This is about the two errors that can result from martial art training. 1. If you base your training too much on sparring, or on training techniques against a non-compliant opponent, they you will tend to associate the success of a technique with the effort you apply. You might fail to recognize the subtle biomechanics . . . read more
Tension in the arms forms class three levers that reduce the mechanical efficiency, increase your total shear modulus, and interfere with the centripetal geodesic. Proper relaxation means that the opponent cannot push you in any direction that does not follow the centripetal geodesic into the earth. When you do it properly, the opponent either bounces . . . read more
INCOMPLETE TAI CHI, LESSON 29 Introducing Zhou 肘 using “Brush Knee and Push.” Click here to go to the lesson. When I teach this movement to beginners, I often do what many teachers do, and describe it in terms of a specific martial techniques, like brushing the opponent’s knee and pushing them off balance. This . . . read more
Life is like Wordle. Perfectly legitimate decisions don’t always work. In business, we can make all the correction decisions, and still go bankrupt. In combat, we can make all the proper tactical and strategic decisions, and still lose. Making wise decisions can greatly increase our odds of success. But our success is never guaranteed. Likewise, . . . read more
There is a lesson that has been taught over and over throughout the ages: Power is not a product of increasing control. Control is an illusion. The more rigidly an autocrat tries to control a population, the more counter-productive and weak that leader becomes. The ultimate power exists when controlling the population is not required. . . . read more
Zhou (elbow) and Kao (shoulder) can be seen as techniques. But their deeper meaning is one of mechanical principle. Zhou displaces the opponent’s centripetal tensile geodesic, while kao is a defence against the opponent doing the same. 46 minute video
Raise hands and pull down (“Pluck”). This lesson begins section 5 of the foundation routine. “Cai” or “pluck” draws the opponent’s force away from their centre of rotation. It has the effect of uprooting the opponent and pulling them off balance, while at the same time improving your balance and increasing mechanical efficiency. Video lesson . . . read more
45-minute video
With the past 2-years of relative isolation, I’ve learned to welcome online praise. After struggling alone for a month to produce a video about one of the most confusing but ubiquitous concepts in tai chi, I was not sure how it would be received. The response has been, thankfully, positive. A recent commenter said, “This . . . read more
Tai chi routines are not intended to merely teach you specific martial techniques, but to deconstruct the elements of engagement. What does this mean? Martial techniques, like strikes, throws, kicks, joint manipulation, and grappling, depend on more than strength, speed, and conditioning. They are built on an awareness and understanding vectors, levers, structure, force, power, . . . read more