Archive for June 2007
Tai Chi in the mornings China and Japan
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 6:54 AM by Sifu Smith
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1,200 Taijiquan exercisers from China and Japan started their daily practice near the Yalu River in Dandong, Jilin Province. |
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Thousands Practice Tai Chi
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 6:48 AM by Sifu Smith
Thousands practice Tai Chi during a holiday celebration at
Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province. Click picture for enlargement.
Chinese Newspaper Publishing Origin Tai Chi Chuan
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 6:36 AM by Sifu Smith
The China News in Zhengzhou reports: According to the research by Chinese Folk Literature and Art Society, Wen County of Henan Province has been confirmed to be the origin of Taijiquan, a kind of traditional Chinese shadow boxing. A Taijiquan research center will be built here, too.
Actually, Taijiquan originates in Chenjiagou Village of Wen County, in the early Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Chen Wangting, a kungfu master developed Taijiquan from the martial arts handed down from the older generation of his family. Chen imbued his new martial arts with the spirit of Taiji (the Great Ultimate) and the theory of main and collateral channels according to traditional Chinese medicine. It is very good for breathing adjustment. Kungfu masters after Chen developed taijiquan into several different styles, and one of the most popular martial arts in the world, as nearly100 million people worldwide are practicing it.
Since the 1980s, more and more people have come to Wen County to experience the unique Taijiquan culture here, and local tourism administration has recommended Chenjiagou Village as a cultural scenic spot.
International Taijiquan annual conference has been held in Chenjiagou Village ever since 1992, with Taijiquan lovers from 60 countries and regions taking part in the meeting each time.
Jet Li - Jackie Chan: Kings of Kung Fu Movie
Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 6:29 AM by Sifu Smith
Jackie Chan and Jet Li, China's two action film superstars, have started
shooting "Kings of Kungfu" in Hengdian in east China's Zhejiang
Province. This is the first time the two Kungfu stars have teamed in the
same movie.
"I was very excited when I was told I would work with Jet Li. Fifteen years ago, we made a pact to work together on a film", Jackie Chan said at a press conference in Hengdian on Thursday.
"I haven't met a fighting partner as good as Li in fifteen years", said Chan. "We get on like a house on fire and none of the action scenes needed more than four 'takes'."
"Kings of Kungfu" tells the story of an American boy called Jason who travels into ancient China on a time machine. Jason meets with ancient kungfu master Lu Yan played by Jackie Chan and a silent monk played by Jet Li. The boy helps them in their battle against the evil forces ranged against them.
Posted in Stories
The Fayetteville School gets a Facelift
Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at 11:13 AM by Sifu Smith
Master Chin's large Tai Chi and Kung Fu facility in eastern Fayetteville is undergoing a major facelift. With many students pitching in the Fayetteville Kwoon has the floors repainted, walls have been refurbished, and several feng shui changes. With the 4 Day Sin Tin Wu Chi Invitational Only Seminar coming in November, preparations are being made.
Standing Meditation-Turtle at the Beach
Posted on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at 5:56 AM by Sifu Smith
Most of our students start with a burning interest in learning about themselves, improving their health, and calming down the chaos in their lives. We would all agree that any one of those improving feels great. When we get further along in our practice, we can accomplish all three at one time, the posting (Zham Zhuang, Standing Meditation). We have a system of standing meditation that allows students to gradually harness and cultivate their internal power and chi.
How long do I need to meditate is a common question? This question tends to shed a light on the minds concern for its upcoming training, plus a natural curiousity. It is interesting that we don't have to ask "How much do I need to eat?", we will know when we get there. When students begin with their meditation, the priority is to calm the mind down, bring it back in, place it under the command of our spirit. Sifu Chin would often refer to it as a 'wild horse', strong, magnificent, yet wildly running in the valleys. We must harness it.
We have many first-timers come in, and practice standing meditation with
us and get 15-20 minutes their very first time. That is because of
system of calming and energizing mind scenes that we use to get our
momentum. Granted, it is always much easier when Sifu leads the
meditation session, because the students mind rides the waves generated
by Sifu's voice and scenes generated. When the students must generate
their own meditation energy and lead their mind with their spirit, then
a new level is achieved.
Most of the students that have been with us for 9 months or will come and get in 1 hour of more of standing meditation practice. The practice becomes a sanctuary and a reviver, like the horse drinks from the stream. Their are many saturday morning at the park, that we may have 15 students at the park practicing, yet when you look around you may only see 4-5 practicing Tai Chi, the other 10 are in their selected spots around the stream, under the trees, practicing their meditation. One hour of meditation and one hour of movement, is an excellent day.
The zham zhuang standing meditation travels well too. Beach, mountains, and woods, it requires nothing more than a strong constitution in spirit. We recently got a snapshot of a student working the turtle posting at the beach while on vacation. When students return from a trip, we often here wonderful stories of how there practice went in the enviroment, or a special place they found while practicing in an a remote area.
If you are interested in learning standing meditation as a personal resource then schedule private sessions with Sifu to be taken step by step for your individualized program.
Edited on: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 5:58 AMPosted in Chi Kung, Meditation
New Calendar of Events
Posted on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 5:42 AM by Sifu Smith
We have put together and drafting a Calendar of Events. Focusing on
Cultural, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Community Events, We would love to have
your event listed. If your martial art or development event is a subcategory of ours, you can be confident that we will post it. We only require that you link to our site.
Kung
Fu & Tai Chi Calendar of Events
Tai Chi improves Rheumatoid Arthritis & Cardiac Disease
Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 8:16 AM by Sifu Smith
In Toronto, a study with 206 participants found that Tai Chi Chuan improved the lower legs and foot flexibility significantly with those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers used three groups and one with 'traditional therapy'. The Tai Chi group improved their range of motion better than the other groups after a few months.
The researchers also found that those who participated were more
compliant to doing their exercise (they enjoyed their tai chi much more
than lifting weights), and they continued their practice even after the
study.
In a seperate study at San Francisco, they found that women with cardiac disease have a very high 'quit rate' when put in exercise classes to assist with their coronary risk factors. This study used the basic 24 movement Tai Chi Yang Style form over 3 months, with 27 women, average 64 years old. Every woman had:
* All had at least one Coronary risk
factor
* 56% had arthritis
* 97% had high blood pressure
* 44%
had high cholesterol
* 26% had diabetes
All participants learned the Tai Chi Short form and there were NO FALLS
OR INJURIES. The researchers found that "this is a very acceptable form
of exercise training and produced significant health improvements."
Currently the most recommended form of exercise for these same women is
to walk on a treadmill. Boring
Using tai chi as a vehicle to improve health is excellent. You can practice everyday, does not require special clothing or place.
Huge Dinosaur Bird Found in China
Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 6:24 PM by Sifu Smith
The fossilised remains of a giant bird-like dinosaur have been uncovered in the region of Inner Mongolia, China.
While some have theorised that meat-eating dinosaurs got smaller as they
evolved to be more bird-like, this beast weighed about 1,400kg
(3,080lbs).
That is about 35 times heavier than other similar feathered dinosaurs.
Nature journal reports that the beaked animal was 8m (26ft) long and twice as tall as a man at the shoulder; yet it was only a young adult when it died.
Posted in Stories
Students Working Choy Li Fut
Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 5:38 AM by Sifu Smith
The students have been working the Choy Li Fut with great vigor
recently. The beginning students are inside working on their Tai Chi,
while the more senior classmates have elected to change the flavor of
their training for a bit to pursue Choy Li Fut. We have a basic set of
pattern that beginners can practice the core movements such as the
X-punch, corkscrew-punch, stretch punch, and twisted tree stand.
After they have demonstrated compentency in moving, which means they still abide the principles they learned in their tai chi and zham zhuang posting (head up to sky, waist is origin of movement, etc), then they begin using the same movement with the footwork of horse and bow stance. As they work, the sweat and effort is great. It has intrigued me that it is important to never assume the personalities that may be attracted to the Choy Li Fut kung fu.
When you see the students, men and ladies from 25 - 60 years old, standing and working side by side it is inspiring to see. They breathe life into a very solid style of Choy Li Fut kung fu, enjoy their practice, gain in conditioning, and get to experience something new. No student is required to learn Choy Li Fut kung fu, however, they all have an opportunity to experience the flavor of movement and it they really enjoy.
The backside of this training is being aware that the mind can easily be drawn out while practicing the Choy Li Fut. The students can plainly see the intent of much of the pattern, which can get the mind out in front of intention, causing leaning, targeting, application interpretation, presetting, all the traps of any kung fu. So the students must have a solid zham zhuang posting root, to keep the mind focus internal, reeling and drawing silk and chi rolling.
It is good to see the students enjoy their training.
Edited on: Friday, June 15, 2007 5:51 AMPosted in Choy Li Fut
The Wheels of Tai Chi at Springmoor, Still Rolling
Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 5:19 AM by Sifu Smith
The Activity Coordinator at Springmoor just contacted me yesterday to let me know they had a meeting with the Board Members and the idea of having Tai Chi at their facility was very well received. They are now surveying how many residents would initially participate and we will go from there.The Dalai Lama
Posted on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 6:26 AM by Sifu Smith
The 14th Dalai Lama is one of the most unique political and spiritual leaders in the world. His role encompasses responsiblities that it is difficult to fathom. How the Dalai Lama is located and appointed into the position is also incredible.
A Peaceful Country in Exile
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is the spiritual leader and Head of State for the Tibetan People. The term Dalai Lama means "Ocean of Wisdom.
The 13th Dalai Lama died in 1933. The 14th was born July 6th, 1935 in northeastern Tibet, in a small village called Taktser, within a peasant family. Taktser is 9,000 feet above sea level and the villagers grow wheat and barley. At the age of two, after passing several tests, he was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor and the incarnation of the Buddha of Compassion.
The young Dalai Lama was educated over Potala Palace overlooking Lhasa. His family was moved to a nearby home so he could visit with them each month.
Mao Tse-Tung with the Chinese Communist invaded Tibet in 1950, claiming it was under Chinese Rule. Though the Tibetans are racially, culturally and geographically seperate the Dalai Lama went into exile in 1959.
The Dalai Lama says that 'no race of people has suffered more since the 2nd World War and that it will continue every day, until the Communist leave our country or until the Tibetans cease to exist as a race or religious community.'
In 1989, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advocating "peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people."
Edited on: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 6:48 AMPosted in Buddhist
New Picture Deliverable
Posted on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 11:47 PM by Sifu Smith
Our logo, Wae Gi Jie Gung has been highly requested. We have taken a high resolution copy and it is prepared in an 4x6 format. We will get it to you. If you would like more information about this rare diety, we will give you many details.
Edited on: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 11:48 PMOpening the Joints and Meridians with Ba Gua
Posted on Monday, June 11, 2007 at 6:55 AM by Sifu Smith
Ba Gua opens the pathways for the chi to flow, along with significant metabolic circulation increases. The joints, connective tissue of tendons and ligaments are stretched and toned in a progressive pattern during the practice of Ba Gua. The deep dan tien breathing stimulates lymph circulation 20-100 times the normal flow, cleansing the cells and strengtheing our immune systems.
Physiologically the body gets one of the best stretching and joint
opening one could imagine with Ba Gua Practice. In most instances the
body is not only stretched during and through movement, but is also
coiled and uncoiled. This third dimenision is rarely found in most
strengthening and conditioning programs, even for college and pro
athletes. Most conditioning programs will have movement or stretching
that does one or the other; few command both in a synchronized and
graceful flow.
As most students will attest when one is finished even with a short set of Ba Gua practice (about 30 minutes) your body is refreshed, energized and strengthened. From the tips of fingers to toes, each joint will have been opened. During Ba Gua practice the breath and blood circulation gently increases improving upon the circulatory, pulmonary, and metabolic systems.
Ba Gua Students come in a variety of physical conditions and clinical histories. Whether it is 50-60 year old person or a 27 year, they all benefit from the practice, and usually practice together. The intensity and demands are commanded by the Ba Gua student. As they condition, they naturally strive to stretch just a touch further, or coil just a degree tighter.
While seeing my regular Oriental Medical Doctor (she was from Beijing) in Houston several years ago, she was telling me that Chinese physicians are required to learn Ba Gua in Beijing as part of their training. Primarily to further the philosophical understanding of which their medical practice is based, but to also assist the physicians to improve and understand their own chi and health. She along with her medical partner said they were not required to be very good, but they always felt good with the Ba Gua practice.
Edited on: Monday, June 11, 2007 7:21 AMPosted in Ba Gua
June's Forecast
Posted on Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 7:25 AM by Sifu Smith
Due to increasing questions and interest we will developing an area of the site with assistance from various sources. We drafting several new pages that will be in the Members area regarding philosophy, holidays, new pictures, guidebooks, and much more. We recently have several reprints of our ambassador logo, Wae Ji Jing Gung, (the Firey Fellow), and will have those available for you to purchase.
The Tibetan Wheel of Life, many have asked, and there is information being put together and will be made available for you.
We encourage everyone to find their own way, and where we can, we will provide tools and information.