Month: May 2023

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Tai Chi Is A Martial Art

Steve Rowe

Yang style Tai Chi is a ‘standard’ form of Chinese Kung Fu. It is a distillation of other arts and the techniques and principles are clearly recognisable in both Chinese and Japanese arts. Every hand shape in the gold standard Yang Chen Fu form and the internal mechanisms that work them can be found in a good version of Tensho (Rokkishu) kata that also has its origins in White Crane Kung Fu. Every technique in the form can be effectively used through the ‘gates’ of the arms generally can be applied in locking, throwing, blocking, striking, strangling, choking, cavity pressing, … Continue reading Tai Chi Is A Martial Art

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Shamanism In Tai Chi

Steve Rowe

Shamanism in Tai Chi. We focus mainly on the snake, crane and tiger, these 3 animals are within every technique in a variety of ways. Snake is bound to the earth, our primalenergies and reptilian brain. It represents our qi energy, the way we move against the earth, the way we ‘coil’ bonelessly in movement, wrap around the opponent and escape grips and holds. It also represents the ‘spit’ and venom of a sudden attack. Tiger represents our mammalian energies, our powerful intention, qi projection, bone, tendon and muscular power, our structural integrity in framing our body, tearing techniques and … Continue reading Shamanism In Tai Chi

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The Expectation Of Happiness

Steve Rowe

The expectation is often that people with depression aspire to be happy.Not always true.People with depression often see happy people as more depressed than them.Why?Because they see them as running away from reality.They can often see the darkness behind the smile because they know it’s name.People with depression need to balance and manage their emotions.Not mask them.They don’t always want to talk about their feelings, often those that want to help are the wrong ones to turn to.Because they haven’t been to those dark places, where ‘no life’ is a better option than ‘life’.They have to get to a place … Continue reading The Expectation Of Happiness

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Greedy Eyes

Steve Rowe

When you’re young you’re taught to have ‘greedy eyes’, to want more than you need.As you age, if you develop right view, you start to realise only what you need.Slowly you get rid of and let go of everything you don’t need.From material things, to people, to emotions.You stop looking back, you stop looking forward.You stop being greedy.You keep letting go, you stop wanting until time stands still.Instead of trying to grab and conquer life, you let it come to you.Until it doesn’t, and you loosen the last part. Continue reading Greedy Eyes

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Why I Choose A Dojo v Gym

Steve Rowe

Why I choose a Dojo over a Gym. A Dojo is a community of mutual support. Respect and dignity are paramount. We learn how to discipline the mind, develop emotional intelligence, relate to each other and develop a vigorous health that’s fit for purpose as opposed to vanity. Martial Art training is a fun way to learn these skills rather than the ‘punishment’ we tend give to ourselves in a gym for not matching media expectation. They can be practiced anywhere without the need of expensive equipment. Classes are not random, grades and syllabus are specific so we always know … Continue reading Why I Choose A Dojo v Gym