“Doing” meets “not doing” or “Ippon” meets “Koka” Martial sport is about winning. Self defence is about not losing. Hence, there are different (but overlapping) strategies and tactics. “Upper and lower mutually follow” refers to one’s own body. But the concept can be extended to include strategy and tactics. Being still when the opponent is . . . read more
An important tai chi principle is called “Upper and Lower Mutually Follow” In this video we talk about how this applies to power and footwork.
Dictatorships are invariably self-destructive. They are, by definition, a failure of society to function in harmony. When absolute power is centralized, be it in a single person, a group, or a dogma, the ability of the society to function, grow, and adapt becomes crippled. But dictatorships continue to arise throughout the world. Even the most . . . read more
There is a common human disfunction, a pathological which causes us to feel that we can gain power by taking it from others. Security is a negotiation, even within the techniques, strategies and methodology of combat. We fail when we fight against force, move against speed, or throw away our own balance for fear of . . . read more
“Chi” or “qi” (both are pronounced “chee”), unless you are speaking Japanese, in which case it is “ki”. The so called “intrinsic energy” might be better though of as the sum total of all the momentum in a body, or system of bodies.
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