Thought I'd write a quick note on this (since I forgot).
In the Yang style t'ai chi styles I've studied the single hand pushing hands form has been done at just below shoulder level. In this case you push from the shoulder of the pushing hand towards the centre and yielding towards the opposite shoulder of your opponent.
In wudang style the push is directed towards the opponents hip on the same side as the pushing hand. The yield then is directed to the hip on the opposite side.
In the case of the Yang style this is an example of two of the first four powers - ji and lu. The ji is directed at the opponents centre and the opponent is forced to lu (yield or roll back) and direct the force away in order to maintain their balance.
In wudang it is again an exercise in ji and lu, however in this case the exercise strengthens and flexes the kua (the inguinal crease in the hip joint). It is the kua that allows someone to bend at the hips without bending the spine.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Saturday, September 18, 2004
One-to-one tuition
Today I had a private lesson from my teacher who first introduced me to Wudang style tai chi. Wudang is a name chosen to imply the heritage from the Wu family style but to show that it is a different style (very similar though).
The chap who's teaching me has an web site at realtaichi.com. if you want to know more about Wudang style or practical taichi have a look at taichichuan.co.uk.
Today I went through the first section of the long form again. I haven't been practicing the square form recently (a training version of the long form) and this activity showed me that my posture and the accuracy of my form needs to be addressed.
I must practice.
The chap who's teaching me has an web site at realtaichi.com. if you want to know more about Wudang style or practical taichi have a look at taichichuan.co.uk.
Today I went through the first section of the long form again. I haven't been practicing the square form recently (a training version of the long form) and this activity showed me that my posture and the accuracy of my form needs to be addressed.
I must practice.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Sword bag??
I now own a hockey stick bag for my sabre too.
Will get some practice this weekend methinks.
Will get some practice this weekend methinks.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Got a sword
Got a sabre to be precise, know the first 5 or 6 moves of the sabre form.
Looking at some personal tuition to get the wudang long form learnt and nailed. Any thoughts welcome.
Looking at some personal tuition to get the wudang long form learnt and nailed. Any thoughts welcome.
Saturday, August 21, 2004
wooden sword ordered
So, life t'ai chi wise is progressing well i think.
The class however is a little too scattered for me to learn the long form effectively and I wonder if I'll have similar issues with the weapons forms. I am now looking through Dan Docherty's book on t'ai chi and this coupled with following others through the form is proving fruitful. I am intending to write a little here about the wudang style Da Lu I've been learning but I've yet to start this. I'm also looking forward to the up coming workshops in london and hope to attend my first in september!
The class however is a little too scattered for me to learn the long form effectively and I wonder if I'll have similar issues with the weapons forms. I am now looking through Dan Docherty's book on t'ai chi and this coupled with following others through the form is proving fruitful. I am intending to write a little here about the wudang style Da Lu I've been learning but I've yet to start this. I'm also looking forward to the up coming workshops in london and hope to attend my first in september!
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
wooden swords and service oriented architectures
hmm..
my lifes pretty odd.
Anyhow currently looking at buying a practice sabre to practice the sabre form. Also looking around for a class to consolidate my form training.
On a different note been looking at service oriented architectures. Found some blueprints so looking to read through those soon.
Still also trying to get throught the Tony Buzan books - I'll whack a link in for those later.
really must update this more.
oo... Mind, body and kick ass moves is pretty amusing.
my lifes pretty odd.
Anyhow currently looking at buying a practice sabre to practice the sabre form. Also looking around for a class to consolidate my form training.
On a different note been looking at service oriented architectures. Found some blueprints so looking to read through those soon.
Still also trying to get throught the Tony Buzan books - I'll whack a link in for those later.
really must update this more.
oo... Mind, body and kick ass moves is pretty amusing.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Opening style
Still I am learning new things about the simplest part of the t'ai chi form. Its got a number of names not least of which is "Opening Style". To the observer it looks as if the body stays still or sinks a bit and the wrists are raised in an arc in front, to just below shoulder height, drawn back towards the body and then the palms are pushed towards the ground. simple eh?
well, yes and no.
I read somewhere, think it was a guide to the 24-forms form, that this simple exercise is the first one taught to the shaolin monks and that there are many disciplines where the initial step is to repeat this exercise 10s, 100s, 1000s of times. So whats so special?
I've so far heard two interpretations of what the exponents energy should be doing when doing this exercise.
1. From a Yang/shaolin stylist
The chi or focus is drawn to the top most part of the forearm as the arm is raised. Then drawn to the underside or palm as it is dropped.
2. from B.K.Franzis - a wu stylist
When the hands are almost level with the shoulders and in front of the right and left channels (referring to the channels that connect the accupuncture points) then the fingers are extended sligtly, weight is shifted to the ball of the foot and energy is drawn up through the body and projected from the fingers. As the hands are drawn back to the body the energy is drawn in. (don't try this without reading his books or having a teacher familiar with energy arts - the headaches and symptons of incorrect practice are most irritating).
The latter is reminiscent of what I've read of bone marrow nei-kung.
One form or movement of many and there is so much written of it. most odd.
Certainly t'ai chi is a many layered art.
well, yes and no.
I read somewhere, think it was a guide to the 24-forms form, that this simple exercise is the first one taught to the shaolin monks and that there are many disciplines where the initial step is to repeat this exercise 10s, 100s, 1000s of times. So whats so special?
I've so far heard two interpretations of what the exponents energy should be doing when doing this exercise.
1. From a Yang/shaolin stylist
The chi or focus is drawn to the top most part of the forearm as the arm is raised. Then drawn to the underside or palm as it is dropped.
2. from B.K.Franzis - a wu stylist
When the hands are almost level with the shoulders and in front of the right and left channels (referring to the channels that connect the accupuncture points) then the fingers are extended sligtly, weight is shifted to the ball of the foot and energy is drawn up through the body and projected from the fingers. As the hands are drawn back to the body the energy is drawn in. (don't try this without reading his books or having a teacher familiar with energy arts - the headaches and symptons of incorrect practice are most irritating).
The latter is reminiscent of what I've read of bone marrow nei-kung.
One form or movement of many and there is so much written of it. most odd.
Certainly t'ai chi is a many layered art.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Realtaichi.com
Realtaichi.com
Very cool blog!
This is written by the guy who first introduced me to wu-dang style t'ai chi.
Very cool blog!
This is written by the guy who first introduced me to wu-dang style t'ai chi.
Monday, July 12, 2004
S700i phone
Product promotion selector
Found a new toy. My P800 is starting to feel a little old so I think I'll be waiting for this little chap to come out in the shops.
Found a new toy. My P800 is starting to feel a little old so I think I'll be waiting for this little chap to come out in the shops.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
css Zen Garden: The Beauty in CSS Design
css Zen Garden: The Beauty in CSS Design
Bit of a techy thing here, but I really need to spend some more time looking at css technology and looking at my site at craigbeattie.com.
Also - just trying out the blogger button on the google toolbar!
Bit of a techy thing here, but I really need to spend some more time looking at css technology and looking at my site at craigbeattie.com.
Also - just trying out the blogger button on the google toolbar!
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Odd emotional reactions n' stuff
Back when i did the reiki 1 course I recall getting spontaneously angry, just waiting for a bus - an emotional reaction quite out of character. I am now finding similar reactions. I would describe myself now as more tetchy, irritable, angry on occasion. I am reacting in my usual fashion of letting it pass or trying to but it is unusually common at this time.
There are two possible sources - works a bit more stressful at present although to be fair I have usually been able to disassociate the rest of my life from work quite easily to date. The other possible cause - and this is why I mention my reiki 1 experience, is that my current activities trying to meditate and working through the accupuncture points associated with the microcosmic orbit (taoist meditation technique) are releasing this energy, these emotions and it seems that this is to be expected.
Its an odd side effect. One wouldn't imagine that breathing and meditation techniques would have this effect. I am now more aware of feelings of pressure around some of these points and finding that I have to conciously relax and 'smile' to free myself of them.
an odd thing i thought i would share.
There are two possible sources - works a bit more stressful at present although to be fair I have usually been able to disassociate the rest of my life from work quite easily to date. The other possible cause - and this is why I mention my reiki 1 experience, is that my current activities trying to meditate and working through the accupuncture points associated with the microcosmic orbit (taoist meditation technique) are releasing this energy, these emotions and it seems that this is to be expected.
Its an odd side effect. One wouldn't imagine that breathing and meditation techniques would have this effect. I am now more aware of feelings of pressure around some of these points and finding that I have to conciously relax and 'smile' to free myself of them.
an odd thing i thought i would share.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
a new understanding of chi gung
chi gung and the whole taoist meditation has been a bit of a side hobby for me, that is to say an interest brought about by my interest in t'ai chi. Anyhow, I'm starting (I think) to get a good academic grounding in the early stages of developing energy and to a degree how it relates to t'ai chi. Starting to... after about 14 years.
What have I learnt recently?
Well, I've read the first two chapters of a book by mantak chia called: bone marrow nei kung. This is the largely secret art of enhancing your bone marrow, blood and body by focusing on the bones.
I've learnt a few things from these first few chapters. Firstly, and this is an odd one, I'm not ready to read it. Sounds mad doesn't it? The content discusses how one should move ones focus, ones concentration around your body to bring about certain changes. Now imagine you're reading a book that says focus on your belly button - try reading that without doing it! I couldn't I'll admit, I was reading passages and finding that at some points I was having a go without meaning to. A fairly meaty headache told me I wasn't doing things quite right - but the book has spurred me on to practice some of the basics first before gathering all the knowledge I can.
An interesting lesson.
So this is why things are not taught before you're ready - cos you're not ready!!!! marvelous.
What else did I learn?
erm.
well, its not all magic. its based on simple things, meditation and using the bodies hormones to grow.
i'll leave it there for now methinks
What have I learnt recently?
Well, I've read the first two chapters of a book by mantak chia called: bone marrow nei kung. This is the largely secret art of enhancing your bone marrow, blood and body by focusing on the bones.
I've learnt a few things from these first few chapters. Firstly, and this is an odd one, I'm not ready to read it. Sounds mad doesn't it? The content discusses how one should move ones focus, ones concentration around your body to bring about certain changes. Now imagine you're reading a book that says focus on your belly button - try reading that without doing it! I couldn't I'll admit, I was reading passages and finding that at some points I was having a go without meaning to. A fairly meaty headache told me I wasn't doing things quite right - but the book has spurred me on to practice some of the basics first before gathering all the knowledge I can.
An interesting lesson.
So this is why things are not taught before you're ready - cos you're not ready!!!! marvelous.
What else did I learn?
erm.
well, its not all magic. its based on simple things, meditation and using the bodies hormones to grow.
i'll leave it there for now methinks
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Without diligent practice you cannot suddenly understand
Thats a quote from one of the t'ai chi classics - a set of texts concerning t'ai chi that were found some time ago. If you're interested have a look at the wudang site.
I have had a few occasions to re-read texts on chi gung and some simple taoist exercises of late and discovered that I had not understood them. I've gone on to read them again and found again that I did not understand them. Perhaps I will have to read the same text and practice the same thing a thousand times and I will understand. Clearly I am not ready to really listen to the message.
On that note I discovered what is meant by "listen to the sound of one hand clapping". Quite interesting. It's a meditative listening exercise. Once you have listened to all the created sounds, all that is, then you will hear the uncreated sound - that which isn't - the sound of one hand clapping. wierd idea. there's a name for the sound - AUM.
So, my academic understanding of all this stuff has improved.
Has my practice? Well - I just practiced an exercise I've been doing since I was 14 and this time it was different, uncomfy a little - my belly felt full and distended like a balloon had been inflated in there. With no taoist master and an academic path relying on books I must try to find out what this means. Perhaps I should ask for help.
I have had a few occasions to re-read texts on chi gung and some simple taoist exercises of late and discovered that I had not understood them. I've gone on to read them again and found again that I did not understand them. Perhaps I will have to read the same text and practice the same thing a thousand times and I will understand. Clearly I am not ready to really listen to the message.
On that note I discovered what is meant by "listen to the sound of one hand clapping". Quite interesting. It's a meditative listening exercise. Once you have listened to all the created sounds, all that is, then you will hear the uncreated sound - that which isn't - the sound of one hand clapping. wierd idea. there's a name for the sound - AUM.
So, my academic understanding of all this stuff has improved.
Has my practice? Well - I just practiced an exercise I've been doing since I was 14 and this time it was different, uncomfy a little - my belly felt full and distended like a balloon had been inflated in there. With no taoist master and an academic path relying on books I must try to find out what this means. Perhaps I should ask for help.
Sunday, June 06, 2004
Reading - lost in translation
The feet can walk; let them walk.
The hands can hold; let them hold.
Hear what is heard by your ears;
see what is seen by your eyes.
TAOIST VERSE
borrowed from page a day calendars.
I've read a lot lately. It's occured to me that I may have a good academic understanding of the a few of the essential principals but I have had difficulty applying them. To say I have an academic understanding for me, I guess means I have a detached, non-practical understanding. This in itself is part of why I'm interested in T'ai chi - particularly the martial applications.
Perhaps this is why so many of these philosophers were martial artists and warriors. In the heat of battle if you are uncertain of the path then you pause, you decide what the thing to do is and then do it, rather than simply doing it.
One of the key elements is to be present. I believe this is referred to by the last two lines above - hear what is heard by your ears; see what is seen by your eyes. This also alludes to another key principal - don't let your conscious mind alter what you see. A child is present - in the moment, not worried about things done and what is to come. Also, a child experiences the true moment - far more than an adult. As an adult I will listen to what someone says but will not remember that - I will remember my analysis, my interpretation based on schemata (to use a cognitive psychology term) in my conscious mind.
So these two simple lines that would most likely make people chuckle at their simplicity represent two of the hardest things I am trying to learn and I have it seems failed.
I believed I had an ability to be present - you must in order to practice T'ai chi well. After reading a book called "The present" it occurred to me that while I have the ability - I don't do it! How bizarre is that? I know what it is, the benefits and yet I distract myself when I should be present.
I have also discovered that when I am present I am not good at listening - be it by ear, eye, touch or all my senses. I hear, see and feel but through the veil of my conciousness. It is this in part that leads to me being chucked around rather easily in the free-style pushing hands sparring I've started taking part in on Thursday nights. A martial demonstration of my mental discipline.
I now find that perhaps I don't understand the whole verse. I have an idea what part of it means but as you can read above - and with some irony - I read the verse and interpreted the part my consciousness was able to interpret and didn't analyze the rest till now.
oops...
The hands can hold; let them hold.
Hear what is heard by your ears;
see what is seen by your eyes.
TAOIST VERSE
borrowed from page a day calendars.
I've read a lot lately. It's occured to me that I may have a good academic understanding of the a few of the essential principals but I have had difficulty applying them. To say I have an academic understanding for me, I guess means I have a detached, non-practical understanding. This in itself is part of why I'm interested in T'ai chi - particularly the martial applications.
Perhaps this is why so many of these philosophers were martial artists and warriors. In the heat of battle if you are uncertain of the path then you pause, you decide what the thing to do is and then do it, rather than simply doing it.
One of the key elements is to be present. I believe this is referred to by the last two lines above - hear what is heard by your ears; see what is seen by your eyes. This also alludes to another key principal - don't let your conscious mind alter what you see. A child is present - in the moment, not worried about things done and what is to come. Also, a child experiences the true moment - far more than an adult. As an adult I will listen to what someone says but will not remember that - I will remember my analysis, my interpretation based on schemata (to use a cognitive psychology term) in my conscious mind.
So these two simple lines that would most likely make people chuckle at their simplicity represent two of the hardest things I am trying to learn and I have it seems failed.
I believed I had an ability to be present - you must in order to practice T'ai chi well. After reading a book called "The present" it occurred to me that while I have the ability - I don't do it! How bizarre is that? I know what it is, the benefits and yet I distract myself when I should be present.
I have also discovered that when I am present I am not good at listening - be it by ear, eye, touch or all my senses. I hear, see and feel but through the veil of my conciousness. It is this in part that leads to me being chucked around rather easily in the free-style pushing hands sparring I've started taking part in on Thursday nights. A martial demonstration of my mental discipline.
I now find that perhaps I don't understand the whole verse. I have an idea what part of it means but as you can read above - and with some irony - I read the verse and interpreted the part my consciousness was able to interpret and didn't analyze the rest till now.
oops...
Monday, May 31, 2004
went to see "when harry met sally..." show
Its been a good weekend. went to see when harry met sally and met Alexis Denisof and Alyson Hannigan. Oh, and Luke Perry was there too.
That was a very cool show. lots of fun.
T'ai chi was good this week. Started practicing a little pilates - see how it goes.
That was a very cool show. lots of fun.
T'ai chi was good this week. Started practicing a little pilates - see how it goes.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
evanescence gig and sherlock holmes
Went to see evanescence on monday night - damn fine show. There were certain key tracks that really got to me and were done beautifully. In particular I got that whole goosebumps listening to the music thing when the My Immortal track played, most odd, seemed to invoke some emotion in me and it was almost like a catharsis. Indeed Aristotle coined the term to describe "the emotional effect of a tragic drama upon the spectator". A great experience. I may try to whack a few pics in here shortly.
OO, and took my other half round baker street on the way back yesterday to have a look at some of the sherlock holmes stuff.
good day.
OO, and took my other half round baker street on the way back yesterday to have a look at some of the sherlock holmes stuff.
good day.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
time passes
its been a short week at work with much done in it. Good work too, got to play with much of the j2ee software stack. Also attended a very enlightening lecture by david cook, top chap in the bcs. exciting times.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Taichi again tonight
Tried a few new things out. good class - much fun and i haven't crippled myself. Most exciting.
Just ordered Macromedia Studio MX 2004 so hopefully there'll be some more web development from me on the way.
A weekend of bathroom decorating beckons.
Just ordered Macromedia Studio MX 2004 so hopefully there'll be some more web development from me on the way.
A weekend of bathroom decorating beckons.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Making time
So I'm playing games a little less, reading a little more and making time for a few bits and bobs. Still not practicing as much as I probably should but hey, I'll get there. Just recently got all the way through the Wudang style short form in t'ai chi - the square form. I should explain. In Wudang there are two styles to every form - square and round. Square can be thought of as a teaching style - simplified and broken down into steps, while round is how it was intended to be. So now I know the short form in square and the first (of six) section of the long form in square and round. A way to go yet but getting there.
Still intending to write here about the books. Will get to it.
Still intending to write here about the books. Will get to it.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
A new direction
I have in recent weeks discovered how far from my professional goals I had travelled. I have since put some more effort into cpd activities with the BCS and also into reading directed at improving my ability to perform my job.
I have read some interesting texts around leadership, motivating others, why people work. This in itself has been quite a journey for myself as I've discovered obvious factors articulated clearly that have affected my own motivation and that of my team over the past few months. I am also a little clearer on how being present - so crucial to many Taoist and Zen practices - benefits ones work. I have also found a guide to when one should look at the past and the future.
I started this blog to both record my thoughts and give me a place to articulate and construct these thoughts. I still need that even though I haven't found time lately to add new posts. I hope to rectify this as I describe my findings from my recent studies.
I have read some interesting texts around leadership, motivating others, why people work. This in itself has been quite a journey for myself as I've discovered obvious factors articulated clearly that have affected my own motivation and that of my team over the past few months. I am also a little clearer on how being present - so crucial to many Taoist and Zen practices - benefits ones work. I have also found a guide to when one should look at the past and the future.
I started this blog to both record my thoughts and give me a place to articulate and construct these thoughts. I still need that even though I haven't found time lately to add new posts. I hope to rectify this as I describe my findings from my recent studies.
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