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.
Smooth, Even Rhythm – 1/7/16
Greetings. One of the classic teachings of Yang Style is the smooth, even movement. Every movement should be in the same rhythm, even the foot kicks. This is a movement meditation technique i like to play with. Smooth, even rhythm. There are three phases to a Tai Chi...
read moreMemorization – 1/6/16
Greetings. Got some good comments on memorization. Here is one that I like and I thought I would pass it on. It was sent by Jeff Welty, an instructor in Tacoma, Washington. Memorization I believe the memorization of the forms aspect is so important for learning a new...
read moreMaster Choy Tip – 1/5/16
Greetings. I have received quite a few comments and suggestions for tips, as well as tips from some of you. I received a request from a Canadian Tai Chi player, Lincoln Chew. He asked for some stories from Master Choy's class and my relationship to him. I will from...
read moreIntention is the Master Key – 1/4/16
Greetings. As I put these little tips or ideas out, I realize that for many, they appear so obvious. My purpose is to help people interested in Tai Chi to want to practice more. That is the only way to gain benefit. Daily practice. So, I might not hit the nail on the...
read moreMemorize the Movements – 1/3/16
Greetings. Another cold and clear day in Port Townsend. Tai Chi practice in the park. Heaven. Memorize the movements This seems so basic. Learning the sequence of the form well enough that you can go through without having to stop and think about what comes next. Yes,...
read moreVary Your Practice Place – 1/2/16
Greetings. I am already enjoying this. Feed-back starting to come in. Fun,fun,fun. Vary your practice place. The environment shapes practice. I live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The town was mostly built in the 1880's and is surrounded by water...
read moreUnderstand the Tai Chi Classics – 12/31/15
Greetings. Here we go. As I said before - "In each new beginning there dwells a magic source". I am anxious to see where all this heads. So, I will make every attempt to put out a training tip every day for a year. Please forgive me if I miss a day for some reason....
read moreThe Beginning – 12/23/15
Greetings. I am excited to share with you an idea I just had. The hardest part of Tai Chi practice is just making the time in one's busy life. Most people need a little push or a reason to practice. So, this coming year, 2016, I am going to send out, each and every...
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