Tag: shi kon

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Tension in the Martial Arts

Steve Rowe

Any skilled martial artist understands that unnecessary tension in the body reduces mobility, sensitivity and power. Getting rid of that unnecessary tension means examining the causes, often rooted in anger, aggression, anxiety and fear. Easy movement requires an easy mind, and this is why martial art coaches need to be both mind and body coaches with exercises to train both. Grappling is an essential part of all traditional martial arts, and in addition to that easy and mobile body, the practitioner needs to utilise the energy and power of the opponent and serve it back to them. The chain of … Continue reading Tension in the Martial Arts

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Warrior’s Mind

Steve Rowe

Warrior’s Mind A trained warrior will have a soft front and a strong back He will meet the world with the soft front Showing courtesy, patience, kindness, tolerance and compassion So this is not weak It’s supported by the strong back  With hidden resolve, determination and cultivated strength and power Because it’s cultivated, he is not subject to his emotions They are disciplined and therefore a part of his power His mind is aware, focused, sensitive and capable of great intensity He is able to ‘switch’ from soft to hard in an instant  He doesn’t require a build up of … Continue reading Warrior’s Mind

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A Martial Artist’s Alchemy

Steve Rowe

You can train martial artsUse them for physical fitnessEgoTheatreVanityAggressionAnd the ‘street’ Or you can be a martial artistAnd study:Your body inside and outEmotional intelligenceMental awareness, focus, sensitivityDiscipline and intensity Developing a toolbox for lifeSelf defence, defendingAnd developing strategies forPhysical healthMental healthEmotional healthAnd life’s situations For a martial artistIt’s not an hour a dayIt’s a life studyWorking at a deep levelFor an alchemy to take placeAnd developing strategiesTo live a peacefulAnd more harmonious life Being a positive influenceIn your environmentSocietyFamilyCommunityAnd finding peaceInstead of violence. Continue reading A Martial Artist’s Alchemy

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The Way Of Learning

Steve Rowe

Talking about the learning process yesterday. These are the essential points: Attitude towards learning. Ritual preparation is essential to put the mind and emotions in the right place to learn, from karate ‘etiquette’ to ‘waiting for Tai Chi to arrive’ these preparations are important before you start. Planning each movement, from building a memory palace, making notes to creating a list of what you need to remember before you move creates a mindful way of training toward improvement. Only move at a speed that you can maintain that mindset and complete that list is essential. Mindless repetition is useless. Reflecting … Continue reading The Way Of Learning

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One Foot In Death

Steve Rowe

Blood, Sweat and TearsContemplating deathWalking with one foot in life and one in deathGiving a perspective others don’t haveThen in meditation and trainingMoving both feet into deathWith just a little toe left in lifeWhen you’re as familiar with death as lifeYou lose fearYou gain that broader perspectiveFinding your immortalityYou gain balanceFinding the line between yin and yangThe middle path, the TaoThe way of the warriorPiercing the veil of illusionRealising that what you were before you were born,What you are when you’re deadYou still are nowWatching the theatre of lifeNot happy or unhappyBut peacefulThose that opt for an ‘easy life’Missed the … Continue reading One Foot In Death

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The Way Of Zen

Steve Rowe

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

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I’m Not Everyone’s Cup Of Tea

Steve Rowe

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

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Be Who You’re Meant To Be

Steve Rowe

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

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Morning Garden Tai Chi

Steve Rowe

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

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Silk Reeling

Steve Rowe

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