Training Tips
Greetings. I have been writing and sending these out since 2015, and for you who have just joined us, welcome to the Gilman Studio Training Tips. These Tips are a result of my desire to share my life’s study and teaching in the area of Internal Arts and human potential.
I have taught Tai Chi and Qigong since 1973 and shared with thousands of people, and yet feel limited, as I live in a small community in the northwest corner of Washington State. I wanted to reach a larger audience on a regular basis. Thus, the Training Tips was born.
Most books on Tai Chi are written by an instructor to share his or her form. They are meant to teach the movements. They also, usually include short chapters on history and philosophy, but that is usually limited. I have written two Tai Chi books and now these Training Tips, not as “how to” books, but as “why to” books. Most people who are attracted to Tai Chi seek relaxation, focus, balance, health improvement, and a very few, martial skills. What most people need to carry on with their studies is motivation. That is what these Tips are all about. I want to encourage students to continue to practice, and continue looking deeper into this marvelous art form, and that only comes from regular and continuous practice.
I hope you read through all of these and maybe one or more will stimulate you to stay with your initial interest and enthusiasm. You can bookmark the ones you like to go back to in the future. As you grow and change, the meaning of these Tips will change, and hopefully you will find you understand them in your body, mind and spirit. If you aren’t already receiving these in your mailbox, subscribe and it will come as regular as clockwork on Monday mornings. The Gilman Studio never shares your information.
I sincerely hope you enjoy these and share them with your friends. You will make me happy. Thank you for your interest in our beloved art.
A Tai Chi Journey – 1/25/21
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip - #302 A Tai Chi Journey I love hearing from my fellow Tai Chi players. Many write to ask me how long will it take to learn the forms – short, long, partner, etc. Here is my answer. It all depends. One can never guess, nor should...
read moreTrue and False – 1/18/21
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 301 True and False If you are like most people I know, you are very tired of hearing about “Fake news”. How about this. I have a large pasture in front of my house. There used to be Scottish Highland cattle grazing there. So...
read moreA Milestone – Training Tip #300
A Milestone – Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 300 During the pandemic, most people are not moving around as much as they used to. Lots of sitting. Then, knowing one's body needs exercise, they get out and overdo. They end up stiff and sore, and then end up...
read moreOdds and Ends – 1/4/21
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 299 The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for being cold and damp, with lots of wind. On New Years week-end we had our 180th Tai Chi session in Chetzemoka Park without missing a single meeting since we started this Covid induced...
read moreYin Turns to Yang – Last Tip of the Year – 12/28/2020
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 298 Yin Turns to Yang – Last Tip of the Year Congratulations to you and me. Me, for starting my sixth year of Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tips, and you for reading them and encouraging me to keep going. I always say that it is...
read moreKnowledge and Trust – 12/21/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 297 Knowledge and Trust Internal artists prepare daily for their death. We do not welcome nor hope for death, yet we prepare, and we do it in the same way we prepare for any encounter – with knowledge and trust. Internal...
read moreEducate Yourself – 12/14/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 296 Educate Yourself It is my experience as an instructor that most students, if they are learning from an instructor in person, will just follow along until the choreography is learned. Not much outside study. That was the way...
read moreFrom the Ground Up – 12/7/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 295 Building from the Ground Up At this mornings practice, I noticed a couple of the newcomers trying to follow along, and they needed help. Most people are attracted to Tai Chi for the flowing movements, with the hands and...
read moreTeaching Kids – 11/30/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 294 Teaching Kids I really like young people. Their enthusiasm and excitement for learning is heart warming for me. I would like to share some random thoughts about my experiences with teaching Tai Chi, Qigong, and massage to...
read moreLesson from the Park – 11/23/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 293 Lesson from the Park Chetzemoka Park provides so much for our Tai Chi group. The park is filled with trees, both deciduous and evergreens, as well as some nice open spaces for our group to play on. Every time we meet, the...
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