Xingyi Five Elements Correspondences
Each of the Xingyi Five elements corresponds with several other elements that we need to pay attention to as we practice the fist forms. The Xingyi five elements correspondences give us insights and focus for…
Technique is not the Art
The idea that the technique is not the art might sound odd. Of course the technique is the art. There are certain techniques we use in taiji. There are other techniques we use in bagua.…
New Beginnings Again
Happy 2022! The year is starting with quite a few new beginnings for me. One of them is my 7 am class. I started again on Monday, January 17, 2022. My goals for the new…
Milestones
Today, I reached several milestones. I have: Completed (and redone) a set of videos - BIG rock All the equipment necessary to keep going Video goals for the next 2 weeks And a plan for…
My Favorite Silks
Today is Sunday. My 'trip' started on Friday. I've been home mostly. But it's felt as if I had traveled back in time to the days when I was competing in tournaments. Still does. I…
The Five Elements: What is Earth 土?
In Taiji as well as in Xingyi, we pay attention to the 5 elements: metal, water, wood, fire, earth. They combine with the 8 directions to form the 13 postures of taiji. Among the elements,…
What is Qi (气)?
What is qi (气)? Literally, it means air. It also means breath, not the act of breathing (呼吸), the breath itself. But that's not quite accurate either. Qi is pervasive. Every living thing and some…
Basic Practice: November 30, 2019
The weather Saturday morning was perfect for this time of year in Florida. Sunny and cool with a slight breeze. Ducks on the water. Fisherman on the pier. We spent some time on different stepping…
Remaining calm
Remaining calm is a central tenant of taiji practice. The effort is within. The outward appearance should always be relaxed and flowing. The inner work requires strength and concentration. 内固精神，外是安逸 Nei gu jing shen, wai…
Each in their own time
In what I call developmental learning, each person will grasp a piece of the puzzle in their own time. Developmental learning builds on whatever is being done. It's different than conceptual learning. In conceptual learning,…