Instruction and advice
Tai Chi for MMA
2011/12/Thu 08
Discover why more and more mixed martial artists are adding tai chi to their training Regimen. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Comments
Tai Chi for Super Fitness.
2011/07/Thu 07
Sure, it offers peace, harmony, relaxation, and a number of other health benefits. But can tai chi really improve fitness, like that offered by "more vigorous exercises and other martial arts?
Many people are surprised that Tai Chi, (also known as Taiji or T'ai Chi Chu'an) can be as effective as it is at building strength and stability, both mentally and physically. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Many people are surprised that Tai Chi, (also known as Taiji or T'ai Chi Chu'an) can be as effective as it is at building strength and stability, both mentally and physically. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
What is Tai Chi ?
2011/01/Wed 26
With the rise of martial sports such as Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC, many people are questioning the combat effectiveness of the traditional martial art styles. Some are going so far as to say that traditional martial arts such as taijiquan (tai chi) are no longer effective for combat, or never were in the first place.
Historical documentation aside, the question is a challenge to those who practise taijiquan as a martial art to prove that their art can be used in a fight - not only in self defence, but in a contest with other skilled fighters. Can a taijiquan stylist hold his or her own against an MMA fighter or a martial artist from another style.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Historical documentation aside, the question is a challenge to those who practise taijiquan as a martial art to prove that their art can be used in a fight - not only in self defence, but in a contest with other skilled fighters. Can a taijiquan stylist hold his or her own against an MMA fighter or a martial artist from another style.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Level 1 is not just for beginners
2010/09/Fri 10
The most important part of learning an art like tai chi is the foundation. If the foundation is good, the artist can excel. However, if the foundation is neglected, the artist will never achieve greatness.
In fact, it is can be said that mastery can be achieved by those who only practice basics, but it can never be achieved by those who only practise the advanced methods.
Whether you are completely new to tai chi, or you are a student with decades of experience, I strongly suggest that you spend plenty of time working on the basic exercises taught in level one, before you go on to the more advanced and "sophisticated" practices of the advance levels.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
In fact, it is can be said that mastery can be achieved by those who only practice basics, but it can never be achieved by those who only practise the advanced methods.
Whether you are completely new to tai chi, or you are a student with decades of experience, I strongly suggest that you spend plenty of time working on the basic exercises taught in level one, before you go on to the more advanced and "sophisticated" practices of the advance levels.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi - How does it work? Part 4
2010/08/Tue 10
Tai Chi - How does it work? Part 4 "Sink the chest and raise the back"
When students (and some teachers) are told to "sink the chest and raise the back" they often make the mistake of thinking that this means they should slouch or hunch over. This is not what it means.
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
When students (and some teachers) are told to "sink the chest and raise the back" they often make the mistake of thinking that this means they should slouch or hunch over. This is not what it means.
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi - How does it work? Part 3
2010/07/Sat 24
- by Ian Sinclair
"Shoulders sink and the elbows drop outwards."
If you don't believe in levitation, just watch a person's shoulders as they concentrate on a difficult task. I sometimes joke that beginners lift their shoulders so high that it affects their hearing.
Tense shoulders have a negative affect on many things, especially since shoulder tension is often a chronic problem which is exacerbated by stress and under-developed body awareness. As we become less aware of our bodies, and focus elsewhere (or "else-when"), our shoulders creep upwards in a turtling defensive posture to protect the brain which seems to be alienating itself from the body.
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
"Shoulders sink and the elbows drop outwards."
If you don't believe in levitation, just watch a person's shoulders as they concentrate on a difficult task. I sometimes joke that beginners lift their shoulders so high that it affects their hearing.
Tense shoulders have a negative affect on many things, especially since shoulder tension is often a chronic problem which is exacerbated by stress and under-developed body awareness. As we become less aware of our bodies, and focus elsewhere (or "else-when"), our shoulders creep upwards in a turtling defensive posture to protect the brain which seems to be alienating itself from the body.
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
"Don't Use Force, Luke"
2010/07/Tue 20
One of the most important rules of tai chi the one stating that one should use the mind and not force. This rule is also one of the least observed. One of the reasons for this is that few tai chi students have been taught to believe that it is actually possible. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi - How does it work? Part 2
2010/07/Fri 16
"Hold the head as if suspended from above, so as to allow the spirit of vitality to reach the top of the head."
- from Yang Chengfu's 10 important points.
The head should be balanced easily. The back of the neck should be upright and extended without tension. The jaw relaxes and the chin may seem to drop downwards relative to the tense and collapsed position in which the neck is often held. It helps to have the tip of the tongue lightly touching the roof of the mouth.
This is the first point for good reasons. The head is the end of the body, and it is natural to start from the top and work your way down. More importantly, however, the head is the end of the body that students can most easily adjust. Other parts of the body, such as the hips, ankles, legs and waist require a deeper awareness than the head does. When you adjust the head, you can literally see the difference it makes, even without a mirror. The position of the head is also crucial to the ability of the student to make corrections in the rest of the body. If the correct alignment of the head and neck is not understood, then the positions of the other parts of the body cannot be. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi - How does it work? Part 1
2010/07/Tue 13
Tai Chi
We know what it does...
....but how does it work?
There has been a lot of medical research in recent years showing the many ways in which tai chi can benefit one's mental and physical health. As well, tai chi teachers and students have known for centuries that tai chi is an excellent method of improving one's fitness level at any age. However, there has always been an important element missing from all of this research. That is because western medical researchers usually seem to be more interested in determining what works than they are in how the thing works.
This actually makes sense in many ways. It can be very difficult to explain the subtle workings of things as complex as the human mind and body. It can be even more difficult to understand, in an objective way, something that is usually understood only subjectively in the way in which tai chi is usually understood.
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
We know what it does...
....but how does it work?
There has been a lot of medical research in recent years showing the many ways in which tai chi can benefit one's mental and physical health. As well, tai chi teachers and students have known for centuries that tai chi is an excellent method of improving one's fitness level at any age. However, there has always been an important element missing from all of this research. That is because western medical researchers usually seem to be more interested in determining what works than they are in how the thing works.
This actually makes sense in many ways. It can be very difficult to explain the subtle workings of things as complex as the human mind and body. It can be even more difficult to understand, in an objective way, something that is usually understood only subjectively in the way in which tai chi is usually understood.
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Research indicates a range of health benefits from Tai Chi and Qigong - but what does that mean for teachers and students?
2010/07/Mon 05
An analysis of 77 studies of Tai Chi and Qigong indicates that the two arts can positively affect psychological health as well as bone health, cardio-respiratory fitness, balance, accidental falls, and stress.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi at the MMA Expo in Toronto 2010
2010/06/Tue 22
The Mixed Martial Arts Expo took place in Toronto on June 12-13, 2010 at the International Centre on Airport Road.
We were there representing the Canadian Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Federation and teaching "Tai Chi for MMA", Tuishou (Pushing hands), and Internal Martial Arts secrets for improving speed, power, and agility. In all about 50 people stepped onto the mat with us (not including the "bikini babes" from W-1.)
The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) expo in Toronto was a wonderful event, with great competition in a variety of disciplines. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
We were there representing the Canadian Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Federation and teaching "Tai Chi for MMA", Tuishou (Pushing hands), and Internal Martial Arts secrets for improving speed, power, and agility. In all about 50 people stepped onto the mat with us (not including the "bikini babes" from W-1.)
The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) expo in Toronto was a wonderful event, with great competition in a variety of disciplines. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Free Combat Tai Chi Seminars at the MMA Expo in Toronto June 12 - 13, 2010
2010/06/Tue 08
A unique free seminar with admission to the MMA Expo.
No experience necessary. Street clothing is suitable.
Register on site at Booth 116. Space is limited
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
No experience necessary. Street clothing is suitable.
Register on site at Booth 116. Space is limited
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
The Health Benefits of Tai chi
2010/05/Thu 27
Tai chi was originally developed as a martial art, and is still practised as such by many around the world. But the great global popularity of tai chi is primarily due to it's health benefits. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Jan 29, 2010 - New Instructional Videos Added.
2010/01/Fri 29
Toilet Trained Hummingbirds
An unrelated video. But interesting, nonetheless.
We didn't think there was any safe way to observe the gender of hummingbird chicks. But when we observed how hygienic the chicks were, we naturally tended to assume that they were female. This assumption was challenged, however, when we noticed them having a game of target practice with their doo-doo.
Tuishou Lessons 1 and 2
Tuishou ( Pushing Hands ) is an important part of tai chi training. It is essential for those wishing to understand self defence. But it can also be a great help to those whose only reason for learning tai chi is health or relaxation.
10-form part 9 - Cross Hands and Conclusion. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
An unrelated video. But interesting, nonetheless.
We didn't think there was any safe way to observe the gender of hummingbird chicks. But when we observed how hygienic the chicks were, we naturally tended to assume that they were female. This assumption was challenged, however, when we noticed them having a game of target practice with their doo-doo.
Tuishou Lessons 1 and 2
Tuishou ( Pushing Hands ) is an important part of tai chi training. It is essential for those wishing to understand self defence. But it can also be a great help to those whose only reason for learning tai chi is health or relaxation.
10-form part 9 - Cross Hands and Conclusion. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
New Instructional Videos added.
2010/01/Mon 25
This weeks videos are:
Tai Chi Pie Fighting
10 form taijiquan tai chi complete front and rear
10 form part 1: Commencement
10 form applications - Commencement
10 form part 2: reverse reeling forearms
10 form part 2b: Applications of reverse reeling forearms
10 form part 3: Brush knee and Push solo form and martial applications
10 form part 4: Part the horse's Mane
10-form-part-5-cloud-hands
10 form tai chi (taijiquan) part 6: Rooster stands on one leg
10 Form Part 8: Grasp the Birds Tail
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi Pie Fighting
10 form taijiquan tai chi complete front and rear
10 form part 1: Commencement
10 form applications - Commencement
10 form part 2: reverse reeling forearms
10 form part 2b: Applications of reverse reeling forearms
10 form part 3: Brush knee and Push solo form and martial applications
10 form part 4: Part the horse's Mane
10-form-part-5-cloud-hands
10 form tai chi (taijiquan) part 6: Rooster stands on one leg
10 Form Part 8: Grasp the Birds Tail
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai chi instructional videos added to TaiChiCentral.com
2010/01/Wed 20
Tai chi instructional videos added.
We have added a new section to our website for instructional videos.
There you will be able to find instruction on
- tai chi basics
- forms (including modern, simplified, standard, and traditional routines)
- tuishou (pushing hands)
- self defence skills and strategy
- throws
- joint control
- pressure points
- groundfighting
- striking
- Tai chi sport (forms, tuishou, sanshou, shuaijiao, mma)
Each time a new video is added to the new section, it will also be posted in this journal.
Tai Chi and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) like the UFC.
2009/12/Tue 29
QUESTION
. ....................................................................................................... Read More...I still haven't seen a real application of Tai Chi in an actual combat scenario or through free sparring. Most of the applications are always shown with a complacent attacker. He puts his hand up, then I do this. Please Please Please show us some real time uses of tai chi. I respect IMA, but so few ever show any real applications.
Why you won't see "tai chi fights" on the internet.
2009/05/Mon 04
I recently received this comment in response to the video about "Tai Chi Fighting Strategy". The comment and my response are reprinted here.
Comment:
I still haven't seen a real application of Tai Chi in an actual combat scenario or through free sparring. Most of the applications are always shown with a complacent attacker. He puts his hand up, then I do this. Please Please Please show us some real time uses of tai chi. I respect IMA, but so few ever show any real applications.
Response:
I understand the spirit of your request. But I'm not sure you understand what you are asking for. Actual combat is brutal and usually very short, lasting only for a few short seconds. I know of no skilled fighter who is willing to engage in real combat for the entertainment or even the edification of others. It would be like asking us to fence with live blades. A martial art is very different from a martial sport. You can watch taiji players do sanshou. But that is sport - not real combat.
People use tai chi in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions. But then it looks like MMA, not like tai chi. The best way to examine the uniqueness of tai chi is in a controlled demonstration, which is what I tried to do here. In combat, tai chi would look much like any other style. If the there is a big difference between the skill levels of the combatants, it would be short and clean. If they have equal skill, it will be messier. If they are extremely good, there will be no observable fight.
- Ian Sinclair
Sinclair Martial Arts
You can see an MMA match with Ayron Howey (a Vancouver Sanshou fighter who does Tai chi, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang, and many other things.[ www.youtube/watch?v=PuwB4fr1lUE ]
To see some martial applications of tai chi forms, see this previous post on the subject.
Bully Beatdown show is a disgrace to MMA and martial arts in general
2009/05/Mon 04
I have said it before and I will say it again, “Reality Television” is an oxymoron. The latest example is a recent import from the U.S. called "Bully Beatdown" in which apparent victims of bullying are avenged by professional mixed martial artists. The bullies are supposedly challenged to a martial arts bout against a seasoned pro. If the bully is offered ten thousand dollars if they win the fight. Of course, they don't stand a chance. The bully is beaten, the ten thousand dollars goes to the initial "victim" and sometimes the bully even apologises. It is predictable but not realistic.
The show presents a parody of justice. It teaches the victim and the viewer to feel more powerful through the suffering of others. In other words, it aims to make bullies of us all.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
The show presents a parody of justice. It teaches the victim and the viewer to feel more powerful through the suffering of others. In other words, it aims to make bullies of us all.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
How long does it take to master tai chi
2009/04/Mon 27
It probably doesn't have to take as long as you think.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi fighting strategy.
2009/04/Fri 24
Many people think that taijiquan (tai chi) uses yielding as a primary strategy for self defence. The truth is that tai chi strategy is much more direct. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi "An" Jing - "Keeping the lid on what?"
2009/04/Wed 22
"An" is the fourth of the major energies of tai chi. It is referred to as one of the four cardinal directions, or perfect energies, of tai chi tuishou. The other three energies being "Peng, Lu, and An."
In the Yang style form, it is represented in the fourth part of the movement called "Grasp the bird's tail".
"An" is usually called "push" in English. However, it is sometimes translated as "press", which leads some to confuse it with "ji". Ji is the third energy, and is also sometimes called "press". However, "An" is like pressing a button, and "ji" is like a wine press.
The Chinese character for "an" contains the radicals for "hand", "lid", and "woman." This has caused some trouble for those who suggested that the energy of "an" is like "keeping a lid on a woman." In fact, the energy is better described (for many reasons) as the "feminine hand" which "keeps a lid on things."
...
..."AN" does not contribute to the conflict. Nor does it try to forcefully suppress the attacker's energy. "An" simply recognise the attack, allows it to express itself harmlessly, and then sends it on its way.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
In the Yang style form, it is represented in the fourth part of the movement called "Grasp the bird's tail".
"An" is usually called "push" in English. However, it is sometimes translated as "press", which leads some to confuse it with "ji". Ji is the third energy, and is also sometimes called "press". However, "An" is like pressing a button, and "ji" is like a wine press.
The Chinese character for "an" contains the radicals for "hand", "lid", and "woman." This has caused some trouble for those who suggested that the energy of "an" is like "keeping a lid on a woman." In fact, the energy is better described (for many reasons) as the "feminine hand" which "keeps a lid on things."
...
..."AN" does not contribute to the conflict. Nor does it try to forcefully suppress the attacker's energy. "An" simply recognise the attack, allows it to express itself harmlessly, and then sends it on its way.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Ji jing - When tai chi is like the Death Star.
2009/04/Fri 17
-by Ian Sinclair
One of the four basic "energies" of tai chi, ji (擠 / 挤 jǐ) has most often been translated as squeeze or press. It can also mean to jostle, crowd, or cram.
...
Ji comes together like the firing of the weapon on the death star in the movie Star Wars. When Darth Vader . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
One of the four basic "energies" of tai chi, ji (擠 / 挤 jǐ) has most often been translated as squeeze or press. It can also mean to jostle, crowd, or cram.
...
Ji comes together like the firing of the weapon on the death star in the movie Star Wars. When Darth Vader . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Breathing and Tai Chi
2009/04/Wed 15
By Ian Sinclair
Over the centuries, much has been said and written about the correct methods of breathing during tai chi practice. It can get very complicated. There are many specific breathing methods, both basic and advanced, for different places in the form, and for different periods in the student's development. The different types of breathing sometimes have names like natural breathing, buddhist breathing, daoist breathing, pre-natal breathing, post-natal breathing, tortoise breathing, fire breathing, localised breathing, and-so-on. Sometimes a breathing method is not even about air or the lungs, but about the movement of subtle energy through the whole body.
All of this has led to some counter-productive angst amongst tai chi students who are serious about mastering the art.
Allow me to attempt the impossible, to clarify the breathing issue so that it all makes sense.
First: The most important thing is . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Over the centuries, much has been said and written about the correct methods of breathing during tai chi practice. It can get very complicated. There are many specific breathing methods, both basic and advanced, for different places in the form, and for different periods in the student's development. The different types of breathing sometimes have names like natural breathing, buddhist breathing, daoist breathing, pre-natal breathing, post-natal breathing, tortoise breathing, fire breathing, localised breathing, and-so-on. Sometimes a breathing method is not even about air or the lungs, but about the movement of subtle energy through the whole body.
All of this has led to some counter-productive angst amongst tai chi students who are serious about mastering the art.
Allow me to attempt the impossible, to clarify the breathing issue so that it all makes sense.
First: The most important thing is . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Lu jing - like standing up in a canoe.
2009/04/Tue 14
Lu jing (Lǚ) is a method used in tai chi push hands and self defence for redirecting an opponents force. It does so without losing connection with the opponent's centre, however. One does not simply deflect or block the force. One allows the attack to roll off like water off a duck's back. Lu is often translated as "Roll Back".
There is a story about a farmer who was explaining to a real estate agent how everything on his property was built to exacting standards by hand. He would point out a feature and explain that it was as good as it was because, as he said, he "did it the hard way."
"We raised that barn by hand. Did it he hard way."
"I dovetailed those joints, didn't use any nails or screws. Did it the hard way."
"I cleared that brush and those rocks by hand. Did it the hard way."
"Those stone fences, yep, did it the hard way."
When the farmer's extremely beautiful daughter passed by, the agent was thoroughly distracted from what the man was saying.
Noticing the agent's focus on his daughter the farmer said, "Yep. Did it standing up in a canoe."
In tai chi, the term "standing up in a canoe" may actually help ease the difficulty that student have understanding "Lu Jing" the second essential principle in tuishou (pushing hands). "Standing in a canoe" can also give an idea of the difficulty involved in mastering this method. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
There is a story about a farmer who was explaining to a real estate agent how everything on his property was built to exacting standards by hand. He would point out a feature and explain that it was as good as it was because, as he said, he "did it the hard way."
"We raised that barn by hand. Did it he hard way."
"I dovetailed those joints, didn't use any nails or screws. Did it the hard way."
"I cleared that brush and those rocks by hand. Did it the hard way."
"Those stone fences, yep, did it the hard way."
When the farmer's extremely beautiful daughter passed by, the agent was thoroughly distracted from what the man was saying.
Noticing the agent's focus on his daughter the farmer said, "Yep. Did it standing up in a canoe."
In tai chi, the term "standing up in a canoe" may actually help ease the difficulty that student have understanding "Lu Jing" the second essential principle in tuishou (pushing hands). "Standing in a canoe" can also give an idea of the difficulty involved in mastering this method. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Peng Jing (Boing power) and the importance relaxation.
2009/04/Sat 11
Internal power is something of which we often speak. Yet few people these days truly achieve it.
It is not that the method of achieving internal power is kept secret. In fact, it is well documented, and most teachers speak of it, even if they have not achieved it themselves.
The "secret" of internal power is one of the worst kept secrets of martial arts.
Teacher often feel the need to restrain themselves from screaming it at their students.
Every class, it is the same thing,
"Relax."
"Relax... relax."
"Relax a little more."
"Actually relax."
"Now, really relax."
"You say you are relaxed?"
"Well then, relax harder!"
"Would you PLEASE just frickin' RELAX already!"
"Sorry........ Please relax."
"AAAAARRRGH!"
"WHAT PART OF "RELAX" DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?"
Then, after a few months or years, the student has an epiphany,.... ....................................................................................................... Read More...
It is not that the method of achieving internal power is kept secret. In fact, it is well documented, and most teachers speak of it, even if they have not achieved it themselves.
The "secret" of internal power is one of the worst kept secrets of martial arts.
Teacher often feel the need to restrain themselves from screaming it at their students.
Every class, it is the same thing,
"Relax."
"Relax... relax."
"Relax a little more."
"Actually relax."
"Now, really relax."
"You say you are relaxed?"
"Well then, relax harder!"
"Would you PLEASE just frickin' RELAX already!"
"Sorry........ Please relax."
"AAAAARRRGH!"
"WHAT PART OF "RELAX" DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?"
Then, after a few months or years, the student has an epiphany,.... ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai chi for combat and compassion
2009/04/Tue 07
Whether you practise tai chi for health or as a combat art, you may find it interesting to note the importance that love and compassion have in the development of profound combat skill. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi for the Emotions
2009/04/Mon 06
Tai chi is an art which cultivates a profound understanding of the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. Central to this understanding is the study of how tai chi can educate us about the intimate relationships between thought, emotion, and the physical state of the body. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Who is your teacher? - Why some teachers won't tell you.
2009/04/Fri 03
- by Ian Sinclair
There are those who operate tai chi schools and other martial arts schools and are secretive about who they, themselves, trained with. This makes it difficult for students and peers to assess the legitimacy of the teacher. Such secrecy will often be seen as cause enough to avoid that school altogether, for the same reason that you wouldn't trust a doctor who was secretive about his education.
There are some very good reasons for a teacher to not declare their lineage, however. And some very famous teachers have been cagey about identifying their own teachers to others. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
There are those who operate tai chi schools and other martial arts schools and are secretive about who they, themselves, trained with. This makes it difficult for students and peers to assess the legitimacy of the teacher. Such secrecy will often be seen as cause enough to avoid that school altogether, for the same reason that you wouldn't trust a doctor who was secretive about his education.
There are some very good reasons for a teacher to not declare their lineage, however. And some very famous teachers have been cagey about identifying their own teachers to others. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
The Importance of Practising Incorrectly
2009/03/Tue 31
Tai chi teachers will often find that beginning tai chi students might be reluctant to practise at home. A popular reason given by the students is that they "don't want to practise incorrectly." They fear that by practising skill that they have not yet mastered, they will somehow ingrain the bad habits over the course of a week, and their form will be so bad when they come back to class that the teacher will be unable to repair it.
The irony of this all-too-common attitude is not lost on the teachers. All of whom will likely claim to "practise wrong" every day. Each will have their own unique way to respond to the beginner who is concerned about making mistakes. Here are some of the answers that a teacher might give:. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
The irony of this all-too-common attitude is not lost on the teachers. All of whom will likely claim to "practise wrong" every day. Each will have their own unique way to respond to the beginner who is concerned about making mistakes. Here are some of the answers that a teacher might give:. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Extraordinary Foundation Method - The Importance of Tai Chi Basics
2009/03/Mon 30
What is the most important exercise for tai chi students? What can students of all levels do to propel themselves toward mastery? If you have taken so much as a single class in tai chi, you have probably already learned it!. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form.
2009/03/Fri 13
This series of clips resulted from a discussion about fighting principles and martial applications found in the 24 form tai chi routine. There are several possible applications for each part of a taiji routine. These applications can include striking, kick, throws, joint control and pressure point manipulation.
Here, Ian Sinclair of Cloud Mountain Martial Arts demonstrates some techniques and principles with Curtis Holmberg.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Here, Ian Sinclair of Cloud Mountain Martial Arts demonstrates some techniques and principles with Curtis Holmberg.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
A New Translation of Zhang Sanfeng's Treatise on Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
2008/12/Sat 20
- by Ian Sinclair
This essay, written long ago, is attributed to the legendary daoist (taoist) immortal, Zhang Sanfeng. (Chang San Feng). While it is highly unlikely that such person even existed, the writings that have been attributed to him contain a great deal of distilled wisdom. (It is possible that many writings attributed to legendary personalities were actually handed down for generations before someone decided that they needed to be attributed to someone. The most logical source might have been the original one, mythical or not.)
Here I present my own translation of this famous text. I do so in order that I may expand upon it in later entries using my own personal take on the art and this text. Each line is presented first in the original Chinese, then in the Chinese pinyin romanization, then with transliteration, and finally, with an English translation. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
This essay, written long ago, is attributed to the legendary daoist (taoist) immortal, Zhang Sanfeng. (Chang San Feng). While it is highly unlikely that such person even existed, the writings that have been attributed to him contain a great deal of distilled wisdom. (It is possible that many writings attributed to legendary personalities were actually handed down for generations before someone decided that they needed to be attributed to someone. The most logical source might have been the original one, mythical or not.)
Here I present my own translation of this famous text. I do so in order that I may expand upon it in later entries using my own personal take on the art and this text. Each line is presented first in the original Chinese, then in the Chinese pinyin romanization, then with transliteration, and finally, with an English translation. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Can Tai Chi be used for Fighting or in Mixed Martial Arts Competition?
2008/12/Mon 15
The simple answer is yes. It can and it is being used in MMA bouts like the UFC. Several MMA fighters are using tai chi to refine their skill, power, balance, sensitivity, and awareness.
Can tai chi stand on its own as a combat system in battles against other styles? Well, that depends on what you mean by combat and what you mean by "tai chi." (see last weeks post "What Tai Chi."). ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Can tai chi stand on its own as a combat system in battles against other styles? Well, that depends on what you mean by combat and what you mean by "tai chi." (see last weeks post "What Tai Chi."). ....................................................................................................... Read More...
What Tai Chi?
2008/12/Thu 11
With the rise of martial sports such as Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC, many people are questioning the combat effectiveness of the traditional martial art styles. Some are going so far as to say that traditional martial arts such as taijiquan (tai chi) are no longer effective for combat, or never were in the first place.
Historical documentation aside, the question is a challenge to those who practise taijiquan as a martial art to prove that their art can be used in a fight - not only in self defence, but in a contest with other skilled fighters. Can a taijiquan stylist hold his or her own against an MMA fighter or a martial artist from another style.
To me, this begs two very fundamental questions. How can we define taijiquan as a style? How can we define combat effectiveness. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Historical documentation aside, the question is a challenge to those who practise taijiquan as a martial art to prove that their art can be used in a fight - not only in self defence, but in a contest with other skilled fighters. Can a taijiquan stylist hold his or her own against an MMA fighter or a martial artist from another style.
To me, this begs two very fundamental questions. How can we define taijiquan as a style? How can we define combat effectiveness. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
A look at Wong Zongyue's Theory of Taijiquan
2008/05/Tue 13
The story goes that the brother of Wu Yuxiang (founder of Wu/Hao style tai chi chuan and also the student of Yang Luchan and Chen Changxing) found a copy of the "Taijiquan Lun" (Tai chi chuan treatise) in the back of a Beijing salt store. For this reason, it is sometimes called the "Salt Shop Manual" or "Salt Shop Classic." . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Essential Principles of Tai Chi Chuan
2008/05/Sat 03
Ten Important guidelines for the practice of Tai Chi Chuan
Based on Yang Chengfu's Ten Important Points.
Interpretation by Ian Sinclair
These 10 essential points were initially dictated to Chen Weiming by Grandmaster Yang Chengfu in the early 20th century. Since then they have become like scripture to many tai chi teachers and students. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Based on Yang Chengfu's Ten Important Points.
Interpretation by Ian Sinclair
These 10 essential points were initially dictated to Chen Weiming by Grandmaster Yang Chengfu in the early 20th century. Since then they have become like scripture to many tai chi teachers and students. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
How Fast Can You Punch?
2008/03/Sat 01
It might be theoretically possible for a punch to travel faster than the speed of sound* for a very short distance. (*about 355m/s or 1130 ft/s or 1230 km/h or 770 mph) But this would only be possible if one could conserve the momentum of the whole body and transfer it efficiently to the fist.
In classical mechanics momentum is equal to mass times velocity. P=mv . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
In classical mechanics momentum is equal to mass times velocity. P=mv . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
No Such Thing as a Martial Arts Style Beating
2008/03/Sat 01
It was with great dismay that we learned of the attack on Sunday morning by assailants who are alleged to have used “nunchucks” in the attack.
But we were also appalled to read the article describing the attack as a “Martial-arts-style beating” and claiming that the alleged assailant, who is charged with attempted murder, “tore a page form a martial-arts textbook”
There is no such thing as a “martial-arts-style beating!”, and there is no martial arts textbook that advocates such a beating.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
But we were also appalled to read the article describing the attack as a “Martial-arts-style beating” and claiming that the alleged assailant, who is charged with attempted murder, “tore a page form a martial-arts textbook”
There is no such thing as a “martial-arts-style beating!”, and there is no martial arts textbook that advocates such a beating.. ....................................................................................................... Read More...
How Important is Tuishou (Pushing Hands) for Tai Chi?
2008/03/Sat 01
How essential really is push hands? Can we not learn or advance in tai chi without it? Are we not doing real tai chi without knowledge of push hands?
Push hands is a defining characteristic of taijiquan. Along with qigong, forms and application practice, push hands contributes to the physical, mental, spiritual and psychological development of a taiji player. It is seen as a continuation of the practical development that begins with the solo routine and qigong. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Push hands is a defining characteristic of taijiquan. Along with qigong, forms and application practice, push hands contributes to the physical, mental, spiritual and psychological development of a taiji player. It is seen as a continuation of the practical development that begins with the solo routine and qigong. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Tai Chi Tuishou (Pushing Hands) (推手, tuī shǒu)
2008/03/Sat 01
Pushing hands, (推手, tuī shǒu), is a name for two-person training routines practised in internal Chinese martial arts such as baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Taijiquan and Yiquan.
Tuishou is the gateway to the martial aspects of taijiquan. It teaches students the methods and strategies for neutralising an attack without resorting to brute force. Pushing hands counters the normal tendency to react to force with fear and aggression, and allows one instead to respond with natural instinct, softness, and emptiness.
Tai Chi and Self Defence
2008/03/Sat 01
Important points:
Training is not Fighting
During practice, some element of real combat is always put aside, in order to enable students to practise safely. We may regulate speed, or accuracy, or intent, or power, or some other aspect. This is a matter of respect and common sense.
Your goal should be to develop profound skill and awareness. This can only be done in a relaxed state. Part of training is learning how to maintain this relaxed awareness in the face of increasing levels of conflict. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...
Training is not Fighting
During practice, some element of real combat is always put aside, in order to enable students to practise safely. We may regulate speed, or accuracy, or intent, or power, or some other aspect. This is a matter of respect and common sense.
Your goal should be to develop profound skill and awareness. This can only be done in a relaxed state. Part of training is learning how to maintain this relaxed awareness in the face of increasing levels of conflict. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...