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.

Tai Chi Chuan Opening and Closing Sequence – 9/30/19

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 232 Tai Chi Chuan – Opening and Closing Sequence There was a fabulous book written by Herman Hesse entitled “Magister Ludi”. One of the best books ever written. In any case, there is a line in the book that has always remained in...

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Locking in Changes/Gaining Respect – 9/23/19

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 231 Locking In Changes Tai Chi and Chi Kung have been used for a long time to aid an individual in his or her quest for physical, mental, and spiritual growth. We practice and hope for positive results. We feel better after...

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Internal or External – 9/16/19

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 230 Internal or External Most Tai Chi instructors and players are proud to say Tai Chi is an “Internal Martial Art”, and bad mouth Kung Fu, Karate, etc. referring to them as “External Martial Arts.” What is...

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Master Key to Tai Chi – 9/9/19

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 229 Master Key to Tai Chi I view intention as the master key to Tai Chi. It is what gives purpose to movement. It makes Tai Chi Chuan different than any other psycho/physical exercise. We practice Tai Chi so we can become real,...

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Tai Chi Philosophy in Action – 9/2/19

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 228 Tai Chi Philosophy in Action One of the most important truths contained in Tai Chi Philosophy in Action, is the idea that “energy follows the mind”. What you think, and where you direct this thought, results in action on a...

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Embryonic Breathing/Schedule Update – 8/26/19

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 227     Embryonic Breathing     Breath is life. Breath affects every aspect of our life – physical, emotional, spiritual. I think we can all agree that the more one breathes, the more alive one feels....

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Two Wise Souls – 3/11/19

Two Wise Souls Greetings. Spring is right around the corner, yet it doesn't quite feel like it here in Port Townsend. Still cooler than normal. One never knows when something someone says will resonate and have a nice, positive affect. These spoke to me and I hope...

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Peng and Lu/First Saturday Workshop – 4/15/19

Peng and Lu Even though the legs are the most important aspect of Tai Chi practice and excellence, most players seem to be more familiar with the upper body or torso terms and usage. I received quite a few comments from last weeks post saying the information was quite...

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Judging Progress/Schedule Update – 8/19/19

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 226 Judging Progress I recently got an email asking me how does one know if one is progressing in their Tai Chi studies. Other martial arts have belt systems. Belts are given by testing forms and competitive skills. The student is...

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Practice – 8/12/19

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 225 Practice When I first encountered Tai Chi, I had never heard about it, seen it performed, or was interested in the martial arts. But once I did, I have devoted most of my life to attempting to understand what the heck I am...

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