This is a picture of Master Yu Guo Shun with Chen Yu.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Another Picture of My Teacher with Another of His Teachers
This is a picture of Master Yu Guo Shun with Chen Yu.
Joint locks and controls
Yesterday, I practiced a bunch of joint locks and controls from one of the motions in the form. I was pleased that I was able to derive about 6-7 different locks and controls off of several random attacks. Now in my practice yesterday, I was able to control and bring down several large individuals with just arm motions. I hadn't even gotten down into a deep or low stance, I was very casual. Looking back, I probably should have practiced with the appropriate body height and positioning. As I focus on my applications, I notice that I am very busy focusing back at the beginning of the form and review all hand positions and directions and motions.
In my practice, I had my partners grab either arm, at the wrists, or the elbows, or grab both arms at any of the two positions, and also practiced against straight and hook punches. We didn't do pushes, but in retrospect, I should have as well. I'm very happy to clearly see the improvement in my understanding and use of Chen Tai Chi. Eternal thanks to Shifu for his patience and guidance. Can't wait to practice more today!
J
In my practice, I had my partners grab either arm, at the wrists, or the elbows, or grab both arms at any of the two positions, and also practiced against straight and hook punches. We didn't do pushes, but in retrospect, I should have as well. I'm very happy to clearly see the improvement in my understanding and use of Chen Tai Chi. Eternal thanks to Shifu for his patience and guidance. Can't wait to practice more today!
J
Sunday, January 23, 2011
a lesson from Shifu
As a long time martial artist with a career that has surpassed 30 years of personal training, I thought I had learned most of what I needed to know for most things related to martial arts in general. I have had my own students and taught martial arts since 1976.
After beginning my training with Master Yu, I noticed that whenever we'd go out to eat after class, or we were just milling about after class, Shifu would always tell us to NOT be too loud, or NOT to block off the street, and similar things he would stress all related to politeness and behavior. At those times, I had just kind of smiled inside and thought to myself, that even though older, all of us were just bigger kids than actual kids.
Today, after class, I experienced an unpleasant scenario, and it reinforced and drove home Shifu's message to us.
Typically on Sunday, after class, I'll either go to my girl's apartment, or go out to eat and head home or to her place. It's usually a nice, pleasant time after class, just relaxing and bringing back in some sustenance and refueling. A good time.
Today, I went to one of my favorite places, but unfortunately I sat behind this group of very loud individuals that were to ruin the taste of my cheese grits, sausage, bacon and eggs. In a VERY loud voice these morons started making comments about Chinese people and their negative experiences in dealing with Chinese people when they were visiting and staying in China. There were 3 primary culprits in this group of 8 individuals, and I gathered they were all in the same school as academic teachers, and also gathered that some of them were actually tai chi students!
They were speaking VERY loudly and proclaiming themselves to be good and expert, and how some of the internet folks they had seen were not as good as they, or didn't have the same amount of insight that they apparently thought they had. Two of the culprits decided to move their chairs into the middle of the restaurant, and demonstrate their skill. I swear, they were not good at all.
Then several of these individuals began making comments like, "well you know so and so IS jewish." and they repeated several times some negative comments about being jewish.
I was appalled. Here in the middle of NYC, which is probably one of the safest bastions for any mixed group of individuals I was hearing some of the worst stereotypes I had heard since the 1960s, and believe me I remember those times very well.
The point is that Shifu always wants us to have fun, express ourselves, however, we are always expected to be polite and NOT impose ourselves negatively on others. Whether it be by word, or by action, we were always expected to present ourselves in a quiet and reserved fashion. By so doing, we are less likely to arouse others and perhaps cause bad, ill-willed feelings. I never really noticed how horrible a level people will stoop to, when they are in public places.
Thank goodness, I know I never have to deal with that type of thing from my own students.
I believe that prospective students should examine a prospective teacher and see how they carry themselves, and watch and see how the students behave and act amongst themselves. Crowd dynamics are important, and we all need to decide if we would like to be associated, or learn amongst such jerks as the ones i encountered today. Personally, I think I am so happy to have found Master Yu. I am proud to be one of his students and proud to be a kung fu brother with my fellow students in class. Thank you all for being you.
J
After beginning my training with Master Yu, I noticed that whenever we'd go out to eat after class, or we were just milling about after class, Shifu would always tell us to NOT be too loud, or NOT to block off the street, and similar things he would stress all related to politeness and behavior. At those times, I had just kind of smiled inside and thought to myself, that even though older, all of us were just bigger kids than actual kids.
Today, after class, I experienced an unpleasant scenario, and it reinforced and drove home Shifu's message to us.
Typically on Sunday, after class, I'll either go to my girl's apartment, or go out to eat and head home or to her place. It's usually a nice, pleasant time after class, just relaxing and bringing back in some sustenance and refueling. A good time.
Today, I went to one of my favorite places, but unfortunately I sat behind this group of very loud individuals that were to ruin the taste of my cheese grits, sausage, bacon and eggs. In a VERY loud voice these morons started making comments about Chinese people and their negative experiences in dealing with Chinese people when they were visiting and staying in China. There were 3 primary culprits in this group of 8 individuals, and I gathered they were all in the same school as academic teachers, and also gathered that some of them were actually tai chi students!
They were speaking VERY loudly and proclaiming themselves to be good and expert, and how some of the internet folks they had seen were not as good as they, or didn't have the same amount of insight that they apparently thought they had. Two of the culprits decided to move their chairs into the middle of the restaurant, and demonstrate their skill. I swear, they were not good at all.
Then several of these individuals began making comments like, "well you know so and so IS jewish." and they repeated several times some negative comments about being jewish.
I was appalled. Here in the middle of NYC, which is probably one of the safest bastions for any mixed group of individuals I was hearing some of the worst stereotypes I had heard since the 1960s, and believe me I remember those times very well.
The point is that Shifu always wants us to have fun, express ourselves, however, we are always expected to be polite and NOT impose ourselves negatively on others. Whether it be by word, or by action, we were always expected to present ourselves in a quiet and reserved fashion. By so doing, we are less likely to arouse others and perhaps cause bad, ill-willed feelings. I never really noticed how horrible a level people will stoop to, when they are in public places.
Thank goodness, I know I never have to deal with that type of thing from my own students.
I believe that prospective students should examine a prospective teacher and see how they carry themselves, and watch and see how the students behave and act amongst themselves. Crowd dynamics are important, and we all need to decide if we would like to be associated, or learn amongst such jerks as the ones i encountered today. Personally, I think I am so happy to have found Master Yu. I am proud to be one of his students and proud to be a kung fu brother with my fellow students in class. Thank you all for being you.
J
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Philosophical or No?
While I believe that there is alot of depth and philosophy that can be applied to Chen Tai Chi, I don't think it is necessary to investigate too deeply into abstract thoughts and concepts that most average individuals have little interest in. As a fighter, one needs to only understand how a circular motion or a spiral can be applied. Once that application is understood, then time is better spent on practicing the motion AND the technique, in order to make it one's own.
In my reading and research, I often find that authors will describe how the circles and spirals theoretically can be used, but then conclude with trying to tie the motions/skills/techniques into universal principles of life and harmony and other philosophical stuff.
As a long time PRACTICAL martial artist, I want to know how these things will work on an opponent. How can these circles and spirals help me fight better, that is the question that is important to me.
I think too many individuals are turned off to the art of Chen Tai Chi because they think they need to become students of the Tao. No way! Find a good teacher who is versed in the combative aspects of Chen Tai Chi and let your practical understanding flow!
J
More thoughts about Chan Si Jin and Circles...
As I learn more about this wondrous martial art, more things fall into place for me on an overall point of view about martial arts in general. Circular motions can be done with the arms, can be done with the body. Spiralling allows us to change relative hand position and placement on an opponent. It can also allow us to better enter and apply different types of techniques against an opponent.
If one tries to do a throw or a push merely with the arms' spiral energy, chances are very good the technique won't work Combine that energy with the energy of the body spiral and now we are talking a whole new ballgame.
Shifu taught me yesterday that sometimes Qinna in and of itself won't work on a given individual. So what do we do then? At that point it is a good idea to consider entry into another position whereby we can apply a different strike or leverage to offset an opponent.
Learning how to circle and spiral is very important in Chen Tai Chi. It isn't just about looking pretty or beautiful, but every motion is meant to be used combatively.
J
If one tries to do a throw or a push merely with the arms' spiral energy, chances are very good the technique won't work Combine that energy with the energy of the body spiral and now we are talking a whole new ballgame.
Shifu taught me yesterday that sometimes Qinna in and of itself won't work on a given individual. So what do we do then? At that point it is a good idea to consider entry into another position whereby we can apply a different strike or leverage to offset an opponent.
Learning how to circle and spiral is very important in Chen Tai Chi. It isn't just about looking pretty or beautiful, but every motion is meant to be used combatively.
J
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Here is a pic of Master Yu Guo Shun teaching our class. Watching him demonstrate and teach, always inspires me to work harder to become better in the art. He truly strives to impart his knowledge to us, and he embraces our questions and is willing to show over and over and over again, until we express that we understand, or can demonstrate that we understand the points he tries to get across. I've studied with over a dozen well known instructors in various arts over a span of 39 years of training. I assure you, that Master Yu Guo Shun is one of the very best instructors I have ever met and been privileged to train with.
J
Thoughts about Why to Get Started, Thoughts about NOT Quitting
I've studied many different martial arts over the years. Iaido is a relatively esoteric art that I invested over 12 years training in. I used to encourage people to learn iaido because in one's solo practice of the techniques, I experienced many times a feeling of deep inner power when I was able to overcome discomfort, heat and drudgery... by combining my breathing, my focus and intention and the understanding of the PERFECTION we were striving to achieve. We learned the technique, we learned the concept of what we were supposed to do, the formula, and then we practiced and I was able to achieve. The art of Iaido was empowering.
In the past month, we had 4 visitors come and try our Chen class. None returned. Today, we discussed why they chose not to return. Without their feedback, we can only guess. My own opinion is that they were very tired and physically suffering after their initial class. I remember vividly my own first class, and the 3-4 days after that class, walking funny and feeling very weak and sore. In the months that I have been training, my legs have gotten so much stronger. I may get fatigued and feel drained following class, but it feels so good, to be able to move in the deep stances, to be able to make the transition from one movement to the next and I KNOW and I FEEL the difference and it feel so good to me.
Chen Style Tai Chi is so beautiful to watch when a master like Yu Guo Shun performs its practice. It is beautiful to watch my seniors practice and demonstrate. I enjoy and love feeling the beauty of its movements as I struggle to achieve skill and expertise in my practice. Different martial arts forms offer many different reasons to learn and develop ones' passions. Iaido, offers an opportunity to do something to strive for perfection in a given moment of practice. How often in life, do we try to do something absolutely pefectly? Chen Tai Chi, allows us an opportunity to learn how to move gracefully and beautifully, while developing effective fighting skills. How often in life are we given an opportunity to move and show off the beauty inherent in our physical selves in motion? This beauty isn't a result of physical perfection or physique, but rather is a beauty that comes from one's mind/intention and the unique spiralling motions of Chen Tai Chi.
Sure, it is easy enough to embark on a trial class. That demonstrates a willingness to explore, even momentarily something new in one's life, and that is a great thing. But to endeavor to pursue, and grow in the art of Chen Tai Chi, that is another thing entirely. For the moments in our lives when we are enabled to practice, we embrace the passion of the movements and the development of our skills. Yes, there is alot of struggle, alot of demanding physical work involved initially, that may seem daunting and painful to bear, but I promise if you keep practicing, you WILL get stronger, and one day, it won't hurt to come to class, and I really believe that you will embrace being part of the art of Chen Tai Chi.
I unfortunately get older each day, and in my current age, and my current physical condition, I don't appear graceful in my day to day activities. Sometimes it is a struggle just to stand up from my chair. But the wierd thing is? When I begin the empty hand forms, or I grab my sword and begin my weapons practice, the limping, and the gimping disappear. My stances go deep, and my body begins to do the beautiful things I want it to do. My body begins to do the beautiful things I had wanted to learn.
Our willingness to persevere is what makes us people of stronger character AND physical development. People who train in Kung Fu, in martial arts, are different than normal, average people. we are people who thrive in knowing, and understanding that what we do is special and meaningful to us. Be exceptional. Allow yourself the opportunity to grow and be great in something. I love Chen Tai Chi, and I promote this art as something beneficial to all. However, if you don't choose Chen Tai Chi, that's ok, but I strongly urge you then to seek out another path that can help you achieve beauty in life and grace, and personal empowerment. But take a closer look please at Chen Tai Chi, it's tough to find something else that offers as much, for the little physical investment in time and energy.
J
In the past month, we had 4 visitors come and try our Chen class. None returned. Today, we discussed why they chose not to return. Without their feedback, we can only guess. My own opinion is that they were very tired and physically suffering after their initial class. I remember vividly my own first class, and the 3-4 days after that class, walking funny and feeling very weak and sore. In the months that I have been training, my legs have gotten so much stronger. I may get fatigued and feel drained following class, but it feels so good, to be able to move in the deep stances, to be able to make the transition from one movement to the next and I KNOW and I FEEL the difference and it feel so good to me.
Chen Style Tai Chi is so beautiful to watch when a master like Yu Guo Shun performs its practice. It is beautiful to watch my seniors practice and demonstrate. I enjoy and love feeling the beauty of its movements as I struggle to achieve skill and expertise in my practice. Different martial arts forms offer many different reasons to learn and develop ones' passions. Iaido, offers an opportunity to do something to strive for perfection in a given moment of practice. How often in life, do we try to do something absolutely pefectly? Chen Tai Chi, allows us an opportunity to learn how to move gracefully and beautifully, while developing effective fighting skills. How often in life are we given an opportunity to move and show off the beauty inherent in our physical selves in motion? This beauty isn't a result of physical perfection or physique, but rather is a beauty that comes from one's mind/intention and the unique spiralling motions of Chen Tai Chi.
Sure, it is easy enough to embark on a trial class. That demonstrates a willingness to explore, even momentarily something new in one's life, and that is a great thing. But to endeavor to pursue, and grow in the art of Chen Tai Chi, that is another thing entirely. For the moments in our lives when we are enabled to practice, we embrace the passion of the movements and the development of our skills. Yes, there is alot of struggle, alot of demanding physical work involved initially, that may seem daunting and painful to bear, but I promise if you keep practicing, you WILL get stronger, and one day, it won't hurt to come to class, and I really believe that you will embrace being part of the art of Chen Tai Chi.
I unfortunately get older each day, and in my current age, and my current physical condition, I don't appear graceful in my day to day activities. Sometimes it is a struggle just to stand up from my chair. But the wierd thing is? When I begin the empty hand forms, or I grab my sword and begin my weapons practice, the limping, and the gimping disappear. My stances go deep, and my body begins to do the beautiful things I want it to do. My body begins to do the beautiful things I had wanted to learn.
Our willingness to persevere is what makes us people of stronger character AND physical development. People who train in Kung Fu, in martial arts, are different than normal, average people. we are people who thrive in knowing, and understanding that what we do is special and meaningful to us. Be exceptional. Allow yourself the opportunity to grow and be great in something. I love Chen Tai Chi, and I promote this art as something beneficial to all. However, if you don't choose Chen Tai Chi, that's ok, but I strongly urge you then to seek out another path that can help you achieve beauty in life and grace, and personal empowerment. But take a closer look please at Chen Tai Chi, it's tough to find something else that offers as much, for the little physical investment in time and energy.
J
Stepping Forward Naturally
Sometimes newer students are not aware of how their alignment changes as they step forward from one movement to another. In today's class, Shifu demonstrated why it is important to step forward naturally. Shifu demonstrated how a step inwards could allow us to use our lead leg to step behind an opponent's lead leg, or how a step outwards could allow us to position ourselves to destroy the inside balance of the opponent's lead leg.
Apparently, what we desire to do for a particular application is what will decide for us how to align our legs and the motion we use to advance forward. If we step forward in an unusual manner or in an alignment that is inefficient, we are expressing our lack of knowledge of intention; our reason for a given movement or motion is NOT clear and that means that we are performing a motion that is "dead" or devoid of intention and seriousness.
Shifu is very detail oriented. He pays attention to every student's practice and tries very hard to correct us and make us understand why the correction is important. He works tirelessly during every class to make us all better one movement at a time. Because Shifu cares about how we do, all of us benefit from every class we attend.
Thank you, Shifu.
J
Apparently, what we desire to do for a particular application is what will decide for us how to align our legs and the motion we use to advance forward. If we step forward in an unusual manner or in an alignment that is inefficient, we are expressing our lack of knowledge of intention; our reason for a given movement or motion is NOT clear and that means that we are performing a motion that is "dead" or devoid of intention and seriousness.
Shifu is very detail oriented. He pays attention to every student's practice and tries very hard to correct us and make us understand why the correction is important. He works tirelessly during every class to make us all better one movement at a time. Because Shifu cares about how we do, all of us benefit from every class we attend.
Thank you, Shifu.
J
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Snowed Out...
Well, i'm chicken today, and due to the bad weather forecasts, I decided to bite the bullet and cancelled my lesson for tonight. So I'm sharing the video above, of Master Yu Guo Shun performing some segments of Xin Jia Er Liu... hope you enjoy and I know I am very impressed with his athleticism and grace here. Very few able to perform at this level!
J
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Push Hands!
I was so excited in class today. Shifu had announced what his itinerary for class was, and it was to include some basic push hands practice! I've been looking forward to this for so long, and today wss the day. Shifu had us face off, each person with right foot forward, and single hand contact. We worked the mid level today, and the objective was to push in the towards the partner's center line. the partner would yield, turning his body front to accept the push, and then divert it towards our outside, while turning our palm upward and covering our partner's push. Then turning the palm back facing the partner, while pushing back again.
Sounds easy, right? Well, unfortunately I wasn't as good as my enthusiasm was high, and my initial partner was getting quite frustrated with me. Sigh. He was beginning to raise his voice and pushing harder, while telling me to relax. Relax? I could not have been more relaxed, while his energy was steadily increasing. Fortunately, one of my classmates was partner free, so, I took the initiative, and passed off my guy to him.
I went to practice with a more senior fellow. Now, that was productive. He was explaining and showing me, that my pushes needed to be more accurate and into his centerline. Then he was explaining that there were different types of "games" that one could do in these types of push hands exercises. This one today was the most basic, where we were pushing in straight on the midlevel. This partner made my practice much more positive and was more like what I had been anticipating.
I look forward to learning more about push hands and being able to describe what i've been shown and to share with you all.
J
Friday, January 7, 2011
Cross Training
In my own experience, it is useful to have trained in other forms of martial arts to help learn Chen Tai Chi. Very clearly it is NOT necessary to have done so, but I believe prior martial arts training experience will prove useful in learning the movements of Chen Tai Chi.
Master Yu Guo Shun while his passion lies with Chen Tai Chi, he also is qualified and experienced to teach Long fist and Praying Mantis Kung fu. Watching him perform those forms are as amazing as watching him perform Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan, in my opinion. Shifu is available for private lessons in those systems as well.
In class, we have recently had a few students with experience in Yang style join us. Their progress has been very rapid, and it is a neat experience to watch and see how people learn, and adapt what they know to achieve excellence in Chen style.
I believe that if one doesn't have other martial arts experience, that working out in things like Yoga, or Pilates, or engaging in any other type of regular physical activity will help one achieve quicker familiarity with different body mechanics.
J
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Master Yu demonstrating sword in the Park
shifu yu guo shun
toy | Myspace Video
Found this short vid clip of Master Yu demonstrating a few movements of his Chen Style Sword.
J
Chen Yu Tai Chi Ball
Found this vid clip of Chen Yu demonstrating some practice of the Tai Chi Ball.
Hope this is useful for you all!
J
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
CORRECTION: On my original post about Silk Reeling...
Hi All,
I had my lesson with Shifu tonight, and turns out, I made an error in one of my original statements the other day, NOT all movements in the Lao Jia Yi Lu use silk reeling... MOST do, but there are a few moves that do not need that circular/spiraling action.
My apologies!
J
I had my lesson with Shifu tonight, and turns out, I made an error in one of my original statements the other day, NOT all movements in the Lao Jia Yi Lu use silk reeling... MOST do, but there are a few moves that do not need that circular/spiraling action.
My apologies!
J
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sunday's Meetup
We had our first meet up of the New Year on Monday.
It was a great class and smiles were evident all around, despite
the sweating and strenuous workout.
In attendance were Vincent and Tonia. They were a truly nice pair of individuals
that came to join us and practice. I hope they decide to join us on a regular basis!
Happy New Year to everyone!
J
It was a great class and smiles were evident all around, despite
the sweating and strenuous workout.
In attendance were Vincent and Tonia. They were a truly nice pair of individuals
that came to join us and practice. I hope they decide to join us on a regular basis!
Happy New Year to everyone!
J
Vid clip explaining some points of Silk Reeling
I found this clip on youtube, and thought it might be useful to assist in our understanding of silk reeling. Good luck!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Silk Reeling
I really believe it is so important to have a good teacher that is able to explain things in an understandable fashion. Master Yu is able to impart information in a very good way. He uses a combination of verbal explanation and visual presentation to make himself understood. His demonstrations of application also help alot to get the information across.
Today I learned that all movements in the form use spiral energy. At first I did not understand that. I had incorrectly assumed that this type of activity was used only at varying times within the form I was learning.
It is not an easy thing to describe this activity of Silk Reeling. There is a combination of weight shift in the legs, and this is combined with a corkscrew motion in the body, that typically comes from the lower abdomen (the dantian) that travels out into the arms in a variety of different ways/directions that the practitioner will control and prescribe.
The use of silk reeling is implicit in all movements of the different Chen routines. The subtle, spiral turning and circular actions noted in the body presents a very beautiful motion and it is a development of true martial skill, or Kung Fu. It is a very graceful action, that is used to learn how to develop power and body coordination.
According to Master Yu, how different individuals will demonstrate and control the silk reeling will account for many of the differences seen in video clips, of one lineage or path of Chen Style Tai Chi compared to another. There are variations in the method of making the silk reeling, smaller or tighter, as people's understanding and perception of what they are doing grows, develops and changes.
It is really a nice thing to understand every small bit of knowledge and perspective I gain as I continue to study and practice. Chen Tai Chi is so very deep, and offers alot to the individuals that choose to pursue its forms and skill development.
J
Today I learned that all movements in the form use spiral energy. At first I did not understand that. I had incorrectly assumed that this type of activity was used only at varying times within the form I was learning.
It is not an easy thing to describe this activity of Silk Reeling. There is a combination of weight shift in the legs, and this is combined with a corkscrew motion in the body, that typically comes from the lower abdomen (the dantian) that travels out into the arms in a variety of different ways/directions that the practitioner will control and prescribe.
The use of silk reeling is implicit in all movements of the different Chen routines. The subtle, spiral turning and circular actions noted in the body presents a very beautiful motion and it is a development of true martial skill, or Kung Fu. It is a very graceful action, that is used to learn how to develop power and body coordination.
According to Master Yu, how different individuals will demonstrate and control the silk reeling will account for many of the differences seen in video clips, of one lineage or path of Chen Style Tai Chi compared to another. There are variations in the method of making the silk reeling, smaller or tighter, as people's understanding and perception of what they are doing grows, develops and changes.
It is really a nice thing to understand every small bit of knowledge and perspective I gain as I continue to study and practice. Chen Tai Chi is so very deep, and offers alot to the individuals that choose to pursue its forms and skill development.
J
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