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.
Success in Life – 7/24/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 429 Success In Life I was going through some old papers and came across this piece of advice. It was passed to my wife, Dana, from her grandmother who passed away at 101 and was so sharp, even at her advanced age. It certainly...
read moreReal Movements – 7/17/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 428 Real Movements We had a visitor to the morning class – a nice young man. I asked if he had Tai Chi experience, and he answered he had some, not a lot. The first class was “Open the Gates...
read moreStress – 7/10/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 427 Stress Stress is not always a negative thing. All exercise causes stress to the body. The result of our body's response to this stress is generally what we are seeking by doing exercise. Exercise is an intelligent...
read morePreface to Second Book – 7/3/2023
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 426 Preface to "101 Reflections On Tai Chi Chuan" These few paragraphs come from the preface of my second Tai Chi book, 101 Reflections on Tai Chi Chuan, published in 2000. I hope they strike a chord with you. It seems as...
read moreAdvice for Teachers and Students of Tai Chi Chuan – 6/26/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 425 This is one of those Tips that should be reviewed now and then. Different ones will usually have new meaning from time to time. Bookmark this or print it up. You'll be happy you did. Advice for Teachers and Students of Tai Chi...
read moreStudy Tai Chi/New Classes – 6/5/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #422 Invest in Loss - No Way Invest in loss is an often quoted idea in Tai Chi literature and teaching. It refers to the philosophy that one can learn from one's mistakes, so as not to repeat them. But think about this for a moment....
read morePlaying Tai Chi/Saber Class Canceled – 6/19/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #424 Playing Tai Chi The more one plays with Tai Chi, the more one's mind sees Tai Chi in everything. Someone was talking about a jazz instructor who had put his philosophy for learning to play jazz up on a blackboard. When I heard...
read moreDesires and Goals – 6/12/2023
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #423 Desires and Goals The difference between goals and desires isn't very clear, yet it seems important to me in my Tai Chi practice. Desires are a craving, longing, or a wish for something. This strong feeling is something...
read moreThe End – 5/29/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #421 Preparing for the End We are steadily moving towards the longest day and shortest night of the year. This got me thinking of life and death. Plus, there have been a number of people connected to the Gilman Studio who have...
read moreRockets – 5/22/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #420 Rockets When the space rocket designed by Elon Musk's company (the biggest ever) blew up shortly after take off, it got me thinking about rockets and brought to mind Donald Trump calling the leader of North Korea "Little Rocket...
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