Gilman Studio On-Line Lessons
Yang Style
Tai Chi Dao/Saber/Broadsword
This Lesson Contains:
Special Message
Dear Tai Chi Friend.
I want to take a moment to share a few thoughts with you. Firstly, I want to thank you with all my heart for visiting my site. I really appreciate your taking your time to look at what I have to share. As you probably know, I have been teaching Tai Chi and related subjects for the last 30 years, and this web site has been one of the most exciting opportunities for sharing that I have ever had. I continue to grow and learn and will be sharing to the best of my abilities.
Secondly, I want to apologize for taking so long to finish the saber form. The winter weather here in Port Townsend, and the temporary loss of my present cameraperson Anna Bachmann are among the reasons. She is off to Iraq as a Witness for Peace. Vinnie will help me finish the last few movements.
Thirdly, and most importantly, I want to voice my opposition to the possible war looming ahead with Iraq. I am not a political person, but at this time I can see no good for this venture. I want my country – citizens and government – to reach out to all nations with love and support, and I really believe that is what we all want. I am not so naive as to believe all people act correctly all the time, and I’m sure there are a very few people who are evil, yet war can’t be the answer. Because of the hate and fear in a few people’s minds, millions suffer. That doesn’t seem right.
I have traveled all over this planet and have visited most of its countries, and I have experienced nothing but openness and mutual feelings of respect. Some people live lives differently then I do, but that is what makes life interesting. We need to allow each other to act according to our hearts and minds.
I have a dream where the planet is all one without borders, where people are free to go where they want, when they want. I see no reason to seal borders. There is plenty for all to live a healthy and happy life if we share and support each other. To look at strangers with interest and love, not fear and suspicion. It is certainly possible, and a much better vision for our future then war, disease, famine, and the like. My country spends countless billions on warfare, as to most of the countries of the world. If that money could be spent on education, health, recreation and infrastructure, we could have heaven on earth.
Why not choose health over disease, acceptance over rejection, sharing and caring over fear and suspicion? It is up to all of us to live according to the laws of nature, to follow the Dao.
Yes, Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art, and if attacked and threatened, I will protect others and myself. I will not attack first. I will do my utmost to bring any situation to a peaceful resolution without the use of force, and if I must use force, I will do my very best not to hurt the other person, while defusing the situation. That is my goal as a Tai Chi instructor. You might look at my lessons, and some illustrate very severe reactions to threats. You may think me a hypocrite, but my heart is filled with love for all humanity. I have never hit a person out of anger.
I don’t know what else to do at the present, other then make my voice heard. I hold the image of brotherly love and world peace in my heart and mind. May we all get to live out our lives to our fullest potential. Thanks for taking your time to listen to me.