How far can a tai chi metaphor go? When you practice and art and follow its philosophy long enough, you eventually start to see it everywhere. You may even be tempted to manifest it in places where it probably shouldn’t belong. Case in point: tai chi fanatics on a dance floor. Another case is the natural attempt . . . read more
In the ancient military classic, “The Art of War”, Sunzi begins by listing five constants that determine victory. The first of these is a moral compass. A nation is not defined by its borders. It is defined by the principles upon which it is built. To defend a nation is to defend its principles. The . . . read more
While I continue the redesign of the website, (the new layout should be up soon), I thought I should post this video. It demonstrates some of the principles that I have been going on about recently. There are demonstrations of the physics, the fighting application principles, and the practical philosophy. Remember, this is not about . . . read more
This video took two weeks to write and produce. It could have been ten shorter videos. But with the current socioeconomic situation, it seemed appropriate to present it in this format. I will be adding a complete transcript of this video in the near future. (Self Defeating Class Three Lever Syndrome) SDCTLS When I am . . . read more
Alignment is physical, mental, emotional, intentional, energetic, structural, and dynamic…among other things. It is also social, and tai chi can teach us a lot about our place in the world and how we can all get along.
There are thousands of different styles of martial art around the world. Each is based in a culture, a philosophy, and a history. And each art is in some way modified by each person according to their own personal experiences, abilities, needs and circumstances. There are many similarities between the different martial arts of the . . . read more
It is a problem. That’s what it is. For one thing, “qi” is a word, and words are always a problem. Moreover, Qi is a Chinese word, and Chinese words are nothing but trouble. I sometimes think that if you don’t speak Chinese, you really have no business using Chinese words. They never mean what . . . read more
As I adapt to the new reality of an online school, I have been examining a variety of approaches. This has meant spending time on adjustments to the website itself, mostly in the background. That has been a distraction from producing new videos. But I am now back to production mode, and will be posting . . . read more
Most tai chi teachers have no interest in the martial aspect. Even those who do are often unwilling to test their skills or adapt their pedagogy. If you want tai chi to help you in a fight, it must be tool for liberation, not an albatross around your neck.
As I sit in this (now very quiet) studio, designing lessons and writing scripts for instructional videos, I contemplate the connections I have made through my work. I ruminate over whether or not I have served well, or well enough. Is my work a benefit to others, or is is mere self-indulgence? I certainly hope it is is more of the former. But I must admit that it is at least equally the latter. There are times in life where giving and receiving are the same thing. My work has been like that.
On Thursday, I stopped work to listen to the Church bells ringing in support of healthcare workers, thinking of those who risk so much and work so hard for us. I thought of my friends working in hospitals, like the doctor who has worked 12 consecutive shifts, napping for a few minutes at a time on hospital carts or floors. I also thought of those we have lost.