1 Tongren – August 2012 TongRen August, 2012 Volume 19, Issue 2 TongRen is published by the Canadian Taijiquan Federation www.canadiantaijiquanfederation.com Putting the TongRen in your Taiji since 1988 Remembering Mavis Hutter By Ed Cooper and Mary Hansell In this issue: Welcome to our new CTF Board Members and many thanks to our retiring directors! 20 5 Annual General Meeting June, 16 th , 2012 The Canadian Taijiquan Federation is now on Facebook! Please look for us there and “Like” us. Don’t Qi-Blast the Messenger by Jesse Lown 17
Transcript
1 Tongren – August 2012
TongRen August, 2012
Volume 19, Issue 2
TongRen is published by the
Canadian Taijiquan Federation
www.canadiantaijiquanfederation.com
Putting the TongRen in your Taiji since 1988
Remembering
Mavis Hutter
By Ed Cooper
and Mary Hansell
In this issue: Welcome to our new
CTF Board Members
and many thanks to
our retiring directors!
20
5
Annual General Meeting
June, 16th, 2012
The Canadian Taijiquan Federation is now on Facebook! Please look for us there and “Like” us.
Don’t Qi-Blast
the Messenger
by Jesse Lown
17
2 Tongren – August 2012
Table of Contents CTF Annual General Meeting & Friendship Demonstrations 4 Meet our new Board of Directors 5 Articles 9-19
Yang Style Taijidao Applications, part 2 Sam Masich 9 Are most illnesses self-inflicted? Hajime Naka 12
CTF T-shirts 13 Interview with Jack Yan of TaiChi + Tea Beth Weisberg 14
Don’t Qi-Blast the Messenger Jesse Lown 17 Milestones 20-21
Remembering Mavis Hutter Ed Cooper and Mary Hansell
20
In Brief… 21 The Wave 22-26
Greetings from Kelowna! Hajime Naka 22 Tai Chi and Music Improvisation in Kitchener Patricia Béretta 23
Group picture, fan workshop with Jill Heath in Gatineau, February 2012
26
In Review 27-31 DVD Review: Traditional Sun-style Taijiquan by Tim Cartmell Michael Babin 27
Seminar review: Yang 108 intensive with Sam Masich, Milton ON Canada
Patrick Foley 29
Workshops and Events in Canada 32 Workshops and Events outside Canada 33 CTF Membership Form 35
The next issue of TongRen will be published in November 2012 Submission deadline: 1 October 2012
TongRen is the 13th hexagram of the I-Ching (Yijing) Meaning ‘Fellowship’ or ‘Sameness with people’.
“Sameness with people means other people and oneself are one. As for the qualities of the hexagram, above is heaven, strong, and below is fire, luminous: employing strength with illumination, making illumination effective by strength, being truthful within and adept without, developing oneself and others as well, it is therefore called sameness with people.”
The Taoist I Ching (trans. Thomas Cleary, Shambala Publications, 1986 ISBN 0-87773-352-X bk
7/15/09 4:20 PMIching-hexagram-13
Page 1 of 1file:///Users/rhubarb/Desktop/Iching-hexagram-13.webarchive
同 人
3 Tongren – August 2012
TongRen provides a forum for the discussion, expression, and experience of Taijiquan and related subjects. Articles, reports on events, biographies, letters, book reviews, poems, illustrations, scholarly research, and philosophical musings are welcomed. Please email submissions for consideration for publication in TongRen to one of the editors.
TongRen is published quarterly: February, May, August, November. Submissions must be received by the first day of the preceding month to be included. The editor reserves the right to determine the content of each issue. Priority is given to content submitted by CTF members.
TongRen fournit un forum en vue de discuter, exprimer et vivre le Taijiquan et ses domaines connexes. Articles, reportages, activités, biographies, lettres, critiques de livres, poèmes, illustrations, textes savants et réflexions philosophiques sont les bienvenus. Veuillez soumettre tout matériel à fin de publication à l’une des rédactrices de TongRen.
TongRen est publié quatre fois par an, en février, mai, août et novembre. Toute soumission doit être reçue avant le premier du mois qui précède la date de publication. La rédaction se réserve le droit de décider du contenu de chaque numéro. Une priorité est accordée au contenu soumis par les membres de la FCT.
Membership
All members of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation (CTF) receive its quarterly journal, TongRen, and have access to previous issues online. Annual membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families. Your support to the CTF is important to the Canadian Taiji community. Thank you!
To become a member (or renew), go to http://www.canadiantaijiquanfederation.ca and choose ‘Join the CTF’ (or donate) on the left menu bar for online registration and payment. To register by mail, see TongRen’s last page for our membership application and mail your completed form and cheque to:
Canadian Taijiquan Federation P.O. Box 32055, London ON N5V 5K4 Canada
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4 Tongren – August 2012
Canadian Taijiquan Federation Annual General Meeting
June 16th, 2012, in Hamilton, Ontario
This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Canadian TaijiQuan Federation was held on Saturday, June 16th, at the Wellwood Juravinski House in Hamilton, Ontario.
After the AGM, and the first meeting of the new Board of Directors, we adjourned to the great outdoors, to enjoying the great weather and the Friendship Demonstrations. We watched (and participated in) performances on the labyrinth of Wellwood’s healing garden, with Sifu Steve Higgins of Cold Mountain Internal Arts (Kitchener ON) as MC. Members and their guests were also able to enjoy browsing through the martketplace all afternoon, with t-shirts, pants, swords, fans, and more. The beautiful maroon short-sleeved ‘summer’ edition of the CTF t-shirt was officially unveiled there. (Look for the ad later in this issue of TongRen to order yours!) Pictures of performances can be seen on the front page of this issue. Check our Facebook page for more pictures.
• Steve Higgins – Oblique and square: A discussion of Grasp Bird’s tail in three styles
• Sophie Nikolakakos, Alpha Montemeyor and Lisbeth Haddad of Cold Mountain
- Flying Rainbow Tai Chi Double Fan
• Tanya Korovkin - Wudang 13 Hands Taiji
• Steve Yee - Tango and Tai Chi Movement principles
• Group Demo by Cold Mountain Internal Arts - Old Yang Middle Frame short form
5 Tongren – August 2012
Meet our new CTF Board of Directors
Bill Marsh, Hamilton, Ontario President From a martial arts and yoga background, in 1968-69 Bill Marsh began studying T'ai Chi from Edward Maisel's book. Around 1975 he started the first T'ai Chi club in Hamilton, Ontario, participating in the formation of the Taoist T'ai Chi Society as representative of the Hamilton T'ai Chi Association. Bill was previously a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation in its early formative years. He is an Elder and the current President of the CTF.
Carole O’Connor, St. Mary’s, Ontario Secretary Carol has been a Taiji player for fourteen years with a background in Karate. Sifu Steve Higgins, Cold Mountain Internal Arts, has been her Taiji mentor and an enormous influence and support. Carol is an RMT, starting a practice in St. Marys, Ontario, where she will also be teaching Taijiquan in the new year. Carol is a Past-President of the CTF, and is pleased to return to the Board as secretary for the next term.
David Bucklow, Miramichi West, New Brunswick Board Member Dave started martial art training back in 1970, with Shotokan Karate and Jui-Jitsu while working in Germany and continued in England under Master Kanazawa and Master Hanoyda. Moving to Sarnia, Ontario, with no Shotokan to be found, he studied Kung fu with Sifu Jorge DeGuzman, Karate for a year in London, Ontario, with Master Gary Legacy, then back to Sarnia, and Kung Fu. It was at this time (1985) that Sifu DeGuzman convinced the Chinese community, lead by Dr. Tom Cheung, to come out and teach Tai Chi and QiGong. That was the start of his journey, as he fell in love with the intricacies of the art. Three years later Dr. Tom moved to London, and made him promise to keep the school going. This he did for several years before moving to New Brunswick, where he studied Tae Kwon Do under Master Chung Won Kap, and Aikido with Master Maurice Lavigne, before one of the students insisted Dave teach him Tai Chi to help with his migraine headaches. He has been teaching Tai Chi and QiGong on the Miramichi River ever since, keeping his promise to Dr. Tom.
6 Tongren – August 2012
Duff Doel, Dundas, Ontario Past President Duff has been a teacher of Taijiquan since 1980. He has practiced such martial arts as Judo, Karate, Hap Ki Do and Taijiquan. After many decades of seeking, practicing, teaching and working with these energies, and as an initiated Master in the Usui System of Reiki Healing, Duff has developed his own syllabus of training in energy awareness, perception and interaction. Duff lives and teaches in the Dundas area, in Ontario.
Kevin Eisbrenner, Hamilton, Ontario Board Member Kevin has been a Taijiquan practitioner since 2002. After over a decade of studying under Sifu Duff Doel, Kevin has moved on to begin teaching the next generation of Taijiquan players on his own. Through his tutelage under Sifu Doel, Kevin has gained a unique relationship with energy and incorporates these principles in his teaching. Kevin resides and teaches in the Hamilton area of Ontario.
Jill Heath, Oakville, Ontario TongRen Co-Editor Jill Heath has been studying the internal arts since 1990 and has taught Taiji and Qigong in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. since 1995. She made her competition debut in 1999 with a personal best in 2001 of 3 gold and 3 bronze medals at a single tournament for form, weapons and push hands. In April 2008, at the National Canadian Kung Fu Fellowship tournament, she received 3 gold and 2 bronze medals in 5 events (form, weapons, moving and fixed step push hands, shuijiao). She has been certified as an Associate Healing Tao instructor, Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor, Senior Level instructor (Canadian Taijiquan Federation), and is a Past President and Director of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation. She continues her studies of the internal arts and considers herself fortunate to have studied with numerous Taiji masters over the years; however, she cites Sifus Helen Wu, Nick Gracenin, and Sam Masich, as the three who have most influenced her development and added to her understanding of this internal martial art. In 2012 she was officially included in the family lineage of Sifu Helen Wu.
7 Tongren – August 2012
Pam Boyde, Whitehorse, Yukon Board Member Pam has been a Taiji player for over 20 years and sharing her love of the art for over 18 years. She has been a student of the traditional Yang family style Taijiquan for the past 13 years. Over the years her teachers have been Chantal Fafard, Sam Masich, John Camp, Grand Master Yang Zhenduo and Master Yang Jun. Pam has attained her 5th level ranking and instructor certification with the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. She and her husband, Jim, live in the Ibex Valley just outside of Whitehorse, Yukon with their 20+ dogs.
Patricia Beretta, Kitchener, Ontario TongRen Co-Editor Patricia came across Tai-Chi in the mid-90’s and learned from various instructors in Europe. After coming to Canada she began her study with sifu Steve Higgins in 2001 at Cold Mountain Internal Arts, Kitchener, Ontario. She also regularly attends Sam Masich’s seminars. Gradually, Tai Chi became a spring board for self-care, personal growth and professional development. In 2006, Patricia shifted from her Biomedical career into Shiatsu and Acupuncture therapies, and teaching Tai Chi. With therapies and practices based on balancing Qi flow, she found an elegant clinical system and way of life. She has an original and creative approach to Tai Chi curriculum and pedagogy, based upon a background combining advanced Western medical knowledge, Traditional Chinese Medicine skills, and exercises promoting strong and free-flowing Qi.
Steve Holbert, London, Ontario Treasurer Steven Holbert has been a T’ai Chi player for about twenty-six years. He started with Gloria Jenner at the London Y, and worked with several teachers for a few years. In 1998 he returned to Gloria’s teaching at the Phoenix T’ai Chi Centre. About six years ago he began to do some teaching with her guidance, and became a teacher with the Centre in 2004. He is now certified as a teacher with the Phoenix T’ai Chi Centre and with the Canadian Taijiquan Federation. Steve has been a member of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation for eight years and is serving a second term as Treasurer. Steven is retired from full-time nursing. He maintains a small private practice in capacity assessments, and he continues as an active member of various professional groups. He and his wife have four children and three grandchildren that help keep them busy during their ‘free time’.
8 Tongren – August 2012
Tanya Korovkin, Waterloo, Ontario Membership Chair Tanya Korovkin started Taijiquan training in 2000 in Quito, Ecuador. Since 2002 she has been studying Taijiquan and Qigong with Steve Higgins at Cold Mountain Internal Arts in Kitchener, Ontario. She has also studied with Jaime Orejuela, Helen Wu (fan), Jill Heath (sword), and Sam Masich (sword). Tanya is a Level One Associate Instructor certified by the CTF and Assistant Instructor at Cold Mountain Internal Arts. She has developed experimental Taijiquan and Qigong forms based on animal (dragon) essences. She conducts workshops and performs Taijiquan for various organizations. She competed in the Canadian Open Taijiquan Championships, held in Toronto, Ontario, where she earned a silver medal in traditional Yang style Taijiquan and Yang style sword and a bronze medal in sabre. Tanya lives in Waterloo, Ontario.
Canadian Taijiquan Federation / Fédération Canadienne de TaijiquanA registered Non-Profit Corporation / Un organisme à but non-lucratif dument enregistré
1. To encourage development in the practice of Taijiquan and preserve its characteristics as an expression of Chinese culture and philosophy.
2. To stimulate public awareness of and participation in Taijiquan.
3. To inclusively link practitioners of Taijiquan from various styles and traditions without precedence – whether as individuals or gathered in groups, clubs and organizations across Canada – as they join the Federation family.
4. To network nationally and internationally with other Taijiquan practitioners, groups, clubs and organizations with the aim of broadening and strengthening the Canadian Taijiquan experience.
1. Encourager la pratique du taijiquan et préserver son caractère culturel et philosophique chinois.
2. Stimuler la connaissance et la participation du grand public en matière de taijiquan.
3. Relier tous les praticiens de taijiquan, peu importe les styles et les traditions, qu’ils soient seuls ou affiliés, partout au Canada.
4. Élargir et renforcer l’expérience canadienne du taijiquan en créant un réseau national et international pour les individus, les groupes, les clubs, et les autres organisations.
Annual CTF membership includes:
• A subscription to the CTF’s quarterly journal TongRen
• One complementary official CTF crest for each new membership
Benefits of CTF membership:
• Access to Taijiquan Teacher Training workshops sponsored by the CTF and facilitated by experienced Taijiiquan teachers
• Access to the CTF Taijiquan Teacher Certification program
• Email notices of CTF-related news and upcoming events
• Access to the ‘members-only’ section of the CTF website which includes expanded event postings and links, an archive of back issues of TongRen, photographs, blogs and forums
• Postings to the public-access pages of the CTF website for your club/school, workshops/seminars and other Taiji-related events
• Opportunities to connect, meet, share and further your Taijiquan-related knowledge and experience with other practitioners
• Opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the Taijiquan community by sitting on the CTF Board of Directors and its various committees (volunteer)
• Discounted enrollment is often extended to CTF members for workshops and activities organized by CTF members
• Purchase of official CTF T-Shirts and crests
Une membriété annuelle vous offre:
• Un abonnement à TongRen, la revue trimestrielle de la FCT, que vous recevrez par la poste
• Un écusson gratuit de la FCT si vous êtes un nouveau membre
Avantages supplémentaires:
• Accès aux ateliers de formation des instructeurs, ateliers parrainés par la FCT et donnés par des enseignants chevronnés
• Accès au programme de la FCT de certification des enseignants de taijiquan
• Avis électroniques des nouvelles et des événements à venir de la FCT
• Accès à la section pour les membres du site web de la FCT qui présente une liste étoffée des événements et des liens, les anciens numéros de TongRen, des photos, des blogs et des forums
• Pages publiques pour annoncer votre organisme, vos ateliers et tout autre événement lié au taiji
• Des occasions de contacts, de rencontres et de partages avec des praticiens du taiji pour accroître vos connaissances et votre expérience
• Des occasions de vous engager comme bénévoles et d'influencer la communauté du taiji en joignant le Conseil d'administration de la FCT et ses multiples comités
• Des inscriptions à tarif réduit à des ateliers et activités organisés par nos membres
• Possibilité d'acheter les t-shirts et les écussons de la FCT
Membership / Membriété
Mission
28
9 Tongren – August 2012
“This miniature form is the epitome of economy,
conveying an extraordinary diversity of technical variation,
in neat conformity with the Taijidao thirteen power theory”
Articles
The five zheng attacks are:
A. Split Shoulder B. Thrust to Belly A. Slash Waist B. Sever Throat
B. Chop Leg
The five yu attacks are:
B. Clip Inner Wrist A. Intercept Outer Wrist
B. Clip Outer Wrist A. Intercept Under Wrist A. Intercept Over Wrist
[…] The drill mostly alternates between the smaller ‘diagonal’ (yu) energies and the larger ‘square’ (zheng) energies. […] the form is in itself a study of the alternating four square and four diagonal energies of the sabre within a five phase structure.
Yang Style Taijidao Applications, Sabre
Sparring - part 2
By Sam Masich
Below are the diagrams of the two-person sabre routine discussed by Sam Masich in the last issue of Tongren. We present extracts of that article as an ‘aide memoire’ to the diagrams.
- the editors
[…] In 1958 Master Fu [Zhongwen] wrote the first ever book exclusively devoted to the subject of Taijidao and included in it the Yang-style Taiji Sabre Applications form. The form is more literally called ‘Yang Style Taiji Sabre Applications Theory Practice’ (Yang-shi Taijidaofa Shiyong Jiashe Lianxi
).
About the author
A passionate and gifted teacher, Taijiquan and Qigong expert Sam Masich inspires students along their path.
Having studied the internal martial arts most of his life, Sam is one of the most accomplished ‘new generation’
practitioners of Taijiquan. A Canadian, he has learned from many of the great Masters, including Liang Shouyu,
Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, Jou Tsung Hwa, Yang Zhenduo, and Chen Xiao Wang. He has distinguished himself in
competition as a gold medalist in the USA and as a member of Canada’s National Wushu Team has competed
in China, garnering gold medals and praise for his performances. Sam is the technical consultant for the TV
series, ‘Black Sash’, and is the subject of two documentaries. He is an author, a musician, and has produced
many top-rated instructional films, available through his website: http://www.sammasich.com
10. Ⓑ Chop Leg 砍腿 (kǎn tuǐ) 11. Ⓐ Intercept Over Wrist 上截腕 (shàng jié wàn)
12 Tongren – August 2012
Are most illnesses self-inflicted?
By Hajime (Harold) Naka
I am responding to Guy King’s letter ‘most illnesses are self-inflicted’ (May 2 – Daily Courier) that was a response to Jerry Hlady’s letter (which I didn’t read).
[Editor’s note: here is the link to both the Hlady and the King comments and letters: http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/letters-to-the-editor/we-can-fix-health-care-by-not-getting-sick.html#comment-970 and
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/letters-to-the-editor/most-of-our-problems-are-self-inflicted.html. (if ‘%20’ appears in these addresses once copied into your browser, please delete manually)]
Both King and Hlady stressed prevention and taking responsibility for one’s health, rather than burdening the health (sick) system.
King was wondering if Hlady could have been more specific as to which diet and exercise was the best one.
I can understand King’s dilemma. With hundreds of diets, exercises, supplements, equipment and advice – guaranteeing to make you fit, healthy, attractive, and sexy – which one do you choose?
I do not profess to be an expert on advising people what diet and exercise is the right one for them. I can share what has worked for me and has benefited the health of millions of people over thousands of years.
I am referring to Qigong-Tai Chi.
I have been practicing and teaching Qigong-Tai Chi for the past thirty years, and have healed my body and restored my health, thus unburdening and saving the health (sick) system tens of thousands of dollars.
Qigong-Tai Chi improves the functioning of the respiratory, nervous, cardio-vascular, immune and energetic systems, helping people to recover more quickly from illnesses, injuries and surgeries.
The slow, gentle, focused movements using intention, deep belly breathing and postures helps to quiet the mind, relax the body so one can return to their naturally aligned, centered and balanced state.
Finally, Qigong-Tai Chi puts healthcare back into your own hands and empowers individuals to make choices that is best suited for their health and life.
About the author
Hajime (Harold) Naka is an Urban Daoist rebel, zen reject, movement artist, word dancer (poet), radical
visionary, unenlightened philosopher, seriously playful martial artist and a C.T.F.-certified Senior Instructor.
Although Hajime has 10,000 hours of practice under his Dantien, he is still Qi-challenged and OFF-centered in
the Dao. Hajime teaches in Kelowna, B.C.
“Qigong-Tai Chi puts healthcare back into your own hands.”
13 Tongren – August 2012
Canadian Taijiquan Federation T-Shirts
Featuring the return of the popular ‘fiery dragon’ design coiling around the CTF logo on the front of this black long-sleeved t-shirt. And now available in a short-sleeved maroon shirt for the warmer months!
See The Wave (p. 26) to spot a picture of the nifty new maroon t-shirt.
Looking for a ‘team look’ in formal black? Something a little less formal for the warmer months?
We’ve got you covered!
Back print: Putting the TongRen in your Taiji since 1988. Makes a great conversation piece as you explain that TongRen
is both the name of the CTF newsletter and the Chinese term for ‘fellowship’ or ‘community’.
Available in S, M, L, XL adult sizes. Made from 6 oz. 100% cotton tubular jersey. Double-needle bottom hem. Shoulder-to-shoulder tape. Pre-shrunk to minimize shrinkage.
Other sizes can also be special ordered. Just ask!
Long-sleeve or short-sleeve t-shirt $30.00.
Please note that postal rates vary widely due to the size of Canada, so postage is not included in this price but will be added on prior to shipping your t-shirt to you. The CTF will happily sell t-shirts (and memberships) to folks outside of Canada; you may pay in either Canadian or US funds. Looking to save some money on postage? Buy one for a friend at the same time and combine shipping. Better yet, get a group of friends together and save even more. Looking to pay NO postage? Find Jill Heath in person, and you have a deal!
“I think tai chi and tea are the two most obvious icons
of Chinese culture.” Jack Yan
Interview with
Jack Yan of TaiChi + Tea
By Beth Weisberg
There’s a distinct sense of play about Sifu Jack Yan. He plays erhu (Chinese two-string fiddle). He plays tai chi, of course. And he also likes to play around with words.
That playfulness filters through to what his website www.taichiandtea.com terms as the ‘evolving, changing, moving on, re-focusing, re-launching’ of his club. I stumbled across his site, and, curious about the combination of tai chi and tea, now find myself sitting across from Sifu Yan in a busy Mississauga restaurant on a summer evening.
“A few months ago I was trying to come up with a new name and somehow… slowly, it came into the conversation: tai chi and tea.”
I can’t resist asking whether he considered any other stimulating or relaxing beverages. Though it doesn’t seem to fit the image of tai chi nearly as well as tea, why not tai chi and coffee? Or whiskey?
“Believe me: taichi and wine, tai chi and beer, they all came up,” he laughs. Even tai chi and chai tea came up.
“Tai chi and dance, tai chi and fitness, tai chi and Chinese medicine, all these. But somehow, when tea came up, it stuck. That’s the one.”
Why is that?
“It sounded good, and it feels like something… I think tai chi and tea are the two most obvious icons of Chinese culture.”
15 Tongren – August 2012
Obvious icons they may be, but as authors Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss assert in their book, The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide, “In tea-producing countries… tea drinking is a tactile, sensory activity that provides both intellectual stimulation and aesthetic inspiration during times of social gathering or solitary contemplation. In the East tea is more highly regarded for these transcendental qualities than it is for its caffeine content or healthful benefits. The pleasurable ritual of tea drinking is deeply encoded in these cultures and religions, and tea permeates and sustains life in ways that those of us in the West simply fail to comprehend.”
If it is true that Asia provides this environment – then can it really transplant successfully here?
Sifu Yan is not discouraged. He measures out some comparisons. To him, western thinking is more scientific, while Chinese thinking is more artistic. In the west, thinking tends to the technological; in China, to the philosophical.
“Western thinking is more practical, useful, and has a purpose. Chinese thinking is totally the other way: it doesn’t have a purpose. And the purpose of it is it doesn’t have a purpose. Like drinking tea.”
“The main thing of the tea drinking is to enjoy the process. It’s about feeling elevated, more spiritual, cultural. That’s the part I think that’s difficult for people – not only of the western tradition – also for people from the east who accept the western way of thinking. For people like that, it’s hard to understand.”
Sifu Yan knows tea can be reduced to strictly commercial uses, but wants to see people enjoy more than just a show.
“In the stores, in the shops, in the tea house, it’s about getting people in the door, making people feel entertained… I think tea ceremony should be more private.”
He talks about sitting simply in a small room, enjoying the company, savouring the aroma and taste of the tea and the feeling you get from it all.
“Elevated. Out of this world.”
So how does one develop that?
“I think it has to be an overall development. Not only tea. It has to be combined with some other form of culture – like reading a book. Four or five friends get together discussing a book. Having tea.”
I get a mental flash of a book club I once joined, full of tea-loving Jane Austen fans.
“Yes… almost like a book club. But the kind of book doesn’t matter. It’s not the content; it’s (the) doing. Tea ceremony is not about tea itself – it’s about the process.”
It’s about the space and the exchange that you are creating with others?
“Exactly. That’s why I think tai chi and tea can work. See, I’m thinking of doing something like this: I organize an event, maybe 20 people show up. We do tai chi for an hour. We just
16 Tongren – August 2012
The following poem is usually called The Seven Cups of Tea, and is one of the most famous classical Chinese pieces written about tea. Sifu Yan offered some clarification on the often confusing translation of the third cup:
“There’s a book called The Second Brain (by Michael D. Gershon, M.D.). I like that book a lot. He talks about the gut feeling – and he calls that area [the entrails] the second brain.”
A message of thanks to Meng Jianyi for the gift of new tea《走筆謝孟諫議寄新茶》was written by Lú Tóng 盧仝 in the middle of the Tang Dynasty (around 1200 years ago). The entire poem is 34 lines long, but it is usually only the last 14 lines that are seen. 一碗喉吻潤 yì wǎn hóu wén rùn The first cup moistens my throat. 兩碗破孤悶﹔liáng wǎn pò gū mèn The second cup eases my loneliness. 三碗搜枯腸﹔sān wǎn sōu kū cháng The third cup searches out my withered entrails, 唯有文字五千卷﹔wéi yǒu wén zì wǔ qiān juàn like an essay of five thousand words. (The metaphor is alien to Western thinking. It refers to the intestines as an organ of thought and inspiration.) 四碗發輕汗﹐sì wǎn fā qīng hàn After the fourth cup, I break a light sweat, 平生不平事﹐盡向毛孔散﹔píng shēng bù píng shì Leaching the troubles of my life out of my body. 五碗肌骨輕﹐Wǔ wǎn jí gǔ qīng After the fifth cup, my bones and sinews relax. 六碗通仙靈﹔ After the sixth cup, I entered the realm of the immortals. 七碗吃不得也﹐唯覺兩習習清風生﹗ After the seventh cup, a wind rises beneath my arms. 蓬萊山﹐在何處﹖Péng lái shān zài hé chù Where is Mount Penglai? (Mount Penglai is the mythical abode of the immortals somewhere in the Pacific Ocean to which the Qin Emperor attempted to sail) 玉川子乘此清風欲歸去。 Yù chuān zǐ chéng cǐ qīng fēng yù guī qù I shall ride the gentle breeze (Yuchuanzi 玉川子 was Lu Tong’s courtesy name) 山上群仙司下土地位清高隔風雨。 Shān shàng qún xiān sī xià tǔ dì lì qīng gāo gé fēng yǔ To the mountain-top land of the immortals that is separated from the mortal realm by a clear wall of wind and rain. Translation found at http://www.leavesofjade.com/index.php/tea_blog/pages/7_bowls_of_tea/
About the author Beth Weisberg is a tea-loving tai chi and qi gong enthusiast. Under Sifu Steve Higgins’ instruction at Cold Mountain Internal Arts, Beth enjoys playing 16, 24, and 108 forms, beginner sabre and sword, push hands and qi gong.
enjoy the exercise and then we’ll sit down and enjoy a cup of tea. At the same time, I want to invite an artist, a philosopher, a scholar… somebody who’s an expert in Chinese culture. These three will link together.”
“I think that will be perfect harmony. After an evening of three hours, you know what? You can say, ‘today I really enjoyed those three hours.’ And that’s where I think tai chi and tea can work.”
Sitting in the midst of a bustling restaurant, even just sharing the idea seems to create a slower and considered space around us.
“It’s like opening a window…” Sifu Yan continues.
What do you want people to see through that window? I ask.
“That there is a certain cultural enjoyment that can benefit you – even for someone who’s never done tai chi before, or who has never had tea before – it’s an interesting way of looking at their health, and art, and maybe not really the meaning of life, but why life is enjoyable.”
17 Tongren – August 2012
Don’t Qi-Blast the Messenger
By Jesse Lown
If there’s one word I could live without, it’s the word Qi (also spelt Chi, Ch’i and Ki). Generally translated as ‘energy’, this seemingly simple but annoyingly ambiguous word has caused myself and my profession nothing but grief. Qi is one of those words that just loves to stir up controversy. Some say it’s hogwash, others say it’s the essence of life itself. Bottom line, nobody has a very good handle on settling this dispute anytime soon. Well, no wonder. The basis for Qi originates from stacks of abstract writing interpreting unexplained observations from thousands of years ago. Quite frankly, it’s a little out-dated. So I’m here to clear the air, to wipe the blackboard clean, and hopefully set the record straight.
The bottom line… the word Qi does not refer to a specific thing, it’s a blanket term.
Blanket term: A blanket term is a word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things. The degree of relation may vary. Blanket terms often
trade specificity for ease-of-use; in other words, a blanket term by itself gives little detail about the things that it describes or the relationships between them, but is easy to say and remember. (www.thefreedictionary.com)
Now before all you Qi-lovers out there start bombarding me with hate-mail, let me show you how nicely this all works.
In physical science there are several recognized forms of energy. These include: thermal energy; chemical energy; electrical energy; radiant energy; nuclear energy; magnetic energy; elastic energy; sound energy; luminous energy; and mechanical energy.
In the Chinese language, there are also several recognized forms of Qi. In the context of Chinese medicine alone, there’s Yuan Qi (original energy), Ying Qi (nutritious energy), Wei Qi (defensive energy), Ying Qi (meridian energy), Kong Qi (oxygen),
18 Tongren – August 2012
Zheng Qi (healthy energy), Xie Qi (evil energy)… and that’s not even half of them. Then there’s emotions, the environment, metaphysics… all areas with specific and unique definitions for Qi.
You see, even in Chinese, just saying Qi doesn’t clarify much because Qi is NOT JUST ONE THING! As a word, Qi encompasses an overwhelmingly vast scope of meanings, each a notably unique quantity in its own way!
My solution: When defining Qi, it’s best to translate it in context. This means the definition will change depending on what you’re talking about. The beauty of this solution is that the word Qi becomes something you can actually understand, and something that there should be no need to argue about. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here are some examples:
‘Qi is everywhere; it is everything.’ This vast universal Qi that people often refer to is called Yuan Qi. Yuan Qi is the primal and original substance that all things are made of, and is actually a very accurate analogy for elemental particles. Elementary particles are the itty-bitty little specs that constitute everything in the universe. Even more interesting is that bosons and fermions, the two basic divisions of elementary particle, actually mirror Chinese WuJi and YinYang metaphysical theory to a tee! (Cool, who knew all those crazy Daoists were actually the first Quantum Field Theorists!)
‘Breathe in pure Qi, exhale impure Qi.’ As in oxygen and carbon dioxide? Too obvious. In most QiGong and meditation
literature, Qi specifically translates as breath. In Chinese medicine there’s also a saying: ‘Qi and blood move together’, another somewhat obvious reference to oxygen; more specifically, oxygenated blood.
‘Qi is your living energy.’ In Chinese medicine we say that Qi is the energizing force that keeps your body functioning. For example, the Qi of the Heart is its pumping action and the Qi of the stomach refers to digestion. Hundreds of years ago the intricacies of physiology may have been a mystery, but these days we understand biology at a cellular level. In particular, we know of the body’s utilization of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as an energy source to fuel metabolism. Does this fully explain the profound spiritual nature of life? Well no, but if you didn’t have ATP, you wouldn’t be sitting there reading this blog either.
‘The mind leads the Qi.’ Qi is commonly used in reference to neurological activity. For example, some Chinese martial arts commonly discuss Yi Qi Li (intent, Qi, power), a three-step analogy that states: Use your mind to lead Qi and manifest striking power. As a physical training method, this analogy is known as Rate of Force Development (ROFD), a term that refers to the speed at which muscle fibers are recruited in a sudden contraction. The more muscle fibers that contract together in a split second, the faster and more powerful your strike would be… get it?
Another way to interpret this statement is focus or intent. Focus is something you can easily see in the face of a professional athlete in the zone, but Chinese painters
19 Tongren – August 2012
About the author Jesse Lown began his studies of the internal arts a few decades ago, leading him to live and work in China, as he pursued studies in Taijiquan, Qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Along the way, he also picked up a 20th generation lineage declaration (Chen Shi Xin Yi) HunYuan Taiji. He applies this knowledge in his work at a neuro-rehabilitation clinic, Aim2Walk (Toronto), and this piece originally appeared in their blog.
and musicians also frequently talk about focusing their Qi when practicing their crafts. My painting teacher told me that I should, “Feel Qi move from my body through the brush onto the paper.” It’s easy to see why statements like this have some people shaking their heads, but if you were to look at it simply as relaxing your whole body and focusing your mind on the task at hand, it makes a lot more sense.
‘Qi will fill your body and make you stronger.’ One of my teachers in China forced me to practice ZhanZhuang every day. ZhanZhuang is the practice of standing in static postures for hours. (Yes, it was grueling, but trust me, the physical demands were nothing compared to the sheer boredom of it). My teacher said this would “fill my body with Qi and make me stronger.” Later I learned about piezo-electricity, the electricity created in connective tissues (bones, tendons, fascia, etc.) when your body is under mechanical stress. This current stimulates some cells to produce more collagen and other cells to increase bone density. If only my teacher had just said that the mild but constant tension created in ZhanZhuang postures would stimulate an electrical charge that would stimulate my cells to increase soft tissue strength and elasticity and increase my bone density! Not to mention, you burn a whole lot of energy holding those postures for so long and that stimulates an increase in your mitochondria count. Mitochondria are the part of a cell that burn energy and can increase your endurance. Have I convinced everyone to stand around all day holding static postures yet?
‘Your movements store and emit Qi.’ In my TaiJi and martial art training I heard
this a lot. Qi can be defined here as mechanical energy, which is composed of potential and kinetic energy. Kinetic energy relates to the continuous movement, while potential energy relates to the power stored in movements like contracting/expanding, opening/closing and twisting/coiling. Trust me, being thrown 10 feet into a tree has nothing to do with projecting magical energy; all you need is really subtle and accurate body mechanics (which helps with the landing part too).
I can think of another 50 examples of Qi being uniquely defined in quantifiable terms, but already in this blog you’ve seen it defined as the building blocks of the universe, as gas, as ATP, as nerve impulses, as your intent and as mechanical energy. Hopefully everyone out there can agree on this as a good starting point and recognize that there’s no need for Qi to remain a mysterious and magical substance that’s existence needs to be argued over… and for those of you who disagree, well don’t Sheng Qi at me.
Oh, that means get angry.
20 Tongren – August 2012
Milestones We mark the passing of Mavis Hutter,
long-time TongRen editor and CTF member.
“Mavis truly integrated tai chi into her everyday life.”
Ed
“She was an inspiration in how to live.”
Mary
Remembering Mavis Hutter
By Ed Cooper and Mary Hansell
Mavis Hutter died recently leaving behind many happy memories in the hearts of all who knew her.
She was one of my first tai chi students. She signed up for my Yang-style 108 class at Martin Street School in Milton, Ontario around 1990 or so and stayed with me for the next 15 years in the Circle of Friends Tai Chi Club.
One day she said, “I can garden again! I could get down to the ground but not up again, and now I can get up. I can garden again!” Tai chi was a practical and long lasting part of her life. Using the Yang 108 as her base, she went on to study sword, fan, push hands and qigong and was always eager to embrace new concepts and learn new things.
Mavis truly integrated tai chi into her everyday life. When she was a tourist in Italy, she managed to foil a potential purse snatcher using the principle of “ward off” that she had learned in class.
Years ago, when my wife and I were editors of Tongren, we relied on Mavis’ eagle eye to correct typographical errors, grammar and spelling and to fix up any other inconsistencies that became evident in the text. We would give her the document and she would go over it with a fine-toothed comb and it would come back to us blanketed with red pen marks (this was back in the days before email became popular). The quality of the Tongren was enhanced by her hard work and determination and we will always be thankful for her contribution.
Ed Cooper
21 Tongren – August 2012
In Brief…
We mark the passing of Feng ZhiQiang (1928-2012), 18th generation Chen stylist and noted student of both 17th generation Chen FaKe and XinYi’s Hu Yuezhen. Feng was also the founder of (Chen Shi Xin Yi) HunYuan Taiji. In the interests of more fully marking his passing and his influence on Taiji, we are interested in running an article about Feng ZhiQiang in the November 2012 issue of TongRen. Please contact us if you feel you can contribute to this, if only in a small way. Many hands make light work. Did you train with Feng ZhiQiang directly? Have an interesting story about this? A favourite memory? We’re all ears. And so are our readers.
This summer also marked the ‘official retirement’ of A Taste of China as an annual event, after 30 years of tournaments, seminars and intensives. We’re interested in doing a longer piece on this in the next issue. Whether it be your favourite seminar attended, most memorable tournament moment, instructor(s) and people that you met there that influenced you, a favourite photo or memory, please share it with us.
- The Editors
Mavis Hutter passed away in May. She will be remembered by many as a long-time student of Ed Cooper and an enthusiastic member of the Circle of Friends. After her retirement, she also helped Ed and Marsha prepare the Tongren for printing. To those of us within the tai chi community who have known Mavis, she was an inspiration in how to live. We watched her as she took whatever life threw at her, accepted it, received it and turned it into an adventure. As her tai chi developed, she inspired us – her fellow students – to turn our everyday experiences into practice sessions. When raking the lawn, when standing waiting, she would not waste the opportunity to practice stance. Who else would have thought of making use of a Toronto traffic jam to experiment with sensing hands and proper head and neck alignment? She brought joy to the tai chi and strong friendship to our lives.
Mary Hansell
Editor’s note: Mavis Hutter continued on with her role as editor of TongRen after Ed Cooper and Marsha Zuest handed off the production of TongRen to Tessie Smith and Jill Heath, over a decade ago. Her assistance in the transition and beyond was much appreciated.
22 Tongren – August 2012
The Wave, News and Updates from our Members
Greetings from Kelowna!
By Hajime (Harold) Naka
Greetings from Kelowna, the Qi-scene here is Qi-full, but compared to the popularity of yoga, Qigong is still the best-kept secret. Taiji is more familiar and I am constantly asked – what is the difference between Qigong and Taiji?
I have been single-handedly promoting the health benefits of Qigong for over 20 years and now most of my classes are Qigong.
I presently teach 17 to 18 classes a week in 9 to 10 different locations. My classes are ongoing throughout the year, with a short break at Christmas and in the summer when I leave Kelowna to teach at retreats (and some camping with my family) on the beautiful Kootenay Lake.
I do not keep track of the number of participants who attend my classes each week, so out of curiosity I picked a random week and did a rough head-count for each class, and at the end of the week about 180 had attended. This number fluctuates as some students come to more than one class a week, while others miss classes and new folks come to check out a class and hopefully come back. My intention in each class is to create a safe, nurturing
and fun space where each person participates in their own healing, spiritual journey while supporting others in the group.
Over the years I have designed a Qigong system using images of nature to help reconnect with our natural, relaxed, aligned, balanced and grounded state in harmony with the Dao.
Many of my students (friends) are seniors struggling with health issues, such as MS, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Arthritis, Dementia and other symptoms associated with aging. I am encouraged by their determination to become healthy and that Qigong has a positive influence on them. The feeling of friendship and community that arises from practicing together also offers us hope, knowing that we are not alone – sounds a lot like TongRen.
Just to prove that there’s still Qi flowing in seniors, you should see the seniors at the end of an hour-long class when I put on Bob Seger’s ‘Like a Rock’ and we all move with wild abandonment.
I am forever grateful for China’s gift to the world and the folks who invite me into their lives.
Rock on with Qigong!
Qi-fully yours –
Hajime (Harold) Naka. 825 Grenfell Avenue
Kelowna, BC 250-762-5982
23 Tongren – August 2012
Tai Chi and Music Improvisation: The Waterloo Contemporary Internal Arts Studio
By Patricia Beretta
Improvisation may sound like a foreign concept to some Tai Chi practioners focusing on form, curriculum and practice of choreography. Tai Chi improvisation (improv) combined simultaneously with music improv and other art forms may sound even more alien. Such is the adventure of The Waterloo Contemporary Internal Arts Studio!
A spin-off of Cold Mountain Internal Arts (CMIA) in Kitchener, Ontario, this exploratory project had been in gestation for several years and came to life in January 2012. This is how Steve Higgins, sifu at Cold Mountain, defines it:
“The purpose of this exercise, through collaboratively exploring the application of the principles of internal arts to artistic expression, is to expand our capacity for spontaneity and formality as defined by posture, shape and harmonious transitions between Yin and Yang states.
Such exploration will collaboratively involve such elements as: Taijiquan, Qigong, contemporary music, graphic and plastic arts, the spoken word, and documentary and photographic elements.”
The art studio project is deliberately kept separate from Cold Mountain, which focuses on health, meditation and self-defense.
“This organization, unlike CMIA, will focus on the creation of Art,” added Higgins.
And that’s how a small group from Cold Mountain was introduced to Jason White by
Steve Higgins. Jason is a pianist and composer in Waterloo, Ontario, who fantastically and beautifully plays the piano, and, among other skills and talents, has a lot of experience with dance improvisation. That turned out to be invaluable. With our CMIA background, our approach tended to be too intellectual, and we were having a hard time letting go of form and structure in Tai Chi. Or simply, we were intimidated by the project and the inner realms we ended up tunnelling into.
“If we were to ever perform what we're looking at here, then it would not be in a ‘class’ format”, said Jason. “Try to grow, but also try not to get in your own way... sometimes, artists need to just ‘be’ what they are, and other times they need to ‘be’, mindfully”, he added.
During the first session last January, we played with the energy of the Crane, while Jason improvised some flowing jazz music on the piano.
24 Tongren – August 2012
The initial background of players, before they came into Tai Chi, re-emerged quite clearly: who came from jazz dancing, from external martial arts, from Celtic dancing, or from nowhere, like me… all rooted through Tai Chi internal principles. One participant confided that the process required an acceptance of intimacy -- a bit like taking one's clothes off in the presence of others. That 'going improv was unexpectedly demanding.
To push us further into our own styles, Jason proposed that next time we’d do improvisation for a whole half-hour non-stop (anyone being always free to have a break, stay still or move); that is, no discussion, no teaching, no verbalization, no conceptualization – only music and flow.
So that’s what we did the next time we gathered in March 2012! Thirty minutes of Tai Chi and music improvisation.
At times, Jason de-synchronized his rhythm from ours and from our style (gentle versus martial). And that created a sense of tension and release between the music and Tai Chi. Though we were all absorbed by the inner exploration of such practice, we were unconsciously synchronizing our stepping, even with the unexpected changes in music rhythm, like inner principles extending from the body and its Qi to the music and to each other. At times we were still, at times harmonized by a gentle
flow, or martially stepping, punching, and also, duos formed and separated through sensing hand and solo phases. For some the experience was very emotional.
Steve reported: “At one point I found myself expressing this [grief] physically, and realized that the 'language' I was accessing for this purpose was a marriage of two different Tai Chi elements: 'Cross Hands' and 'Repulse Monkey'. But the movement, in terms of pure emotional valence was more intense than either of these. It involved posture, movement and gaze.“
How did we move from there?
We could only re-group after a long pause in June 2012. This time we used the Five Elements (aka Wu Xing; see accompanying diagrams below) as a theme. Steve introduced the essence of each element to Jason, who improvised successively for five minutes on each element.
We all have various experience of the five elements: for some it is an interesting Chinese concept, and for others, a part of their daily Tai Chi or clinical practice.
The Five Elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Man is between Heaven and Earth, in harmony with nature (grey text); Elements correspondence with Organ functions and
emotions (brown text). Interpretation by Patricia Beretta
“Very interesting how different our responses were, despite the elements in common. I could see you working with Qigong elements, while others were working different zones, rhythms, tempi, etc.,” noted Steve.
Jason’s own musical interpretation of the elements brought a whole new dimension to them. Again creating a tension-release between movement and the music, between the expected and the unexpected. Fire did not sound explosive but almost flowing like a flame, with a water quality. Earth was not heavy but deep. Metal was not hard; it sounded like a harp, like chimes in the wind. Water was very flowing, sprinkling and nourishing. Wood was graphical: Jason used the wood of his piano like a drum. Instead of the free movement of Qi, flowing up and out, of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Wood, we all ended up making fists and punching!
“I realized that the music seemed to be incredibly visual in its effects; I certainly had
an alteration of my consciousness and perception! Part of it was an alteration of time sense,” Steve commented. “An hour and a half seemed to go by like fifteen minutes!”
And what’s next? Well, of course we do not know… it is all improvised.
But we do know that we are hoping more musicians and other artists will join us. We will have our first live performance in October 2012 here in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. (See Events and Workshops in Canada, p. 32).
In the meantime we learned what we should have known already: improvisation is an art, and like internal arts, it takes practice, practice, and more practice. Jan Fogolin, whose creative Crane forms are a source of inspiration at CMIA, noted: “Looking forward to the next session, I have even been doing improv for the last two mornings of my practice.”
The Five Elements revisited, after Tai Chi improv. by Patricia Beretta
26 Tongren – August 2012
About the author Patricia came across Tai-Chi in the mid-90’s and learned from various instructors in Europe. After coming to Canada she began her study with sifu Steve Higgins in 2001 at Cold Mountain Internal Arts, Kitchener, Ontario. She also regularly attends Sam Masich’s seminars. Gradually, Tai-Chi became a spring board for self-care, personal growth and professional development. In 2006, Patricia shifted from her Biomedical career into Shiatsu and Acupuncture therapies, and teaching Tai-Chi. With therapies and practices based on balancing Qi flow, she found an elegant clinical system and way of life. She has an original and creative approach to Tai Chi curriculum and pedagogy, based upon a background combining advanced Western medical knowledge, Traditional Chinese Medicine skills, and exercises promoting strong and free-flowing Qi. More info at www.LeShiatsu.com
Sunday 19th February 2012, Gatineau QC, au Centre de Tai Chi Gilles Vaillant. Fan workshop with Jill Heath gathered attendees from
Upper Ottawa Valley Tai Chi Club (Renfrew, Pembroke, Petawawa, etc.), Peterborough, and the Gatineau area.
Standing, from left to right: Cindy Sell; Janna Clarke; Suli Adams; Jill Heath; Annie Rousseau; Cristina Barry.
Kneeling, from left to right: Cindy Conner; Wanda Burgess. Behind the camera and at the workshop: Christine (UOVTCC).
27 Tongren – August 2012
DVD Review:
Traditional Sun-style Taijiquan by Tim Cartmell
By Michael Babin
Unlike many of the instructional DVDs and cassettes that I have watched and studied over the last twenty years, this four-volume set does what many promise and few deliver – provide good instruction, as opposed to demonstrating how well [and sometimes how poorly] the teacher can do the material that is being covered. Mr. Cartmell has obviously devoted a great deal of thought to camera angles and verbal descriptions to get across key concepts and principles of movement in a solo form which only looks easy to do until you try to do it!
For those unfamiliar with one of the rarer styles of taijiquan... Sun Lutang was one of the most famous martial artists of his time as well as an acknowledged expert in Hao-style Taijiquan, Xingyiquan and Baguazhang. His decades of experience as well as his creativity led him to combine the best of these approaches into the Sun style which is the newest of the acknowledged Family Styles of Taijiquan.
Its main training method is the 97 Posture solo form which, when practiced properly, provides a mobile and integrated use of body mechanics which allows the student to build many aspects of good posture and good health without stressing the knees as so many martial arts forms can do. This DVD set is aimed at both the experienced student of the Chinese internal martial arts or the curious beginner looking for a movement exercise that builds good posture and body mechanics.
Mr. Cartmell is an experienced martial arts practitioner and teacher who studied this style in particular directly in China with Sun Jianyun, the daughter of Master Sun as well as with his nephew Sun Baoan in the early 1990’s and has been teaching it since then. Tim is also skilled in the Chinese language and his ability to share his understanding of what he was taught by Chinese-speaking instructors in his native English, is rare indeed in North America where translation issues have often plagued the teaching of Asian martial systems.
In Review Past Events, Books, DVDs, etc.
28 Tongren – August 2012
While the series is not inexpensive by DVD standards, it is well worth the money for those intrigued by a taijiquan form which is still comparatively rare in North America and not all that more common in its country of origin. I have watched and/or studied a depressing number of martial arts and taiji videos/DVDs in the last 21 years and I don't want to think about how much money I spent [and often wasted].
In refreshing contrast, Cartmell and his colleagues really have done a great job of producing [and in only four volumes] a really intelligent and detailed look at this solo form. This is especially true when compared to the other video instructional products that I have seen up ‘til now on the Sun-style.
Though it is always preferable to have personal instruction when learning a physical discipline; in the absence of a good teacher, a beginner can actually use these DVDs to achieve a basic understanding of the entire form. Those students with previous experience in the Sun-style or any competent martial art should find it even more useful on a variety of levels.
About the author Michael Babin is semi-retired from teaching Taiji and Bagua after 25+ years of having done so, but still likes to train with a few of his former students. He has also developed a taste for the sword [only in a "playful" manner of course]. This review appeared first on his website and blog (www.mbtaiji.net), where you can find more of his writings and musings and more about him. He is also the author of a number of books on Taiji and Bagua.
Finally, as someone who has practiced this style for more than a decade, I can speak from personal experience that one of the best aspects of this solo form for beginners interested in the health side of the art is that it does not require as much open floor space as do most other traditional taijiquan forms. This can be an important consideration for those who generally practice indoors because of the climate in their area.
For more information or to purchase any or all of this highly-recommended DVD series, visit Tim's website www.shenwu.com.
Editor’s note: A YouTube trailer of this DVD series can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM-KXUggQ2c (if ‘%20’ appears in this address once copied into your browser, please delete manually)
29 Tongren – August 2012
Mixin' It Up in Milton Experiences from the Yang 108 Intensive, with Sam Masich in Milton, Ontario, Canada, 19-27 May 2012.
By Patrick Foley
To really appreciate how influential Sam Masich has been for me, and thus how I ended up in Milton studying Yang style with him, a little history might be helpful. I began my exploration of Tai Chi in Brighton (UK) during the late 1980's, after 5 years of judo, jujitsu and karate that had left me with two very damaged knees. In 1991 I joined Brian Cooper's class and have been practicing under his guidance ever since.
Originally learning Rose Li's version of the Yang long form, I then moved on to studying the Energy Arts system as taught by Bruce Frantzis, on whose methods Brian had decided to focus his study and teachings. From 1994 to the present, with some breaks for family life, I continued to focus on Bruce's very undiluted and challenging teachings, studying Wu-style short and long forms, Push Hands, Bagua, Taoist Nei Gung, Dragon and Tiger Medical Qigong and Meditation.
In 2004, I began teaching with my partner Jane. We found that many of our students were of a certain age, had long-standing health issues, and found intensive goal-orientated exercise very stressful. Using our experience to help others to become present and relax from the inside out whilst gaining awareness and body flexibility became a very important obligation within our teachings. Our teaching philosophy became based on promoting the meditative and self-healing aspects of these ancient practices, primarily using the Tai Chi form as a vehicle for developing the Taoist Neigung promoted by Bruce. The small stance work of Wu style is ideal for developing the precise body alignments, spinal support techniques and internal mechanics of Taoist Neigung, especially using the form that was adapted by Liu Hung Chieh, Taoist sage and Bruce's last and perhaps most influential teacher.
However, as I progressed on my journey, something felt missing in my practice. I had a sense of having jumped in at the deep end - without having learnt to swim yet. I realised that I was using Tai Chi purely as a vehicle for internal work, without really understanding about its roots and purpose. But... if you remain open to the Tao, it will always offer you the opportunity for change, and so it was that by chance I heard of a Push Hands workshop by Sam Masich in Brighton, and decided to try something different.
Over the next 18 months I studied with Sam whenever he was in the UK, playing with Dalu, Yang 108 and this year the 13 Sabre. I knew I had struck gold. Here was a teacher that
30 Tongren – August 2012
“I got really excited about how the energies
started to link into the form work through the
thirteen families.”
intimately understood the traditional curriculums and their relationship to modern Tai Chi styles, and who was confident enough to teach at the purest ‘vanilla’ level. His consummate enthusiasm for interpreting the true meanings behind the old Masters' teachings showed especially in his development of the 13 Families of the 37 Essential Forms; this was fascinating stuff. And he really enjoys his work, approaching it with an open heart and generosity that is rare to find. How could I not follow it up when Sam offered the Yang 108 Intensive in Canada?
So what did that trip really mean to me?
Firstly, it consolidated my understanding of the Yang style, which I had started to study only the year before with Sam. The move sequence in the Yang 108 is almost identical to the Wu style I practise, so I could focus on the differences in posture and intent more easily. This gave me a deep insight into the true nature of the movements I was making in the Wu style, which are often hidden from the casual eye, and therefore invariably missed or misunderstood by the beginner. I have found that my teaching has become more precise and informative, as I can reference the ‘mother form’ and
demonstrate it to show the roots of the style I am teaching (Wu). There were also some great tid-bits, like starting the form by settling into the wrists and anchoring downwards, without raising the hands first. Keep mixin' it up, Sam!
Then I got really excited about how the energies started to link into the form work through the thirteen families. Lu (rollback) especially affected my attitude as I played with application work, connecting Rollback with Repulse Monkey, Needle at Sea Bottom and Cloud Hands - it just made everything connect and open up. As Sam said during the training (paraphrased): "Family work teaches you not to reset to zero in partner work (e.g. push hands); to constantly readjust into another movement. Playing with just three or four notes, but with endless unique variations, like Jimi Hendrix."
31 Tongren – August 2012
Now I've got to say to that one of the next most interesting moments of my visit was... lunch. After the obvious stuff (food, rest, etc.) I had the opportunity to learn some new partner work and practise sabre with people who really knew what they were doing (thanks again Yanira Rodriguez, who traveled all the way from Mexico!), as well as chew the cud on all things Tai Chi. It's always exciting to hear a new perspective to an old subject. It is hard to put into words how welcoming and generous everyone I met was during the workshop and in my home stay (many many thanks again to workshop organizer and hosts Mary and Roger Hansell - really!).
“Much of what you learn in Tai Chi at a higher
level reflects directly into your life and obligates
you to lead it thoughtfully and with honesty – I
think during my week in Milton I was blessed to
be amongst The Enlightened!”
Seminar participants pictured above, right, left to
right: Jennie Brown (London ON); Yanira Rodriguez
(all the way from Mexico!); Jill Heath (Oakville ON).
Pic: Patrick Foley.
About the author Patrick Foley began his exploration of Tai Chi in the late 1980's, after 5 years of judo, jujitsu and karate training. Severely damaged knees from competition lead him to drop contact sports and join Tai Chi teacher Brian Cooper's Brighton class (Inside Tai Chi) in 1991. Patrick is now a registered instructor of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain, and certified Energy Arts instructor of Dragon and Tiger Chi Gung, and Wu Style Long Form. Patrick began teaching Tai Chi in 2004, and his teaching is based on aspects of the Bruce Frantzis Energy Arts® system of internal self-healing exercises. He has also begun study with Sam Masich, learning the traditional Yang style Tai Chi curriculum. Patrick teaches Tai Chi at Longwater Tai Chi with partner Jane Launchbury, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK.
32 Tongren – August 2012
Workshops & Events
In Canada
Workshops with Adriaan Blaauw & Jill Heath Contact: Adriaan Blaauw [email protected] or Jill Heath [email protected] Fundamentals of Two-Person Work: Empty Hand and Sword Saturday - Sunday 08-09 Sept 2012 17-18 Nov 2012 05-06 Jan 2013 23-24 Feb 2013 20-21 Apr 2013 15-16 Jun 2013 Centre de Tai Chi Gilles Vaillant, 109 rue Wright, Gatineau, QC
Riverbank Push Hands Days with Diane Kehoe & John Eastman Contact: (604) 946-4983 or (604) 868-2396 [email protected] Sunday 5 August 2012 Sunday 16 September Sunday 14 October Sunday 18 November Sunday 9 December 1-6 p.m. – no charge 4126 River Road West, Delta, BC
Treasures of China, Featuring the Dazu Rock Carvings Exhibit of spiritual sculptures from the hillsides of Dazu County, Chongqing, dating from the Tang Dynasty 48 unique sculptures depicting Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs. The Museum, Kitchener, Ontario Contact: (519) 749 9387 [email protected] www.themuseum.ca From 21 Sept 2012 to 17 March 2013 Tai Chi classes and workshops at the Museum with Patricia Beretta during this exhibit Contact: (519) 496 8973 [email protected] www.LeShiatsu.com Tai Chi and Tea: Cultural Treasures of China With Patricia Beretta and Beth Weisberg Saturday October 20th 2012, 1-3 p.m. – no charge with museum or exhibit ticket Tai Chi and Qigong: Relaxation in Action Four introductory classes with Patricia Beretta Thursday lunchtime 1-3 p.m., November 8, 15, 22, 29, 2012
Saturday morning 11 a.m.-12 p.m., January 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 2013 $10 per class, register with The Museum Tai Chi and Qigong: Treasures for Health With Patricia Beretta Saturday January 19th 2013 1-3 p.m. – no charge with museum or exhibit ticket
The Waterloo Contemporary Internal Arts Studio Live performance of Tai Chi + Music improvisation Contact Steve Higgins: [email protected] Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 12:15-12:45 p.m. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen St. North, Kitchener, Ontario No charge; $5 for lunch
Temple Knights Tai Chi and Kung Fu Camp Contact: [email protected] 705 767-1177 www.templeknights.com August 13-18, 2012 Inter-school Tournament on August 18th Temple Knights Martial Arts Academy & Retreat centre, Muskoka, near Bracebridge, Ontario.
33 Tongren – August 2012
Workshops with Sam Masich Contact: Sam Masich 0170-553-8096 www.sammasich.com
6th Madrid Push Hands Camp Saturday 11 – Tue 14 August 2012 6th Madrid Push Hands Camp 25 Energies Series: 'Cai, Lie, Zhou, Kao' Madrid, Spain (in English and Spanish) 3rd Annual Berlin Summer Push Hands Camp Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 August 2012 Berlin, Germany 1st Annual Berlin Summer Taiji Weapons Intensive—13 Power Taiji Sabre Thursday 23 - Sunday 26 August 2012 Berlin, Germany
Workshops with Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming YMAA CA Retreat Center Miranda (area), California Contact: (707)502-8739 www.ymaa.com/seminars
Workshops & Events
Outside Canada
Taiji Ball Qigong (Levels 1-3) July 27 - August 3, 2012 Qigong-1 August 3-10, 2012 Qigong-7 (Small Circulation Meditation) August 10-17, 2012
Embrace The Moon Workshops Seattle WA Contact: Kim Ivy (206) 789-0993 [email protected] www.embracethemoon.com Qigong Around the Sound with Embrace the Moon August 4, 11, 18, 25 The Intrinsic Energies of Taijiquan with David Gaffney & Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim August 17, 18 Chen Tai Chi 19 Form Intensive with Doug Northman August 25
Workshops with Sam Masich www.sammasich.com
Fu Zhongwen's Two Person Sabre & 13 Power Taiji Sabre
October 19 – 21, 2012 Campbellville and Brookville, ON Contact: Jill Heath (905) 467-8180, [email protected] Balancing the Heart Qigong & 'Long Energy' is Fun! October 26 – 28, 2012 Gatineau, Quebec Contact: Réal Lalande, (819) 778-0147, [email protected]
34 Tongren – August 2012
Canadian Taijiquan Federation / Fédération Canadienne de TaijiquanA registered Non-Profit Corporation / Un organisme à but non-lucratif dument enregistré
1. To encourage development in the practice of Taijiquan and preserve its characteristics as an expression of Chinese culture and philosophy.
2. To stimulate public awareness of and participation in Taijiquan.
3. To inclusively link practitioners of Taijiquan from various styles and traditions without precedence – whether as individuals or gathered in groups, clubs and organizations across Canada – as they join the Federation family.
4. To network nationally and internationally with other Taijiquan practitioners, groups, clubs and organizations with the aim of broadening and strengthening the Canadian Taijiquan experience.
1. Encourager la pratique du taijiquan et préserver son caractère culturel et philosophique chinois.
2. Stimuler la connaissance et la participation du grand public en matière de taijiquan.
3. Relier tous les praticiens de taijiquan, peu importe les styles et les traditions, qu’ils soient seuls ou affiliés, partout au Canada.
4. Élargir et renforcer l’expérience canadienne du taijiquan en créant un réseau national et international pour les individus, les groupes, les clubs, et les autres organisations.
Annual CTF membership includes:
• A subscription to the CTF’s quarterly journal TongRen
• One complementary official CTF crest for each new membership
Benefits of CTF membership:
• Access to Taijiquan Teacher Training workshops sponsored by the CTF and facilitated by experienced Taijiiquan teachers
• Access to the CTF Taijiquan Teacher Certification program
• Email notices of CTF-related news and upcoming events
• Access to the ‘members-only’ section of the CTF website which includes expanded event postings and links, an archive of back issues of TongRen, photographs, blogs and forums
• Postings to the public-access pages of the CTF website for your club/school, workshops/seminars and other Taiji-related events
• Opportunities to connect, meet, share and further your Taijiquan-related knowledge and experience with other practitioners
• Opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the Taijiquan community by sitting on the CTF Board of Directors and its various committees (volunteer)
• Discounted enrollment is often extended to CTF members for workshops and activities organized by CTF members
• Purchase of official CTF T-Shirts and crests
Une membriété annuelle vous offre:
• Un abonnement à TongRen, la revue trimestrielle de la FCT, que vous recevrez par la poste
• Un écusson gratuit de la FCT si vous êtes un nouveau membre
Avantages supplémentaires:
• Accès aux ateliers de formation des instructeurs, ateliers parrainés par la FCT et donnés par des enseignants chevronnés
• Accès au programme de la FCT de certification des enseignants de taijiquan
• Avis électroniques des nouvelles et des événements à venir de la FCT
• Accès à la section pour les membres du site web de la FCT qui présente une liste étoffée des événements et des liens, les anciens numéros de TongRen, des photos, des blogs et des forums
• Pages publiques pour annoncer votre organisme, vos ateliers et tout autre événement lié au taiji
• Des occasions de contacts, de rencontres et de partages avec des praticiens du taiji pour accroître vos connaissances et votre expérience
• Des occasions de vous engager comme bénévoles et d'influencer la communauté du taiji en joignant le Conseil d'administration de la FCT et ses multiples comités
• Des inscriptions à tarif réduit à des ateliers et activités organisés par nos membres
• Possibilité d'acheter les t-shirts et les écussons de la FCT
Individual membership $35 (Canadian or US) / Family membership $50 (Canadian or US)Membriété personnelle 35$ (canadiens ou américains) / Membriété familiale 50$ (canadiens ou américains)
Please copy and mail completed membership form along with your cheque or money order to:Veuillez envoyer le formulaire dûment rempli et accompagné d’un chèque ou d’un mandat à la:
