Yuen Biao

A tough challenge or as you say maybe that is the ego?! I just don't think I could make it... An interesting point. As a student and in a group I often found I could stand for much longer because of this motivation but alas on my own I really struggle to get past fifteen minutes in Zhan Zhuang! Anyone have any advice?

If you analyse many beers you will find they are full of additives; as you correctly point out many European beers are natural and contain just the necessary ingredients. Bavarian Purity Law So without going off in a tangent too much if you're going to drink beer make sure you know what's in it and boycott the crap out there that's full of additives!

I personally cannot really answer this question as I've never had anything more than a day break between practise. My first Qigong teacher told me at the very first class to practise every single day in order to build upon the foundation. Since that day in 1996 I would guess I've probably not trained for seven days in total; a few of them are quite recently over the last two months as my wife and I had our first child! Apologies for the tangent...

I have two simple questions: 1. What type of meditation does Kostas prefer to practise in terms of what he believes gives him most benefit; for instance would that be standing (wu ji, Zhan Zhuang) or seated for instance (lotus, seiza). 2. Does Kostas agree with Bruce Lee in regard to his famous quote: Its not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential. And can we also follow this philosophy in terms of spiritual practises and internal martial arts? *Edit - to say thank you!

I believe how I was taught is definitely the 'integrated' approach. The body moves from the dantien in a continuous wave opening and closing throughout the form. I was always told by my teacher that Taijiquan is one fluid movement; sure we learn it broken up into sections but once practised from memory it is ever-flowing.

Firstly I hope this is the correct place to post this question? So unfortunately I have to spend a little time in my car commuting these days and I wondered if I could put that time spent to a better use. I'm currently listening to some Mandarin to brush up on my language skills but that's all I have so I wanted to ask for advice on what I could be listening to and ultimately learning something... For instance based on the nature of this forum it would be something relevant to what is often discussed here such as philosophy, meditation, spirituality/religion or travel etc. I'd be interested in some philosophy as I have an Honours degree in that subject but whatever is recommended would be valuable! Thanks for your time, Namaste.

Having spent some time over the years receiving treatment with a chiropractor I really do not think cracking and popping is a bad thing at all, in fact just the opposite. I think it can relieve tension and actually open things up a little better, in my opinion. Modern medical science such as that authorised by chiropractors obviously thinks this is also necessary and indeed some of the positions and postures you find yourself molded into by a Doctor would also be very similar to those you would find in Yoga or Qigong such as Daoyin Yansheng Gong. Incidentally my teacher always told me that if your joint cracked or popped then it was just the release of fluid around the specific area. No big deal unless done to excess...

Yes of course. Qigong will add the balance to your training. In the future it should help you flow better between movement and add power to your techniques because you will learn correct allignment and better balance. Many current MMA fighters add balance to their training through meditation, Qigong or Yoga. Off the top of my head there are Diego Sanchez, B.J. Penn, Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva who I've all heard discuss the merits of these practises in some form or another.

Ignorance...so what if you know several forms of Taiji and practise each one three times? I'd argue with anyone that this was not the perfect cardio work! Also Taiji depending of course on the form 'should' develop flexibility, if indeed it does not then it isn't Taiji. Ever heard of 'sleeping Buddha' movement/application from Daoyin Yangsheng Gong Taijiquan Palm form?!!! I guess not... For the poster's benefit Taijiquan is called a holistic art because of its all-round worth as exercise and martial art...the only problem is finding a teacher to teach the 'real' Taiji and not what 'Scotty' has learned or thinks he knows!

Diego Sanchez is another pro-fighter who seems to have embraced a more traditional focus; I have seen some videos of him training in Taijiquan. Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, B.J Penn, Jon Jones, Kenny Florian and others have also like Diego spoken about meditation and Yoga as part of their regime so maybe they are also interested in Taiji too? It certainly wouldn't surprise me. From my expereince Taiji is a holistic art and therefore has the answers to any technique at its highest level. When I began learning the art I can remember at the very beginning we would focus on trying to move the balance from each other and attack the legs as they do with the 'shoot' in MMA or catch-wrestling. It's to the benefit of the art that you should be prepared for these single or double leg attacks. This is the purpose of Taiji, to control the balance of the opponent so as a proponent og the style one should be always in control. For those who doubt the effectivity of Taijiquan you only sound naive. But alas the focus is slightly different; MMA fighters are indeed paid to fight and put on a show. In contrast the Taijiquan practitioner is not paid and utilises deflection and yielding which is hardly that entertaining to the masses who watch a sport such as the UFC. The two are chalk and cheese to me. I'm not biased at all as my background is in Judo, JKD and cross-training of techniques but Taijiquan is the epitome of higher martial arts and represents every technique because 'it' can blend with any attack. I have tried both double and single leg attacks on several Taiji Masters when studying with them in Beijing, I ended up face first or on my back every single time. This attack is easily pre-empted and obvious to a Taiji or internal stylist.

I guess you've never studied/sparred with gifted Taijiquan people then considering the naive nature of your post. I do not declare myself an amazing fighter but I've studied with some amazing people over the last twenty-odd years in a variety of forms and none have come close to the Taiji masters I studied with in China. And who did Bruce Lee 'supposedly' get thrown about by?!

Bitte! Yes I've read it and I liked it too; the older editions of the book have many pictures not featured in the newer print also. I also have 'A Search in Secret Eqypt' but have not read that yet! The first book I read by Paul Brunton was The Orient: Its Legacy to the West: Notebooks Volume 10 which I would also recommend.

I personally haven't got sick in a few years now...I do remember though that when I began Qigong I would get a cold once a year without fail. I always used to meditate and found my breathing actually got better and the blocked nose would soon disappear not long after. I'd recommend a little training so long as it is not too strenuous.

I personally really like the books written by Paul Brunton. Also John Blofeld's 'My Journey In Mystic China' is a good read.

Hi, does anyone know or can video link any really short forms of Taijiquan? I mean a form so short it takes a minute or two to practise; I have seen some footage out there somewhere but cannot seem to find it?! Thank you in advance.

Out of curiosity what do you think of this book? I've read it twice and think it is without doubt one of the most complex studies on Taijiquan but yet also the simplest and logical to comprehend! My teacher spent a few years learning from Shi Ming and although I never met him I have studied a little with one of his top students in Beijing. On my bedside table I currently read: Don Quixote 'My Journey in Mystic China' - John Blofeld. 'The Book of Tea' - Kakuzo Okakura.

I'm with 'goldisheavy' here. Nothing to do with Chi at all, its more material and superficial than that. Am I being too judgmental and critical?

'christoff', the very fact you have decided to post a thread like this is an indication that you have made the first step in becoming healthier. The knowledge here is good so far and I would also recommend the Zhan Zhuang (standing meditation). Also go running or use an exercise bike to further improve the circulation and power in your legs; this supplements ZZ very well. Look at your diet and try to eat and drink better, more vegetables and fruits. Look at macrobiotic recipes and Asian recipes. That's all I can think of but stay positive and carefree. Namaste.

I sometimes get this feeling when I sit in Padmasana and also when I go through the Taijiquan form; I as yet have not got the vibe from Zhan Zhuang.

I was thinking about getting a tattoo at some point in the next year or so and was thinking about whether this was the right thing to do in terms how Taoism would view such a thing. Does anyone have any ideas? As a group of friends we wanted this to be done by one of the best so planned on visiting Henky Penky in Amsterdam. I'd always wanted to get one but now I have to decide what type or symbol to get; Yin Yang, Dharmachakra? I think my favourite at the moment is the Pakua symbol (does it matter what side up it is should the Yin Yang be always facing with the white on the left? -

Been drinking Nuwara Eliya Pekoe (Ceylon) recently which was bought back from the Honeymoon in Sri Lanka/Maldives. Often called the Champagne of Ceylon with citrus notes - Nuwara Eliya Pekoe I like it a lot!

Sak Yant Buddhist? I agree this is not a reflection on any ego just merely their devotion shown to provide them with purpose. This surely does not sap the energy of these individuals or else it would not be allowed. If I choose to have a tattoo it will be for myself and not for others, in a similar sense if I go for the Pakua design that is what has interested me and motivated me for many years and will continue to do so. There is nothing relevant to the ego whatsoever! Good comments though, thank you for the replies.

Yep I agree with that. Taoist Tai Chi is more exercise than martial art which does take away some of the purpose in the art itself. Furthermore there are no weapon forms I think and in my opinion that's when Taijiquan gets really interesting as I find the dao and staff form very rewarding! It was also my first experience with Taijiquan for about a year before going on to Yang for the last eleven years or so. But it certainly does not hurt to give it a try, it's just not 'real' Taijiquan.

Yep it's very nice, also very good with fresh ginger.