Tag: Tai Chi

ArticlesLeave a comment

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

ArticlesLeave a comment

What Is Peng?

Steve Rowe

Peng is like a jigsaw, it can only exist if certain things are in place. They are: A permanent connection to the feet, driving the waist and out the arms to the hands. The 3 bows (arms, legs and spine) with the body weight either resting in them (yin) or actively bowing and releasing energy (yang). Structural alignment with no protrusions, collapses or leaning. An animated body with every cavity, every bit of tissue, every joint and any other space in the body filled with animated energy. A mind that is aware, focused, sensitive and intense. If any of these … Continue reading What Is Peng?

Articles, PoemsLeave a comment

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

Articles, PoemsLeave a comment

Why Basics?

Steve Rowe

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?

Articles, PoemsLeave a comment

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

ArticlesLeave a comment

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

Articles, PoemsLeave a comment

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

ArticlesLeave a comment

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

Articles, PoemsLeave a comment

Be The Driver

Steve Rowe

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