Tai Chi is more than waving hands in pyjamas and hugging trees

Check this out. It is Pao chui, which in English means "Cannon Fist". The New Frame is a style of Chen Tai Chi, and there are two sets

1. Xinjia Yi Lu (New Frame first set)

2. Xinjia Er-Lu (New Frame second set)

This was filmed at Chenjiagou - the birth place of Taijiquan.

What is Qigong?

Qigong is pronounced "chee gung", and is the cultivation of chi energy throughout the body. Chi is the energy that all life is dependent on. It is even more fundamental than oxygen. To have a demonstration of what chi is, have a look at the following video:

I was fortunate enough to meet a true qigong master in Zhiang Zhia Zhie national forest park in the 1990's. Master Li was just as elusive and careful with what he showed. I was cured of a recurring hip problem that I had sustained in my late teens.

Education - Is it right?

The present education system was developed in the late 1800's and has changed little since. It has been designed to do two things:

1. Create workforces to the demands of industry.

2. Create a self-perpetuating reward system around academic attainment and achievement.

Watch this vid. It's 20 minutes, but worth it.

Are you scared?

The maternity ward where they were keeping my new daughter Mia and my Wife on was particularly dark and stuffy. We decided to give Claire a rest, and I carried Mia across the ward to where the sun was shining through the windows. Mia had a touch of jaundice, and the sunlight would do wonders in taking the slight yellow pallor out of her face. We were enjoying the view of the sunny day from the window, when I was confronted by a nurse.

She was very 'concerned' that I was carrying my baby. Babies weren't to be carried, as it was a health and safety risk. I could possibly fall and injure myself or the baby.

This kind of fear was motivated, not out of any genuine care for the patients, rather that they might be found negligent and liable for compensation.

These fears are counter-productive. They actually end up doing worse. If parents can't practice carrying their babies in a safe environment, they are more likely to drop their babies at home, where care is likely to be delayed. Without advice, they might carry their babies incorrectly and inadvertently hurt them. But no... the hospitals tell you to wheel them everywhere.. and you remain incompetent.

We are a terrified society, full of reactionary overkill that is driving a wedge between us all. Don't rise to it. Whether it is an advert for deodorant ("Worried about body odour???") or a defense minister after a budget increase for his department, there is always money in keeping people scared or worried.

So, what fears are holding you back? Are they rational? What are they preventing you doing? What advantages can you see to resolving this fear?

And be happy.

Rich

What is Tai Chi? Free Video Demonstration

Tai Chi is undoubtedly one of the greatest gifts that Chinese culture can bring to the world. Not only is it an effective self-defense system, but it brings unique levels of fitness, flexibility, strength, posture and relaxation to the practitioner.

Enjoy the video. I'll see you at the class!

Rich

New Arrival

On 3rd April at 10:17pm, my daughter, Mia April Northwood was born. She is beautiful.

To say I am happy is the understatement of the century.

Normal service will be resumed. I am also on twitter, so follow the link below:

http://twitter.com/Taijirich

Be happy,

Rich

Sorry!

Sincere apologies for not adding posts.

Will catch up with you all as soon as the baby is born.

Thanks for being so patient. :-)