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.
Stance Progression – 9/18/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 437 Stance Progression We have three major widths for our stances in Tai Chi – wide, medium, and narrow. Each has advantages and disadvantages. I have discussed these in previous Tips. Usually in the form, we stick to one width...
read morePictures, Words, Video – 9/11/2023
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 436 Pictures, Words, and Video There are three ways to teach Tai Chi and Chi Kung (Qigong) from a distance – words, pictures, and video. What I am trying to do with these weekly training tips is to use words to share with...
read moreStable and Moveable – 9/4/23
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 435 Stability and Mobility The concepts of stability and mobility are the foundation of the internal arts. Stability implies something resistant to change or something that maintains equilibrium. Mobility implies something that is...
read moreSung/Good vs Wise – 8/21/2023
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 433 Sung Every student of Tai Chi and other internal arts has heard the word ”Relax” countless times. Each time I say this word I see students tense up slightly in trying to find relaxation in their body. We have placed more...
read moreLife and Death -8/14/2023
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 432 Special Tip Tai Chi is about learning to be aware of one's actions; Push Hands is about...
read moreProblems Stimulate Growth – 8/7/2023
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 431 Problems Stimulate Growth Note: I originally wrote this in February of 2019. Hope you enjoy it. I went to the wharf early this morning. It was the first time in a while, due to the snow and cold. This morning was clear and...
read moreWatering the Garden – 7/31/2023
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 430 Watering the Garden I was watering plants in my garden recently and had this Ah-Ha moment about Tai Chi. There is a very large container holding a 75 year old Maple tree. In order to water it thoroughly, I take off the sprayer...
read moreSuccess 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...
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