Yang Wenhu

watching the dantian action of this gentlemen...very interesting.

Learning the Chinese Names of the Sequences for Lao Jia Yi Lu

This particular vid clip I find very useful because of the Chinese audio in the background naming each particular sequence of movements. That is useful for those that wish to know the name of the different sequences in Chinese. I find it useful to better communicate with Shifu as I am learning the sequences and the particular possible uses of the techniques. I don't think it is necessary to learn Chinese, but it certainly helps with communication as it provides a common frame of reference. Don't be afraid! Give it a try! Keep it fun, and you WILL learn. Good luck!

Zhang Maozhen... student of Chen Zhao Kui...

I watch all the small details... interesting that the fellow in white, is close, but he lacks some of the finer points that his Master is showing on this clip. I believe that sometimes we can be influenced by other teachers... best I believe to follow the teachings of your immediate teacher, and then later make adjustments to your own practice AFTER you truly understand the differences from what you were originally taught, and why you choose to make the changes if any, in your own practice.

I really admire how Master Zhang moves...very close to what I am being taught.

Ma Wende... One of Chen ZhaoKui's students... here at 90 years old!

The audio on this clip is awful, suggest watching it with the sound off!

My Tai Chi Bang

I received my Tai Chi Bang today from the UPS carrier. Wow! What an amazing piece of finely crafted wood! It is as I envisioned it, and I already spent some time playing with it after teaching a couple of classes tonight. I will have to put up some more vid clips on using the Tai Chi Bang for training. The Tai Chi Bang is NOT something we can pick up at our local martial arts store... I ordered mine custom made from Charles Tauber. He's a great person to deal with. Fast communication, good responses, and I was amazed how quickly he was able to get the Bang to me. These are not cheap massed produced items, rather, they are finely handcrafted wood items, that are a worthy investment, if you would like to delve into further aspects of self training in the Chen Tai Chi Tradition.

Charles Tauber's Website for Tai Chi Bang

I have posted the link above to Charles' website. I think if you're curious, and willing to spend the money, you'll be pleased with the finished products that Charles offers. Of course, the key is not just having the item, but also PRACTICING with it. Charles also puts out a DVD on how to use the Tai Chi Bang. Thank you Charles for making this great tool, I treasure it already!

Chen Yu performing a few Moves from Lao Jia

I really enjoy watching Chen Yu. Hope you all enjoy it, too!

My Facebook Taijiquan Page!

I've started up a page on facebook for my examinations/thoughts on Chen Tai Chi. Hopefully, you'll check out the page there, as I won't have much duplication between there and here, but I like the facebook approach because it does allow for more interaction between readers/viewers, etc. Hope you check it out and Like the page. Thanks!!

FACEBOOK Page on NYC CHEN TAIJIQUAN

Examining the Transition From One Movement to the Next

Can you see the arm lock/control here? If the transition from one movement to the next is done too quickly, or without thought, we can miss out on the hidden techniques being presented within the form. Shifu's form presentation is awesome, and designed specifically to teach AND to show, unlike other instructors who retain and hide much of what they do know. It's why in a city with many, many big names and instructors in martial arts, I choose Master Yu Guo Shun as my teacher. His openness and willingness to teach and share information inspires me every chance I see him.

Benefits of Practice... Better Sleep!

I can't promise that everyone will have the same benefits derived from Tai Chi practice, but I can state without hesitation that for the past month, i've been sleeping MUCH better at night since I resumed training with Shifu. I know that when i'm training consistently, I get stronger, am calmer, deal with stress a bit better and now, i'm sleeping better. I think the time invested in the training is well worthwhile.

A Giant Tai Chi Ball

This vid clip sure looks interesting... I believe that this type of training would teach us how to work our waists and also to work with spiraling energy. I think the height of the stand is important, and where could one possibly find a large ball like that one! Wow. Amazing. OK... back to practice! While supplementary training can be useful, Shifu keeps telling me that the important thing is to practice the movements of the form correctly.