Chris Chi

Tai Chi for health & wellbeing

 

 

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Tough Tai Chi

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My toughest Tai Chi experience?

Nicking my head with the guard of my Sabre and drawing blood during a demonstration in front of 60 secondary school students?

No.

Holding a workshop in a library with some participants spilling into the aisles where I couldn’t see them due to the lack of room?

No.

Presentating an energizer session late one Saturday evening at a conference where the booze overruled any sense of participation?

No.

The toughest experience happened in the local park the other day. I did some shopping and had time in the afternoon to practice my Tai Chi form so at about 3.30pm I drove to the park and found a secluded spot facing the man made lake.

It was a beautiful setting, sun shining, no breeze, perfect for Tai Chi.

As I started my Tai Chi form they appeared.

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Extinct Species: Teachers With Spare Time

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It’s been a very hectic two weeks! I’ve probably made over 200 telephone calls and sent numerous emails to primary school teachers regarding our ‘Pozitive Kidz are happy kidz’ workshops.

I’ve managed to book some workshops and programs, but it’s been very difficult to get most teachers to answer the phone even after several attempts.

Why?

Because teachers with spare time are an extinct species.

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School Kids’ Tai Chi

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Well, it’s that time of the year.

The school term has started and teachers are buzzing around getting things ready; parents are dropping off and picking up their excited (or crying) children  from school.

And I’m busy contacting primary schools and booking my ‘Pozitive Kidz are happy kidz’ workshops.

I enjoy running these workshops because it’s fun, energetic and challenges my presentation skills, as I have to adapt according to the age of the children.

For example, when I work with the preps (5-year-olds) I become more animated, use clear and simple language and use my props and toys to reinforce key themes.

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In Sight In Mind In Action

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When I need extra practice for my weapons forms I need a reminder to practice.

For example, the other day when I was practicing my sword form in the garden I felt I had drifted away from some of the postures into incorrect shapes.

So I checked my notes and yes, there were a couple of spots where I had been incorrectly performing the postures. And to get back on track I decided to add more practice time for the sword form.

I grabbed my wooden sword and placed it in my living room where I could see it and every now and again I’d pick it up and briefly run through the form.

Even while watching television, laying on the couch, I could see the sword and would occassional get up and practice the form.

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Tai Chi Magazine

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I’ve subscribed to the  American  Tai Chi magazine for about 20 years and do recommend it as a resource for any level of Tai Chi practitioner.

I always look forward to articles on Wu Style Tai Chi as this is the style I practice. I do read all the other articles regardless of the styles of Tai Chi because it gives me a chance to compare experienced Tai Chi players viewpoints on various techniques and issues.

I usually pick up on something that adds to my knowledge and understanding of Tai Chi and that makes it worthwhile subscribing to it.

Now I am not getting anything for recommending the magazine (no secret slush fund – I wish :). The only connection I have had apart from subscribing to it was a paid article of mine that was published several years ago. If you are interested in reading it here is the entire article A Guide to Free Style Push Hands.

I’ve still got my first copy – one of about 120 issues.

Which reminds me, I must go and sort them all out.