If the teacher doesn’t like questions, then you might be in a cult. Questions are important, and should never be dismissed outright. If the teacher treats all questions with respect, then over time, the more questions a student asks, the more the teacher and student will learn. They will learn which questions are important, and . . . read more
Techniques do not work. But practising techniques gives you the context within which to study the principles and the method. Eventually, you embody the principles and apply the method in ways that manifest as techniques.
This is a statement that can get you into trouble if you misunderstand it or use it to infer some superiority of so-called internal styles like tai chi (taijiquan). There are a few different ways to define “internal power.” But some of its characteristics include an emphasis on class one levers and class two levers, . . . read more
Martial arts training is a microcosm of international socio-economics. The lessons we learn in class can be applied to peacemaking on a global scale.. When I hear discussions about the swing toward extremism and authoritarianism, it makes me think about beginners in martial art classes. Some students come to the art because of fear, and . . . read more
It is impossible to find a teaching method that works the same way for everyone. Traditional standard teaching methods, like those found in many martial art schools, are designed for large groups. Many are geared toward retention more than education. If you have a constant supply of new students, eventually you might find some that . . . read more
Attachment to technique is typically self-defeating. One should be constantly mindful of tactics, strategy, method, and internal principles. If all is done well, the opponent’s resistance can be rendered irrelevant.
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