The basic stance is a way of standing that keeps your body aligned with gravity, improves your posture and promotes relaxation. For most people, the way they stand is unbalanced. Tension in the muscles pulls their body in different directions 24 hours a day. Relearning how to stand has so many benefits considering what a simple change it can be. This is the stance we take before we begin any […]
In kung fu and tai chi, we always aim to make our movements balanced, efficient and powerful. A balanced movement is one where the forces involved are balanced throughout the body. At no point is the individual out of balance and vulnerable to counter-attacks. An efficient movement is one which uses only the necessary muscles and doesn’t hold onto unneeded tension anywhere in the body. We all know what a […]
In the Jade Dragon tradition we separate yin training and yang training. Yin training teaches you to develop power inside the body through stillness or very slow movements combined with a focused mind and breath. Yang training teaches you to express that power in the most efficient way. Wave power is one of the most important methods of yang training. Wave training is all about learning how to move in […]
Raising and lowering your arms Every day we raise and lower our arms hundreds of times. Whether we’re picking thingsup, drinking a cup of tea, using a computer or driving a lot of our activities involve ourarms. Changing the way we raise and lower our arms can save us a lot of energy andmake the movements far easier and more powerful. Raising and lowering your arms are really two different […]
Whenever I perform tai chi I bring to mind the image of a tiger. The tiger is an animal that embodies many of the principles of tai chi. It uses its weight very well and constantly relaxes down into the ground. It holds no excess tension in its frame. It blends into and is completely at one with its environment. When it moves it is a poem of grace, balance, […]
Tai chi is a profound martial art and exercise system that has become universally popular because tai chi health benefits are so wide-ranging. What’s more ongoing research is constantly showing new areas where tai chi is beneficial. One year it is in the news for treating anxiety and the next year for helping hugely with fibromyalgia. So what makes it so beneficial for such a wide range of physical and […]