Slanted Flying

Author: Slanted Flying

  • Want To Write For Slanted Flying?

    Want To Write For Slanted Flying?

    Boys Writing

    Do you want to write for Slanted Flying?

    We are looking for writers to keep up with the large demand from our readers for new and original content! If you enjoy writing about Tai Chi Chuan, now your work has the opportunity to be seen by tens of Thousands of passionate fans of Tai Chi!

    Currently we are looking for writers to contribute to the following subjects on Tai Chi Chuan:

    • Personal Experience and Insights
    • Book Reviews
    • News
    • Events, Seminars, and Tournaments
    • History
    • Philosophy
    • Training
    • Interviews of interesting or famous practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan
    • Biographies of famous Masters

    Book reviews can be any book related to Tai Chi Chuan. Obviously Slanted Flying is looking for reviews about good books that will benefit our Tai Chi community, but we will consider all reviews. The review should be between 250 and 1000 words (give or take). It should be all original content.

    Article content about Tai Chi training, history, bios of masters, etc, should be between 750 and 2000 words and original content as well.

    Photos should be submitted to go along with the articles, but they need to be a photo which you have the copyrights to. If not, then Slanted Flying will provide a photo or photos to appear with the published article.

    Slanted Flying will examine all article submissions for grammar and simple typo mistakes. We reserve the right to apply these edits as we find them. As well, we will check to see that the submissions are indeed original content. Previous work of your own or others which has been already published on the Web will not be accepted. Excerpts from books or magazine articles, along with added original content, is acceptable.

    Reviews and articles will be posted on the website http://slantedflying.com/. You will be credited for the reviews or articles, and if you wish you can include an author’s bio about yourself with a photo as well. You can submit the book reviews or articles on Tai Chi Chuan in standard font & size, as a ‘Word’ attachment (we prefer .doc to .docx, please don’t send in text of email itself) to submissions@slantedflying.com.

    Please email us at submissions@slantedflying.com if you have any questions, and to let us know before you start the review or article, just so there are not duplicate submissions from other contributors. We look forward to working with you on this! Please let us know if you have any questions.

    [quote]

    “Your articles are posted on the SlantedFlying.com website and will be credited to you as the author.

    Slanted Flying reserves all use rights to anything we publish in any form—but, with permission, we’re usually happy for you to use your work elsewhere, provided we’re credited and linked to.

    Please feature your Slanted Flying articles on your web site, in your portfolio, etc.—the more you feature it in your personal sphere, and email it to friends, the more traction and traffic it will get.

    Feel free to re-publish your article on your own website or blog. We ask that you include a link back and language at the bottom indicating that readers may find the original piece on SlantedFlying.com.

    If you would like to republish your work elsewhere, please email submissions@slantedflying.com.

    By submitting your article for publication, you agree to these conditions.”

    [/quote]

  • Michelle Obama Tries Tai Chi While In Chengdu, China

    Michelle Obama Tries Tai Chi While In Chengdu, China

    First Lady Michelle Obama tried out performing a few Tai Chi moves in the city of Chengdu, China this week. The First Lady was in China for a six-day, three-city tour of the country which included Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu. While in Chengdu, the last city on the tour, she gave a speech to more than 700 school students in the local stadium.

    As part of the events for the First Lady, the students of Chengdu No. 7 High School in Sichuan province gave her a demonstration of Tai Chi Chuan. After watching the performance, Michelle Obama tried out a few Tai Chi moves with the High School students.

    [quote]Tai Chi “is a truly beautiful form of physical activity & I loved giving it a try” – quote by First Lady Michelle Obama[/quote]

    With the popularity of each First Lady, the way they wear their hair, their fashion sense, and the clothes that they wear are often admired by many, and can even effect public trends. Let’s hope that this is true with the First Lady’s activities as well. Perhaps more people will take up interest in Tai Chi Chuan thanks to First Lady Michelle Obama’s public relations impromptu joining in and trying out some Tai Chi!

  • April 26th, 2014 – World Tai Chi And Qigong Day

    April 26th, 2014 – World Tai Chi And Qigong Day

    On Saturday, April the 26th at 10:00 am in local time zones, the world will gather to celebrate the benefits of practicing Tai Chi and Qigong. The event is held each year on the last Saturday of the month of April. It begins in New Zealand, starting at 10:00am in that Time Zone. The celebrations, demonstrations, and friendly gatherings then continue in each Time Zone until the last event in Hawaii 22 hours later!

    Classical Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan - April 27, 2013
    Classical Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan group at 2013 World Tai Chi and Qiqong Day in New York City

     

    The global event had originally begun as a celebration to the healing benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. In 1999 a group of about 200 participants met at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri and began demonstrations of Tai Chi and Qiqong.

    Events celebrating World Tai Chi and Qiqong Day in the different cities and communities are generally organized by local schools of Tai Chi or Qiqong. If you wish to organize your own World Tai Chi and Qigong Day event on April 26th or join in an existing event, you can find more information at the World Tai Chi and Qigong Day website.

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  • The Tai Chi Grandma

    The Tai Chi Grandma

    This wonderful short film titled “Tai Chi Grandma” is about 78-year-old Josie Roberts who began practicing Tai Chi when she was older. The film was made in 2012 by her grandson Eden Roberts, as a Year 13 Media Studies student at Western Springs College. The original music in the short film is also by Eden Roberts.

    Josie and her son Robert both discuss how not only has the practice of Tai Chi has benefited her, but also the effect that the practice has had on her as a whole. Please enjoy this excellent short film, and I hope it inspires you as much as it did myself!

    “Tai Chi Grandma” is a testament to how the practice of Tai Chi Chuan can greatly benefit those who learn, no matter what age they start!

    Don’t forget to check out our other Tai Chi videos and let us know what you think of them!

  • The Elegance of Movement – Master Bow Sim Mark

    The Elegance of Movement – Master Bow Sim Mark

    With the mastery of Tai Chi Chuan the practitioner gains exceptional skill and knowledge in the art, as well as an acquired elegance of movement. At 71-years-old, Tai Chi Master Bow Sim Mark is an excellent example of the mastery and elegance of Tai Chi Chuan. Bow Sim Mark began her studies in martial arts at an early age while in elementary school. Later, she became more serious about the study of Wushu and the traditional style of Fu Tai Chi Chuan.

    She eventually started learning the traditional style of Tai Chi Chuan and other arts of the Fu Family. Her teacher was Fu Wing Fay, the son of Fu Chen Sung, the founder of the Family’s style of Tai Chi Chuan. During the years of 1968 to 1974, Bow Sim Mark served as an instructor at the school of Fu Wing Fay.

    Please enjoy watching this video about her experience and teaching in the United States just before turning 69-years-old.

    In 1973, Bow Sim Mark moved from Mainland China to Hong Kong where she became the chief instructor of the Women’s Wushu Association. She moved from Hong Kong to the United States in 1975, and settled in the city of Boston where she founded the Chinese Wushu Research Institute. Bow Sim Mark has two children who have both followed their mother into the martial arts world. Her son Donnie Yen has gone on to be a successful action film star, and her daughter Chris Chi-ching Yen came in third place at a Wushu tournament when she was only 12-years-old and has also entered the film industry.

    Bow Sim Mark has made many contributions to furthering the Chinese martial arts. She wrote the book “Combined Tai Chi Chuan”, “Wushu Basic Training Exercises”, as well as over 20 Wushu books, posters, and instructional VCD’s, videotapes, and DVD’s. She has students that have been fortunate to experience her teachings from all over the world, many who are now carrying on her legacy by teaching themselves. Bow Sim Mark was even the inspiration for a character in the fictional book titled “The Silent Girl” by Tess Gerritsen.

  • The Tea Master And The Swordsman

    The Tea Master And The Swordsman

    I wanted to share this really great short film that I came across. While this is not a film on Tai Chi, it could have just as easily been.

    “The Tea Master” is a short film by Aaron Au. It is about an old Tea Master who is challenged by a swordsman that he comes across. He carries with him an imperial sword given to him by the Emperor himself. However, the Tea Master does not know how to wield a sword. He is desperate to find a solution for dealing with the challenge that could cost him his life!

    Please enjoy “The Tea Master” below, and find out how this fragile old man deals with the challenge of the swordsman.

    If you are interested in more about this short film, you can find out about the cast and crew at http://teamastermovie.com/crew/

    Although this film centers around the Japanese arts, it could just as well be about the the Chinese arts. It is a reminder of how we use our body and our mind in the art of Tai Chi Chuan. “Just serve Tea!”

  • Dedication Of Practice

    Dedication Of Practice

    One of the requirements to the road of mastering the art of Tai Chi Chuan is the dedication of practice. Mak Ying Po, who was a student of the famous Tung Ying Chieh, said that “Determination, Humility, Practice, and Patience” were important for gaining a greater interest in Tai Chi Chuan, greater health, and a long life.

    So if one really wants to be serious about progressing and achieving the higher levels of Tai Chi Chuan, then they must be prepared to practice when tired and sore, to make time in a busy life, and practice when and where… no matter what the weather is outside.

    Many students of Tai Chi will not show up for class if it is raining heavily, too hot, or cold outside.. And this is when the class is held indoors! Imagine the dedication of the student who shows up for class or practice time in these unfavorable conditions, and their class or practice is outdoors!

    Below is a wonderful video of a young woman who is truly dedicated to practicing her Tai Chi Chuan no matter what the weather. Even in the cold outside with snow falling, she still finds the time and motivation to practice!

    Dedicated practice is a must for the serious student of Tai Chi Chuan. Make a routine of your regular training, and it will start to become a habit. Dedicated practice will help lead one to the deeper levels of understanding in the practice of Tai Chi Chuan.

  • Embracing the Tiger

    Embracing the Tiger

    “Embracing the Tiger” is a hour long documentary about Tai Chi Chuan. The film looks at the history, philosophy, benefits for health, martial self defense side, and the general practice of Tai Chi Chuan. The film was directed by Kate Nielson, and produced by Anthony Fabian through his film company Elysian Films.

    Please enjoy a preview of this wonderful film below.

    The documentary was filmed in the United Kingdom and various locations within China such as Beijing, Xian, Hua Shan, Shanghai, and Shoalin Longmen. Focusing on the Tai Chi Classics, “Embracing the Tiger” explores the journey of Tai Chi Chuan from its birthplace in China to the Western World looking at it from socio-polidtical, anthroplogical, and historical perspectives.

    As well, the film looks at aspects of the Chinese culture; touching upon calligraphy, Chinese medicine, Taoism, Confucianism, and the I-Ching. These all had influences on the shaping and evolution of the art of Tai Chi Chuan.

    A film of great contrasts and beauty, the film focuses on the exchange between East and West that is modern Tai Chi.

    Now you can own the DVD of this wonderful documentary. Click on the image below to see more!

  • Lin Fei – Short Film

    Lin Fei – Short Film

    “Lin Fei” is a short film about a Tai Chi master trying to find his way in a new country. Lin Fei is a new immigrant in the city of Rome, Italy. He struggles to find his way in this new city of different language and customs. It seems all he wants to do is to find a quite place to practice his Tai Chi,  as he misses the familiarity of his old home and the closeness of the family he left.

    Please enjoy watching the short film “Lin Fei” below.

    LIN FEI from Alessandro Trapani on Vimeo.

    The film stars real life Tai Chi master Li Rong Wei, who teaches Chinese martial arts in Italy. He is a 7th generation descendant of Lan Shou Pai Men, as well he teaches Tai Chi Chuan, Ba Gua Chuan, Hsing I Chuan, and Qi Gong. You can find out more information about Li Rong Wei and his school at this link for his school’s website: http://www.lirongwei.it/

    The short film “Lin Fei” was produced by Alessandro Trapani in 2007. He also wrote, directed, and edited the film as well. “Lin Fei” appeared in competition at the Medfilmfestival in Rome and at the Salerno International Film Festival. Trapani has produced and directed Music Videos, Short Films, and is currently working on his first feature film. You can find more information about Alessandro Trapani here at his website: http://www.alessandrotrapani.com, ,

  • Tai Chi Featured In Music Video

    Tai Chi Featured In Music Video

    Here is a music video that features Tai Chi. It is a fun and light hearted video. We see a group of people gathering in a city park for their morning exercises. The teacher arrives light of foot, stands in front of his outdoor class and they begin their morning exercises with Tai Chi!

    The music featured in this video is the song “Pyramid Scheme” by Mat Zo, featuring Chuck D. You can download it following the link below.