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.
New Reference Video Posted – 2/7/17
Greetings. Much feedback on my last post. I am so happy i can help people think about what is important in their life. In any case, I hope this latest posting to YouTube helps you in your studies of the Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. New Reference video I have just posted...
read moreBully – 2/6/17
Greetings. Such strange and stressful times. I find relief by playing Tai Chi. It focuses and unifies my mind and body. Get out in the morning and practice your Tai Chi and I promise your day will go more smoothly. Bully Nobody likes a bully. Unfortunately, at this...
read moreEight Energies – 1/30/17
Greetings. A difficult week here in the U.S. But as my guru, Michele Obama said - "When they go low, we go high." So Tai Chi like in its approach. So let's vow to to the best we can to make the world comfortable for all its peoples. Eight Energies Do Re Me Fa ...
read moreHigher Skills Equals Simplicity and Important Health Advice – 1/23/17
Greetings. Here in Port Townsend, Spring usually is thought to show up in February. Some of my fruit trees are already showing color. I love Spring - a time that holds promise of more warmth and light, and of course, love appears all around. Higher skills equals...
read moreEffective Force Balance – 1/16/17
Greetings. A very cold week. Our practice group looks like piles of clothing moving around, yet we are still out there. The mountains in the distance are so beautiful, covered with snow. Hope all is well for you and yours. Please note the change in the First Saturday...
read moreSan Shou – 1/9/17
Greetings. Wow! This week has been cold. Below freezing everyday. I don't know how the goldfish survive when the pond freezes over, but they do. The Park was beautiful - views of the Cascade mountains all covered with snow. The hardy are bundled up and playing the...
read moreStability and Mobility – 1/2/17
Greetings and best wishes for a healthy and happy new year. This is the start of the second year of my Monday Morning Training Tips. I started out 2015 with a tip every day! In February, I switched to a once a week format. I have enjoyed the writing and the comments...
read morePreparing for the End – 12/26/16
Greetings. This last week we had the darkest and shortest day of the year. It got me thinking about life and death. I want to share a thought with you. I hope the longer days of the new year bring you increased feelings of joy and happiness, as well as deeper...
read moreHard Wring the Body & Tai Chi and UFC – 12/19/16
Greetings. What a week up here. Very cold, too cold to go to the Saturday practice in the Park. Even snow, the most we have had in quite a while. This week looks much milder, so it is back to the wharf and park. Hope you enjoy a couple of ideas related to Tai Chi...
read moreOn Standing Rock – 12/12/16
Greetings. I love sending out these tips for many reasons. One of which is the responses I receive. Here is an email from someone who has personal history with Standing Rock. Very heartfelt! From Frost Freeman on Standing Rock Dear Michael -- Reading your words this...
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