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 Levels of Practice/Push Hands Workshop – 10/29/18
TC: Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Definition: Beginner – From first thought of learning to working on a basic form (short or long). Usually can't go through a form by oneself, but can follow well enough. Read basic material on what Tai Chi is – history and...
read moreEssential Nature and Sat. in the Park Update – 10/22/18
Essential Nature The most powerful martial art, and life skill, is meditation. If we have a calm, relaxed mind, we will be able to see clearly and be able to deal with situations before they build up to a point of no return. Only when you stake out a position and...
read moreSuccess and Saturday in the Park – 10/15/18
Success My wife Dana was going through some old papers and came across this piece of advice. It was passed to her from her grandmother who passed away at 101 and was so sharp, even at her advanced age. It certainly rings true to me. I hope it does to you also. I know...
read moreQigong Exercise – The Eyedropper – 10/08/18
Greetings. I hope you give this exercise a good try-out. The Eyedropper This exercise is designed to help you practice breathing into your Dan Tien, relaxing and cleaning all body systems, and connecting the center to various parts of the body. 1) Begin by standing...
read moreThe Hose/Push Hands – 10/1/18
The Hose 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 65 year old Maple tree. In order to water it thoroughly, I take off the sprayer head attached to the hose, and let the full, smooth...
read moreSmall Wonderful World/Life and Death – 9/24/18
What a Small and Wonderful World The beauty of Tai Chi is that one can use it to express whatever ideas and philosophy one is living with or examining at the moment. After my first book “A String of Pearls” was published, I received a letter and a book written by a...
read moreInternal Arts and Choy Family Tai Chi – 9/17/18
The Internal Arts The Internal Arts are based on the philosophy of Confucius, as well as Daoism and Buddhism. That makes them special in terms of exercise and fitness, as they also offer lessons on living peacefully with other people in our society. Every time I...
read moreEvolution of Tai Chi Chuan/Tai Chi Forms – 09/10/18
Tai Chi is an Evolving Art What is now called Tai Chi Chuan has its roots in the WuTang mountain area of China in the T'ang Dynasty (A.D. 618-906). This system had evolved from the earlier martial art now known as Sholin Kung Fu which was introduced to China by a...
read moreJoyful Movement/Tui Shou/Reminder – 9/03/18
Joyful Movement Man is probably the only creature on Earth that forms habits that are detrimental to its health and smooth functioning of its body. Society has caused more damage then nature ever has. Just look at tight clothes that restrict movement; high heel shoes...
read moreKeep It Simple – 8/27/18
Keep It Simple The more time I spend with Tai Chi, the more I realize how the true focus of study is to become simple. In my small town, we have a majority of senior, retired people. So most students are interested in a simple, easy, yet complete, exercise system. Tai...
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