Private Lessons

If you can afford to I strongly urge you all to consider private or one to one lessons with Shifu. During the private lessons, I have Shifu's undivided attention and he scrutinizes EVERY detail. If you are serious about being the very best you can be in Chen Tai Chi, I believe that private lessons are critical at some point in your training career.

Sometimes it is difficult to ask questions in class. In a private lesson, it is ok to ask Shifu to repeat something over and over again, knowing that Shifu will make sure you have it learned correctly. In a group class, that sometimes is a difficult proposition.

I enjoy my private time with Shifu very much as it allows me an opportunity to learn more about him. Despite the language barrier we face, I can clearly say that my gains in Chen Tai Chi have grown rapidly because I commit myself to attending my private class regularly.

If you can't make it to a private lesson, don't fear. Most of the students I see are only attending group classes, and their skill level is very high, admirable and present themselves with a level that I continually strive towards.
J

Paying Attention in Class!

In class, we only have a limited amount of time to practice under the watchful eye of Shifu. When he is explaining a technique or a concept, he will ask us to concentrate and try to pay attention to all the details of what he is doing. As students loyal to Shifu, and to respect his teaching, we all need to be more aware of when he is speaking and demonstrating something. I believe that sometimes we take for granted his teaching and always believe that Shifu will be around to answer our questions or "show us again."

Years ago, I trained with a famous Japanese Karate Master. He would always tell us, "i will show you... three times...if you get it, great! If you don't, then you are not ready..." and he would NOT repeat something a 4th time. Sometimes, we'd have to wait 6 months and I remember one time, we waited over 2 years later before being shown that particular technique again.

Then again, I had another famous teacher, who would often tell us, "pay attention now, because you never know when i'll be back." That was because he worked in private security and he only taught us when he was in his home neighborhood. It forced us to focus hard while he taught us, and we were always very grateful for his presence and teaching. A particular concept he taught us, as an example saved 2 of my students from injury against an attacker with a blade! He would be gone months at a time, and then we'd be fortunate to study for a few hours with him, when he could spare us the time.

Finally, not only being respectful to Shifu, but being respectful to your fellow students in class. In a large room, sometimes it is difficult to hear and see what is going on. Adding additional noise and distraction takes away from the experience of your classmates.

I'm all for fun and having a good time while we train, but we musn't forget that we are there to learn and to grow, so let's all focus when we are in class! After class, is a great opportunity to speak, and joke, etc.
J

How to Make Progress

In class Sunday, Shifu was again imploring us to try and practice daily, if possible. He was saying that a good and positive way to do this would be to select 3 movements of the form, daily, and just practice that short segment over and over again. He said that in this way, in a month's time, we'd make it through the entire form of lao jia, and that he believed that very obvious progress would be evident after that length of time.

Chen vs Blade 1

Boy this has been laborious lol, hope you enjoy my clip.

Story of the Man and the Fur Coat

There is a legendary story of a famous Tai Chi Master in China that had the "secret" to power and internal energy applied to Tai Chi. As the story goes, many people would journey to find this fellow, and then they would plead their case to be taught the "secret." Often, these seekers would have to pay exorbitant fees or provide gifts to the Master in exchange for this valuable secret.

One such seeker was supposedly a well known fighter and practitioner of Tai Chi. When he asked the Master, he was told to come back with a fur coat in exchange for the knowledge. The Seeker went and came back with a beautiful fur coat, which as you might imagine was very expensive. The Master then told the Seeker to put his hand on his spine, so that he could "feel" what was happening. He was allowed 3 opportunities to feel his spine move, and THAT was the secret knowledge, the Master was passing on. This story supposedly happened more than 80 or 90 years ago, I was told.

On a level which I can honestly say that I am personally aware of, there was a Seeker who came and lived here in my neighborhood. He left his job, and stayed in New York for 2 and 1/2 years to study with a famous teacher who taught him that type of "spine work."

When I met Shifu I was absolutely blown away watching his "spine work." In comparison to others who were reknown for their level of expertise as presented to me, Shifu had the clear best and most refined and most PRONOUNCED level of "spine work."

Even more amazing to me, was that Shifu was showing this "secret" for free to strangers who came up to him and had questions about Tai Chi.

That is just an example of the greatness of Shifu and one of the many reasons I have such respect for Shifu. He shares and he wants everyone he comes into contact with to grow and develop well. Yu Guo Shun is clearly a cut above and a very generous and giving teacher.
J

Turning Points

Last night, in my class, Shifu was focusing on the importance and the proper practice of the turning points found within the Chen forms. My understanding of the turning points are the transitional motions found between one movement and the next. The turning points are very high level in difficulty because the hand/wrist and body/hip motions must be coordinated properly AND in conjunction with the breath.It is THIS type of understanding that makes an internal martial art like Tai Chi, Ba Gua or Hsing I, an internal martial art.

Understanding that integration is a task, being able to actually do it is a momentous task. That is why we practice, and that is why it is Kung Fu. To develop the skill takes time, patience and practice. But it is what will define us as martial artists.
J

Increasingly Complex Like a Giant Puzzle

I truly love practicing Chen Tai Chi. The more I learn, the more complex it becomes, though. It's like a giant puzzle, there are many component pieces that need to be learned, and then, the pieces are put together in order to create this final picture, and the picture is not just an image, but rather it is a volume of information about how to generate power, how to strike, how to deceive, how to throw, how to kick, etc, etc.

The cool thing about a puzzle like this, or any other puzzle is the doing of it. We can watch someone peforming the form, but then as Shifu would say, "your eyes may understand, but... unless you do it, your body does NOT understand."

By steady, ongoing practice with patience, it is guaranteed that you will improve on the component pieces. Growth and progress is evident. Rest assured that if you try to do too much at one time, when you don't have the component pieces ready, and you may get confused.

But don't lose sight of the goal.

I am so grateful that Shifu is my teacher. He explains so much to me, that my head sometimes feels like it is going to explode. But I would rather have that, than an instructor who doesn't say anything, or keeps the information to him/herself, or may not have that deep an understanding of the art!

Keep the faith and keep practicing, take small steps and watch and listen carefully to Shifu's teaching and your progress will be there. You have to believe!
J

Haven't forgotten...

Well, we reshot it. I edited it very short, but apparently the time issue wasn't a factor. What seems to be the problem is that I was trying to use FLIP video and THAT is causing me all sorts of grief. Going to do it again, old school using my regular camcorder, or just my iphone lol... please bear with me.

We'll get that Chen vs blade vid clip up soon. Promise.
J

Crazy Weather Upcoming... Practice Continues

My legs are tired now, i'm ready for a nap, but I feel good. My friend and I got up early this morning and we practiced our Chen Sword form for an hour before I had to leave to get ready for work. It was beautiful outside, and the weather was sunny and clear.

Tomorrow we are expecting 4" of snow. Well, it's March 22, we can hang onto the promise of more great and warmer weather to come, and more training and practice sessions to come, too. What have you done to practice today?
J

More about Chen Style Kicking

On Sunday, Shifu focused a bit on the kicking techniques from Lao Jia Yi Lu.
We practiced the technique shown above for a short while. Important points to remember are that the kicking leg is in an unweighted position while in the air, that tells us that we need to develop dexterity in being able to use that foot position for blocking, or impeding an advance, can kick either straight ahead, or to either side of an opponent's lead leg or into the body. Also, it re-emphasizes the need to learn to do something with the hand techniques while being able to apply kicks simultaneously on the low line.
J

A View Inside the Pavilion

In class today, Shifu once again stressed the importance of practicing basics. He compared the form, Lao Jia Yi Lu, to a required textbook. He was emphasizing that if we could, we really should practice daily. 15-30 minutes a day, and he felt that with serious practice, in a year's time we'd be surprised at how good we could be.

Shifu stated that since Lao Jia helps to strengthen and condition us to the correct body movements that we need to make sure our motions are large and big enough to allow our techniques to work.

Shifu stated that as we practice we need to be more aware of moving our bodies AND our hands together. He stated that we often make mistakes as we begin knowing what we are to do, and then FORGET to be aware of moving our bodies enough to make a technique work functionally. At the same time, we need to be aware NOT to turn our bodies too much.
J

When to Start Class in Tai Chi?

I don't believe there is any best day of the month to begin class. I believe that if the notion comes to you, and you've got the time and the opportunity to begin training, you should just come on in and do it.

We get a lot of visitors that come in at various times, and sometimes we hear that they want to wait until the beginning of the month, or want to wait a few more weeks, or whatever... and then, they fail to show up. It is understandable. Life always presses us with demands.

The thing is, starting training is like going over a bridge. We see it, we can start across the bridge, or we can wait for later, but sometimes the best time to cross is just when we are there. As we look around and see the conflicts and terrors that life can bring us (look at Japan's situation as an example) we need to be able to begin things that can help us prepare in a better manner.

Preparation isn't just about self defense, but it can be a starting point. Preparation can be just getting more physically active, so we can respond better to our life's demands. Preparation can be beginning an activity that helps us clear our minds/heads/spirits when we are confused or stressed by work or life's demands.

I strongly encourage you to begin training in Chen Tai Chi when the thought hits you.
Remember attending class is a great thing. Individual practice is a tremendous asset to one's growth and continued success in the endeavor. If you're anything like me, I like getting across the bridge and feeling good about making it over to the other side!
J

Coming to Watch Class

Hi all!
I've been a bit late in checking my voicemail lately, and I apologize for that. Unfortunately, i've got a real job, sigh, so it keeps me too busy.

Lately i've had a few messages about watching class. I spoke with Shifu, and he told me that it is ok if you would like to come and watch class on days that are NOT scheduled meetup days!

So, yes, if you wish to observe a class, that is possible. Shifu teaches on Thursday evenings at the park, Saturday morning at the park, and on Sundays, on Broadway at our regular class location.

Thursdays generally 7 or 7:30pm.
Saturday, generally 9:30am.
Sunday at 8:45 am.

By the way, I am always available by email if you've a question, it goes directly to my cell phone, so feel free to contact me via email, too.
gurojeff@gmail.com

Or please try calling me again... fyi, i usually don't take blocked calls.
347-641-9215 if you need more info!

I sure do hope you all come by and seek out Shifu. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest teachers I've ever known in my own almost 40 years of training in martial arts. He really is THAT good. Hope to meet you guys soon!
J

How to Understand Applications

Sometimes I forget that the vast majority of people have never been in any fights. Sure, we've all seen fighting on television, or occasionally on the street, but what to expect or what is common or what possibilities there are involved, most people really don't have a clue. Frankly, that is a good thing as most people are not prepared for actual conflict; however, to truly appreciate what we can learn from Chen Tai Chi, it is important to understand some basics.

The founder of Chen Tai Chi was a general. Fighting is fighting, and although the weapons may differ in one age and arena, generally whenever there is close quarter fighting, it means you're now in an ugly situation whereby we are forced to engage hand to hand, or close enough to have to deal with knives or clubs or whatever.

Imagine, if we had a rifle, and now we're out of ammo. If there are opposing peoples in front of you, and they are trying to kill you or hurt you... how could they do this? They could try to overrun you, try to push you back or off balance you so they can hit you, or grab or claw at you... perhaps they are grabbing you to prevent you from reaching a weapon, perhaps they are grabbing you to stab you with something.

Now if you're left with a hand position from the Chen form, you've got to figure out how could you use that hand position and movement to defend against that kind of attack.

Imagine if you were working on a security detail. If someone under your protection were attacked and they had to get by you through physical contact, how would that happen, or occur? There might be a distraction of some sort, then perhaps a shove or a pull or a grab, or a sudden attack or strike. Would it be a kick? Not likely but possible. Would it be a brick or a padlock held in a towel or a shirt? Perhaps, but now is that security detail in a "gang" situation or are you a law enforcement officer trying to hold back a riotous situation?

Considering the environment we are in, the situations that might befall us, and what someones' objectives are in their attempts to injure, kill or take advantage of us, will help make our Chen Tai Chi more real and more relevant to actual combat.

There isn't anything wrong with 'feel good,' 'spiritual' goals in one's practice of Tai Chi; however, to make one's training in Chen Tai Chi a functional art, we need to understand fighting. It isn't important to participate in it; although it sure is a learning experience, but studying combat and the goals of interpersonal conflict will better prepare you for making Chen Tai Chi a better Kung Fu and help you in learning and training.

As always, comments and questions are always welcome!
J

Chen Village

A lot of people believe that Chen Village is the only legitimate source of all things Chen Tai Chi. That is not necessarily true. While legitimately many famous Chen masters have come from there, there were also very many other legitimate and excellent practitioners of Chen Tai Chi from elsewhere.

Chen Fa Ke and Chen Zhao Kui taught many excellent practitioners and students in the Peking area. Their disciples were excellent proponents and their students have made very significant impact upon the Chen Tai Chi scene.

Chen Yu is the son of Chen Zhao Kui and he teaches outside of the Chen Village and his power and his abilities are of the highest caliber.

Length of time to learn combat effectiveness?

These particular thoughts on this topic are my own opinion. I want to state that from the outset.

I've read and heard many people over the years say that when learning tai chi, you can't leave the house for 10 years! Then I recently found an article that stated it would take about 6 years to develop an intermediate level of skill in combat.

To all that I totally disagree.

For sure there are different levels of skill that can be learned and developed over the course of a few years. There is a very high level of tai chi skill that can be achieved the longer we practice. There are specific body mechanics we are taught, and can be developed to be used instantaneously and I believe that there is an "ideal" way we should all strive for.

The founder of Chen Tai Chi was a general in the army. As a military commander I believe he would have understood a need for training that was effective and efficient to learn. I also believe that he felt there was value in long term study and gradual development towards an "ideal."

In other martial arts systems, forms are used as a model or a framework of practice. The movements done are intended to transmit specific skill and concepts to be used in combat. Should the Chen Tai Chi forms be any different? My opinion is no.

Actually, I probably am too aggressive in my thinking, but I believe that a few months of serious training, combined with serious partner practice can create a fighter of some significant merit and have effective personal protection skills. Of course, it would be important for a given student to learn how to recognize violence or impending conflict, to be able to recognize and understand the mechanics of common attack structure, and also the student would have to be confident enough to withstand and apply what he/she can do against an aggressor.

Please don't get me wrong, I intend to be involved with Chen Tai Chi for the long haul; hopefully for as long as I remain alive. I write my above thoughts because I think the general public doesn't give Chen Tai Chi enough credit as a true combat art. Push hands is a good skill to develop; however an attacker on the street trying to take your wallet or purse doesn't know how to do push hands. My views represent how I personally practice my Chen Tai Chi when I'm home and have bodies to practice upon.

I read alot on the internet and in books about how Chen Tai Chi MAY be more combative than other systems of Tai Chi because in Chen we learn how to develop more 'explosive force.' I say that's a load of crap. Sure force is important, but if that were the only criteria than the stronger individual would always win every conflict and we know that isn't the case.

A knowlegable and skilled instructor should be able to demonstrate different techniques and principles of fighting from the start of every motion within the form.
Our Shifu, Master Yu Guo Shun does exactly that. We learn to recognize how to use the motions and spiraling actions taught in the form to maximize our applications.

We are taught how to position our hands; how to grab, turn, twist, apply low level attacks in combination with the upper body motions. We are taught shoulder strikes, hand and arm strikes. He shows us how to counter kicks, punches, grabs, pushes, etc, etc..

Chen Tai Chi IS an effective fighting art. It's just important to practice and modify or adjust one's personal practice with what is done in a limited class length of time to develop one's skill further.

This last statement may rub some people the wrong way, but practice with standing meditation, solo form practice, and chan si jin practice solo and push hands practice won't prepare you to deal with an aggressor coming at you with a hammer or a screwdriver in his hands. But, if you apply yourself further, and you attempt to understand and fit what you are learning to the needs of your environment, you WILL be able to develop an effective fighting and self protective management you can apply NOW, while your steady training and practice in class can allow you to grow towards perfection in skill and body mechanic.

J

Update on my vid clip

Oh well, we shot the vid clip, but I haven't edited in a while. File was too big to upload here. Will re shoot the clip and post asap. Please bear with me! I think it'll be worthwhile.
J

Chen Tai Chi is a Martial Art Whereby Age is NOT a Barrier!

Unlike mixed martial arts, or many schools of jujitsu or karate, Chen Tai Chi truly is one of the martial arts that can be done and practiced at any age. Why is that a consideration? Imagine if you decided to invest in a practice at age 30 or 40, only to be forced to stop after 5 -10 years just because the demands of the practice become too much physically for your body to handle? That has to be somewhat disheartening or discouraging to learn something now, knowing that you may not be likely to continue your practice into your senior years.

Chen tai chi has the longest history of tai chi practice that can be practiced into one's elder years. While one can clearly learn to be effective in its practice, NOW, it is good to know that with steady practice, we can still practice and perform its technical skills later in life.

Youtube has quite a few vid clips of chen practitioners in their 80s and up that still move very well and are in great command of their skills.
J

Meetup this coming Sunday!

This coming Sunday, March 13th, we will be having another meetup which is a chance for newbies to come and try out a class, to see whether or not, you might be interested in pursuing study of Chen Tai Chi with Shifu.

The first meetup is free. To repeat a class after the meetup, we offer either a single class payment or monthly payment.

Sunday's session will begin at 8:45 am... and will take place at 8:45am.
390 Broadway, the 2nd floor...we are two blocks south of canal street.
For further information, please feel free to contact me: Jeff. 347-641-9215

For those who are curious, Shifu does teach regular classes on Thursday evenings, Saturday and Sunday mornings. He is also available for private classes and lessons as well.

Shifu is Master Yu Guo Shun. You can see some of his videos at:
http://youtube.com/yuguoshun

He also teaches tang lung and long fist fighting methods as well!
J

Chinese Sword - Jian

Shifu teaches two different sword forms in the Chen style. The first one he teaches is very close and similar to what is commonly seen when one is thinking of Chen Style straight sword. His second form is much more difficult and a much higher level of swordplay.

Lest one thinks that due to variations, there is any lesser value, rest assured that Shifu is insistent that the students of his swordwork understands how each and every movement is to function and work appropriately in a practical manner.

Sword practice is a bit different than the empty hand forms, perhaps it is slightly more demanding as the sword has a significant weight to it, and there are alot of changes in body height and positioning.

In the future, i'll be writing more about my experiences in learning Chen Tai Chi sword from Shifu.
J

Knee Pain?

A frequent complaint of long time yang style tai chi players is knee pain. There are many articles and posts on forums that address this issue. Sometimes this knee pain was so sharp that going up stairs was difficult. Back in the day when I used to practice the yang short form, where we go from weighted to unweighted shifts I would suffer the after class symptoms of that sharp knee pain. I learned how to adjust my foot placement to compensate and try to better align my body as I shifted weight and pushed down while doing the yang form, but it clearly was difficult and my body was receiving messages that perhaps this wasn't the best approach that would work for me.

Interestingly enough, my practice in Chen Tai Chi is MUCH more physically challenging and demanding, and even though I can practice Chen style for over 2-3 hours at a time (Yang, and my knee pain limited me to about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes at a time) I NEVER get the same kind of sharp knee pain I did, when practicing my former yang short form! No lie!

Yes, for sure, my muscles get very tired, and I do get an occasional muscle cramp these days, but joint pain? Never an issue.

Frankly, I don't know why that is. In Chen, we use longer stances, deeper stances, bend our knees alot, shift the weight much more, and practice longer, alot longer, but I am truly grateful that I no longer fear after class joint pain any longer.

Just an observation, that causes me to no longer bother practicing the yang form (I had been practicing that since 1985!) and feel that the Chen form offers me so much incredibly more without the need for developing joint issues.
J

Chen Tai Chi is NOT Just for Older Individuals

Personally, I find it frustrating at times when I try to discuss Tai Chi training with people, and the response I get is, "oh, that is for old people, right?" Well, for sure many older people who are retired, may want to try some exercises, and most of what the world perceives as tai chi is gentle and not as demanding as most forms of external martial arts training. However Chen Tai Chi is a martial art that should earn the respect of the young and athletic types.

Chen Tai Chi forms challenges its practitioners with a myriad of low stance work, and difficult body changes and shifts. It is NOT an easy practice to be able to move through the entire Lao Jia Yi Lu form without breaking a sweat. Later forms incorporate very difficult motions that include jumping 180 degrees and landing in a coordinated and graceful fashion. These forms also include a much more deliberate expression of force and speed in smaller motions requiring difficult body control and exertion.

As i've mentioned many times, Chen Tai Chi is a practical fighting art as well. The younger practitioners I've seen in class do very well and learn quickly. They make rapid gains. Clearly, it should appeal to a younger audience as well, as a mature audience.

Chen Tai Chi is a true fighting system and a martial art for those who would be thinkers and gain possession of true art and skill. I think we need to show more younger students the true potential that can be found and developed with Chen Tai Chi training.
J

Is Chen Tai Chi Practical as a Self Defense Art today?

A question I often hear posed is, "Is Chen Tai Chi practical for self defense in today's world?" I truly believe so. To prove my point, I have examined a number of the potential applications found in the movements of Lao Jia Yi Lu against commonly seen knife attacks. I chose knives as the attacking medium, because I happen to know a bit about blades and I have a pretty good idea of what will work empty handed against a blade. Having had SIX (6) of my students survive against edged weapons here in NYC, I think I can make a statement like that.

I had a friend, a well-known instructor in the Filipino Martial Arts who used to espouse that there were several steps to surviving any encounter: 1-to protect yourself, and limit the amount of injury you can from the first successful contact against an incoming strike/thrust, 2-to control the arm, 3-to control the body, 4-to take down and 5-to finish your opponent or control him/her, once down on the ground.
My study of Chen Tai Chi applications shows that Chen Tai Chi clearly can meet and satisfy all those criteria.

I do think there are several caveats to my statement that Chen can work well and effectively against knife attackers. The first is, it is very useful to understand how a knife can be used, and gain a rudimentary level of familiarity with such techniques, and second and most importantly, to have an instructor in Chen Tai Chi who knows the applications of the movements of the forms and someone who can explain and show and demonstrate the applications.

Here in New York City, we are really fortunate to have Shifu Yu as an instructor. His demonstrations of the Chen Applications is without peer in this area, imo. I'd be happy to show off any Anti-Knife thing anybody might have a question with. My hope is to put up a vid clip this week on Chen Tai Chi applied to a couple of knife attacks.

I should also state that just doing the form itself isn't enough to be able to apply the skill. Partner practice doing the applications is critical as well. It's why I think having a training partner is important for additional growth in understanding and developing skill in Chen Tai Chi.

Keep on training!
J

The Importance of NOT Using Too Much Strength ...

In class yesterday, Shifu reiterated the importance of NOT using too much strength or force during the practice of the Lao Jia form motions. Shifu was explaining that in a given movement within the form, we may be responding to the force or intention of an opponent's attack. Because we need to be sensitive to what the opponent is doing, we need to practice the form almost in a neutral sense so that we can decide our counterattack.

The counterattack we choose, can be a displacement or off balancing, can be a throw, or a push, or a strike or a bump or whatever.

Not only can our counterattack be done at different points in the motion, but different points in TIMING are possible as well.

Because we can decide what type of a counterattack can be applied in response to an opponent's force and intention, and we can change when and where we apply our counterattack, we have to NOT practice a given motion in one way all the time, to avoid falling into the trap of thinking there is but ONE particular technique being taught or practiced by the form.

I've had to paraphrase a bit, but I do believe I have the point made appropriately. Any errors here are strictly MY own, and do not reflect Shifu's attempts to make us understand.
J

How Hard Are You Practicing?

This morning's class was rough on me, today. It was one of those days that I could tell I wasn't 100%, don't know why, it just happens sometimes. Put on my right shoe this morning and I could tell right away, my ganglion was acting up. A ganglion is a cyst usually found in the lining of a tendon or ligament. Pressure on it sometimes causes alot of pain, and in my case, limping and weight bearing is very uncomfortable.

One of my seniors was there today, and he was describing his current fight against a very painful and sore groin pull. Clearly he was sweating and working hard, and I thought his form looked truly excellent today.

Shifu mentioned to me today, that his back was bothering him a bit. He was telling me that he had gotten his pain quite some time ago and that it bothered him frequently. The darn thing is that just looking at him, it is almost impossible to tell.

When I am in discomfort, I find I really need to focus and pay attention. My mind tends to wander, tends to focus on the pain or discomfort, and I want and need to pay attention to whatever Shifu wants me to work on in class.

We were in the park today, so after we were done, a kung fu practitioner asked if he could use our space. I watched him for a few minutes. I was admiring his form, and his effort and his concentration. I was very impressed. Shifu said, "he is working very hard!" I took that as very high praise for that individual.

Anyway, i'm home now totally chilling out and relaxing and probably will indulge in a short nap. I know that I was working hard today, too, despite it not being one of my better performances in class.

How do you all judge to see if you are practicing and working hard in class?
J

Standing Meditation

I was first introduced to standing meditation, otherwise known as "zhang zhuan" about a year ago. It is a form of breathing practice and standing practice with the intention of developing stability, control of the lumbar spine, relaxation of the body, strengthening and cultivating chi and stillness.

There are a number of different ways of doing this. No one way, I believe is better than another.

Shifu has taught me a method of how to concentrate while breathing in and out, and what to expect, and how to practice directing the chi flow in the body with spinal mobility. Frankly, I find this practice very laborious and difficult. I keep the faith that practice will have significant benefit.

I was taught that this type of practice is best done in a steady and progressive manner, maybe 5-10 minutes a day, and working the way up to half an hour at a time.

A Gentleman and a Class Act

I've had the privilege of training with many great and wonderful teachers over the years. My most influential, prior to meeting Shifu, was an incredibly talented and charismatic individual that promoted the idea that it was alright to show and display our talent and skills, so long as we could always back them up. For over 10 years, i've felt very sure and very proud of my achievements,yet almost every time I get an opportunity to spend time with Shifu, I continually am humbled by his grace and his character, in addition to his marvelous martial arts skills and talent.

Last night, after class, we were discussing some points of training and some differences in what I had observed in my study and perusal of what was present and visible on the net regarding tai chi in general. I expressed my thanks and gratitude that Shifu was available and present here in the NYC area. I stated how I originally had desired and considered travelling to China to study Bajiquan, but now I felt there was no need for me to travel so far away for excellent and available instruction.

Shifu promptly hushed me, and told me that I should not talk in such a manner. He inferred that "to compare and critique an individual or a style/system that I only know of through pictures, or videos or the internet would not be in good manners. He was very clear that I should always respect the names and the words of others.

I really love that about Shifu. He is always a gentleman, and he always wants us to behave in a manner that is respectful and considerate. I had forgotten that lesson for quite a number of years. Shifu's teaching really strikes a welcome chord in me, that makes me incredibly proud to be fortunate to be his student and to learn things from him both in and out of class. He truly makes me want to strive to be a more respectful individual.
J

Avoiding the Trap!

During my lesson with Shifu last night, we went over a series of interpretations for a given motion in the form. During my practice of the form, I tried to perform the movement correctly and with intent, which made Shifu laugh and instruct me in the correct manner to practice the form.

Taking the liberty to paraphrase, basically he said, "it is important and good to know a given meaning to a movement in the form, BUT, when you are practicing, it is still important to NOT put too much force or go too fast in the motion of the form. This is because you want to develop accuracy in your movement, yet, you want the motion to become natural and agile in its execution, so that you can learn other interpretations and develop proper skill in the given basic."

Shifu stated that, "without correct intention, the movement may become dead and have no meaning... but we need to avoid the trap of becoming too tense and using incorrect mechanics in the execution of a basic motion in the form..." That is one of the primary reasons we practice slowly, and do the forms in a relaxed and natural manner, repeated over and over again many times. Shifu told me that in China it was very common to spend 3 years training on Lao Jia Yi Lu. In this way, one can truly develop a high level of competency and skill in that given form.

We had a good laugh at my bumbling attempts, but the message was driven home.
J

Committment to Train

To develop excellence in the practice of Chen Tai Chi will require a long term commitment. Does that mean that if someone is only curious, or would like to try it, that is not beneficial for the short term of investment they are willing to commit to?
Not at all! Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Chen Tai Chi Chuan is very challenging and it is NOT easy to learn. However, by giving it a try, you will develop a better awareness of your body. Sometimes, just engaging in a few classes can help you achieve better posture, a start to an exercise regimen, and just the opportunity to push yourself to new limits of growth, and meeting other people.

Over the course of time of my own martial arts training, I have heard and seen alot of people come and go. All have stated that whatever their commitment to training that they were able to grow and enjoy the time spent in practice and training.

Not everyone can or is willing to become a full-time martial arts practitioner. We all have lives outside of the training arena, and jobs/career, family and personal obligations all have a strong pull on our available time and energy. These things are understood by all students and by Shifu.

However much time and energy you can devote to learning and practicing Chen Tai Chi, I strongly encourage it! I believe strongly that even if you can only practice during the class times you can attend, just do it! Every opportunity we have to practice a physical skill, we have a chance to improve our health, our mental and emotional frame of mind and our skill sets.

Don't feel that training is obligatory. Do it when you can, as you can. It is better to have done, than not do at all, in my opinion. By sticking with the opportunities you have available to you, the potential for gain and growth is always present.

It's a funny thing, students are not always aware that, as they grow and improve and gain opportunity to achieve things; that their presence may also help others around them benefit from them being there to train and practice. Try to stick with the training as you are able! I believe in the long run, you'll be better off for it!
J

Not Enough Space to Practice?

I hear the statement that, "I don't have enough space to practice the whole form," a lot from many people. Thus, they often wait until they can get to class before they try to remember and practice what they have learned in previous classes. While we should not judge and be overly critical of that practice, it is exceedingly difficult to grow and learn efficiently in that manner.

Despite having minimum space available to you there are many ways in which to practice and improve in Chen Tai Chi. In some of my private training with Shifu, we often only have 12-15 square feet to train in. Within that small space, we have worked on single postures, often repeating one given movement over and over, repeatedly. Sometimes we'll work on a single basic in a given movement, as well.

There are many basics in the form which some of us need to practice to get down the body mechanics. One of my own personal issues is twisting and turning my body enough to properly perform a given motion. Shifu has taught me to sustain a solid and firm stance, and gently turn the body in one direction to perform the motion to one side, and then to turn in the opposite side to perform the motion on the other side. He feels that by performing enough repetitions, any individual can learn to develop greater flexibility and correct turn of the body to perform all motions correctly.

It is clear that while it is good to be able to practice the entire form in a large space, sometimes our homes, or available training area isn't always optimal. In those instances we should try to practice a bit, develop some creativity in the use of our available space, and try to practice as often as we can.
J