Taijicenter Port Richey FL

Research: Tai Chi Classes for Seniors

2012-02-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

New Research Regarding

Tai Chi / Taiji Classes for Seniors

Steve Contes

New Port Richey FL.

Once again I refer to some additional research conducted by Fuzhong Li, Ph.D. of the Oregon Research Institute, and colleagues. The research piece can be found below my brief introduction.

Introduction

I have personally seen my Senior Students greatly improve their strength, balance, energy levels, flexibility, coordination, and overall health (physical and mental) with a steady diet of Tai Chi in their weekly schedules. It also provides a social atmosphere where students can make new friends, share common interests and often develop new ones. I sincerely hope that the type of research presently available encourages the Senior population to get out there and see for themselves how Taiji can enrich their lives. No matter what you perceive your present physical condition or state of health, you can engage in the practice of Taiji. I also caution potential students to train only with a qualified Taiji Instructor. If you have any questions on how to go about the task of locating one, contact me directly and I will try my best to assist you in your search (where ever you are residing).

As I said in the last blog (Tai Chi as Treatment for Parkinson’s) I am extremely appreciative of Fuzhong Li Ph.D.and his colleagues for all their efforts and also willingness to share their findings regarding how Taiji (Tai Chi) can benefit those addressing issues associated with aging or any other health complications.

Physical Training Jan 2002

Tai Chi Good Way

For Elderly People To Return To Exercise

The low-impact Chinese exercise, Tai Chi, can help older people regain some of the physical functioning that they may have lost to inactivity, according to a new study.

Seniors taking Tai Chi classes reported better physical functioning both at the three-month midpoint and the six-month end of the pilot study, says Fuzhong Li, Ph.D., of the Oregon Research Institute, and colleagues.

The study included 72 people between the ages of 65 and 96 who were split into a group that went to an hour-long class twice a week for six months and a control group that was promised a four-week class at the end of the study.

"We found significant improvements within three months on a low-intensity program conducted twice a week. Our results also showed improved benefits from six months of participation, suggesting that additional health gains can be derived from a longer period of participation," the researchers say.

The study is published in the May issue of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

They contrast this with previous research on exercise programs that suggests much longer periods are needed to show significant improvements in functioning.

On completion of the study, the Tai Chi students were also twice as likely as the control group to report not being limited in their ability to perform moderate-to-vigorous activities.

In comparison to previous research, which shows that half of sedentary people are unable to maintain a newly adopted exercise program, these findings were also unique in that only 18 percent of participants dropped out of the Tai Chi class. The researchers suggest Tai Chi may offer a particularly attractive form of fitness activity for this population. Members of the classes described the lessons as a positive experience with wide ranging benefits that both energized and relaxed them. They felt it had helped them build better flexibility, balance and strength.

The researchers did note that since the study recruited volunteers for the study, the participants may have been more motivated than other sedentary elderly people to exercise.

The study cost approximately $9,000.

Through grants from the National Institute on Aging, the researchers are continuing their examination of the effects of Tai Chi on seniors' health outcomes, such as falls, physical ability and long-term health behaviors.

Annals of Behavioral Medicine is the official peer-reviewed publication of The Society of Behavioral Medicine. For information about the journal, contact Robert Kaplan, PhD, (858) 534-6058. For copies of the article, contact the Center for the Advancement of Health at 202.387.2829 or e-mail press@cfah.org

Center for the Advancement of Health Contact: Ira R. Allen Director of Public Affairs 202.387.2829 press@cfah.org

Contact: Fuzhong Li, Ph.D. (541) 484-2123 (ext. 2137) fuzhongl@ori.org or John Fisher (541) 484-2123 (ext. 2228) fisherj@ori.org

Tai Chi (Taiji) as a Treatment for Parkinson’s

2012-02-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

Tai Chi (Taiji) as a Treatment for Parkinson’s

Written by Steve Contes / FL based Tai Chi instructor. (I am not a doctor nor am I a professional in any medical field)

The New England Journal of Medicine recently posted some interesting research which prompted me to write this article and share their findings.

(My personal beliefs are that not only does Taiji aid in the physical aspects of this disease, but it is also a potent tool to ease the mental and emotional states often associated with Parkinson’s and many other diseases. This article and related research focuses on the physical challenges as related to Parkinson’s)

Taiji is no longer shrouded in mystery for those seeking to understand this eastern-based art.

That also includes the western Medical World. Thanks to the efforts of Doctors such as Fuzhong Li, Ph.D, Dr Yang Yang and many others we are now seeing the long awaited marriage of Eastern and Western philosophies regarding health. Maybe in my optimistic state of mind I’m jumping the gun, so let me rephrase the above statement. “The engagement announcement of Eastern and Western philosophies regarding health”. It seems that we still have a ways to go. You might say that the parents of this couple have more than a few hurtles in front of them and they are not exactly holding their glasses high and toasting one and other (yet). However, they are beginning to understand each other better and actually agreeing on certain concepts (or sitting in the same room so to speak). One of those being Taiji as a viable tool for treating some of the diseases that continue to challenge western medicine. The New England Journal of Medicine is no stranger to controversy related to what they will publish. It is certainly not always in accordance with typical western medicine’s way of thinking. Last week an article was published based on the works of Fuzhong Li, Ph.D., Peter Harmer, Ph.D., M.P.H., Kathleen Fitzgerald, M.D., Elizabeth Eckstrom, M.D., M.P.H., Ronald Stock, M.D., Johnny Galver, P.T., Gianni Maddalozzo, Ph.D., and Sara S. Batya, M.D.

N England Journal Medicine 2012; 366:511-519 February 9, 2012

I commend them and greatly appreciate the efforts of Fuzhong Li, Ph.D and his colleagues. Also with his permission I present to you a condensed version of their report including their conclusion as posted on the site of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Tai Chi and Postural Stability in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease have substantially impaired balance, leading to diminished functional ability and an increased risk of falling. Although exercise is routinely encouraged by health care providers, few programs have been proven effective.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to determine whether a tailored tai chi program could improve postural control in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. We randomly assigned 195 patients with stage 1 to 4 disease on the Hoehn and Yahr staging scale (which ranges from 1 to 5, with higher stages indicating more severe disease) to one of three groups: tai chi, resistance training, or stretching. The patients participated in 60-minute exercise sessions twice weekly for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes from baseline in the limits-of-stability test (maximum excursion and directional control; range, 0 to 100%). Secondary outcomes included measures of gait and strength, scores on functional-reach and timed up-and-go tests, motor scores on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and number of falls.

Results

The tai chi group performed consistently better than the resistance-training and stretching groups in maximum excursion (between-group difference in the change from baseline, 5.55 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 9.97; and 11.98 percentage points; 95% CI, 7.21 to 16.74, respectively) and in directional control (10.45 percentage points; 95% CI, 3.89 to 17.00; and 11.38 percentage points; 95% CI, 5.50 to 17.27, respectively). The tai chi group also performed better than the stretching group in all secondary outcomes and outperformed the resistance-training group in stride length and functional reach. Tai chi lowered the incidence of falls as compared with stretching but not as compared with resistance training. The effects of tai chi training were maintained at 3 months after the intervention. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Tai chi training appears to reduce balance impairments in patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease, with additional benefits of improved functional capacity and reduced falls. (Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00611481.)
Supported by a grant (NS047130) from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org.
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
We thank all the study participants (in Eugene, Corvallis, Salem, and Portland) for their support and dedication to this research project; the neurologists for providing medical clearance and Parkinson's disease stage diagnoses for their participating patients; the project instructors (Vicki Anderson, Denise Thomas-Morrow, Don Hildenbrand, Brian McCall, James Lusk, Nancy Nelson, Teena Hall, Machiko Shirai, and Julie Tye); the research assistants (Debbie Blanchard, Kristen Briggs, Ruben Guzman, Daehan Kim, Lisa Marion, Arissa Fitch-Martin, Kimber Mattox, Julia Mazur, Donna McElroy, Jordyn Smith, and Rachel Tsolinas); the physical therapists (Andrea Serdar, Jeff Schlimgen, Jennifer Wilhelm, Ryan Rockwood, and Connie Amos at Oregon Health and Science University); the study data analyst, Shanshan Wang; Kathryn Madden and the members of the institutional review board at the Oregon Research Institute for their careful scrutiny of the study protocol; and Ron Renchler for proofreading earlier drafts of the manuscript.

Source Information

From the Oregon Research Institute (F.L.), the Oregon Medical Group (K.F.), and the PeaceHealth Medical Group–Oregon (R.S.) — all in Eugene; Willamette University (P.H.) and BPM Physical Therapy Center (J.G.) — both in Salem, OR; Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (E.E.); Oregon State University, Corvallis (G.M.); and Oregon Neurology Associates, Springfield (S.S.B.).
Address reprint requests to Dr. Li at the Oregon Research Institute,

1715 Franklin Blvd., Eugene, OR 97403

, or at fuzhongl@ori.org.

Guest Author: UK Based Martial Artist Ben Lee - contact him at BenLeeKarate@aol.co.uk.

2012-01-28T05:19:00.000-08:00

What is the meaning of kumite?

Guest Author: UK Based Martial Artist Ben Lee

What is kumite/sparring in karate ?, A competition between two students,A brawl or an ego booster?

If you think about it for a second you will find the answer is not as clear as it would seem to be.

When in a class practicing martial arts the person with the biggest ego is usually the one that is least liked by the rest of the group, A person who tries to win in sparring at any cost and make you look silly.In a real confrontation winning at any cost may be a good idea but when you are sparring this is not the case.

A brawl is not the answer, as sparring/kumite is a chance to hone our skills, perfect techniques using the best form possible.If we are brawling our technique will go out of the window and the techniques that we work so hard to perfect become worthless, Nothing more than a whirlwind of strikes.

When in a Dojo/training hall, we are all trying to learn.Speeding up the techniques in sparring and 'going at it' is great now and again. We should aim to help each other,get the techniques right and keep a feeling of courtesy towards each other.

Alot can be learned from practicing kumite, outside of pain.Rhythm,distance and timing to mention a few. Another is learning to harmonize with your opponent, to be as one. When he moves, you move simultaneously, flowing with him.

Picking up on an opponents intent to strike is a big step towards harmonizing with your opponent.

This is not a supernatural skill and is fully achievable.Just think of animals,for example; If you try to sneak up on a bird, even if it is looking the opposite way, the bird will still fly away before you catch it.

Shigeru Egami ( a direct student of master Funakoshi) gave three different methods for developing the skill of picking up on an opponents intent in his book 'the way of karate, beyond technique', well worth a read if you have not already.

These Methods were as follows;

In Kihon or during kata practice and performing each movement to a command, begin to try and pick up on the intention of your instructor to shout the command.So if you do this correctly you should already be in motion, when the command is given and finish your technique when the command ends.To do this you should try to clear your mind, keeping it empty, relax as the more you tense and wait for the 'feeling' the slower you will be.When you get the feeling that a command will be given go with it.Work at this and you will get better and better.

The next method will require you to work with a partner.You and your partner face each other with enough distance between you, so that when a stepping punch is performed you are not close enough to hit each other. Take it in turns, One performing a stepping punch,one stepping back and blocking. The person punching, will change the timing between each punch,as well as changing the speed of the punch.Who ever is striking must concentrate there intent on hitting there partner,so as to give him something to pick up on. If you can turn intent on,you can also turn it off which is always helpful.The blocker should move in harmony with the person performing the strike.Moving simultaneously. When both of you start the feel comfortable with this, move closer, so that if a strike were thrown and no block was performed, it would impact.Repeat the same exercise again at this distance.Remember this is not a contest,you will not make much progress if you are concerned with winning.As master Egami say's 'overconfidence will come from winning,shame and the urge to act recklessly from losing.

The final method In master Egami's book was to learn to pick up an opponents intent, with your back to him. Again you will need a partner.One punching, the other moving out of the way. If your partner is punching you will have your back to him.When you feel him punching step forward out of his reach. So the person striking will vary the speed of his punch and the timing between each strike.This exercise will also contribute to concentration. Remember when performing these methods stay relax, keep your mind clear and go with your instincts.

There are other methods for developing the ability to pick up on an opponents intent but I will save these for another time.My instructor Sensei John Lovatt can pick up on an opponents intention through a brick wall.When an opponent throws a punch from the opposite side of a wall, my sensei moves simultaneously and blocks.

To me mastery of kumite in any martial art is learning to harmonize and be as one with your opponent.Picking up on intention will take you a step closer to this.Please feel free to email regarding any opinions,queries or thoughts on this subject and I will be happy to help.You can email me on BenLeeKarate@aol.co.uk.

Taiji The Art of Living Life at its Full Potential

2012-01-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

Taiji not just for Martial Artists. Not just for the elderly.

Taiji, The Art of

Living Life at its full Potential.

Dedicated to the study of Health (in every aspect) and the quality of life regardless of age or perceived condition. I believe that anyone can be Healthier tomorrow (compared to their level of health today). Even if you are dealing with health (physical or mental, which are often itertwined ) issues, some aspects of your life can be improved. Health is not solely based on your present physical condition. It is a combination of the mental and physical states working in harmony as efficient as possible. Any flaws in either will affect your success. Physical flaws are not just ailments or conditions, they are a result of not being able to deal with adversity (physical or mental) properly. These two aspects of health must cooperate with one and other and not oppose each other. If Optimum Health meant perfection on both levels separately, it could never be achieved. What Optimum Health represents is the perfect unison of the two. Perhaps that is the greatest gift Taiji has to offer.

These two aspects combined with your own spirituality will make you whole and allow you to live your life to its full potential.

The end result is one who possesses the discipline and strength to change what he/she can and endure what they cannot while still appreciating the beauty of life itself.

Martial Arts and Philosophy Writers Wanted

2011-08-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

This is an invitation for any writer of Martial Arts or Philosophical material to submit articles for this blog and an upcoming book to be published soon. This is a chance to share your views on a variety of subjects related to the above request. (Writers will not receive any compensation for their articles.) I am an avid researcher of both the Martial Arts and Philosopy. In the event that any profit is gained from this book all proceeds will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You needn't be a professional writer, (I certainly am not) you just need to have a passion for the subjects aforementioned. I will try to include as many articles as possible.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through this blog.

I look forward to your input.

Thanks,

Steve

Demystifying and Revealing the Truth on how Taijiquan Works - Part 2

2011-06-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

(Please read part 1 first - from April 2011)

Part 2

How does the Taijiquan Artist develop the necessary skills?

First through standing (meditation) exercises to teach stability and balance in a fixed position. Both a relaxed mind and a relaxed but properly structured body, while maintaining the body’s center of balance (equilibrium) are necessary. Focusing on proper breathing comes once the body is trained to stand in an naturally aligned position with the back straight, tailbone pointing down and the head feeling like it is suspended by a string pulling up from the crown carrying its weight and all the while maintaining the maximum amount of relaxation. Total awareness and control of the entire body, its root into the ground and its center need to be accomplished before moving on. One of the natural methods of abdominal breathing used in Taiji is referred to as reverse breathing. This become an essential part of the standing exercise which leads to a calm and clear mind as well as a higher level of a relaxed, but neither limp nor lethargic stance. It is also a very natural and efficient way to breathe, better oxygenating the blood and massaging the internal organs in the abdominal region, along with the ability to produce more force as you exhale when needed for the martial artist.

Picture-(Reverse breathing involves the expelling of air while expanding the lower abdominal region downward and out.

If this seems unnatural to you, try exhaling rapidly and saying the word ha, (exhaling through your mouth) with your hand on your lower abdominal region. Follow by inhaling in which the lower abdominal region pulls back in using more diaphragm.

(note when done slowly, breathe in and out through the nose-when done quickly to emit force breathe out through the mouth.

It is important to avoid shallow breathing which uses more intercostals muscles to expand the chest which causes improper ventilation of the lower lobes in the lungs.)

Master/Dr Kam Lee’s detailed explanation:

General breathing can be categorized into 2 kinds:

1. Shallow breathing - Not preferable

2. Deep or Abdominal Breathing - Preferable (Bringing in more oxygen, etc)

Abdominal Breathing when used to nourish our qi (ex: meditation, sleeping, daily movements) can be called, "Natural Breathing" as we don't have to think too much about it. It can happen naturally after you are trained to do it. Doesn't take long.

3. Abdominal breathing when used to express our qi or jin or when power is used, can be called Reversed Breath, which the abdominal muscle groups work the opposite way to Natural Breathing. It stresses the muscle and uses more qi. However when expressed softly or slowly it is a very good method to enhance our qi without expending it so much as in Fajin. If you fajin a lot you can get tired easily if your qi is insufficient.

Yin Natural Breathing Stillness Relax state of qi Nourishing Jin Uses abdominal (Dantian)

Yang Reverse Breathing Movement Higher state of qi Uses Jin (Fajin) Uses abdominal (Dantian)

Both breathing methods are neither limp nor lethargic. Both can attain a calm and clear state of mind. When done slow (beginner's meditation) natural breathing is preferable. When fajin or expressing jin in martial applications, reversed breath is preferable.

Both are natural and efficient depending on use. Reverse breathing is a plus for martial artist.

Deep abdominal breathing involves breathing in the air by contracting the diaphragm and expanding the lungs to its full capacity, starting from the lower lobes. The contraction of the diaphragm compresses the organs especially the intestines downwards and at the same time expanding the lungs to its full capacity. This can be done only when the body muscles especially the abdominals are in a relax state. Not knowing how to breathe properly builds tension in the abdominal and mid body thus inhibiting good circulation and proper function of qi. Abdominal breathing encourages all movements internally and promotes good health.

Harmony is now present between the body and mind and true balance is achieved. The mind’s ability to see, sense, feel and respond reaches an elevated level. (I personally recommend sitting Wuji meditation in conjunction with standing meditation. Although the have many common benefits they are also unique in their own ways. For more information on this please see Dr Yang Yang’s book, Taijiquan - That Art of Nurturing, The Science of Power)

Forms and movement

Stage two of training is maintaining your center and applying the same principles as in the standing exercise, but with movement. Spiraling movement exercises and forms practice accomplish this task. Total awareness of every point of the body must be realized and all movements must be connected. No individual body part should act independently. (Movement resembles a system of smooth moving cogs as seen in a Swiss watch; each cog has its own important job and cannot be done without.)

At the advanced level of this stage the practitioner will incorporate some fast movements and the releasing of power in a variety of positions. Weapons’ training in this phase is also important for the basic development of strength and control even if the thought of practicality is not a consideration. To study the variety of weapons offered from short to long and light to heavy while keeping in line with all of the other principles completes this stage and also helps to improve empty hand forms.

Push Hands

The third stage is still maintaining your body’s center and all of the above mentioned requirements while an outside source (partner) tries to disturb your high level of control and balance. Here is where the following of your opponent’s movements, redirecting of his force and controlling his center of balance is studied. We call this phase push-hands because of the continued contact you have with your training partner. But that term does not paint the true picture of this training method. Here in the later stages of Push-hands a higher level of sensitivity and understanding on how the movements apply to self-defense become visible. Joint manipulation is also studied at this stage. Reactions become both spontaneous and natural. At this point along with the health benefits manifested from proper practice the Martial aspects are beginning to materialize. Through proper training of all three phases your body will develop the needed attributes both internally and externally. However by no means does the training stop. This is the true beginning in the process of mastering Taijiquan. Perhaps the most important aspect of this phase is that it is a platform where one can experiment and discover his/ her flaws regarding all the governing Taijiquan principles. All three phases must constantly be practiced to keep the body and mind tuned like a fine machine. Neglecting any one of the training methods would be like removing one leg from a tripod. You would be left with a tool that could never function properly. From the first to the third stage is like building a house from the ground up. If proper attention is not paid to the foundation, the house will never be of a sound structure

You can now begin to understand teaching the body to move and react in this natural way is not nearly as difficult as unlearning all of the counter-productive ways of moving incorrectly that we have accumulated over the years. (Especially the over tightening of unneeded muscles and joints.)

If your goal is strictly health, continue working on the above and you will find success. But there is much more that Taijiquan can offer to the Martial Artist to enhance their skills.

People often ask, “If Taijiquan is so effective why don’t we see more practical examples in the Martial Art world?” This requires a brief look at Chinese history. The answers lie in the not so distant past (100 years or so) when it was still being used as a combat art. Like all things it has evolved and changed over the years. That’s why no art is truly 100% traditional. Every martial art must change over time to accommodate the changing environment in which it exists. During

China

’s Cultural Revolution the practice of this and many other martial arts were prohibited by the government. Devoted Taijiquan practitioners had to train in secrecy. Many were caught and punished, but they still persevered through this most difficult time and both preserved and passed down their family art. Taijiquan is certainly not the only martial art to suffer this hardship.

It was only when the art resurfaced publicly following a 1978 endorsement from Deng Xiaoping (

China

’s leader at that time) stating “Taijiquan is good”. After that period Taiji was often taught as an art focusing more for its health benefits. The martial art aspect was watered down and furthermore was also not even understood by many teachers. Hence the term Taiji with out the quan(fist). Taijiquan loosely translates to Grand Ultimate Fist. Also like many Chinese Gungfu styles, Masters were leery of passing on all of their knowledge publicly and carefully chose only the worthiest of students to have access to the complete art.

Chen Village still remained quite isolated and with a somewhat closed door attitude regarding sharing their family art. Other more popular forms of Taiji (such as Yang Style) were practiced by many, but few trained the martial aspects. Taiji developed a reputation as a slow moving exercise for the elderly. Most players at that time were never exposed to the martial art side of Taiji. That method of Taiji practice became and still is quite popular today.

Presently Chen Taijiquan is being taught openly throughout the world.

The martial art aspects are once again becoming an important part of the training for those who desire.

Another factor is more universal and can apply to all Martial Arts. Equally important to studying a practical and suitable art is the student’s personal attitude.

Three classes a week at your local Martial Arts school does not make a master. Any art being practiced by a student without diligence, dedication and perseverance will never truly manifest itself in that student. If any viable art fails to produce the desired results, first look at the student and his or her teacher. You will find the root of its inadequacies. Taijiquan is no exception.

For those students electing to focus only on the health aspects, you have still been exposed to some martial benefits. While you should now experience a higher level of health you still shouldn’t consider yourself a martial artist and that is also acceptable for a practitioner.

For those pursuing Taijiquan in its most complete form including the Martial Art aspects (read on).

The last crucial steps which are often overlooked, involve putting it all together in the proper environment.

The knowledge gained from the above three stages does not a Martial Artist make. How you gain the practical experience to use these tools requires sparring and training with partners of all sizes and from many other disciplines including other grappling arts. (Taijiquan does deal with all ranges of combat.) Without this reality training you will not be a complete martial artist and won’t develop the real skills needed for survival in self-defense or combat.

A common misconception of Taijiquan among many of its own followers is that they do not need the sparring stage for the development of fighting skills.

In my opinion, this could not be further from the truth. Let us not kid ourselves; this is why many practitioners can’t use Taijiquan as a reality based self-defense art. Even those that attain an advanced skill level in push-hands must move on to sparring under a variety of conditions. Also at this time if the practitioner has not incorporated bag training and striking pads into the mix he should.

The last factor we will discuss depends on the individual. If all of the three stages mentioned above are practiced with great effort and determination

the Taiji player should enjoy a great deal of endurance and strength. If he is lacking in these areas he must address this problem with additional cardio and strength training exercises. For endurance, more forms, running, sprinting, jumping rope etc…

By strength training I don’t mean typical weight lifting or body building routines which often tightens not only muscles, but ligaments and tendons. (The results of these types of training will become counter-productive. I learned this the hard way.) Muscles ligaments and tendons that are too tight prohibit the fluidity needed to transfer force through the body when striking They also inhibit the higher level of sensitivity required for blending and redirecting incoming force. Lastly they allow your joints ligaments, tendons and muscles to be manipulated and controlled more easily by your opponent (due to their limited range of motion and flexibility).

However additional use of the weapons and basic bodyweight exercises such as pull-ups, chin-ups, dips, push-ups etc… using your own body weight along with some resistance exercises can complete the strength training aspect of the overall program.

I am not expecting to see Taiji in the MMA world in the very near future, but I will say it could be effective even under those conditions. Even though Taijiquan’s martial skills are usually thought to require years of practice to become effective, this is certainly not accurate. It depends on the student and the teacher he studies with. As far as the art itself goes, many people have not witnessed Taijiquan at its higher levels so they condemn the validity of its martial efficiency. If you put me on the track in Daytona with the best race car available, I will still lose the race. You can’t blame the car. You can blame me the driver for not showing the true capabilities of a superbly designed piece of engineering. Taijiquan is that superbly designed piece of engineering. The same goes for a master craftsman’s tools. In the wrong hands the tools are useless. In the body of a well trained technician Taijiquan’s full potential become evident.

What I do recommend for my fellow Martial Artists, keep an open mind and explore the possibilities that Taijiquan has to offer and the option to at least cross-train into this misunderstood art. It may help you further develop your existing skills. (Visit my Youtube Channel at Taijistevie to see some strength/endurance training ideas)

In conclusion, I would say, unlike other effective martial arts which try to mold the body into a moving in a new manner and then training the muscle memory to follow, Taijiquan calls for the purging and un-learning of the body’s bad habits, those habits that it has conformed to over the years. It returns the individual to a more natural and harmonious way where mind and body form the perfect partnership.

Being that Taijiquan does not require the novice student to possess any great athletic attributes such as strength and speed, anyone can become proficient.

Taijiquan certainly does not hold exclusive rights to the principles discussed in this article, it just emphasizes them.

We don’t concentrate on learning hundreds of techniques. We just learn to react naturally. Sorry to disappoint those looking for something more mystical or magical. There is nothing here other than the natural laws of physics and using them efficiently in a way that is natural for each individual, but not exactly the same way for every individual. This includes applying them to different degrees depending on such factors as the individual’s abilities, body type, and his or her (physical and mental) strengths and weaknesses.

The results of proper Taijiquan practice could certainly compliment any style you train with.

I don’t claim any expertise in Taiji, but it has given me plenty as a martial artist and even more as a human being. I apply the Taiji Philosophy to every aspect of my life.

Taijiquan has stood the test of time because many things change, but the laws of nature which it rests on remain constant. That being said we must understand that what seemed natural for me yesterday may not seem natural for me tomorrow and that is due to the laws of nature. So within Taiji we appear to have contradictions and that to is only natural, however Taiji has also taught me how to deal with that.

(I haven’t even needed to use the word qi (ki-in Japanese) once to describe Taijiquan.)

Contact me if you have any questions or comments.

My Bio

2011-04-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Steve Contes, instructor and founder of the Taiji Center began his martial arts training in 1970. For the first 20 years he studied a variety of martial arts, qi-gong, health, nutrition, fitness, philosophy and meditation. He then decided to focus on a practical form of self-defense combining principles from all the above mentioned. He had also come to realize that in order to train in a complete system, all enemies must be understood. The most often overlooked and greatest enemy we must face is found within. If we are to learn how to protect ourselves, then this must be the starting point. Martial art technique makes us strong on the outside, meditation protects us on the inside.

The latter proved to be a more important aspect of self defense. It includes but is not limited to relieving stress, teaching us how to overcome obstacles in life and even strengthening our mind and our immune system; all of which promotes overall health. The end results are a better quality of life and a more harmonious way of living.

The above ideas were organized in to a system of teaching now known as JO-JONG-PAI. As the system evolved the key ingredients began to rely on proper Taiji training. Taiji already addressed the proper balance between both inner and outer strengths. The true Taiji philosophy exemplifies all of the above ideas. For the dedicated student it can be one of the most direct methods to achieving your true potential as a complete martial artist.
This is not to say that this is the only path to take, but it is a path that should be explored. Taiji training is offered to all that wish.

Your present level of health whatever that may be can be improved with proper training. No matter what you perceive your personal limitations Taiji offers something for all. Taiji is often misrepresented around the world to be just a slow moving exercise for the elderly. This could not be further from the truth. Our mission is to provide accurate instruction, information and also the true history of this art and it's evolution into the modern world. For the past 20 years Steve's focus has become a concentrated effort to understand Taiji as the complete art it really is. This includes regular trips to Chen Village, China and training with Master Zhu Tiancai (19th generation) of Chen Village and Master Kam Lee (20th generation) of Florida. Steve is a Certified Instructor in the Chenjiagou (Chen) Style Taiji program established by Master Zhu Tiancai and Master Kam Lee. (19th generation) of Chen Village and (20th generation) of Florida. He has also attended workshops with many Masters, such as Chen Zheng Lei, Chen Xiao Wang, Chen Bing, William CC Chen, Dr.Yang Yang and Yang Zhenduo.

His training has also involved various styles of Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Kick-boxing and a variety of other disciplines. "I still believe an open mind is required to fully understand the full spectrum of Martial Arts and all Arts have their strengths" He has also had the opportunity to visit, interview or be critiqued by some of China's most renowned Taiji Masters such as 18th Generation Master Feng Zhi Qiang, Master Chen Yu (Chen Zhaokui's son), Chen Qingzhou, and some other equally skilled , but less known Masters. This has helped him gain a more well rounded understanding of Taiji, its principles, philosophy and true history.
Steve has spent the last two and a half years living, training and working in China. He will be moving back to the states this year. In his absence all classes are taught by his trained staff.
Steve also produces Martial Art Training DVDs including instruction in Chen Taiji with both Master Zhu Tiancai and Master Kam Lee. Steve is a member of a translation company helping to bring much needed Chinese Kungfu and philosophical material to the English speaking world.
He serves as a judge at International Tournaments for both MMA and Traditional Martial Arts. His school has produced many Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists. He has competed in Tournaments in both China and the USA. Steve sponsors workshops in both the USA and China. He promotes trips to China for training with the worlds most accomplished Masters for individuals or groups.

Demystifying and Revealing the Truth on how Taijiquan Works

2011-04-23T03:25:00.001-07:00

Demystifying and Revealing the Truth on how

Taijiquan Works

Part 1

A basic explanation of Taijiquan to my fellow Martial Artists

This article is my interpretation of Taijiquan (focusing on the Chen Style) as seen through my eyes. I have not emphasized the health and philosophical aspects in this article, because I believe most people are already aware of the legitimate association they have with Taijiquan. I have reflected some of the thoughts of the Taiji Masters with whom I have trained with and also have included many of my own. I certainly do not claim to represent the Taiji world in any way nor will this put to rest all of the debate and mysticism surrounding Taijiquan. Keep in mind, there are many ways to look at Taijiquan, however this should at least introduce the Martial Arts World to some basic Taijiquan concepts (many of which they also may be familiar with). My Martial Art training began forty years ago with the last twenty focusing on Taiji and the past twelve dedicated almost exclusively to the Chen Style. I have come to strongly believe that balance and harmony (as illustrated by the philosophy of Yin and Yang) are the key ingredients to understanding not only Taijiquan philosophy, but life itself.

(I will purposely avoid using Taijiquan Terminology and in its place use some basic language and analogies recognizable outside of the Taiji world.)

I have found that even here in

China

, many people are unaware of the combat roots in which Chen Taijiquan was spawned. Even some practitioners focusing on the tremendous health aspect of this otherwise misunderstood art and its spin-offs (Yang, Wu, Wu, and Sun to name a few) are unaware of the true origin of Chen Taijiquan. Its development was predicated on defense in life and death situations in a brutally violent environment.

Most modern martial art historians now credit the Chen family for creating Taijiquan as we know it today. The Chen Clan has been known for their martial arts for the past 20 generations, but it was a 9^th generation family member Chen Wanting (1600-1680) who is considered to be Chen Taijiquan’s founding father. He was a famous bodyguard and also a well known military commander. He used his expertise to combine a variety of martial art principles with the theories of Yin and Yang, using breathing in conjunction with body movements to guide and focus energy, along with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is this eclectic blend that makes Taijiquan a most all encompassing and unique Martial Art.

Now for some details: bear in mind that all Martial Arts have some common factors. Taijiquan is a complicated system utilizing and resting upon many important principles. Among the most fundamental of these principles are balance, stability, leverage, redirecting and the neutralization of force and of course generating force (including how to place force on a particular point of the lever - wherever that point may be in a given situation). Careful consideration to body alignment and proper structure is a must. This must also be achieved without over-tightening muscles and joints that would otherwise be counter productive to natural movement. Why is relaxation of the body necessary? A key reason is that all joints require muscle groups for movement. Muscles responsible for movements are paired off with opposing muscles such as biceps and triceps (arm movements as in bending/pulling and straightening/pushing) and chest and back (as in pushing and pulling). If the opposing muscle such as the biceps tighten up while the triceps are engaged in a pushing or punching motion, the bicep diminishes both the power and speed of the movement. The same problem applies to any of the muscles trying to move any joint in any direction. This would compare to trying to push a disabled vehicle off the road with four individuals, two in front wanting to push backwards and two in the rear trying to push forwards. There is a conflict between the four men which hinders the task. Even if the two front men over power the two men in the back, this is not an efficient way to operate. However a totally relaxed body without any structure is equally useless. (Anyone who says Taijiquan does not use any muscular force is misunderstanding this art. The difference is how it is used.)

Another basic principle is that movement must possess a spiraling transfer of force from a push of the foot off the ground to the dantian (body’s center located in the lower abdominal region) and only then can it be delivered throughout the body as needed. ( Also consider on a more technical level that even the initial push of the ground is preceded by dantian movement. Force can be also initiated from internal torque within the body when a solid root is not available, but an even higher level of Taiji skill is needed.) Unlike some martial arts Taijiquan utilizes every part of the body and all parts must be capable of delivering power in order to protect oneself. Whether done fast or slow it must not lose its fluidity. All of this, while maintaining a straight upper torso with movements usually traveling in an arc like path (though they sometimes appear straight due to the shortness of the distance traveled – it is said that there are no straight lines in nature). Picture 1A CAPTION Anyone who has trained on some of the older Universal type weight equipment or even the modern Smith Machine should be able to recall the discomfort of trying to apply force on a machine that only travels in a straight line (such as a military-press, bench-press or squat). It can be done, but it misaligns and stresses the joints and muscles of the body in an anatomically incorrect fashion. The practitioner must be able to deliver force at any point in the circular path. He must also be able to accept incoming force by the use of redirecting and neutralizing (without the use of impact).

First let us look at issuing power.

The offensive release of force is likened to letting go of an arrow (just slightly opening two fingers) when placed in a drawn bow. Other ways to look at it would be squeezing the trigger on a garden-hose nozzle where the water has been turned on and pressure is present in the hose or a dog shaking the mud and rain off of its body. The mud and rain go flying off effortlessly.

With these analogies in mind you must also add this important thought. That in whatever direction you must emit power or accept incoming force; the tool for the job revolves as if it is part of a sphere and can be pointed in any direction. This allows the Taijiquan practitioner to be able to defend himself from all directions and from any position. (This sphere is located at the body’s center / lower abdominal region area aka dantian.)

Another method of initiating power is the folding and unfolding of the torso (in the chest, shoulder an upper back area). Utilizing a center vertical line running through the torso from the crown of the head to a low point of the torso found between the genitalia and the anus. This centerline acts as a hinge allowing the shoulders to swing forward or backward (never exceeding they natural range of motion) both individually and or simultaneously. This can be compared to getting hit by a slamming door set to spring open or closed. In close quarters, clinching or grappling the shoulder (in all directions) becomes a powerful striking tool that requires limited movement, but explosive power and virtually no telegraphic warnings before the strike lands.

In general when releasing power in any direction, the body cyclically passes through three different stages, similar to that of a spring including coiling or compressing, releasing or expanding and then returning to a neutral state neither compressed nor expanded. Early practice of the form teaches this in a very slow methodical way. From a neutral position (relaxed while maintaining proper structure) the body coils in the opposite direction from which it wants to move and then a releasing motion of the body sends it in its intended direction which is the uncoiling and expanding likened to that of the spring, which could also be used to release power. From that point of expansion (never extending one’s body or limbs beyond its limits of balance) it naturally returns to the neutral position and this process is repeated throughout the form. These movements are not always all that visible to the naked eye. Keep in mind (as mentioned above) another dimension to this spring-like movement that separates Chen Taijiquan from other styles is the revolving of the body’s center (dantian) in any direction needed to drive the created force spiraling out. Thus the rotation of the body’s center is the true driving force of all power. These movements like all Taijiquan movements should be executed while maintaining a solid, but flexible root and stable connection to the ground with the exception of the higher level of internal torque available to the more advanced level practitioner. This also does not mean that one’s foot can never leave the ground, but you must push off of your root to have maximum force. This can also be compared to a ball or a wheel rolling on the ground with total freedom, but still needing to maintain contact with the ground for continuous controlled movement. When contact is lost for an extended time it would resemble a car hydroplaning out of control. Although it is still a dangerous moving mass, it can’t be guided or controlled properly until it reconnects to the road. With Taijiquan, we strive to utilize all the laws of nature while maintaining total control of our moving and rolling mass and its power while having the highest level of awareness, sensitivity and efficiency (all with a relaxed mind and body).

One of the defensive structural properties of Taijiquan mimics a balloon being punched while suspended in air. It barely moves and does not pop, because it is soft and offers no resistance that would create any impact. It just floats enough to be out of the initial reach of what ever is striking it.

Even holding it in a fixed position and pressing in with a finger does not damage its inflated structure, as the finger is being withdrawn the surface is returning to its original shape. Consider what happens when you take a sledge-hammer to a hard concrete block. How about taking that same sledge-hammer to a properly inflated rubber tire. The hammer bounces off the tire with the same force it hits it with and no damage to the tire. Which would you rather be the concrete block or the rubber tire? (My teacher demonstrated this principal by letting me punch him in the stomach and my fist bounced right off.)

I recall an experience in my younger construction days while swinging a sledge hammer to break up a concrete patio. There was a clothes line above and I caught it with a high overhead swing. The clothes line (made of a rope stretched across the yard from one tree to another) caught the head of the hammer, accepted the force and then released it back in the direction it came from with such speed that it hit me in the back. That thin rope defended itself better from my hammer than the hard concrete did. It even counter-struck me in the back with enough force that I instantly was knocked off my feet. That is just another example of softness overcoming hardness.

Defending against blows or accepting incoming force in from your opponent also compares to the tire and clothes line theory. An example of another Taiji principal would be like throwing an object in to a tornado where it becomes redirected. (No impact needed.)

These are just some of the Taijiquan methods of dealing with incoming force that lends to Philosophy of Yin and Yang. Combining soft and hard as needed to produce the desired results.

As we develop the basic skills we also must constantly increase our level of awareness, sensitivity, clarity in thinking seeing and feeling and all while not upsetting the harmony of natural movement. Carrying over to the Martial side and combat related scenarios we must also understand following and entering into an opponents territory (range) with the path of no resistance. The mind must possess the perfect blend of alertness while in a relaxed state so as not to be hindered by anxiety, fear, premeditated movements or anticipation from the actions of your opponent. Your reactions are to be spontaneous with out thought, more like other functions of the body when performing involuntary actions.

The aforementioned is certainly not a comprehensive list of the myriad of skills needed to master this art, but are basic skills that should be understood by an intermediate player to say the least. In part 2 we will discuss how one can attain these needed skills.

Please look for Part 2 on this blog-site

My You Tube Links

2011-03-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

You tube links

I will continue to add links to this page

Training at Chen Bing’s School

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNZxosxfXME

Chen Village

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWs1lWnvFg

Lao jia and Paocui outdoors chen village

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW-bbOHH71I

Master Kam Lee - Straight Sword, China, Gold Medalist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ2EQ4h9AAc

kam lee biography link

http://www.taijikungfuacademy.com/KamLeeMartialArtsBiography.pdf

WU SHU Masters video cctv

http://bugu.cntv.cn/sports/other/wulindahui/classpage/video/20110111/100794.shtml

http://bugu.cntv.cn/sports/other/wulindahui/classpage/video/20110208/100624.shtml

http://bugu.cntv.cn/sports/other/wulindahui/classpage/video/20110215/100813.shtml

Chen Ziqiang of Chen Village(Chen Xiaowang"s nephew) middle weight 2010 champion

http://bugu.cntv.cn/sports/other/wulindahui/classpage/video/20100511/100781.shtml

Master Zhu Tiancai

Laojia Yilu Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhWnQwQz33U&feature=BF&list=ULtOp94JNmLBg&index=4

Laojia Yilu Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mPFtsV1KQ0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Laojia Yilu Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyJ0WD_FvAY&feature=BF&list=ULtOp94JNmLBg&index=6

Premiere Personal Trainer Brian Lederman’s strength training.

http://www.youtube.com/user/bml67?feature=mhum#p/a/u/2/bXL5K-06BtU

This Year'sTraining with Masters Zhu Tiancai and Chen Bing

2011-03-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

This Year's Training with Masters Zhu Tiancai and Chen Bing

Although their approaches to training differ, they both have the ability to identify my many Taiji flaws and try to correct me in a way that I can understand. I would recommend that anyone who has the chance to train with them in Chen Village should do so. They both have large training facilities and can accommodate any individual or group that would like to train there. The advantage of training there is not only the great instruction, but the environment and feel of being in the birthplace of Taiji. Second to training there would be to catch up to them at workshops in the US. If you are interested in training in China including Chen Village, Shaolin Temple or any other place, I can help you make the needed arrangements. The last point I will make in this entry is for Taiji Historians. Chen Village is starting to change a lot. If you want to catch a glimpse of the past before it disappears and catches up to the rest of the world, don't delay your visit. Time is running out.

Welcome to the Taiji Center Forum

2011-03-26T02:49:00.000-07:00

Visit my full web-site http://www.taijicenter.com/

Dear Readers and Friends,

I will try to share some of my training and living experiences with you. I hope that all of the readers of this blog can share there knowledge with me regarding the arts and their philosophies.
I have been very fortunate to have visited China more than 10 times since 2002 and have been living there for the past two and a half years. I have trained for the past 40 years in a variety of martial arts. The past 20 have been with Taiji and the past 11 years have been dedicated to the Chen Style. (Under the tutelage of Master Kam Lee and Grand Master Zhu Tiancai along with some other representatives from Chen Village.) I consider myself an open minded martial artist and see strengths in all the arts that I have had a chance to experience. Taiji is certainly one of the most misunderstood arts worldwide (including here in China) It was developed as a self-defense in a violent era of China. The Chen family used their skills under life and death situations as bodyguards and escorts. We will explore some of their original training methods still being used today by some practitioners.

At this time in my life I find Chen Taiji the most suitable. It is not because of my age (53).
It is because of its practicality, versatility and philosophy.
I will be adding to this blog regularly. I hope you will contribute with both questions and by sharing your experiences with any martial arts. I hope to improve our understanding of the arts through this blog and its companion website - taijicenter.com

Thanks for reading,
Steve Contes

Observations From Living in China

2011-03-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

Observations From

China

I have lived in

China

for about two and a half years and have been visiting

China

for nearly ten years. I will share with you and interesting observation regarding people working.
I believe life’s lessons present themselves (in the forms of challenges and difficulties) as needed and it is up to the individual whether he accepts what is being offered or chooses to ignore it. The more important the lesson is the greater the challenge will be.
I have had the opportunity to watch many people in different places performing a large variety of tasks. The group I am speaking of usually range from fifty or so on up. (Way on up) From street vendors outside in sub-zero temperatures to men doing the work of machines or climbing mountains carrying pails of water to pulling heavy loads on bicycles etc... One thing holds true with their methods. What at first glance seems to be slow and inefficient performance of ones responsibilities, slowly and methodically transforms itself into both a practical and successful way of completing a job more than well done. Nothing deters them from their objective, which does not even appear to be finishing as much as just doing, which somehow naturally manifests the end and needed results. Speed here is not even a consideration and has no value and perhaps more likely to be considered a disadvantage, because it can’t compete with the slower, fluid and steady process. Their persistence and skill operate like a happy marriage from start to finish. No movement needs to be done twice. No use of any modern tool or devices. Mostly some home made concoction using a combination of other items that may have outlived their original purpose only to be reincarnated and modified to live another productive life. The other ingredient embedded in each task is the element of enjoyment which is hard to comprehend due to the nature of the job itself and the often harsh environment. I guess the magic lies in the simplicity of it all, not the motivation to finish one thing so you can start another and the fundamental principle to appreciate life. But in the end all goes well. This is also how they approach other aspects of their lives. I will try to learn from this and apply it to my own life. So in the long run, I guess I have learned an important lesson.

Regarding Taiji: I have taken the slow approach. It's another example of the aforementioned. Is it important to know many forms or to know and understand fewer forms more clearly? As for me, I did and do not focus on studying every form. I just enjoy the training and that has led me to a clearer understanding and allowed me to really love and practice Taiji without the pressures of goals. I have come to understand that without goals, results are also achieved in a very natural way.

That is the Taiji philosophy (through my eyes).

Has My Taiji Training Been Successful / My Martial Art Autobiography

2011-03-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Has my Taiji Training been successful?

My Martial Art Autobiography Written by Steve Contes

An ordinary Martial Artist.

This is a summary of the path that Martial Arts have led me and how I found my way to Taiji. Those of you that have devoted your lives to Martial Arts probably have a similar story.

I am an avid and dedicated Taiji practitioner although you might not know it from watching my form. My first loves have always been Martial Arts and Philosophy not necessarily in that order. (At this point in my life they have become unified into one.)

Now let’s address the topic at hand.

Has my Taiji training been successful?

First we must define the term successful. It comes in many colors and flavors. Depending on the individual and his ideals, each one of us must draw our own conclusion. I can only speak for myself and my limited life experience. As I begin to explain my feelings on the subject, let me make it clear that I am not trying to influence or impose my ideas on anyone. I am merely sharing my thoughts as a fellow spiritual being. I also do not want to be misunderstood or thought to be conceited, but I consider myself a very successful martial artist which has made me an even more successful man.

Most people around me would likely think otherwise due to the environment that I have created around me and in which I live. It is quite modest and simple without all the embellishments often associated with success.

How does this relate to my Taiji training and what I have learned from it. I will give you a brief history of my Martial Arts experience spanning the last forty years of which led me to my in depth study of Chen Style Taijiquan.

As early as age 6, I was always fascinated by

China

and the Chinese. Even as a child in Brooklyn I thought I lived in a Chinese neighborhood because what I thought was Chinese writing turned out to be Hebrew. I got my first glimpse of martial arts through Television. It was the likes of Captian Kirk of Star Trek and James West from the Wild West displaying their fighting prowess and watching The John Wayne Movie, The Green Berets and it’s display of Judo and Jiujitsu techniques in a scene with soldiers training. Mannix the TV Detective often utilized Martial Arts in his fight scenes. And I can’t forget TV wrestling which had some of the greatest athletes in the world.

That’s what planted the seed which spawned my love for the science of combat and it’s use of leverage and other principles of science. The next step was the Kungfu Movie genre that hit the

in the seventies. But my greatest inspiration was (no surprise) Bruce Lee and his extraordinary skills complemented by his philosophical approach to the arts. His movies were great and I still watch them till this day, but it was his role on the TV program Long Street that had the greatest early influence on me. (A must see for Bruce Lee fans.)

My first look at Karate up close was through a neighbor/ friend, who was studying with a local Sensei in my home town, Port Jefferson NY. I was a young Brooklyn transplant and as a young child moved to Port Jefferson. (North Shore, Eastern Long Island) I bought my first Karate Magazine in 1969

and I still have it.

All of the above led me to start this journey and take my first lesson (at the age of 12 or 13) in a Tae Kwon Do class at a nearby YMCA. I was accompanied by a few of my cousins, two of which continued to train their entire life as I did. Unfortunately the experience there was not what I expected, no one flying through the air or taking a barrage of kicks and punches with no apparent damage sustained, no Dim Mak or finger strike death blows were being taught. My disappointment was probably fueled by my own ignorance and previous Hollywood TV and Hong Kong Movie Martial Art exposure.

However it was still my first official experience even if I had not been enlightened. None of us stayed at this first school. Two of ny cousins did stay with the next system we tried and pretty much dedicated their Martial Art Career to the same Instructor. Even after my first lesson I also knew that there was still something about the Chinese Martial Arts and culture that intrigued me. It did motivate me to continue to seek out an inspiring teacher and a suitable style. (With my main goal at that time, to learn how to defend myself against any size opponent)

I did not search for long as fate stepped in and delivered me to what became my second home for about next 10 years or so. It was the Taizen and Shintai system of Self Defense and I studied under the tutelage of Sensei Vincent Miraglia (still one of the greatest Martial Artists I have ever seen) and occasionally his instructor and owner of the original Taizen School Master Howard Tague (also a true Pioneer of the arts in both advanced skills and thinking way ahead of his time with his mind-body concepts.) This was in a town called Selden, Long island. It was about a five mile bicycle ride to the school from my home, although the distance did appear to shrink when I’d catch a ride with my older cousin or even more so when I got a drivers license and car a few years later (at 16). This system was a combination of Goju-Ryu and Jiu Jitsu with a very scientific approach to training the body and mind to work in a harmonious partnership. Just to scratch the service of the foundation and understanding of what the body can do (from the Taizen – Shintai perspective) in a natural state. When the mind is pure and without any counterproductive thinking such as fear, anticipation and anxiety, it is an amazing almost super human tool. How fast can you move your hand or body for that matter when it is exposed to an electrical shock or extremely high temperature? Faster than you can block, parry or dodge a strike with techniques that you have practiced repetitiously for years with partners of all sizes and speeds. How hard can you accidentally bump someone when just walking freely and making shoulder to shoulder contact with them? Why can you perform so well under these conditions? The mind was pure and void of anticipation or preconceived notions of what might happen and neither anxiety nor fear were factored into the equation. Can we learn to match that speed and duplicate it when fighting? Yes and these teachers could demonstrate that skill. I was inspired to train hard and did so in this unconventional but very practical system for many years. It was this early exposure to Taizen / Shintai System that also saved me and proved its effectiveness many times over during the 13 years I spent as a (rather small 155lb) bouncer in numerous clubs in NY. I also added my own strength training and nutrition programs into the mix and continued reading and studying about the mind and its true potential along with different philosophies and meditation methods from around the world.

As my skills began to evolve so did my way of thinking and my goals began to change.

Just to jump back to my childhood for a moment, my first exposure to philosophy came from reading about the American Indians and their love and respect for nature. Even as a child it mirrored my way of thinking and I often wondered why I was not born an Indian.

But I wasn’t and I was equally proud of my Greek heritage and its early links to philosophy, great warriors and Ancient Martial Arts such as Pankration ( a system combining wrestling, striking and any other possible use of the body as a weapon).

Even after my first 12 years or so of training, I felt strongly that my style needed more balance between hard and soft and less impact on the blocking of incoming attacks such as kicks and punches. My wrestling and throwing skills also appeared to depend on my strength more than they should. These factors stood heavy on my mind and needed to be corrected. I continued to study in some additional styles that partially addressed these issues, but not to my satisfaction. My training started to include equally all the different ranges of fighting, but I still felt incomplete as a martial artist.

I certainly don’t blame the styles, because they all had strong foundations and a history of producing effective martial artists. I knew it was me and I needed another approach towards my own training to make it complete.

During these early years I had short, but enjoyable stint in college studying philosophy which sharpened my interest to further seek out what I thought was true knowledge. My martial art training supplemented by my own exercise and nutrition programs also continued and has with out a break since that first day. I also began to explore on deeper levels the power of meditation and how it can improve our lives and how it relates to martial arts. My original Taizen / Shintai training still played (and still does play) a very important role of how I believed the Mind can and should work.

I started to understand that of all the enemies we needed protection from and must face in life, there will be one who keeps coming back for more and he will be relentless if we let him. This enemy was within; I was my own worst enemy and could prove to be the most dangerous of all to myself if left to run out of control. No physical skill could over power this enemy, but a strong mind and clear thinking resulting from proper meditation training could be the solution to this problem. It could also give me the calmness and clarity when dealing with obstacles in life or in battle.

Now I started to feel that I had something to work with if I could only harmonize all of these principles.

I had read a lot about Taij, but this was in the late 70s and early 80s and I was unaware of any qualified instructors in my area.

What I didn’t know about Taiji was that is had about a 400 year head start on some of my still very crude ideas. In those 400 years it had refined both in life and on the battle fields all the above theories. Not only that, but there was a particular family responsible for creating Taiji and a specific place in

China

where this Taiji evolution took place. They were the Chens and later on in my life I became fortunate enough to be accepted as a student by this family. We will discuss those details further in this article.

Through out the 80s and early 90s I continued to train hard under numerous skilled Instructors between NY, CA and FL, the three places I lived before I began traveling and then living in

China

. It was during this Pre-China period that I experienced; Kick boxing, several Kungfu Styles, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido to name a few and finally Taiji.

It was in Fl ( the early 90s) where I met my first two real Yang Style Taiji teachers. They laid the ground work for my basic understanding of Taiji. It was the Yang Style that made me wonder about its forerunner Chen Taiji. I felt if I really wanted to understand the true essence of Taiji then the Chen Style was where I should really start. (It seemed obvious go back to where Taiji began) It was in Febuary 1999 when I attended a seminar with Master Yang Yang in Jacksonville FL, hosted by Master Kam Lee. This is where I met my greatest inspiration and teacher and oddly enough and with all due respect for the highly skilled Master Yang Yang, the teacher I’m speaking of is Master Kam Lee. I am still unaware of the full extent of his awesome skill and knowledge, but what I am aware of is his ability to transmit the specific knowledge I am ready for at any given moment. My training with him has been the most effective training I have ever had. When my relationship with Chen Taiji began, I knew I was home and not a step of my journey was wasted because it delivered me to exactly where I belong.

Master Kam Lee also introduced me into The Chen Family which has allowed me to train directly with many family members and also train in Chen Village. Most of this training has been with Master Zhu Tiancai. The main advantage gained from my living and training In China was not necessarily the instruction I received but the environment in which I trained and lived in. This has allowed me to better understand the culture, philosophy and the necessities that gave birth to this all encompassing Martial Art, Chen Taijiquan. I started to better comprehend the Tao and how it happens to mirror the American Indian philosophy that I so loved as a child. I have since learned that the origin of the North American Indians have their roots in Asia. (It comes as no surprise) It is this art that I owe my happiness and contentment to. It has taught me the true meaning of Martial Arts and how I can express myself through Taiji. It is not the external beauty of Taiji, but the internal harmony it creates. So I continue to train daily and look forward to the next workout and cherish the last. I also try to contribute back to this wondrous art form by sharing the limited knowledge I have attained, but more importantly by putting the True Taiji Masters with those students who desire to study and understand Taiji in its purest form.

So am I successful? What has Taiji taught me?

Here are just a few of the many important things Taiji has taught me to better understand, but they are not necessarily Martial Art related.. Remember not all aspects of Taiji are directly related to Martial Arts.

I am still a work in progress, but a more relaxed work in progress.

Conclusion: So after 40 yrs what has changed? I may never be a great Martial Artist but, I am now very successful. Why? I understand the flawlessness of simplicity. I have come to realize that every step in my life has meaning. Every obstacle in life is an opportunity. Dealing with our fate creates our destiny. I can find true beauty everywhere. I am no longer unhappy with what I don’t know or can’t do and I am very happy with what I do know and can do. Even if there are some tasks that I can no longer perform, I enjoy the beautiful memories of when I could. However I am still motivated to keep moving and learning and won’t consider stagnation as an option. My obsessions have now become my desires. Most of my previous wants have become my don’t-need-anymores. I still make mistakes and loose my patience, but I always quickly return back to a comfortable state of mind. I have learned to adapt to my surroundings in both short and long term scenarios. My former regrets have turned into gentle reminders not to duplicate bad choices. I measure my life in moments not minutes. I know what to appreciate and that all things in this life are temporary. If you want to ignore something in someone, ignore the bad. I let those I love and appreciate know that I do. Family and Friends are our most valuable assets. True wisdom does not come from books. Forget something bad everyday. I have learned to take my time, not waste my time. No matter how much kindness we share with others, we will never run out. Really and truly Smile. And as a wise man once said “we are Spiritual Beings having a Human experience” and I am thoroughly enjoying mine. All of the above can be applied to anyone’s life or any Martial Art environment. Taiji leaves no stone unturned and no situation unaddressed whether it be in life or in battle. (Or both combined)

This is why I feel like the most blessed man in the world. Although I don't have much money and I do not own a home, I realize now that I do have more than I could ever need or dream for.