One of the most interesting concepts in Chinese martial arts is the theory of tī dǎ shuāi ná (踢打摔拿). Tàijíquán (太極拳) teachers often overlook this and many times it is only taught by traditional Gōngfu (Kung fu or 功夫) instructors. Few Tàijíquán practitioners have heard this, and fewer still know the true depth of meaning … [Read more…]
A group of Tai Chi Chuan practitioners in Bethesda, Maryland have built a special Park in memory of David C. Chen who was their beloved Tai Chi teacher.
In one of his continuing education seminars, Bob Flaws (acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, author, and expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine) said, “Mastery of anything is simply mastery of the basics.” It is an extremely accurate statement, and very simple. In many ways, this statement is like watching an expert practice Tàijíquán. The movements appear slow and … [Read more…]
A different coming of age tale –about a youth’s transformation with the help of an elder internal arts practitioner. The protagonist of Steve Zimcosky’s book is a shy and sickly 10 year old, who spends summers in the mid 1960’s with his grandparents in a rural town outside of Pittsburgh. In the first book, he … [Read more…]
For beginner students of Tai Chi Chuan, Robin Gamble’s book is a helpful resource for those looking for a brief introduction to each of several topics. An international instructor and competitor now living in Thailand, Gamble takes the curious through what he terms the “Tai Chi Dance” (wide accessibility to gentle physical movements for relaxation) … [Read more…]
The video “Origin of Speciality – Energy” is a blend of Tai Chi Chuan and Fashion. “OWNONLY” is a new clothing company that wanted to film a video that would be unique to promote their clothing line for men. The video features Tai Chi practitioner Armand Babo performing Tai Chi as his clothes change between … [Read more…]
I intend to continue in this article to present the Tai Chi Farm exercises which have been explained in a series format in my previous articles. While writing about the exercises, I almost neglected one important aspect. They are not to be practiced as an end, but as a tool. This tool is seen as … [Read more…]
On November 20th 2011, when Master Yang finished his first seminar in Mendoza, Argentina, he told us, “Tai Chi is like a thread that brings us together”. Beyond time and space, without borders, the experience of sharing our love for this martial art with friends from different countries of this South American continent is unique. … [Read more…]
Taijiquan is practiced both as a self-cultivation and health technique, as well as a martial art. Quite often this results in the discussion of its purpose.
Going to China was a dream come true for me. We always use that expression to say that something really great has happened. But I’m not using it that way. I’m really saying it was a dream come true! For two reasons: finally to be able to meet Grandmaster Yang Zhenduo and to share this … [Read more…]