41 years of unbroken martial arts training celebration meal

We had an informal celebration meal with our martial arts students to mark Sifu Waller's 41 years of unbroken training @ Dabbawal in Jesmond.

Green tea

I've been drinking green tea for ages... 

However,  Sifu recently found out that the well-documented health benefits are actually from loose leaf high-quality green tea leaves rather than tea bags.

Where I buy the tea: http://www.theteamakers.co.uk/

Finding a class

When a new starter scours the web looking for the Art they are faced with an array of approaches that are all called 'tai chi' but are often quite dissimilar.
In truth, there is often little consensus.
It is important to find out what taijiquan really means.

1950's China

Faced with a major health crisis, the People's Republic of China turned to tai chi for a solution.
Just think about what that means...Tai chi's reputation for health was so well founded that the government of China thought to employ the Art officially as a means of improving wellbeing.
The Art was introduced to schools nationwide and taught to people of all ages.

The real deal?

Although many classes claim to be teaching taijiquan, very few are.
In order for the Art to qualify as taijiquan, it must adhere to the essence of the Art:

1. Move your body in accord with The Tai Chi Classics 
2. Train all 13 areas of study
3. Follow Yang's 10 Essentials
4. Maintain medically-sound body use
5. Functionally apply the Art in a skilful 'taijiquan' way
6. Employ the taijiquan principles at all times
7. Embody the teachings of Taoism
8. 13 movements should be expressed at all times
9. Every movement is a whole-body movement

Providing these criteria are met, you have an immense degree of freedom for personal expression and individual interpretation.

How can I tell?

You can easily gauge the credibility of a taijiquan instructor without challenging them to a fight.
Participate in a number of lessons.
Watch the class carefully, see how well they know their stuff, determine how easily and comfortably they can apply their art.
Look for a thorough and convincing show of skill.

Style?

Style is not important in taijiquan.
What matters is the correct application of the taijiquan principles at all times.
Ultimately, style simply reflects differences of interpretation, preferences and individual emphasis.
It is good that people practice different styles; it adds diversity and variety to the Art.

http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/migraine.htm

Last night's workshop was fantastic. I thought it was really excellent, it solidified the basic principles which I have been trying to get to grips with in class and practice and brought them together, which I think will help hugely with form.

But I also appreciated the fact that it didn't stop there and when we practiced the applications of the principles, they had such noticeable effect that it's further strengthened my faith in them. Having closer tuition helped to really get the most out of the time, and it made my practice today feel loads better, which took me by surprise!
(Ben)

Self defence applications

Self defence moves do not qualify as taijiquan.
They are simply not enough.
You can learn a few self defence techniques quite easily but this does not make you a martial artist.
A credible taijiquan martial artist should have the same standard of skill expected of any martial art: karate, taekwondo, judo, wing chun, ju jutsu, aikido etc. 

Other approaches

Common approaches to tai chi you may encounter:

1. Tai chi tailored for the over 50's
2. Tai chi as keep fit
3. Tai chi-style exercise
4. Tai chi as performance art
5. Numbered forms (i.e. 24 step)
6. Tai chi as dance
7. Qigong referred to as tai chi (shibashi)
8. Taijiquan offered alongside other martial arts by an instructor who practices a variety of systems
9. Tai chi classes offered by a 'learn from a book' or 'fast track' or 'long distance qualification' so-called instructor
10. Tai chi as an add-on to something else, e.g. Alexander Technique "Let's do a bit of tai chi"

The differences between these approaches are worth some consideration.

 http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/zen_mind.htm

Imagine waking up each morning full of energy and vitality yet also feeling calm and relaxed about the day to come. It sounds like a miracle yet this state of abundant health and wellbeing should be our birthright. In our natural state we would face each day with joy, peace, and a deep connection with our bodies.

 (Jane Alexander)

Taijiquan

The internal martial arts encourage all students to focus on the use of the lower body.
It gives a strong foundation of strength.
Leg muscles and buttock muscles are enormously strong compared to the arms and shoulders.

Pyramid

Men are strong in the upper body, and proportionately weaker in the lower body, like an upside-down pyramid.
Women are the opposite, with most of the strength residing in the hips, buttocks and legs: a regular pyramid.

Combat

If you are competent with taijiquan, you should be quite comfortable having an instructor test your taijiquan skill any day of the week, at any time.
This is quite reasonable.
Your skills should be active and present at all times.
Otherwise, you are not really capable of using the Art in combat.

Commitment

When starting taijiquan classes, treat it like driving lessons.
You will only get out of the class what you put into it.
If you just attend once a week and neglect to practice between classes, then progress will be slow.
If you have conviction, then your progress will be steady.

Learning any real skill

Learning any skill in life is akin to learning how to drive.
There are no shortcuts.
You cannot just sit down at a piano and play.
You cannot travel to Spain and speak fluent Spanish without learning the language beforehand.
You cannot watch taijiquan form (or applications) on YouTube and expect to be doing the same in the first months of class.

Learning process

Learning involves:

1. Lessons/explanations
2. Study
3. Practice
4. Heavy repetition of basic elements
5. Homework
6. Revision
7. Exams
8. Levels of proficiency
9. Regular feedback  

Making mistakes

The first step in learning from your mistakes is to accept the mistake without being defensive.
The second step is to consider what went wrong and why.
The third step is to try again; this time with a modified approach.

Remembering

A learner makes a colossal amount of mistakes.
They remember one concern and forget another.
Driving is akin to juggling: trying to keep several balls in the air at once.A high degree of concentration and awareness is needed.

Step-by-step

Consider this: you cannot be taught everything all at once.
Tuition must be incremental.
Just like in school.

Learner

To drive safely and correctly within the legal guidelines, you need to have lessons.
These will probably be weekly and could take many months.
The lessons culminate in a theory test and a practical test.
If you pass, you will become a novice driver, not a skilled driver. 

Can't drive

Imagine that you don't know how to drive a car...
You have an idea of what is involved.
But you have no experience, no skill and no licence.
If you got into a car and tried to drive you would make a mess of things.

Determine your future

Think about how your body feels and ask yourself whether you are nimble, agile, graceful, strong and dexterous.
Or clumsy and inflexible...
Is your mind clear, calm and sharp?
Do you feel relaxed and at ease?
The fun part is... you get to decide. You can be happy, sad, fit or lazy.

Make the best of it

What if we only have one life?
What if this is it? 
Take a good, hard look at your life.

Taijiquan can help

Avoid/offset the common problems associated with modern life:
• Stress
• Memory loss
• Headaches
• Stiff neck
• Lack of mindfulness
• Low energy
• Reduced sex drive
• No peace of mind
• Diminished brain activity
• Poor focus/concentration
• Sarcopenia (muscle loss with aging)
• Reduced joint function
• Unbalanced/unsteady
• Bad circulation
• Heart problems
• Respiratory problems
• Poor lower body strength
• Imbalanced body use
• Reduced stamina and endurance
• Deeply-held muscular tension
• Poor awareness
• Restlessness
• Poor sleep
• Agitation
• Limited flexibility/suppleness
• Bad coordination
• Not relaxed
• Bad poise and posture
• Slouching
• Too much sitting
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Reduced mobility
• Back problems 
• Knee problems
• Unfit
• Poor condition
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loss of manual dexterity in the fingers
• Lack of ambidexterity 
• Sports injuries

Medical research has proven that a small daily commitment to taijiquan practice can produce tremendous results over time.

There is no tomorrow

What is going to happen if you choose to do nothing?
The answer is obvious: things just get worse.
Alternatively, what will happen if you act?
Exercising, reading healthy books, meditating, contemplation... these things will all have a fairly rapid positive effect.
But be careful; not all exercise is healthy. 

How

It is not just a matter of exercising. 
How you exercise matters too. 
If you exercise without professional guidance, then habits of poor awareness and bad postural/alignment will persist.
The world is filled with well-meaning runners who exhibit appalling physical tension and deleterious poise.

Sedentary

Medical studies have found that inactivity is as unhealthy as smoking.
How scary is that?
Those long days at your desk, hours spent driving your car and those long nights watching TV or playing videogames or looking at your phone are actually making you sick.

Your life

If you ignore the reality of your life - your health, your emotional condition, your relationships - who is managing these things?
They do not manage themselves.
A lazy person continues to be lazy.
A sick person waits for the doctor to heal them.
But this is your life.

Distraction

TV, politics, gossip, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, sugar... these things all serve to hijack your mind.
Instead of paying attention to what is taking place in your life you are talking to yourself inside your head.
Worrying, comparing, judging, planning, manipulating.
It is quite a circus.

Who chooses?

Who decides what food to put in your mouth?
Who decides what you drink?
Who decides how much TV you watch?
Who decides how much time you spend on-line?
Who decides how much you play with your phone?
Who decides how much exercise you do?
That's right... You do. 

It is beyond my control...

People have difficulty coming to terms with the fact that they are largely responsible for their own health and wellbeing.
(Or lack of good health).
It is far easier to pretend.
In fact, most people would rather talk about how to run the country instead of how to manage their own lives.

The future

The future has not happened yet.
Yet, no matter what we choose to do, our future cannot be avoided.
Every day we lay the foundation for the days ahead.

The past

The past is gone.
We can regret our mistakes and the way that we have lived our lives.
But we cannot change the past.
It has already happened. 

The Science of the Essence

A dog acts like a dog, a tree like a tree.
Everything has a substance that is reflected outwardly in some way through specific characteristics.
These qualities are called virtues because they the uncontrived demonstration of the essence.
Te (pronounced 'day') means virtue. 

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.
(Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publication, May 2009)

Awareness

Lao Tzu said that you can know the whole world without leaving your room.
What was he talking about? Awareness, insight, wisdom. 
You do not need to go anywhere else to learn the workings of your own mind or the subtle relationships of your body.

Truth

Truth does not lie on a path, or at the end of a path.
The truth is all around you in every moment of everyday. It is right in front of you. 
Every sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, detail, nuance, facet.
Reality is truth.
Not what you think, but instead what is.
If you walk a thousand miles, do you imagine that this reality, this truth will somehow have changed?

Religion?

Taoism does not require you to believe in anything.
If you look at the Tao in terms of a conventional religion, then you will be immediately confused. 
It is not about anything. It does not worship anything. It does not ask anything of you.

You are not required to preach or promote anything.
There are no special costumes. There are no holy scriptures or holy books.
See where the confusion can lie?If somebody offers to show you the Way, decline their offer.

The Way

http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/way.htm

Taijiquan can help

Avoid/offset the common problems associated with modern life:
• Stress
• Memory loss
• Lack of mindfulness
• Low energy
• Reduced sex drive
• No peace of mind
• Diminished brain activity
• Poor focus/concentration
• Sarcopenia (muscle loss with aging)
• Reduced joint function
• Unbalanced/unsteady
• Bad circulation
• Heart problems
• Respiratory problems
• Poor lower body strength
• Imbalanced body use
• Reduced stamina and endurance
• Deeply-held muscular tension
• Poor awareness
• Restlessness
• Poor sleep
• Agitation
• Limited flexibility/suppleness
• Bad coordination
• Not relaxed
• Bad poise and posture
• Slouching
• Too much sitting
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Reduced mobility
• Back problems 
• Knee problems
• Unfit
• Poor condition
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sports injuries

Medical research has proven that a small daily commitment to taijiquan practice can produce tremendous results over time.

Taoism is neither formal religion nor structured philosophy.

 (Tao: Sacred Symbols)

Review

Our class is like Alexander the Great teaching Dad's Army. Sifu Waller's not even trying. It's unbelievably powerful and looks like nothing. It's beyond impressive.
(Karen) 

Demand much of yourself
and expect little of others.
Thus you will spared
much vexation. 

(Confucius)

Sifu Waller as an old ronin

I had a custom figure made by Sillof to celebrate Sifu Waller's 41 years of unbroken martial arts training.
My specifications were simple: 

1. Sifu Waller as an old man
2. A feudal era ronin
3. Wielding a sword
4. Mean-looking; ruthless
5. Blue eyes, high forehead, scowling
6. Scarred, (wounded?) and still serious

The figure arrived today. 

I wanted something unique and personal to commemorate Sifu's dedication.

Rachel x

It had stopped raining; the roads were clean, and the dust had been washed from the trees. The earth was refreshed, and the frogs were loud in the pond; they were big, and their throats were swollen with pleasure. The grass was sparkling with tiny drops of water, and there was peace in the land after the heavy downpour. The cattle were soaking wet, but during the rain they never took shelter, and now they were contentedly grazing. Some boys were playing in the little stream that the rain had made by the road side; they were naked, and it was good to see their shining bodies and their bright eyes. They were having the time of their life, and how happy they were! Nothing else mattered, and they smiled out of joy as one said something to them, though they didn't understand a word. The sun was coming out and the shadows were deep.

(Krishnamuti)

If you can't do it, you don't know it.
(Mike Sigman) 

Meditation in tai chi

The meditation aspect of tai chi training encompasses a wide variety of different approaches, all designed to cultivate presence:

1. Attention
2. Breathing
3. Clarity
4. Concentration
5. Consciousness
6. Detachment
7. Emotional awareness
8. Heightened level of awareness
9. Mindful
10. Mushin
11. Seeing & looking
12. Self-awareness 

Every exercise, form movement and partner drill challenges 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.

Those who lack wisdom are convinced that they are truly awake;
they think they understand what is happening;
they think that the king is really the king,
and the servants are really servants.

(Chuang Tzu)

Reading & contemplation

Meditation plays an important role in research and study:

1. Awakening
2. Contemplation
3. Exponential development
4. Insights
5. Krishnamurti's descriptions
6. Mystery
7. Perception
8. Rustic
9. Spiritual
10. Truth
11. Understanding
12. The Way
13. Wisdom
14. Words
15. Zen & tai chi

All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.

All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man's life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.

(Albert Einstein)

Wide awake

In order to awaken your mind you simply need to be here and now. 
Nowhere else. 
At any given time, nothing else in the universe matters more than what you are doing right now.
The cars outside, the neighbours, the music, the humming of the computer, the smell of food are all part of the moment, and you are nowhere but here.
It is all happening at once and you are totally immersed in it.

On the red earth in front of the house there were quantities of trumpet-like flowers with golden hearts. They had large, mauve petals and a delicate scent. They would be swept away during the day, but in the darkness of night they covered the red earth. The creeper was strong with serrated leaves which glistened in the morning sun. Some children carelessly trod on the flowers, and a man getting hurriedly into his car never even looked at them. A passer-by picked one, smelt it, and carried it away, to be dropped presently. A woman who must have been a servant came out of the house, picked a flower, and put it in her hair. How beautiful those flowers were, and how quickly they were withering in the sun!

(Krishnamurti)

I very much enjoy your sessions - without any false flattery, you have been one of the best instructors I have had for any martial art. Your commitment, patience and dedication to the art and your students is something that I believe many instructors should aspire to. To your credit, Sifu Waller, you have shown me something that has I did not expect to find in taijiquan... a comprehensive fighting system in itself. I wish the rest of the MA community would wake up and see what you see.
(Stuart)

Quick fix

Tinkering with your health is amateurish and risky. Looking for a quick fix or a shortcut is foolish.
So why do people do it?
Who knows? There is unlikely to be a rational reason.

Professional skill

Is bargain hunting a good approach to adopt when considering health, fitness and good body use?Cut price lessons may sound good.
The danger is that you may be placing your wellbeing in the hands of an amateur. 
If you choose badly (or for the wrong reasons) you may be wasting money or even damaging your body. 

Beware the barrenness of a busy life.

(Socrates)

Shopping

Buying a pair of shoes, a jar of coffee or a loaf of bread is not the same as seeking medical treatment or exercising mindfully.
To make matters worse, people do not always buy clothes that fit (or even suit their body/skin/hair colour).
Health is not shopping.
It should be handled with caution and care...

Blasé attitude

A lot of modern people buy prescription spectacles off the shelf in a supermarket.
They essentially self-diagnose.
Lacking the expertise of a qualified, licensed medical professional, this seems to be a reckless course of action.

They were chanting in the temple. It was a clean temple of carved stone, massive and indestructible. There were over thirty priests, naked to the waist; their pronunciation of the Sanskrit was precise and distinct, and they knew the meaning of the chant. The depth and sound of the words made those walls and pillars almost tremble, and instinctively the group that was there became silent. The creation, the beginning of the world was being chanted, and how man was brought forth. The people had closed their eyes, and the chant was producing a pleasant disturbance: nostalgic remembrances of their childhood, thoughts of the progress they had made since those youthful days, the strange effect of Sanskrit words, delight in hearing the chant again. Some were repeating the chant to themselves, and their lips were moving. The atmosphere was getting charged with strong emotions, but the priests went on with the chant and the gods remained silent.

(Krishnamurti)

Can't be bothered?

This is perhaps the laziest era in recorded history. People are not wanting a challenge. 
They lack interest, passion, patience and enthusiasm.
Rather than work, people just want to be entertained. Like spoiled children...

You cannot practice taijiquan with the rational mind. The most difficult thing for beginning students is that they try to make the movements with their minds and they cannot. The movements are too complicated. The flowing of the hands, the correct timing, the bending of the knees, the breathing, the balance; all this cannot be controlled by the mind.

The pianist cannot think of each note as she plays it, it must simply be there. Just leave the body alone. When we do not interfere with it, the body moves with the Tao spontaneously.

(John Lash)

Bargain hunting

When people consider which tai chi class to attend they often treat it like bargain hunting.
They look for free taster sessions or the cheapest class.
This may be fine if you are undertaking a supermarket 'price comparison'. It is not so good for tai chi.

Taijiquan can help

Taijiquan can help
Avoid/offset the common problems associated with modern life:
• Stress
• Memory loss
• Lack of mindfulness
• Low energy
• Reduced sex drive
• No peace of mind
• Diminished brain activity
• Poor focus/concentration
• Sarcopenia (muscle loss with aging)
• Reduced joint function
• Unbalanced/unsteady
• Bad circulation
• Heart problems
• Respiratory problems
• Poor lower body strength
• Imbalanced body use
• Reduced stamina and endurance
• Deeply-held muscular tension
• Poor awareness
• Restlessness
• Poor sleep
• Agitation
• Limited flexibility/suppleness
• Bad coordination
• Not relaxed
• Bad poise and posture
• Slouching
• Too much sitting
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Reduced mobility
• Back problems 
• Knee problems
• Unfit
• Poor condition
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sports injuries

Medical research has proven that a small daily commitment to taijiquan practice can produce tremendous results over time.