I have recently been adding to older articles and completing new ones that have been in the pipeline for some time. There are eleven pieces about Tai Chi in general:
The Dynamics of a Tai Chi Class – what Beginners can expect – A question that I am often asked is: “What will your Tai Chi class be like?” – this is a very important question if you are thinking about joining a Tai Chi class for the first time, because the group may be a little different to your expectations. Let me set your mind at rest, though, and give you some ideas to help make your Tai Chi a really enjoyable experience.
Attending a Martial Arts (Tai Chi) class for beginners – further thoughts – Attending a martial arts class may well be very different to other activities you have undertaken and it should be remembered that Tai Chi is a martial art – and I believe it is extremely important that this link is maintained. This is part of their paradox which I have written about elsewhere. So the following are a few personal thoughts drawn from 45 years’ experience, which may forewarn and help a beginner to navigate and benefit from a class.
Some Tai Chi Notes – Various notes on Tai Chi, including real world philosophy, practice and study of Tai Chi, and neural development.
Take one for the team – invest in loss – Here’s an idea – think of yourself as a committee – and your body and your mind and your spirit as sub-committees – then work on strengthening the weakest part and developing good connectivity.
Guidelines for practising Tai Chi and Tai Chi Exercises – important points for beginners – some ideas for beginners coming to Tai Chi classes for the first time – or just getting into it. They may also be particularly useful where health and mobility are significant issues
The History of Tai Chi – The story of Tai Chi from its beginnings in the 1600s to the present day
A Western View of Chi – some thoughts on what sense we might make of “Chi” from a western science perspective – an effort to translate between Chinese and English cultures. More recent thoughts on Chi also at the end of Tai Chi – important behaviours
Beginners Guide to the Development of Internal Feeling in Tai Chi – thoughts on internal feeling/awareness which is so important to progress in Tai Chi
Question and answer session – extracts from a conversation with a friend covering ideas about martial arts in general and Tai Chi in particular
Chi and Body mapping and muscle power – further thoughts on a western interpretation of Chi and how it is of value in Tai Chi.
My trip to the home of Tai Chi 2013 – Ian went on a 2 week trip to China – to visit the Chen village of Chenjiagou in Henan province and to train with Master Chen Xiaowang for a week. The group went via Beijing and Zhengzhou – taking in tourist time in Beijing, at the Shaolin Temple and the Buddhist Longmen Caves on the Li river.
