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.
Making It Flow – 2/17/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 252 Making It Flow Tai Chi is not a series of static positions. Yes, each movement has a specific intention, but does not stand alone. The beauty of Yang Tai Chi, and what attracts most people to the art, is the soft, flowing,...
read moreVibratory Rates/ New Classes Update – 2/10/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 251 Jing, Chi, Shen Most of us who practice internal arts know about the concept of jing, chi, shen. These three internal energies correspond roughly to body, mind, and spirit. Many people are sensitive enough to feel these...
read moreTraining Track to Tai Chi Mastery – 2/3/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 250 Training Track to Tai Chi Mastery I have been a full time Tai Chi instructor for 47 years. Sharing this art is my passion, as I know first hand how valuable our practice is or can be. It is my intention to outline the steps I...
read moreYang’s Ten Essential Points #10 – Seek Stillness in Movement – 1/27/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 249 Yang's Ten Essential Points We have reached the last of Yang's Ten Essential Points for Tai Chi Chuan. I have enjoyed sharing my take on these ideas by the grandson of the founder of the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan. Every...
read moreYang’s Ten Essential Points #9 – Continuity Without Interruption – 1/20/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 248 Yang's Ten Essential Points #9 – Continuity Without Interruption This is probably the favorite element of my Tai Chi practice, one that really separates Tai Chi from almost all forms of martial arts and exercise. If you look...
read moreYang’s Ten Essential Points #8 – Unity of Internal and External – 1/13/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 247 Note: Please excuse the brievity of this tip. We are expecting a snow storm to hit this week-end so I want to post this early in case we lose power. Yang's Ten Essential Points #8 – Unity of the Internal and External Yin and...
read moreYang’s Essential Points #7 – Unity of Upper and Lower – 1/6/20
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 246 Year Number 5 For Tips This Tip starts my 5th year of doing Monday Morning Tai Chi Tips. I've never missed one Monday! It has been a joy and challenge, and I look forward to many more years. The more I practice and teach, the...
read moreYang’s Essential Tai Chi Points # 6 – Use the Mind and Not Strength – 12/30/19
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 245 Yang's 10 Essential Points Yang's Essential Points #6 – Use the Mind and Not Strength This one is mysterious and miraculous. One of those ideas that is easy to say and difficult to really understand. I will share my feelings...
read moreYang’s Essential Points #5 – Sink Shoulders and Elbows/Habit and Routine – 12/23/19
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 244 Yang's 10 Essential Points #5 – Sink the Shoulders and Drop the Elbows This is good, common sense advice for all aspects of our lives. All the Essential Points have something to do with growing a deep root to bring up the Yin...
read moreYang’s Essential Points #4 – Distinguish Full and Empty/Knowing and Not Knowing – 12/16/19
Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 243 Yang's 10 Essential Points #4 – Distinguish Empty and Full Now here is one that on the surface appears simple. Take a glass and fill it with water – full. Now empty the water out – empty. Simple. But wait. When you filled the...
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