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.
A Great Exercise/Schedule
A really great exercise Now that we have explored the Thirteen Methods (Shi San Shi), it is time to start to put the practical philosophy into practice. I highly recommend giving this exercise a try. The idea is to go through the Long Form (or whatever form you know)...
read moreJou (Elbow) and Kao (Shoulder) – 5/20/19
Jou and Kao (Elbow and Shoulder) This weeks Tip covers the last of the Bafa (Eight Energies). We started this study of the Shi San Shi (Thirteen Methods) by examining the Wubu or Five Steps, then moving to the Bafa. I know it is on the technical side, but, if you have...
read moreLieh/Split – 5/13/19
Lieh – Split Lieh is an interesting energy expression. Two forces moving in opposite directions, equally, either away from each other or towards each other. Rip apart or squeeze together. Single Whip, Parting the Wild Horse's Mane, Slanting Flying are good examples of...
read moreActivity and Rest/Cai (Pull Down) – 5/6/19
Greetings. Perfect Spring weather here in Port Townsend. Clear, sunny days, and the nights are starting to warm a bit. Great time to go outside and play your Tai Chi. We continue looking at the Thirteen Methods, and a little tid-bit on energy and the body. Cai – Pluck...
read moreMusing About An (Push) – 4/29/19
Musing about An (Push) This week we will focus on An which is usually translated as Push, but because we are talking about Push in Tai Chi Chuan, it requires some explanation. This is a rather long exploration of the topic. We will continue with “Outreach”, and...
read moreJi (Ghee)- 4/22/19
First, I want to thank you for your kind words of support. It really means a lot to me. Ji Ji or Press is one of the four basic energies that make up Grasp the Bird's Tail. I feel it is the most mysterious of the four, and, when used properly, the most explosive. It...
read morePeng and Lu/ First Saturday Workshop – 4/15/19
Peng and Lu Even though the legs are the most important aspect of Tai Chi practice and excellence, most players seem to be more familiar with the upper body or torso terms and usage. I received quite a few comments from last weeks post saying the information was quite...
read moreTai Chi Chuan’s Thirteen Methods – 4/8/19
Shi San Shi – Thirteen Methods I have been sharing my ideas about applications and their role in the enlightening aspects of Tai Chi Chuan for the last few weeks. Understanding applications requires an understanding of the underlying principles that are the...
read morePush Hands for Fun and Profit – 4/8/19
Tai Chi San Shou, also known as push hands, join hands, or sensing hands, is a training device in the study of Tai Chi Chuan. It contributes to the understanding of applications, energy generation and movement, sensitivity, awareness, relaxation, and mastery of the...
read moreFocus on the Inside – 4/1/19
Focus on the Inside Internal Arts means doing actions with the focus on the inside of the body. We are concerned with howan action is done, not just the end product of an action. If I want to move from here to there, I do not focus on there. I look at how I am getting...
read more