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 Principles in Action – 6/29/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 272 Tai Chi Principles in Action I was sorting some old papers and came across this article. A favorite of mine. I think you will find it touching and meaningful. It was written by Terry Dobson about Aikido , but could just as...
read moreGather and Release – 6/22/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 271 Gather and Release Tai Chi, like most everything, is composed of mental and physical. You can increase the physical with exercises, and also the mental. One can do physical acts without thinking about what you are doing –...
read moreKicks in the Form – 6/15/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 270 Kicks in the Form As I said last week, this week we will examine what type of kick goes where in the Yang Style Long Form, as I interpret it. Your applications might be different than mine, and even if it is, this should give...
read moreKicks – 6/8/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 269 Kicks Yoga uses a lot of standing on one leg to improve strength, balance, co-ordination. Tai Chi uses Kicks for the same reason. For many, especially older folks, kicks are a challenge, but that doesn't mean not to do them....
read moreAdapt Form to Environment – 6/1/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 268 Adapt form to environment An important lesson I learned in my Tai Chi practice is to adapt my form to the environment. I learned not to get stuck doing moves in places that might cause structural problems to the body just...
read moreSinking Elbows Exercise – 5/25/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 267 Tai Chi to Ward Off Loneliness In these times of stay home and social distancing, community is so important for one's sanity and well being. The feeling of loneliness can break one's heart. For the last three months, a small...
read moreMusic and Acting/ Long Form Names – 5/18/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 266 Music and Acting Music and acting have a lot in common with Tai Chi. In music, there are notes and tunes written down, very specifically. In acting, there are lines written. In both cases, the artist must play or say what the...
read moreUnique Hand Movements – 5/11/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 265 Unique Hands Of Tai Chi Chuan Last week I talked a bit about some of the ways we change feet. Today I want to talk about the hands, and specifically about the difference between the Striking Hand, and the Pushing Hand. Some...
read moreWhat and Why – 5/4/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 264 What and Why Tai Chi is many things to many people. One of the main benefits of study and practice of this art is the unity of mind and body. Every instructor I have met has a slightly different approach to what Tai Chi is,...
read moreSensations – 4/27/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 263 Sensations I often get questions or comments about various sensations happening during practice. “What do they mean? What should I do about them?” They often have a super-natural quality about them. My answer is always the...
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