s t i l l n e s s in m o t i o n

Yin & Yang symbol

Tai Chi Chuan means the Supreme Ultimate Fist. A soft-style martial arts developed from the Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang or opposites, Tai Chi is practiced for both good health and self defence.

108 Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan

sequential forms are practiced slowly in a state of total relaxation, allowing vital energy or CHI to flow smoothly. everything is performed in a circular manner with the goal of achieving balance and tranquillity with every inbreath and every outbreath. This technique of subtle breathing and slow, continuous movement without strain through varied sequence of contrasting Forms creates stable vitality with calmness, balanced strength with flexibility, controlled energy and awareness.

this style i learned from my shifu francis is called Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan. These are the beginnings of the 108 Form that i practice every morning.

Easy Sundays

taiji sword form

i love Sundays because i get to practice taijiquan with my teachers. Taijiquan is a soft style martial arts which originated from Wudang mountain in China. If you like martial arts flicks, you will remember that Wudang is the panoramic monastery where the last few scenes of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” were shot.

i haven’t much time to explain the minutiae of this particular martial arts now since i should be draping patterns at this very minute and not blogging but suffice to say that it is based on the Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang which translates to duality or opposites.

i’ve been going to the weekly taiji Sunday sessions of my teachers for almost eight years now and Sundays mean...

gaining wisdom through questions on the nature of 'Chi' or vital energy,

brush knee, push palm

improving one's form under the watchful eyes of the “six mountain tigers” who unfailingly spot a misstep, wrong hand movement or a tense joint,

diagonal fly

heightening sensitivity while practicing push hands with sir Joe or shifu Francis,

parting the wild horse's mane

enjoying breakfast and the finest tea served at the perfect temperature and finally...

jade lady plays the shuttle

listening to the delicacy of spoken Fukien abbreviated with lots of laughter.

play the lute