is less challenging than it sounds.
Most people who order an accessible book such as Wolfe Lowenthal's There Are No Secrets find themselves pleasantly surprised and enthusiastic when reading the book.
It is a good starting point.
And if that book was good fun, why not try reading the rest?
Most people who order an accessible book such as Wolfe Lowenthal's There Are No Secrets find themselves pleasantly surprised and enthusiastic when reading the book.
It is a good starting point.
And if that book was good fun, why not try reading the rest?
Friday
Tips for adults
Most adults are unwilling or unable to address learning in a similar manner to school, college or university.
So what can they do to expedite learning?
So what can they do to expedite learning?
- Attend classes every week
- Regularly read some of the suggested books (for pleasure)
- Cultivate the habit of daily home practice
Wednesday
Adult education
Adult education is a little different to being at school, college or university but there are certain unavoidable similarities.
e.g. Can you reasonably expect to be good at painting if you do not paint?
Will your French Cuisine improve if you do not cook at home?
Do you expect to speak fluent Spanish when you do not practice daily?
Adults have far less time to commit to education.
There are many intruding responsibilities and concerns; work, family, health etc.
However, learning is learning; you get out of it only what you put into it.
There is no miracle method/secret formula unique to adults; if anything you may need to try a little harder than you did as a child.
e.g. Can you reasonably expect to be good at painting if you do not paint?
Will your French Cuisine improve if you do not cook at home?
Do you expect to speak fluent Spanish when you do not practice daily?
Adults have far less time to commit to education.
There are many intruding responsibilities and concerns; work, family, health etc.
However, learning is learning; you get out of it only what you put into it.
There is no miracle method/secret formula unique to adults; if anything you may need to try a little harder than you did as a child.
Saturday
Unrealistic expectations
Consider this scenario: a university student fails to attend the required/necessary number of lessons, does not study, complete assignments or pass exams...
They cannot reasonably hope to be given a degree.
Yet, how many adults expect results without doing the required work?
They cannot reasonably hope to be given a degree.
Yet, how many adults expect results without doing the required work?
Friday
Will tai chi help me to lose weight?
Weight loss usually involves balancing out food intake and activity.
Undertaking a daily qigong and tai chi regime will most certainly help your body exercise.
This must be paired with a diet that best suits the individual.
Undertaking a daily qigong and tai chi regime will most certainly help your body exercise.
This must be paired with a diet that best suits the individual.
Thursday
Taking responsibility
School children are required to study 5 days a week in school and then go home and do the homework.
Their performance, progress and competence is directly contingent upon these factors.
At college a student is more self-sufficient.
There is less classroom time and more self-directed study.
At university the student must attend the required number of lectures and then flesh out the study all by themselves.
As with school, there will be assignments and examinations to confirm comprehension and understanding.
Their performance, progress and competence is directly contingent upon these factors.
At college a student is more self-sufficient.
There is less classroom time and more self-directed study.
At university the student must attend the required number of lectures and then flesh out the study all by themselves.
As with school, there will be assignments and examinations to confirm comprehension and understanding.
Monday
Writing a book on tai chi
Converting my largest website into a book proved to be quite problematic.
The principal issue is the fact that a website has no start, middle or ending.
All pages exist with equal significance, with the possible exception of the home page.
The principal issue is the fact that a website has no start, middle or ending.
All pages exist with equal significance, with the possible exception of the home page.
I spent a few months on The Hidden Strength of Tai Chi and a separate title called Rest.
The former stalled because the information is hard to convey in a linear fashion, and the latter was a no-starter because it seemed to be stating the obvious.
The former stalled because the information is hard to convey in a linear fashion, and the latter was a no-starter because it seemed to be stating the obvious.
Tuesday
Monday
Single palm change
I was talking with a lady about baguazhang.
I asked her if she knew the purpose of the single palm change.
There are of course several possible answers which are appropriate and correct.
She couldn't think of anything to say.
I asked her if she knew the purpose of the single palm change.
There are of course several possible answers which are appropriate and correct.
She couldn't think of anything to say.
It makes you wonder what exactly people are being taught.
The answer to the question is fundamental to a student's entire comprehension of the baguazhang palm changes, since the subsequent palm changes are employing the very principles discovered and understood from the initial palm change.
The answer to the question is fundamental to a student's entire comprehension of the baguazhang palm changes, since the subsequent palm changes are employing the very principles discovered and understood from the initial palm change.
Understanding
Tai chi is not supposed to be a spa treatment or a chill out session.
It requires the individual to mentally engage with the material - to deepen their knowledge and skill - to understand.
This makes the training far more stimulating and encourages long term interest in the art.
It requires the individual to mentally engage with the material - to deepen their knowledge and skill - to understand.
This makes the training far more stimulating and encourages long term interest in the art.
Sunday
Writing a book
After deleting the Neijiaquan & Newcastle Martial Arts websites, I realised that the difficulties I experienced writing a book could be circumvented if I stuck to the A-Z format used on the websites.
Instead of seeking linearity I present a book based on A-Z.
Instead of seeking linearity I present a book based on A-Z.
Friday
Familiarity
If you want to become skilled with tai chi you need to practice frequently.
The more often you perform the movements, the easier they are to remember.
Repetition forms habits.
Little and often is best for concentration.
The more often you perform the movements, the easier they are to remember.
Repetition forms habits.
Little and often is best for concentration.
Isn't tai chi slow and boring?
(i) Pace
Many of the beginners exercises are performed slowly in order to relax the muscles, calm the mind and encourage awareness.
Only one of the tai chi forms is slow. The rest are more vigorous.
Taijiquan (the martial art) training starts slowly and then speeds up as the student becomes more skilled.
(ii) Boredom
A good class will always have a comprehensive syllabus in place; ensuring on-going development and access to new material.
The training challenges your mind with unexpected insights, skills and possibilities.
No two lessons are the same.
(iii) Stimulation
Modern culture encourages people to seek out stimulation and entertainment.
This can lead to impatience and a diminished capacity for attention.
To make progress in tai chi, the student must engage with the training and work hard.
A quiet resolve and a commitment to practice will lead to strong progress and the opportunity to learn increasingly fascinating, sophisticated skills.
Many of the beginners exercises are performed slowly in order to relax the muscles, calm the mind and encourage awareness.
Only one of the tai chi forms is slow. The rest are more vigorous.
Taijiquan (the martial art) training starts slowly and then speeds up as the student becomes more skilled.
(ii) Boredom
A good class will always have a comprehensive syllabus in place; ensuring on-going development and access to new material.
The training challenges your mind with unexpected insights, skills and possibilities.
No two lessons are the same.
(iii) Stimulation
Modern culture encourages people to seek out stimulation and entertainment.
This can lead to impatience and a diminished capacity for attention.
To make progress in tai chi, the student must engage with the training and work hard.
A quiet resolve and a commitment to practice will lead to strong progress and the opportunity to learn increasingly fascinating, sophisticated skills.
Wednesday
The purpose of a tai chi class
If you attend a night school class to learn Spanish, French Cuisine or how to paint, the lesson is simply teaching you the required skills.
The next step is to go home, speak Spanish, cook or paint.
Tai chi is just the same.
We are teaching you how to do tai chi. Now, go home and practice the art for yourself.
The next step is to go home, speak Spanish, cook or paint.
Tai chi is just the same.
We are teaching you how to do tai chi. Now, go home and practice the art for yourself.
Saturday
Your contribution
Are you an expert in taoism, zen, the Tai Chi Classics, tai chi principles, human biomechanics, ergonomics, internal martial arts concerns, combat, how to teach taijiquan...?Probably not.
In all fairness, there is little a new student can contribute to the class in the form of knowledge, experience, insight and skill.
However, you can be friendly.
And you can also aim to practice what you have been taught.
This is your contribution to the class.
In all fairness, there is little a new student can contribute to the class in the form of knowledge, experience, insight and skill.
However, you can be friendly.
And you can also aim to practice what you have been taught.
This is your contribution to the class.
Friday
Is tai chi compatible with the gym?
Gym work typically shortens muscles and promotes patterns of tension and fixity in the body.
Tai chi does the opposite: it allows muscles to lengthen, releases tensions and encourages good skeletal use.
The muscle work that takes place in tai chi is principally geared towards whole-body movement and training the body to rely more upon postural muscles.
Tai chi does the opposite: it allows muscles to lengthen, releases tensions and encourages good skeletal use.
The muscle work that takes place in tai chi is principally geared towards whole-body movement and training the body to rely more upon postural muscles.
Body building and weight lifting are fashionable activities today. The emphasis is upon developing external muscles which creates an armouring effect that can eventually distort the bony structure. It is the over developed musculature that actually torque's the bones and discourages them from bearing additional weight. The body attempts to compensate and problems arise.
Running does not necessarily in and of itself improve posture that is already poor and constricted. It often exaggerates problems due to the substitution of inappropriate muscles. The repetitive inappropriate development of the musculature (as in body building or weight lifting) often leads to diminished sensitivity. Stress occurs in the knees and lower back, encouraging injury.
Various sport activities emphasize strength, endurance and speed. Development of muscle control rather than skeletal balance takes precedence. Gaining speed at the expense of mounting tension, is too often the goal.
(Liz Koch)
Running does not necessarily in and of itself improve posture that is already poor and constricted. It often exaggerates problems due to the substitution of inappropriate muscles. The repetitive inappropriate development of the musculature (as in body building or weight lifting) often leads to diminished sensitivity. Stress occurs in the knees and lower back, encouraging injury.
Various sport activities emphasize strength, endurance and speed. Development of muscle control rather than skeletal balance takes precedence. Gaining speed at the expense of mounting tension, is too often the goal.
(Liz Koch)
The health benefits of tai chi are quickly undermined by weight lifting, exertion and forcing.
Wednesday
School was long ago
What exactly did learning at school involve?
- Lessons in class/explanations
- Reading text books
- Practice in class
- Heavy repetition of basic elements e.g. times tables, alphabet, spelling tests
- Peer competition
- Homework
- Exams
- Levels of proficiency
- Regular feedback
Somehow as adults we expect to pick things up easily and skilfully without undertaking the process of learning necessary as a child.
Why is this?
Why is this?
Tuesday
Wednesday
Making changes
Although it is not easy to make changes, we all can do it.
There are some simple steps to follow:
There are some simple steps to follow:
- Become aware of what you are doing (habit)
- Inhibit (stop) the urge/habit
- Consider your options
- Consciously act
In the field of martial arts practice, this 4 step process is too slow for combat but it can be trained in partner practice.
Over time, old habits are shed and new/more effective habits replace them.
The ideal situation is where the student can respond spontaneously and appropriately to whatever is happening (as it is happening) without the need to consciously think at all.
Over time, old habits are shed and new/more effective habits replace them.
The ideal situation is where the student can respond spontaneously and appropriately to whatever is happening (as it is happening) without the need to consciously think at all.
Friday
We are not medical professionals
Qigong and tai chi teachers are not medical professionals.
Tai chi for health was not designed to be a treatment.
It was intended to improve overall health and wellbeing.
Many people have sought out our tuition in order to address specific medical concerns, but we cannot ethically claim expertise in medical matters.
Nor can we commit one-to-one time within a lesson for individual medical guidance.
Tai chi for health was not designed to be a treatment.
It was intended to improve overall health and wellbeing.
Many people have sought out our tuition in order to address specific medical concerns, but we cannot ethically claim expertise in medical matters.
Nor can we commit one-to-one time within a lesson for individual medical guidance.
I've been trying to get this point over for years. It's mainly prevalent in the qigong world. We're not doctors. If students train regularly then they may gain health benefits but we can't pretend we can cure them! So many times I've seen last-gap causes who are often very over-weight and have done no exercise who have been referred to by doctors. The reality is that we can offer assistance for those who are prepared to train but most doctors have little idea of what is actually happening in a tai chi class and, then again, there is such a variety of aspects taught in the many differing classes available.
(Ronnie Robinson)
(Ronnie Robinson)
Moving meditation?
Tai chi is often referred to as 'moving meditation'.
The calm movements relax the nervous system, quieten the mind and settle the emotions.
However, doing form does not necessarily mean that you are meditating.
It means that you are practicing a method designed to encourage meditation.
The calm movements relax the nervous system, quieten the mind and settle the emotions.
However, doing form does not necessarily mean that you are meditating.
It means that you are practicing a method designed to encourage meditation.
Thursday
Chinese New Year 2015
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| Sally & Sylvia |
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| Andrew & Eddie |
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| Sifu Waller, Sylvia, Sally & Brian |
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| Karen & Sylvia |
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| Sally & Brian |
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| Andrew & Eddie |
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| Marc & Martin |
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| Martin & Rachel |
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| Jenny, Alun & Ali |
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| David, Ian, Martin, Paula |
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| Marc, Paula & Andy |
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| Andy, Ken, Jenny & Alun |
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| Brian |
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| Sally |
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| Rachel |
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| Karen & Sylvia |
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| Ken & Jenny |
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Wednesday
Tai chi
The Essence of Tai Chi Chuan - The Literary Tradition by Lo et al
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi by Peter Wayne
The Tai Chi Book by Robert Chuckrow
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi by Peter Wayne
The Tai Chi Book by Robert Chuckrow
Friday
Philosophical/spiritual
Back to Beginnings by Huanchu Daoren
Commentaries on Living Volumes 2 & 3 by Krishnamurti
The Little Zen Companion by David Schiller
The New Lao Tzu by Ray Grigg
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Sword and Brush by Dave Lowry
Wabi-Sabi: For Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers by Leonard Koren
The Way of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton
Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
Zen O'clock by Scott Shaw
Commentaries on Living Volumes 2 & 3 by Krishnamurti
The Little Zen Companion by David Schiller
The New Lao Tzu by Ray Grigg
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Sword and Brush by Dave Lowry
Wabi-Sabi: For Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers by Leonard Koren
The Way of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton
Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
Zen O'clock by Scott Shaw
Thursday
Friday
Personal development
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Road Less Travelled by M Scott Peck
The Way to Love by Anthony De Mello
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
Your Erroneous Zones: Escape negative thinking and take control of your life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
The Road Less Travelled by M Scott Peck
The Way to Love by Anthony De Mello
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
Your Erroneous Zones: Escape negative thinking and take control of your life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Tuesday
Crossed-legged?
Tai chi does not encourage students to practice sitting meditation.
The human body is mobile and dynamic, not static.
Sitting in a posture - without moving - for long periods of time is incongruent with tai chi.
It is bad for circulation and promotes physical tension in the body.
The human body is mobile and dynamic, not static.
Sitting in a posture - without moving - for long periods of time is incongruent with tai chi.
It is bad for circulation and promotes physical tension in the body.
Monday
Balance
The life of a martial artist is simple:
You become calmer and more balanced.
You stop being so afraid.
You move systematically through the syllabus.
The student stops blaming other people for the problems in their life.
They take responsibility.
They mature.
They find balance.
- You attend classes
- You study
- You practice
You become calmer and more balanced.
You stop being so afraid.
You move systematically through the syllabus.
The student stops blaming other people for the problems in their life.
They take responsibility.
They mature.
They find balance.
Friday
Martial skill (kung fu)
The Art of War (Penguin Classics) by Sun Tzu (Minford version)
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
Effortless Combat Throws by Tim Cartmell
The Power of Internal Martial Arts by Bruce Frantzis
The Sword Polisher's Record: The Way of Kung Fu by Adam Hsu
Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power by Yang Jwing-Ming
There Are No Secrets by Wolfe Lowenthal
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
Effortless Combat Throws by Tim Cartmell
The Power of Internal Martial Arts by Bruce Frantzis
The Sword Polisher's Record: The Way of Kung Fu by Adam Hsu
Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power by Yang Jwing-Ming
There Are No Secrets by Wolfe Lowenthal
Thursday
IT WAS A beautiful evening. The sun was setting behind huge, black clouds, and against them stood a clump of tall, slender palms. The river had become golden, and the distant hills were aglow with the setting sun. There was thunder, but towards the mountains the sky was clear and blue. The cattle were coming back from pasture, and a little boy was driving them home. He couldn't have been more than ten or twelve, and though he had spent the whole day by himself, he was singing away and occasionally flicking the cattle that wandered off or were too slow. He smiled, and his dark face lit up. Stopping out of curiosity, and distantly eager, he began to ask questions. He was a village boy and would have no education; he would never be able to read and write, but he already knew what it was to be alone with himself. He did not know that he was alone; it probably never even occurred to him, nor was he depressed by it. He was just alone and contented. He was not contented with something, he was just contented. To be contented with something is to be discontented. To seek contentment through relationship is to be in fear. Contentment that depends on relationship is only gratification. Contentment is a state of non-dependency. Dependency always brings conflict and opposition. There must be freedom to be content. Freedom is and must always be at the beginning; it is not an end, a goal to be achieved. One can never be free in the future. Future freedom has no reality, it is only an idea. Reality is what is; and passive awareness of what is is contentment.
Wednesday
Is tai chi easy to learn?
(i) Unlearning
Learning involves shedding familiar, comfortable habits (unlearning) and acquiring new skills.
This is the essence of change.
People are innately slow to make changes to their lives.
It is easier not to.
(ii) Learning
Qigong is fairly easy to learn but not easy to practice in an advanced way.
Considerable stamina is required.
Tai chi for health can be as simplistic or as complex as the student desires.
A crude sense of tai chi may be gained quickly but the refined art is the product of far longer study.
Taijiquan (the martial art) is another matter altogether.
It is not easy to learn.
Compared to other martial arts, taijiquan is rather advanced.
The methodology, physical skills, sensitivity, awareness, biomechanical application and martial abilities are exceptionally in-depth.
(iii) Syllabus
A good tai chi class will have a tried and tested syllabus in place.
By systematically learning one skill at a time, the student gradually accrues information, gains physical awareness and increases the range and scope of their understanding.
But this does not happen overnight.
There is a considerable amount of information to learn. It must be revised, refined, honed and practiced thoroughly.
(iv) The teacher
A good teacher offers the student an opportunity to work through the defined curriculum at their own pace.
They provide assistance (and occasionally obstacles) in order to foster growth and continual development.
(v) The student
The real deciding factor when it comes to learning is the individual student.
Their attitudes, their willingness to commit to practice and study.
How receptive they are.
Knowledge, skill, understanding and experience are the products of time, practice and perseverance.
Learning involves shedding familiar, comfortable habits (unlearning) and acquiring new skills.
This is the essence of change.
People are innately slow to make changes to their lives.
It is easier not to.
(ii) Learning
Qigong is fairly easy to learn but not easy to practice in an advanced way.
Considerable stamina is required.
Tai chi for health can be as simplistic or as complex as the student desires.
A crude sense of tai chi may be gained quickly but the refined art is the product of far longer study.
Taijiquan (the martial art) is another matter altogether.
It is not easy to learn.
Compared to other martial arts, taijiquan is rather advanced.
The methodology, physical skills, sensitivity, awareness, biomechanical application and martial abilities are exceptionally in-depth.
(iii) Syllabus
A good tai chi class will have a tried and tested syllabus in place.
By systematically learning one skill at a time, the student gradually accrues information, gains physical awareness and increases the range and scope of their understanding.
But this does not happen overnight.
There is a considerable amount of information to learn. It must be revised, refined, honed and practiced thoroughly.
(iv) The teacher
A good teacher offers the student an opportunity to work through the defined curriculum at their own pace.
They provide assistance (and occasionally obstacles) in order to foster growth and continual development.
(v) The student
The real deciding factor when it comes to learning is the individual student.
Their attitudes, their willingness to commit to practice and study.
How receptive they are.
Knowledge, skill, understanding and experience are the products of time, practice and perseverance.
Friday
The essence of the art
Every tai chi student in the world should be working towards acquiring these abilities and knowledge:
- 4 ounces of pressure
- 5 centres
- 6 balanced pairs
- 13 postures
- Accord
- Blending
- Central equilibrium
- Chin na (seizing): misplacing the bones, dividing the muscles, sealing the breath & cavity press
- Close-range combat
- Composure
- Connection
- Conservation of energy
- Double weightedness (avoidance of)
- Filing
- Folding
- Freeform triangle
- Groundpath
- How to apply every form posture martially
- at least 7 different ways
- in a thorough & convincing manner
- using shuai jiao, chin na & jing
- in keeping with the Tai Chi Classics - Invest in loss
- Jing
- Lead into emptiness
- Listening
- The meaning and application of the Tai Chi Classics
- The meaning and application of the martial classics
- The Art of War
- The Book of Five Rings
- 36 Strategies - The meaning and application of the taoist classics
- The Way and Its Power
- The Way of Chuang Tzu
- The Book of Changes - Mindfulness
- Moving from the centre
- Mutual arising
- Opening & closing
- Optimal use of alignment and structure
- Peng
- Practical applications of yielding
- Reeling silk
- Reverse breathing
- Shen
- Sinking & rooting
- Small circle movement
- Spontaneity
- Stickiness
- Strategy & tactics
- Substantial & insubstantial
- Sung
- Tzu-jan (of itself so)
- Uniting upper & lower
- Weaponry
- Whole-body movement
- Wu nien (not preparing)
- Wu wei (not forcing)
- Yin/yang
Please see Neijiaquan: The Inner School website for an explanation of much of this material.
This list is not comprehensive or exhaustive; it merely serves as an illustration. Many more skills might have been included.
Other tai chi schools might consider additional skills to be equally important.
This list is not comprehensive or exhaustive; it merely serves as an illustration. Many more skills might have been included.
Other tai chi schools might consider additional skills to be equally important.
Can I study baguazhang?
Baguazhang is physically and mentally challenging, with a complex form, unique training methods and counter-intuitive tactics.
A high degree of balance and coordination is necessary.
There is no beginners or intermediate level in baguazhang.
A student gains the foundation skills through the study of taijiquan: sensitivity, footwork, timing, biomechanical awareness, whole-body movement, jing, root...
Baguazhang employs a considerable amount of shuai jiao and chin na applications, so a thorough grounding in these skills is a must.
A potential baguazhang student must show considerable aptitude with taijiquan if they want to study a second art.
A high degree of balance and coordination is necessary.
There is no beginners or intermediate level in baguazhang.
A student gains the foundation skills through the study of taijiquan: sensitivity, footwork, timing, biomechanical awareness, whole-body movement, jing, root...
Baguazhang employs a considerable amount of shuai jiao and chin na applications, so a thorough grounding in these skills is a must.
A potential baguazhang student must show considerable aptitude with taijiquan if they want to study a second art.
Wednesday
Further reading?
• The Essence of Tai Chi Chuan - The Literary Tradition by Lo et al
• Tai Chi Secrets of the Ancient Masters by Yang Jwing-Ming
• Tai Chi Chuan: The Internal Tradition by Ron Sieh
• The Tai Chi Journey by John Lash
• The Tai Chi Book by Robert Chuckrow
• Tai Chi Secrets of the Ancient Masters by Yang Jwing-Ming
• Tai Chi Chuan: The Internal Tradition by Ron Sieh
• The Tai Chi Journey by John Lash
• The Tai Chi Book by Robert Chuckrow
Tuesday
Tai Chi Classics
There are certain things that every tai chi student should know.
This knowledge and ability will enable the student to follow the teachings outlined in the Tai Chi Classics.
Strict adhesion to the classics assures correct practice of tai chi, regardless of what style you practice.
This knowledge and ability will enable the student to follow the teachings outlined in the Tai Chi Classics.
Strict adhesion to the classics assures correct practice of tai chi, regardless of what style you practice.
Sunday
Can you recommend a class in my town/area?
We cannot offer any recommendations.
Every tai chi class has its own agenda. Each school has its own values, concerns and interests.
Our advice is to explore what is available in your area.
Try out some classes.
You may find something you like. Something that appeals to your values, concerns and interests.
Our advice is to explore what is available in your area.
Try out some classes.
You may find something you like. Something that appeals to your values, concerns and interests.
Friday
What kind of qigong is being taught?
Qigong is a very diverse area of study and approaches can vary wildly.
(i) Strength building
Good classes seldom speak about qi.
Instead, the emphasis is upon good body mechanics, balance, breathing, lengthening the muscles and relaxation.
If all of these factors are taught well, the body will become notably stronger.
Expect a gently challenging workout.
(ii) Hippy classes
A 'feel good' qigong class may have all manner of qi-enhancing... but are these bona fide practices or bogus?
Does the student feel stronger?
Is their body stronger, more balanced, their emotions settled and the mind calm?
Would your time be better spent walking the dog around the park?
(iii) Spend your time wisely
Qigong should ideally be infused with neigong (whole-body strength), and this will prepare the student for martial training and physical activities in every day life.
There is no need to talk about qi.
A clear, tangible, scientific attitude is much wiser.
Focus on how you use the body.
Gain strength, ease of movement and mental clarity. Get the postural muscles to do most of the work rather than your localised limbs.
Let your qi take care of itself...
(i) Strength building
Good classes seldom speak about qi.
Instead, the emphasis is upon good body mechanics, balance, breathing, lengthening the muscles and relaxation.
If all of these factors are taught well, the body will become notably stronger.
Expect a gently challenging workout.
(ii) Hippy classes
A 'feel good' qigong class may have all manner of qi-enhancing... but are these bona fide practices or bogus?
Does the student feel stronger?
Is their body stronger, more balanced, their emotions settled and the mind calm?
Would your time be better spent walking the dog around the park?
(iii) Spend your time wisely
Qigong should ideally be infused with neigong (whole-body strength), and this will prepare the student for martial training and physical activities in every day life.
There is no need to talk about qi.
A clear, tangible, scientific attitude is much wiser.
Focus on how you use the body.
Gain strength, ease of movement and mental clarity. Get the postural muscles to do most of the work rather than your localised limbs.
Let your qi take care of itself...
Thursday
How long does it take to pick up?
Taijiquan was designed to be part of your life; something that you do regularly. Your body must last you a lifetime and tai chi will help to accomplish this.
How quickly you progress is down to you personally. Everyone is different. There are so many variables.
Consider:
How quickly you progress is down to you personally. Everyone is different. There are so many variables.
Consider:
- Do your ambitions match your degree of commitment and ability?
- How often do you attend lessons?
- Do you practice at home?
- How good is your memory?
- Are your coordinated?
- What are your expectations?
- Did you think it would be easy?
- Are you open and receptive?
- Have you any existing health problems that might impede training?
- Are you patient?
Wednesday
Tuesday
I’ve
found the class a very positive experience and one which I want to
commit to. I have felt welcome from the outset and the class is
remarkably collaborative. It’s refreshing to find people who practice
and embody the art they are studying, and none more so than Sifu Waller.
With Sifu Waller there is a sense of ‘deep time’ - some teachers spend
hours labouring points superficially but Sifu Waller gets right to the
heart of the matter and can convey meaningful and stimulating guidance
in a brief interaction. The syllabus is excellent and I’m starting to
work my way through the classic texts. All told, excellent!
(David)
(David)
Can you study tai chi using books, DVDs or YouTube?
Good quality books and video clips are great for supplementing lessons yet tai chi requires skilled tuition.
Ideally, you should seek out the best instructor you can find.
An instructor will provide new material, insights, challenges, corrections, suggestions, tips & pointers... these cannot be gained from a book.
Untutored tai chi practice can lead to injury and serious misconceptions about the art.
An instructor will provide new material, insights, challenges, corrections, suggestions, tips & pointers... these cannot be gained from a book.
Untutored tai chi practice can lead to injury and serious misconceptions about the art.
Monday
Meditation in tai chi
The meditation aspect of tai chi training encompasses a wide variety of different approaches, all designed to cultivate presence.
Solo and partner training exercises challenge the student to remain here and now.
By bringing the mind to the immediate moment we aim to become unselfconscious - not thinking, not talking, not emoting.
Just being.
Solo and partner training exercises challenge the student to remain here and now.
By bringing the mind to the immediate moment we aim to become unselfconscious - not thinking, not talking, not emoting.
Just being.
Sunday
Can I train 2 different styles of tai chi simultaneously?
Sifu Waller is a traditionalist and does not believe in form collecting or mixing styles/approaches.
All of our material is fully integrated.
'Form collecting' is a modern habit which arises when a student is unwilling to commit the necessary practice to mastering one style of tai chi.
In short, the student gets bored.
'Form collecting' is a modern habit which arises when a student is unwilling to commit the necessary practice to mastering one style of tai chi.
In short, the student gets bored.
Many excessively bounce around learning the next 'new' form or movement set without ever extracting the real internal value from any of them.
(Bruce Frantzis)
Wednesday
External ways
Students often make the same mistakes when attempting fa jing:
- Pushing upon impact
- this approach is external in nature - the classic 'punch through the opponent' strategy
- it is not taijiquan - 'Cocking' the pelvis and/or shoulder
- Lunging forward
- An obvious build-up
- Jerky
- A step
- your step should occur because of the release, rather than to cause the release - Tension in the striking tool
- Overall tension in the body
- Emotional tension: anger, aggression
- Forcing
Fa jing is altogether different to these approaches.
Tuesday
Soft meeting
The aim must always be to strike with the whole body, every part soft and loosely connected.
This is the essence of 'reeling silk' and is cultivated by whole-body strength.
Performed correctly, this should ensure 'soft meeting' upon impact.
Whole-body strength and reeling silk will not prevent adverse feedback on impact unless you are soft, sensitive, and have awareness.
This is not so hard to achieve. It just takes a little practice. In time it will be second nature.
Study Newton's 3rd Law of Motion.
This is the essence of 'reeling silk' and is cultivated by whole-body strength.
Performed correctly, this should ensure 'soft meeting' upon impact.
Whole-body strength and reeling silk will not prevent adverse feedback on impact unless you are soft, sensitive, and have awareness.
This is not so hard to achieve. It just takes a little practice. In time it will be second nature.
Study Newton's 3rd Law of Motion.
Monday
How much of the force you are delivering is actually going into your opponent?
If you are tense, then much of it will bang off your attacker's body and back into you.
There is a concussive shockwave that travels along your arm, into your spine and throughout your body.
This is not good for your health.
This is why 4 ounces of pressure is fundamental.
The moment of contact must be heavy, soft and penetrating. Do not push.
There is a concussive shockwave that travels along your arm, into your spine and throughout your body.
This is not good for your health.
This is why 4 ounces of pressure is fundamental.
The moment of contact must be heavy, soft and penetrating. Do not push.
Sunday
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction
Do not push on impact.
That way, the kinetic energy will travel out of your body instead of just bouncing back.
Your intention goes through the opponent. Your punch does not go through your opponent. The effect goes inside your opponent.
That way, the kinetic energy will travel out of your body instead of just bouncing back.
Your intention goes through the opponent. Your punch does not go through your opponent. The effect goes inside your opponent.
Saturday
IT BEGAN TO rain gently enough, but suddenly it was as though the heavens had opened and there was a deluge. In the street the water was almost knee-deep, and it was well over the pavement. There was not a flutter among the leaves, and they too were silent in their surprise. A car passed by and then stalled, water having gotten into its essential parts. People were wading across the street, soaked to the skin, but they were enjoying this down-pour. The garden beds were being washed out and the lawn was covered with several inches of brown water. A dark blue bird with fawn-colored wings was trying to take shelter among the thick leaves, but it got wetter and wetter and shook itself so often. The downpour lasted for some time, and then stopped as suddenly as it had begun. All things were washed clean.
How simple it is to be innocent! Without innocence, it is impossible to be happy. The pleasure of sensations is not the happiness of innocence. Innocence is freedom from the burden of experience. It is the memory of experience that corrupts, and not the experiencing itself. Knowledge, the burden of the past, is corruption. The power to accumulate, the effort to become destroys innocence; and without innocence, how can there be wisdom? The merely curious can never know wisdom; they will find, but what they find will not be truth. The suspicious can never know happiness, for suspicion is the anxiety of their own being, and fear breeds corruption. Fearlessness is not courage but freedom from accumulation.
Friday
How can I tell what a tai chi class is offering?
(i) Most classes are health classes
Virtually every tai chi class in the UK is teaching 'tai chi for health'.
Classes offering taijiquan (the martial art) are very rare indeed.
Some classes may advertise themselves as 'taijiquan' but are in fact teaching tai chi for health.
(ii) Martial proof
It is easy to determine if a taijiquan martial arts class is bona fide.
Ask the instructor about:
Virtually every tai chi class in the UK is teaching 'tai chi for health'.
Classes offering taijiquan (the martial art) are very rare indeed.
Some classes may advertise themselves as 'taijiquan' but are in fact teaching tai chi for health.
(ii) Martial proof
It is easy to determine if a taijiquan martial arts class is bona fide.
Ask the instructor about:
- Their syllabus
- Teaching methodology
- Tai chi principles (4 ounces, 6 balanced pairs, 13 postures, fa jing, folding, groundpath, opening & closing, reeling silk, shen, softness, substantial & insubstantial, sung, yielding etc)
- Martial theory and application
- Form application
- Examples of shuai jiao, chin na and jing skill
A genuine taijiquan instructor will be able to prove their skill to you quite convincingly.
Intermediate training
The intermediate student must expand their taijiquan by learning a wide range of basic combat skills, form and drills.
By working directly with Master Waller they slowly come to understand the subtlety of the art.
Although much of the training now involves more complex partner work, the martial skills being explored are fairly rudimentary.
By practicing pushing hands every lesson, the student becomes increasingly sensitive, present and alert.
The onus is upon learning applications and discovering the art through doing rather than talking.
A scientific attitude is cultivated; with the student invited to adopt an experimental attitude; finding out for themselves what works, how and why.
Instead of 'spacing out' , they start to feel.
Rather than assert their ego and vanity, they begin to see things from a greater perspective and the seeds of humility and patience are planted.
Although intermediate students are not formally assessed, progress requires regular consultation with Master Waller, along with feedback and corrections.
By working directly with Master Waller they slowly come to understand the subtlety of the art.
Although much of the training now involves more complex partner work, the martial skills being explored are fairly rudimentary.
By practicing pushing hands every lesson, the student becomes increasingly sensitive, present and alert.
The onus is upon learning applications and discovering the art through doing rather than talking.
A scientific attitude is cultivated; with the student invited to adopt an experimental attitude; finding out for themselves what works, how and why.
Instead of 'spacing out' , they start to feel.
Rather than assert their ego and vanity, they begin to see things from a greater perspective and the seeds of humility and patience are planted.
Although intermediate students are not formally assessed, progress requires regular consultation with Master Waller, along with feedback and corrections.
Thursday
The bite
Upon impact, your hand/elbow/knee sinks slightly into the opponent before bouncing back off again.
This process occurs naturally and need not be contrived.
If you pull off too soon, 4 ounces of pressure has not been established and the power will diminish.
This process occurs naturally and need not be contrived.
If you pull off too soon, 4 ounces of pressure has not been established and the power will diminish.
Wednesday
A MOTHER WAS beating her child, and there were painful screams. The mother was very angry, and while she was beating she was talking to it violently. When presently we came back she was caressing the child, hugging as though she would squeeze the life out of it. She had tears in her eyes. The child was rather bewildered, but was smiling up at the mother.
Love is a strange thing, and how easily we lose the warm flame of it! The flame is lost, and the smoke remains. The smoke fills our hearts and minds, and our days are spent in tears and bitterness. The song is forgotten, and the words have lost their meaning; the perfume has gone, and our hands are empty. We never know how to keep the flame clear of smoke, and the smoke always smothers the flame. But love is not of the mind, it is not in the net of thought, it cannot be sought out, cultivated, cherished; it is there when the mind is silent and the heart is empty of the things of the mind.
The room overlooked the river, and the sun was upon its waters.
Tuesday
Intellectual?
You do not have to be an intellectual to read and appreciate the philosophical aspects of tai chi.
Most of it is just common sense.
The main aim is to:
• Increase your mental flexibility• Improve memory• Develop concentration• Encourage new ways of thinking• Consider alternatives, choices and options• Cultivate awareness• Look more deeply into things
By adding a philosophical element to your tai chi, your life will be affected in a more meaningful, profound way.
Most of it is just common sense.
The main aim is to:
• Increase your mental flexibility• Improve memory• Develop concentration• Encourage new ways of thinking• Consider alternatives, choices and options• Cultivate awareness• Look more deeply into things
By adding a philosophical element to your tai chi, your life will be affected in a more meaningful, profound way.
Monday
Beginner
The aim of every beginner is to gain a reasonable grasp of the foundation exercises found in the taijiquan syllabus.
In taijiquan, a student does not start learning how to kick, punch and grapple.
First they learn how to stand and move without using tensed muscles.
They learn how to perceive things differently and recognise the limitations of their current physical habits.
Although beginners are not formally assessed, progress requires regular consultation with Rachel, along with feedback and corrections.
Familiarity with the preliminaries will enable the student to join the intermediate group and start working directly with Master Waller.
In taijiquan, a student does not start learning how to kick, punch and grapple.
First they learn how to stand and move without using tensed muscles.
They learn how to perceive things differently and recognise the limitations of their current physical habits.
Although beginners are not formally assessed, progress requires regular consultation with Rachel, along with feedback and corrections.
Familiarity with the preliminaries will enable the student to join the intermediate group and start working directly with Master Waller.
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