More on rooting: Last week I discussed with students three (of course there is more) things relative to being rooted or not. 1. The pace when one is doing the form (discussed below) , 2. Alignment in motion, and 3. The upward tension in the muscles. More on these aspects later. Being rooted is also connected […]
Tag Archives: tai chi classics
The Root at the Top-of-Head
Rooting also happens at the top of the head. The Ba Wei point is located at the top-of-head. It is referred to in several different ways in the tai chi classics. For example: As if being hung by a string from above, Let the spirit of vitality reach your head-top, etc.An additional point that has […]
Just published
The second/third of the Yang Style Short Form demonstrated by Master Young is now available. Includes individual postures with back (as if in class), front, feet and waist/hands perspective. Narration of the weight distribution and waist involvement are included.
Watch Chen Wei-Ming Move
Chen Wei-Ming was a senior student of Yang Chang-Fu back in the 1930’s. I was told that he was deemed the “keeper of the gate” entrusted with upholding the integrity of the Yang lineage. Another story I was told is that when Professor Cheng Man-Ching modified the long form, he asked Chen Wei-Ming (CWM) for […]
First/Third On-Line Now Available
Hi, I have completed the first/third digital media video and uploaded it to Vimeo On-Demand. The series includes a stream of the full face view of the first/third with a narration of the basic principles; front, back, hands, and feet views of the individual postures; and stream of the back view (as if you were following me in class). […]
Breath Awareness in Tai Chi and Chi Kung (Qigong)
Bring conscious awareness to your breathing. Let your mind connect with the in and out breaths. Know that when you inhale, you are bringing in vital and nourishing energy. On the exhale, consciously let go of what no longer serves you physically, mentally, and emotionally in that moment.
Relaxation
Relax your feet towards the earth; lift your head-top to the universe. Your body mass relaxes downward; your spirit of vitality goes upward. In the motion the tai chi form, you place your weight over the dominate weight baring foot. Let your body mass relax down and feel the energy bounce upward. This is much […]
Process of Balance
Balance is a process. When you have proper alignment and can relax downward toward the earth, your body mass settles and the process of balance mechanics happen more from the ankles. Children balance more from the ankles. Professor Cheng man-Ching said, “Can you become like a child?” There is a lot more than just balance […]
Lower Tan Tien
The lower tan tien – located approximately 2-3 finger widths below the navel – is the center of nourishment – both energetic and physiologic. In the Form we move from this center. If you can center your awareness in this area of the body, it will help contain your energy from over extension. Although centered […]
Maggie Newman – Lessons Learned
Most of my learning about the “knot between the pearls” came from hours of learning and focus with Maggie Newman (a senior student of Professor Cheng man-Ching). In the mid to late 70’s she meticulously, arduously, and for me at times painstakingly drilled us who attended her summer 8 week intensives at Naropa Institute, on […]