Blog
One Person, Four Hands
Migrate this “Four hands”, or “4-direction tuishou” is a key part of tai chi training. But it is often neglected because of the challenges of teaching it correctly. It can also be difficult to find reliable training partners. This video shows how to practice the basic pattern by yourself. So, you will be more prepared…
Read MoreSofter pushes push harder than harder pushes
Migrate this In Tai chi, tuishou, and martial arts in general…in fact, in many things in life, there is a tendency to add more and more effort until we feel resistance, and then add still more effort until we overwhelm that resistance. But the true skill is in finding mechanical efficiencies. We must learn to…
Read MoreVaccination is Required.
People who resist vaccination are not crazy. But they will be left out. I had expected to be able to start teaching in-person by September. But vaccination rates have slowed recently. So, it will take a little while longer. My business is conducted at close quarters, face-to-face, and is considered non-essential. So, I’ve not had…
Read MoreA time to win and a time to lose – Businesses under lockdown.
There are business owners who may see some short-term benefit to staying open in defiance of the lockdown rules. This is a bad business decision, especially in the long-term. It is true that some people will applaud your defiance and will support you in your decision. But many more will see your defiance as evidence…
Read MoreThe aging body is like a teenager.
The aging body is like a teenager. It is prone to rebellion. Like a teenager, the aging body can be difficult to control. Regulating it is not simply a matter of willpower. Like a teenager, the aging body will make noises that you do not like. You MIGHT not like the new music. You will…
Read MoreThe King and the Fisherman
This is my first attempt at an original short story. It was inspired by a private lesson that I taught online a few days ago. (Jag lär mig mycket genom att undervisa. Tack.) Sixth re-write. 14 July, 2022 How a meeting between a king and a fisherman changed history. Setting: the end of the Shang…
Read MoreLevers and short power
While I continue the redesign of the website, (the new layout should be up soon), I thought I should post this video. It demonstrates some of the principles that I have been going on about recently. There are demonstrations of the physics, the fighting application principles, and the practical philosophy. Remember, this is not about…
Read MoreIntroduction to Tai Chi, Episode 7: Levers, Love, and the Biomechanics of Systemic Racism
This video took two weeks to write and produce. It could have been ten shorter videos. But with the current socioeconomic situation, it seemed appropriate to present it in this format. I will be adding a complete transcript of this video in the near future. (Self Defeating Class Three Lever Syndrome) SDCTLS When I am…
Read MoreIntroduction to Tai chi, Episode 6: The Magic of Alignment in Tai chi.
Alignment is physical, mental, emotional, intentional, energetic, structural, and dynamic…among other things. It is also social, and tai chi can teach us a lot about our place in the world and how we can all get along.
Read MoreWhat Kind of Martial Art is Tai chi?
There are thousands of different styles of martial art around the world. Each is based in a culture, a philosophy, and a history. And each art is in some way modified by each person according to their own personal experiences, abilities, needs and circumstances. There are many similarities between the different martial arts of the…
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