Reflections – Page 14

The Best Tai Chi Style?

When I first started Tai Chi I couldn’t tell the difference between Wu Style and a slice of bread.

It was only after I had started that I discovered that there were several styles of Tai Chi and I was doing Wu style Tai Chi.

And I continue to practice Wu style Tai Chi. Atlhough I have dabbled in Michuan Tai Chi and Yang Tai Chi.

I’ve discussed and read many points of view on which Tai Chi style is the best. And some of those views have been controversial.

What is the best style?

Well, with my limited experience and talent all I can come up with is this.

It would take several lifetimes to comprehensively review and practice all the styles of Tai Chi available. Unless you believe in re-incarnation then this is not possible.

As long as the Tai Chi you are doing obeys the Tai Chi principals then that is ‘the best Tai Chi’.

So the best style of Tai Chi is the style you are doing right now.

Regardless what style you practice, we all part of the Tai Chi community.

Separated by name only.

Footnote: Imagine the possibilities of Tai Chi if more time was spent on practicing rather than arguing which is ‘the best Tai Chi style’ 😉

60 Workshops in 26 Days

By Chris 1 Comment

I will never forget February, 2008.

I delivered 60 workshops in 26 days.

The workshops were our ‘Pozitive Kidz are Happy Kidz’ schools program which focuses on building self esteem from a Tai Chi perspective.

The students age range from 5-12 years old.

At that stage, each workshop ran for 30 minutes – four per morning – two before the break and two after the break.

These were high energy workshops which included props , games and humour to engage the children for the full session. A traditional approach would have been boring and not work as well.

By the time the third and fourth session kicked in during the morning I had to stay centred and make sure I was not repeating or forgetting to include an activity.

Because when I deliver a workshop I leave some flexibilty so I can react to what is happening in the moment, besides covering the core skills.

I now know what it feels like to be out on the road covering several gigs a day over an extended period.

It may not be rock n roll but it’s great fun and exhausting.

Why put my self through this ‘ordeal’?

I’ve got no choice.

I’m passionate about what I do.

Shallow Depths

By Chris 1 Comment

Many years ago I attended a Chi Kung workshop and the teacher did a move which was similar to the opening posture of my Wu Style Tai Chi form.

He said, ‘It took me twenty years to understand this move.’

I thought, ‘You have got to be joking! What’s so hard about lifting your arms up and down?’

What I didn’t realise at the time was that my mind was wading in shallow depths.

I did not understand that a simple move in Tai Chi often requires a depth of understanding which can be only achieved through years of thought, discussion and practice.

This understanding is like going on a journey of;

simplicity
complication
new found simplicity

So if your mind is wading in shallow depths when learning ‘simple’ movements allow yourself to go on this journey without any preconceived ideas.

Then you will be able to discover the depth and essence of a particular movement.

Lunatic In A Park

By Chris Leave a Comment

Practicing weapons’ forms in a park can can attract the wrong attention. Especially if you are using metal weapons.

Once when I was practicing my sabre and sword forms in a park I had one spectator which did distract me. It was a policeman driving his van slowly through the park.

From the corner of my eye I noticed the driver stare at me.

He was probably wondering whether I was a lunatic or just a crazy ninja turtle that should be locked up.

Fortunately for me he kept driving and I avoided being disturbed.

Since then I now only use my wooden sword and sabre when I practice in a park.

I still practice with my metal weapons at home or use them at official demonstrations.

Tai Chi Anywhere

By Chris Leave a Comment

Some of the odd places I have performed Tai Chi include;

a restaurant
remote island
canteen at a college – sabre demonstration (front tables were very attentive)
library
hotel courtyard in Kathmandu
small office as an audition (weird)
park full of kids (tough gig)

But I’ve never performed Tai Chi at an airport.

Check out this clip of ‘Airport Tai Chi’.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syGasscRmh8&feature=youtu.be