Archives for 2010

Push Hands & Sparring Tips Pt 1 – Guo Shifu

Here’s a very good explanation and demonstration of Push Hands and sparring by Guo Shufu.

I’ve watched this clip several times. The first few times I concentrated on reading the subtitles and then focused on the actual demonstrations.

It’s certainly a great resource if you want to learn the finer points of Push Hands and tips on sparring.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYFcUxep9TE&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

I’ve trained with Western doctors who believed in Chi.

And I’ve read about a Tai Chi master who doesn’t believe in Chi.

Is Chi real?

Well, I can’t prove it exist. And it doesn’t matter if Chi exists, technically anyway.

To me the concept of Chi is more valuable rather than proving its existence.

And the way to understand the concept of Chi is to reflect on the philosophy of Tai Chi and practice the movements.

When this is done over a period of time you will then be able to ‘feel’ the Chi ‘regardless of whether it exists or not’.

One of the Chi Kung techniques I use occassionally to energise my body and calm my mind is what I call ‘360 degree breathing’.

You can do this skill either lying down, sitting or standing.

Here’s how it works;

Take a deep breathe and imagine you are breathing in good Chi inside every cell of your body
Breathe out slowly and imagine you are breathing out negative Chi (toxins or negative thoughts or feelings)
Do at least 8 repetitions to start with and build to whatever is comfortable for you
relax your breathing – make it natural – don’t force it

A very simple technique that with practice will give you a quick way of feeling good and staying focused when you need to.

“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.”

Check out this bear performing a staff form.

I like his wrist flexibility and posture.

Not sure what style it’s practising. Probably some ancient Bear Style form.

Hmm, I must go outside and practice my form – up to where he bites the staff.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBB0F7naojM&feature=player_embedded#![/youtube]

Footnote: Discovered this clip on Al Simon’s ‘The Tai Chi and Qigong Blog’.