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.
External Energy Field – 5/9/16
Greetings. I love this time of the year here in Port Townsend. There were a few pairs of shorts to appear at our Park practice, yet it isn't too hot to be enjoying the sun. More and more sail boats drifted by in front of us, and Mt Baker looms snow covered in the...
read morePush Hands & Studio Instructors – 5/2/16
Greetings. Perfect Spring weather. Large groups in the park for practice, even had some visitors from Thailand who joined in. New friends to spread the word about the Port Townsend Tai Chi scene. A tip on Push hands and a note about Instructors at the Gilman Studio....
read moreThirteen Energies & Pst, Present, Future – 4/25/16
Greetings. It is so nice and green here in Port Townsend, after a lovely, spring rain. Bees are out, working hard for all of us. This weeks offering about Time, will, I hope, stimulate some thought on your part. Enjoy. The Thirteen Essential Energies I received an...
read moreComprehensive Guide to Tai Chi Footwork – 4/18/16
Greetings. This week I want to share an article I wrote some years ago called "Comprehensive Guide to Yang Style Footwork". I must admit it is by far the best and most comprehensive article on Tai Chi footwork. See if you agree with me. The problem is I can't figure...
read moreRefining Your Life – 4/11/16
Greetings. The garden is filling with possibilities for an abundant future. I send my best wishes that all our lives will also. Refining your Life Everybody's life is an experiment in living. We try this, we try that. We take what works and cast off that which...
read morePush Hands – 4/4/16
Greetings. I want to share some thoughts about Push hands this week. I look forward to your feedback. Also note there is a new class starting at the Sequim Gym. Hope to see you there. Push Hands I want to discuss the art of Push Hands as it is taught in Tai Chi...
read moreMusic and Tai Chi – 3/28/16
Greetings. I recently received a question on using music to accompany the Tai Chi form. Here is my answer. Also, no First Saturday Workshop this month. Music and Tai Chi There are many Tai Chi instructors who use music to accompany the form practice. T.T. Liang, Yang...
read moreLet the Play Begin & Hydraulic System – 3/21/16
Greetings. This week I have chosen to share with you a couple of ideas from my second book - 101 Reflections on Tai Chi Chuan. For my foreign friends, this book, as well as my first book - 108 Insights into Tai Chi Chuan - is translated into French and Italian. Hope...
read moreDependable Strengths – 3/14/16
Greetings. The wettest winter in history here in Port Townsend. Also quite mild. Spring officially starts on Sunday. I hope yours is pleasant. I also hope this weeks tip will stimulate some new ideas or confirmation that you are on the right path for yourself....
read moreFive Animals – 3/7/16
Greetings. This meditative form practice is one of the most interesting and beneficial for exploring the form. Try to loosen up when practicing and you will find your desire to spend more time with Tai Chi increasing. Let me know how you do with this. Five Animals The...
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