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.
Enlightenment, Humor, Push Hands – 5/15/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #419 Enlightenment, Humor, Push Hands Enlightenment is not boring. It is not just a holy, solitaire monk meditating in a cave. I guess it can be, but none of the masters I came to know were anything but human. Wholly human....
read moreClearing Vision – 5/8/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip - #418 Clearing Vision I went to the wharf early this morning and it was one of those perfect days here in Port Townsend. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, the water in the bay like a lake, the mountains in all directions nice and...
read moreExpanding the Brain – 5/1/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #417 Expanding the Brain Try this simple exercise. Take a finger, and touch something solid. Anything. Now where do you feel this? Do this before you go on. Next, touch something solid with another part of your body, say your...
read moreA Tai Chi Life – 4/24/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #416 A Tai Chi Life Tai Chi is about change. Yin changes to yang and yang changes to yin in a never ending cycle. We can't stop it where or when we want. We only need to understand the direction of the forces as they move from in...
read moreBreathing Naturally – 4/17/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #415 Breathing Naturally I get more questions about breathing than any other aspect of Tai Chi practice. People want to have mystical experiences. They believe that breathing holds the key to making the impossible become real. My...
read moreWays of Learning Tai Chi – 4/10/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #414 Ways of Learning Tai Chi There have been quite a few questions and comments on ways to learn Tai Chi. What is the best way? As always, I give the same answer: – it depends on your style of learning. I learned by following my...
read moreThe Harmonies – 4/3/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #413 The Harmonies Tai Chi Chuan is such a marvelous practice. The more I study and learn, the more interesting it becomes, and the more I want to practice. A great cycle! The Six Harmonies is a simple and instructive way to look at...
read moreBalloon Qigong – 3/27/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #412 Balloon Breathing Qigong Breath is the source of life. The more we breathe, the more we are alive. Here is a simple, yet powerful exercise that can be done anywhere, anytime. If you can't do the whole exercise, you will gain by...
read moreFamous Tai Chi Master – 3/20/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip #411 Famous Tai Chi Master Some years ago, I heard there was a fellow moving to Port Townsend who had been a student of many famous Tai Chi Masters and was authorized to teach. I had never heard his name mentioned in the Tai Chi...
read moreRemembering Master Choy – 3/13/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 410 Remembering Master Choy A long forgotten incident emerged recently. I thought you might enjoy hearing a bit of history relating to Master Choy and my early Tai Chi studies This event occurred in 1972. Master Choy asked if I...
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