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.
Moving Chi the Tai Chi Way – 4/17/17
Moving Chi the Tai Chi Way https://youtu.be/4sHXUN-4WIs Many years ago I developed an exercise designed to help people who are interested in increasing chi, and learning how to consciously move this chi through the body. I called the exercise “Guan Gong Frolics”. Guan...
read moreUncomfortable/Comfortable – 4/10/17
Uncomfortable/Comfortable The process of learning Tai Chi, as well as most physical activities, involves educating the body how to do an action in a relaxed, yet efficient manner. In Tai Chi, the student first tries to mimic what the instructor is doing, without much...
read moreTeachers and Students of Tai Chi Chuan – 4/3/17
Teachers and Students of Tai Chi Chuan Tai Chi Chuan evolved in China over a long period as a martial art based on the philosophies of Daoism, Confucianism, and Zen Buddhism. The knowledge of this art was necessarily kept very private, mostly passing from father to...
read moreTrees and Mountain Climbing – 3/27/17
Greetings. I'm looking at some BIG numbers in my life right now. I am starting my 75th year on this planet. My 50th year of Tai Chi study, practice, and enjoyment. 45 years of teaching this fine art. 35 years of being happily married to a most wonderful person. Two...
read moreObserving – 3/20/17
Greetings. Spring is upon us. I watched as two Yellow Jacket Hornets came out of hibernation and sunned themselves on the black wrought iron of our deck surround. They would just lay there for a while, then change position, then hang out for a while longer. When...
read moreJing, Chi, Shen – 3/13/17
Jing, Chi, Shen Most of us who practice the internal arts know about the concept of jing, chi, shen. These three energies correspond roughly to body, mind, and spirit. Many people are sensitive enough to feel these energies as they manifest in the body. People who...
read moreStress – 3/6/17
Greetings. Snow this week. Our local weather can't quite make up it's mind. The Olympic Mountains, off in the distance to the west, are truly beautiful as the early morning sun reflects off all the snow. Be well. Stress Stress is not always a negative thing. All...
read moreTai Chi and Acting and Look in the Mirror – 2/27/17
Greetings. I really and truly love what I am doing. Tai Chi has brought me so many friends through the years. At the moment, I have several students from around the world who are on the Tai Chi Teachers training track. It is so wonderful to be a part of their new...
read moreTai Chi and Music – 2/20/17
Greetings. The weeks pass by so quickly with never enough time to do all that needs doing. Our Northwest Spring starts now which means lots of fun work in the garden. Today is President's Day. Roosevelt was president when I was born. A good man. I hope all is going...
read morePleasure and Videos – 2/13/17
Pleasure Funktionshust is a German term for the pleasure taken in what one can do best. This pleasure this happiness- may increase the tendency to do these things. This is nature's way of creating excellence. From the first moment I started doing Tai Chi, I have...
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