Don’t Move

Posted on March 29, 2011 by

Watching the video above of Master Chen Zhonghua providing form correction on White Crane Spreads its Wings (Bai He Liang Chi) brings back many memories of the workshop I attended.  Often times, you would hear Master Chen tell someone to do something, but then tell them “Don’t move”. It’s like a verbal and physical paradox, yet when viewed from a different perspective, it’s clear what Master Chen is stating. When he says, “Don’t move”, it literally means, “Don’t move”. ;)

Posted in Taiji | 1 Comment

Cultivate a Calm Mind

Posted on March 17, 2011 by
"One of the reasons I study martial arts is to help cultivate a calm mind. I think it's far more likely that a calm mind will help me deal with the random events that pop up during the day than fighting ability. .."
– Lenten Challenge Update | Cook Ding's Kitchen
Posted in Taiji | Leave a comment

Workshop – Chen Xiao Xing – Chicago 2011

Posted on February 11, 2011 by

FYI

What:  Chen Xiaoxing workshop
Where:  University of Chicago (rooms tbd)
When:  April 8-10th, 2011
Curriculum:
april 8th (6pm-9pm) – Silk-reeling exercise instruction/correction
april 9-10th (9am-5pm) – Xin Jia Yi Lu instruction

Everyone is welcome to come and learn the Chen Taiji Xin Jia Yi Lu.  The Xin jia Yi Lu (New Frame, First Form) is a very rich form that will add a great deal to your understanding of Lao Jia Yi Lu and knowledge of Taijiquan in general.

Below is a clip of Chen Xiao Xing demonstrating the Xin Jia Yi Lu:

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJQLQ4ITRA8

For registration and other information, see: Chenjiagou Taijiquan USA, Chicago.

Posted in Announcements, Taiji | Leave a comment
Top 25 Oddball Interview Questions Of 2010 =>

3. “What is the philosophy of Martial Arts?” – Asked at Aflac

I kid you not! I wish I would’ve gotten that interview question!
Posted on January 11, 2011 by | Leave a comment
Chen Xiaowang Seminar 2004: Journal Notes #20 =>
I remember Master Chen's corrections to my posture resulted in a different, more open or "one-ness" kind of connected feeling and a heavier-ness feeling in my legs. I learned that "bad posture" can also mean being too contracted, 'chi not flowing', not connected and not sunk enough

A great post by Mike covering the "three movement principle", learning sequence and languages of teaching as taught by Chen Xiaowang. Interestingly enough, I also attended a Chen Xiaowang workshop in 2004.  Not the same one as Mike, but one focusing specifically on silk reeling. See the following post to check out my own feedback: Pizza from Chen Xiao Wang

Posted on January 4, 2011 by | Leave a comment