Tag: shi kon

ArticlesLeave a comment

History Of Our Dojo Building

Steve Rowe

The history of our Dojo building: An Uphill Struggle by Brian JoyceReaders familiar with Chatham Hill will be aware of the martial arts centre part way up on the south­west side. What they perhaps don’t know is that the site was used for religious purposes for about two hundred years. In the early nineteenth century, the families living on the Hill had a dubious reputation. Looking back in 1873, the Chatham Observer felt that: “there has always been…a moral element on Chatham Hill very difficult to subjugate; a wild, fitful, bohemian sort of spirit, often breaking out unexpectedly and requiring … Continue reading History Of Our Dojo Building

ArticlesLeave a comment

War And Peace

Steve Rowe

Why do we take such a black and white view on dealing with violence? You can’t view violence without looking at peace and conversely you can’t view peace without looking at violence. One only exists because of the other. Martial Arts traditionally understood why this balance is important and for those of us that have taught peace and law officers at the sharp end of violence we have had to teach this balance. You all know my mantra of ‘a soft front and strong back’ because good manners, politeness, kindness and gentleness, patience, tolerance and compassion are the mark of … Continue reading War And Peace

Articles1 Comment

Don’t Kill Someone With Depression

Steve Rowe

The problem with ’copy and paste’ and ‘meme’ oriented social media is that people thinking they’re doing good can end up causing more harm. When they (in all good spirit) encourage people with depression to ‘speak out’, ‘talk to someone’ and ask ‘if they’re okay’ can exacerbate the depression if the depressed person feels: That if they do speak up they’ll make the situation worse by agitating or scaring those around them and end up withdrawing and isolating themselves. They feel a lesser person by letting others know and will be passively bullied by them trying to help or sort … Continue reading Don’t Kill Someone With Depression

ArticlesLeave a comment

Look To The Old to Understand The New

Steve Rowe

温故 (On-ko) is to ask old things. 知新 (Chi-shin) is to know new things. This is really interesting, the idea or principle of learning should be properly understood and permeate everything in our lives and particularly our martial arts. We are often guided toward modern business and spiritual gurus wasting a lot of time and money, not really understanding that there’s nothing ‘new’ in the universe and that truth stands for all time in all things. If we know how to look, the roots are deep and worth researching. For me, ‘truth’ in the way the world works, the underlying … Continue reading Look To The Old to Understand The New

ArticlesLeave a comment

Eye Usage In Tai Chi

Steve Rowe

Eye usage in Tai Chi: It’s important to understand that your eyes lead your intention and your intention leads your chi. The more powerful and focused your intention, the more powerful and focused your chi. 1st level – you ‘look’ at the leading limb where it’s contacting the opponent to send your chi to that point. This has to then be internalised and sustained for the whole form. 2nd level – on top of that you then also ‘see’ the other limb using peripheral vision and how that is being used to manipulate the opponent in its passive form. This … Continue reading Eye Usage In Tai Chi

ArticlesLeave a comment

3 Characteristics Of Existence

Steve Rowe

The search for truth is everything. The Buddha gave us 3 truths, the ‘characteristics of existence’ that are obvious but important to fully understand. ImpermanenceEverything is constantly changing and acceptance and understanding of this truth prevents unnecessary suffering.“The shape changes but not the form” – Tao Te Ching SufferingLife is suffering. Caused by the desire to have or not have something. The basic suffering of life cannot be avoided and must therefore be accepted, but ‘suffering about your suffering’ can be understood with insight and therefore averted and enlightened. Non SelfThe ‘self’ is the software of your ‘meat vehicle’ (your … Continue reading 3 Characteristics Of Existence

Poems2 Comments

The Creation Of The Universe

Steve Rowe

What am I asked infinity?The question started a spiral…As infinity swirled a conscious universe was born,Suspending and permeating everything in it.This consciousness was called ‘space’ and would remain unnoticed by everything within.Movement created time and change,Each creation naturally bought about its opposite;This pairing was a form of identification and recognition,One could only be experienced by its opposite.Through evolution, self consciousness arose;Allowing infinity to experience itself through the theatre of opposites. This theatre caused the suffering of desire and rejection,Until one self noticed a doorway,A portal back to the infinite,An awareness that space was conscious.Whenever opposites were balanced ,The portal appeared;A … Continue reading The Creation Of The Universe

PoemsLeave a comment

Tribal Chief To Beggar

Steve Rowe

Tribal Chief To Beggar… I used to be the leader of the tribe.I was the protector, the strongest,And everyone followed my example.I wore my scars with pride and my powerful spirit carried my body with ease.I was intolerant of the weak, convinced that everyone could and should exceed their personal barriers.If I could, they should. Time bought me to my knees.I realised that some battles can’t be won,As my body deteriorated bit by bit,Accidents, sickness, wear and tear and cellular breakdown took their toll.Until I could no longer lead,My spirit became a prisoner in my body,I needed other people to … Continue reading Tribal Chief To Beggar