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.

Comment on You Tube – 12/26/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 399 “This is like your own version of the Yang Family Tai-Chi. It is not as taught by Yang Jun, who is 6th generation Yang Family. Sorry, I don't like your style.” I love hearing from people who view my offerings on YouTube....

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Tai Chi Weight Lifting – 12/19/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 398 Tai Chi Weight Lifting When I was 13, or so, years old, I got interested in making my body look a certain way – big and strong - so I bought a set of weights and started a regular regime of lifting. It wasn't long before I saw...

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Yin/Yang of Clean Up – 12/12/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 397 Yin/Yang of Clean-Up As I've said many times, these Tips are not designed to teach the physical movements of Tai Chi, but to give you motivation to practice what you know, or to seek out an instructor, online or in person. I...

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Crows and Empty/Full – 12/5/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 396 Crows and Empty/Full Beautiful morning. Went to Chetzemoka for an early morning practice. Sun up, barely. I was the only person in the park at this time. So lovely. I went over to the bluff and looked at the Straits. The tide...

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Animals and Tai Chi – 11/28/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 395 Greetings. We are so fortunate to have a form of exercise/meditation that is so lovely that it can be practiced anywhere, at anytime, and not disturb anyone or anything. Animals and Tai Chi This morning I went to Chetzemoka...

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Health Advice/Thanks – 11/21/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 394 Important Health Advice What is the essence of Tai Chi Chuan? Why do most people study this art? My personal experience after over 50 years of sharing Tai Chi is that most people are interested in improving and maintaining...

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Use the Kua – 11/14/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 393 Push the Earth Away The more I practice Tai Chi, the importance I place on the awareness of and engagement of, the kua, grows. This area, where the earth chi meets and blends with the yang chi, is the home of the lower dan...

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Yoga and Tai Chi – 11/7/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 392 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 way. In yoga, the energy of the body is...

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Advice for Teachers and Students – 10/31/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 391 Dear Students, Colleagues, and Friends. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for making my life meaningful. I lost my family at a young age, and didn't have children, which are the normal ways people find meaning in...

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Smooth and Steady – 10/24/22

Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 390 Smooth and Steady Greetings.  Looks like we are finally in for some moisture. We have been experiencing record warm and dry weather. Boy do we need rain! I was reading through the Tips Book Riggan made for me and ran across...

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