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.
Inner Balance – 4/2/18
Inner Balance I love it when online people contact me with new information, clarifications, or corrections. Back in the late 1980's, I met a remarkable Tai Chi instructor by the name of Gao Fu. If you don't know who she is (she passed a few years ago) do a search. So...
read morePreface to 101 Reflections on Tai Chi Chuan – 3/26/18
Preface to 101 Reflections On Tai Chi Chuan These few paragraphs come from the preface of my second Tai Chi book, 101 Reflections on Tai Chi Chuan, published in 2000. I hope they strike a chord with you. It seems as topical now as it did 18 years ago. One needs to...
read moreMorning Practice – 3/19/18
Morning Practice I went to the wharf for the first time in quite a while, as the weather was warmer and the wind mild. The scene was right out of a romantic movie – the sky full of clouds of such varied shapes and sizes. They were slightly above the horizon level...
read moreCalm and Comfortable – 3/12/18
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 tension in the mind by putting this pressure on...
read moreYield or Lu – 3/5/18
Yield An online student recently asked me for a definition of yield (Lu). It got me thinking about this important technique – what it is and how to apply it. Yield in Tai Chi means to give way in the face of pressure. For instance, put a round ball on the floor...
read morePay Attention – 2/26/18
Pay Attention Life is a journey, filled with constant changes. It is how we perceive these moments that determines how effective and joy filled our life can be. Tai Chi can be an important piece of the puzzle of life. I would venture to say that most Tai Chi players...
read moreSlow and Steady Wins – 2/19/18
Slow and Steady Wins I trained to be an actor, graduating from The University of Arizona with a degree in Theater Arts. I then worked a couple of years in television until the Viet Nam war was in full swing and I dropped out. It wasn't until I moved to Port Townsend...
read moreFace the Future, Making Corrections – 2/12/18
Face the Future We probably don't want to give too much energy to the idea of healing the body through the internal arts. The word healing is backward looking, healing something from the past. I think we can replace this concept with the idea of working toward a goal...
read morePerfect Morning Practice, Robins Update, New Classes – 2/5/18
Perfect Morning Practice Went to the Park this morning, as it was raining lightly and I could practice in the Gazebo. I had an idea. It was to practice all the Tai Chi forms I know, as I have been focused on the Partner and Solo Forms, and haven't put much time into...
read moreRobins, Inner Secrets, New Classes – 1/29/18
Robins There is a technique I use to increase the strength of the legs, as well as the connective tissues of the ankles, knees and hips. I call it Robins or Bobbing, and it involves standing with all the weight on one leg, touching the other toe, and moving the body...
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