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.
Sitting vs Standing Meditation – 1/17/16
Greetings. A lot to share in the next tips series. Standing meditation, followed by meditative Tai Chi form tips. Enjoy. Sitting vs Standing Meditation As I mentioned last time, there is a difference between yogic and Tai Chi meditation. Yoga generally uses a sitting...
read moreMeditation: Yoga and Tai Chi – 1/16/16
Greetings. For the next couple of Tips, i want to talk about meditation. Meditation- Yoga and Tai Chi The process of meditation in yoga and tai chi are quite similar – to build up energy in the lower belly, and send it up to the top of the head, refining it along the...
read moreExcuse Me Sir – 1/15/16
Greetings. I like to share stories about Tai Chi practice that have meaning. Many of you have written me back with your own stories. I enjoy this very much and I am sorry if I don't have time to write everyone back. But thank you. Excuse Me Sir In 1978, I was on my...
read moreAnimals and Tai Chi – 1/14/16
Greetings. We are so fortunate to have a form of exercise/meditation that is so lovely that it can be practiced anywhere at anytime. Animals and Tai Chi This morning I went to Chetzemoka Park for my practice. This is the place where we gather for our Saturday morning...
read moreAn Inspiring Story – 1/13/16
Greetings. I hope you enjoy this short version of the story of one of our instructors at The Gilman Studio. He is my partner in the Yang Style Tai Chi Applications Videos on YouTube. Check them out. https://youtu.be/TjUzVrP5un8 An inspiring Story In the year 2000, I...
read moreYin/Yang of the Eyes – 1/12/16
Yin/Yang of the Eyes Yin and Yang of Eyes. Using peripheral verses direct focus is important in all martial arts and especially in the meditative process of Tai Chi Chuan. Peripheral or Glance is yin. Fast motion is most easily captured by peripheral vision. Direct...
read moreThe Journey – 1/11/16
Greetings. I hope you enjoyed the week-end. Here in Port Townsend it is clear and mild. The snow capped mountains sparkle against the deep blue of the sky. Lovely. The Journey I love hearing from my fellow Tai Chi players. Many write to ask me how long will it take...
read moreMore on Flow – 1/10/16
More on Flow One of the last tips I sent out was on pacing. I suggested a counting method. Today (Saturday) is our usual practice day in Chetzemoka Park in Port Townsend. We talked about this concept of slow, even movements and then practiced our forms, concentrating...
read moreTips Schedule – 1/9/16
Greetings. This has been, and is, an adventure. I have so much I want to share, and no idea of what will come out as I sit to write. I hope you are enjoying the process. I have received quite a few emails, and one that I didn't expect came from Robert Brown, a Tai Chi...
read moreImagination Becomes Reality – 1/8/16
Greetings. We will start to explore more specific tips to help your appreciation of Tai Chi practice. A little theory and then off we go. Imagination Becomes Reality T.T. Liang, one of America's great Tai Chi teachers, used the phrase “Imagination Becomes Reality”. He...
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