Why basics?Because everything you need to knowEven for the most advanced trainingIs in thereA good teacher will apply layer after layerInto the same basic exercises and techniques firstBecause it’s the most efficient way of learningThe layers are not held backThey can only be taughtWhen the student is readyThen they will exclaim“It were there all the time…I just didn’t see it!” Continue reading Why Basics?
Early morning meditation and trainingThe stillnessThe silenceThe language of the earthThe trees and plantsThe birds wakeningThe fox passing byThey are our brothers and sistersWe are joined in consciousnessWhen we finally become still and silentWe’re born out of this earthNot into itThis is our true refugeWhen we leave the circusAnd the clowns behind. Continue reading Leaving The Circus
The Way Of Zen The Samurai warrior would get up every day and say “today is a good day to d.i.e.” He would make sure that all his affairs were in order so that his passing wouldn’t be a burden to others. He would then savour every remaining moment and every remaining breath. Pure Zen. I’ve always lived to these ideasI’ve made a willLived frugallyPaid for my cremationLeft all the important information in a bookI have no debtMy dojo and flat are paid for, fully repaired and decoratedI’ve written all the books on my life, meditations and teachingsCompleted all the … Continue reading The Way Of Zen
I’m not everyone’s cup of tea…..I’m out of step with humanityBut in step with the universeI don’t do what others want me toBut walk my own pathThe only people that really like meAre those I teachBecause we’re all on a similar journeyMy jokes are shitBut make me laughMy Tai Chi is differentBut accords with the classicsAnd other martial artsYou can’t bully meYou can’t make me do what you wantYou can’t make me fit inTo your imageThat’s whyI’m not everyone’s cup of tea. Continue reading I’m Not Everyone’s Cup Of Tea
What’s the best bit of advice that I can give you? Take responsibility for your own soul. Do not let anyone own any part of you. Do not give any part of yourself away to others. Listen to and be guided by your gut. Everyone wants a part of you. Everyone wants to shape you into what they want you to be. Be yourself. Walk your own path. Be who and what you’re meant to be. Any good relationship is 2 independent people supporting each other to be the best can be. Otherwise you’re just a slave to others. Continue reading Be Who You’re Meant To Be
Early morning Tai Chi and meditation.The smell of the earthThe scent of the flowersThe gentle breezeBlowing in my skinThe deep blue of the skyEach one charging my energyBreathing it all inMy body thanking meFluffing up the cavities and spacesIn my body with chiSwimming in the warm airGentle spiralling motionsPressing with the footTo power the waistTo move the armsTo express my immortal soulAnd exchange energies with the earthThe stillnessThe quietThe calling of the birdsThe buzzing of the beesThe rustling of the leavesAll in harmony with my movementWe’re all joinedWe’re oneDancing in the universe.Steve Rowe Continue reading Morning Garden Tai Chi
It’s said that when silk is pulled from a cocoon, it comes out in a spiral. It has to be pulled gently with a continuous pressure so that it doesn’t break. In our Tai Chi, silk reeling means that we practice with a continuous unbroken spiralling motion. This means that all movement is curved with no weak spots, maintaining momentum and the opponent is deflected and unbalanced on impact. Pulling silk is lightly stretching and opening the joints and fascia to encourage the transmission of energy through the body with no stiffness or collapses. Continue reading Silk Reeling
Living as if already deadYou see life in a completely different wayThere’s no point in ownershipNo desire for anythingNo desire to be happy or unhappyYou become the observerRather than the engagerRealising that the observerIs who you really areAnd is immortalUsually hidden by desireEntropy belongs to the bodyNot the observerYou live frugallyDon’t argueAllow the world to unfoldIn its natural wayA ‘bucket list’ belongs to the bodyPeace belongs to the observer Peace out people.Steve Rowe Continue reading Living As If Dead
Oh poor you….Your avatar is born out of this worldNot into itSurvival mode gives it needsFear of deathWanting recognition from the tribeWanting sexual favoursFear and aggression arise from defence modeNourishment is needed to surviveThe driver is joined to that which gave birth and is immortalThe avatar feels isolated and lonely when not nourishedDeterioration and death are assured from birthIts purpose is to engageSo the driver is enriched from the experienceIt’s being human for the journeyIt’s the only way it can experience itselfThe best journey is when the avatar can understand what it isAnd know that it’s only theatre created by … Continue reading Be The Driver
The one thing in life that never changes is the fact that it’s always changing. Children grow upAdults grow oldExperienceIllnessTragedyRelationshipsTimeGradings They all change peopleThey change usThey change people we knowThis is important We can’t expect people to be the sameFriendsPartnersStudentsTeachersOurselves Quite often disappointment arises when we expect people or things to stay the same. They don’t. They can’t. Love, friendship, relationships, respect can grow stronger or fade away. Eventually everything peaks, and everyone and everything turns to dust. This can be scary or a comfort – it’s up to you. Continue reading Everything Changes
