tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8964113838128895242024-02-20T11:59:57.684-05:00Peaceful Way TaijiquanDr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-12551661085858396992016-12-07T07:09:00.000-05:002016-12-07T07:09:17.908-05:00So proud of my students ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each semester I am amazed that of all the classes we offer in philosophy, my philosophical meditations class is the first to fill. It might be because it is only a one-credit course, and it does not require any papers or tests. But I think it's something other than that. The word is out! Breath meditation and taijiquan are good for you, fun, reduce your stress levels, and after fifteen weeks you can do a passable taijiquan short form that makes you proud of yourself. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk18QVuJUoERbOYa51OBwh7FtDYS3kHAkwe4jbqObukL6TbrNUaNR7JBqQUacAsSxdT2UfONH7JB8JEipIuIe47iWgXgnM9QcVdZd6ZF4CV3YL5w1NuMCncxH5bkziBLpChmAqnVMDZ_8/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk18QVuJUoERbOYa51OBwh7FtDYS3kHAkwe4jbqObukL6TbrNUaNR7JBqQUacAsSxdT2UfONH7JB8JEipIuIe47iWgXgnM9QcVdZd6ZF4CV3YL5w1NuMCncxH5bkziBLpChmAqnVMDZ_8/s320/IMG_1934.JPG" width="240" /></a>To say the least, it has been a stressful semester for everyone. My students tell me that their breathing and taiji has really helped them. Faculty staff and community too report the same thing. This semester I had 40 students all together in my three classes. In the great scheme of things its not much. But every little counts. Congratulations to all students! have a wonderful holiday season!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOOablJo3nLpKbr4DoMVMb_C4OKYlFoSLSoR6u5YrrxR-A9ueTRdf82yjWwlpiFSGgajzTBlho-VLMfC6BoX_5xR2oBej3YrD5B2me-3-oDqvbZ4pGoEbkEPQzI5L-mJ1iJkD77ErYo4/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOOablJo3nLpKbr4DoMVMb_C4OKYlFoSLSoR6u5YrrxR-A9ueTRdf82yjWwlpiFSGgajzTBlho-VLMfC6BoX_5xR2oBej3YrD5B2me-3-oDqvbZ4pGoEbkEPQzI5L-mJ1iJkD77ErYo4/s320/IMG_1935.JPG" width="240" /></a>Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-36620748833692001842016-05-12T12:06:00.002-04:002016-05-12T12:06:59.871-04:00Another successful semester ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This semester faculty and staff learned Grandmaster Jesse Tsao's routine "Mini Compact Taiji," based on Chen family style, as well as basic qigong and Zazen meditation. We had a wonderful semester, learned much together, and everyone moved their taiji to a new level. The last class was the first time we have been outside this semester.<br />
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In the fall semester we will begin new Tai Chi for Wellness class on Mondays at 4:30, Beginner's Class and continue on Wednesdays at 4:30 Intermediate Class. The intermediate students will begin the full Chen Old Frame first routine. All classes are held at SUNY Cortland, Old Main—outside in fine weather, inside when wet or cold.<br />
The course for college credit PHI 170, continues on Tuesdays during semester at 11:40.<br />
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Congratulations students who worked and played well. Spread the word, practice daily, and I'll see you in August!Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-81896055535525157532015-12-18T16:02:00.000-05:002015-12-18T16:02:32.638-05:00Congratulations Faculty, Staff and Community!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ten faculty, staff and community members completed the fifteen week taiji bang course.<br />
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Most folk achieved accomplishment in part one of the bang routine, and two completed the whole routine. The second part of the bang routine is for martial arts and is especially difficult to learn in a short time.<br />
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Well done Wes and LaRayne!<br />
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Master Jesse Tsao laid a good foundation in his weekend with us in September, and all students continued with some diligence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3wfaWAi0hnPogXzFPd7M68sfX6Retkej-iqR01C4pwloahyQCrFS0L_c3Z4D-2_nxa7LLbss4pcCxHlgLtllPILPNCvl5GvbdowVVhK4PgAQvHaOkkwS3hzPx_civikMt8j3fWo7o2Y/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3wfaWAi0hnPogXzFPd7M68sfX6Retkej-iqR01C4pwloahyQCrFS0L_c3Z4D-2_nxa7LLbss4pcCxHlgLtllPILPNCvl5GvbdowVVhK4PgAQvHaOkkwS3hzPx_civikMt8j3fWo7o2Y/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
We are all looking forward to consolidating taiji and qigong practice in the spring semester. Class will be every Wednesday during classes, 4:30, in the Old Main Colloquium, SUNY Cortland.Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-45972174742419001952015-12-08T14:28:00.000-05:002015-12-08T14:28:19.988-05:00Students learned tai chi bang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgCv_s7cjfDcz8ewd86-2CoG6T32HvbrWs_7jiT4SqiJKylIlAcaqBlBZT7mHDuVAuX90g6lfoNIMYJCYOhqUgLlqARSReSySNhnLE8qiBJ7Jn7kVQBanW6pR7MUyBWw9R5gkKkf1T60/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgCv_s7cjfDcz8ewd86-2CoG6T32HvbrWs_7jiT4SqiJKylIlAcaqBlBZT7mHDuVAuX90g6lfoNIMYJCYOhqUgLlqARSReSySNhnLE8qiBJ7Jn7kVQBanW6pR7MUyBWw9R5gkKkf1T60/s320/IMG_0892.JPG" width="320" /></a>Another great semester with students learning Tai Chi bang. As usual students learned basic <i>zazen</i> breathing in seated meditation, some open hand taiji and qigong, with a focus on learning tai chi bang (short stick). Some comments from students:</div>
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"This class has definitely changed the way I look at life. I am more focused on my mind and the way it interacts with my body."</div>
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"Tai chi has given me the peace that I have been searching for."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HLHYL4JCwBJTQ3h-OOB9cvC3zju5X2Uw27QbzQggmi5u1l9V5-MjyWJD_qw9merVp-ekYNneqpZ-AIlpovKxWb1EIh16Yp7-qBH6BTzvIO4wS1KsWGIC1mShfDWeLb4l24SOawTs3Ms/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HLHYL4JCwBJTQ3h-OOB9cvC3zju5X2Uw27QbzQggmi5u1l9V5-MjyWJD_qw9merVp-ekYNneqpZ-AIlpovKxWb1EIh16Yp7-qBH6BTzvIO4wS1KsWGIC1mShfDWeLb4l24SOawTs3Ms/s320/IMG_0887.JPG" width="320" /></a>"The more I meditated through the semester, the more self-aware I became. I am now more conscious of what I think, the way I think, and what I feel and what I want. I now have a new found clarity that I did not have previously."</div>
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It is always a delight to see students develop so much in just fifteen weeks. </div>
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Well done students!</div>
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Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-87999217362566040632015-09-19T11:04:00.001-04:002015-09-19T11:04:30.538-04:00Tai Chi with Charlie the German ShepherdIn the summer, on our trip to the UK, I did my morning taiji with a new partner—Charlie the German Shepherd. He's a great taiji dog! Very attentive.<br />
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<br />Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-70055112618715768262015-06-18T17:50:00.000-04:002015-06-18T17:50:17.252-04:00A box of bangs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sep 11-13, 2015 marks the second annual Tai Chi For Wellness Weekend with Chen Master Dr. Jesse Tsao at SUNY Cortland NY. This year Master Jesse will be teaching taiji bang ... taiji using a small stick. In a public lecture, demonstration and twelve hour workshop, Dr. Tsao will be teaching forms, massage, and self-defense. Not to be missed! Book the date and watch for more information.<br />
Your taiji bang awaits! It's in that box.Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-50085109046508154182015-06-18T17:42:00.001-04:002015-06-18T17:42:24.641-04:00Students spring 2015<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDRl91UPeE4BqEQK-GARhWbQTnrC0SyFaRapsZCThvfGkXoxQhlyH8DnH75M91GrK7HeBJY5XMW1Ve2vHZBx6NtFugNpocN0haKbxzkLUVtiEDJN0i8xyiot4fGTUBBOV4edg7B4S6c8/s1600/taijstudents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDRl91UPeE4BqEQK-GARhWbQTnrC0SyFaRapsZCThvfGkXoxQhlyH8DnH75M91GrK7HeBJY5XMW1Ve2vHZBx6NtFugNpocN0haKbxzkLUVtiEDJN0i8xyiot4fGTUBBOV4edg7B4S6c8/s400/taijstudents.jpg" width="400" /></a>Spring 2015 taiji students. A wonderful group!<br />
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Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-32508542102122710862015-06-04T07:52:00.000-04:002015-06-04T10:34:46.742-04:00Take a walk ... but not for granted!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the most amazing things most of us do most every day is to walk. It is so much a part of life that we rarely think about it (unless we face an injury of legs or feet) and mostly take for granted.<br />
Playing taiji I have had to relearn to walk and not to take the simple action for granted anymore. In taiji forms we walk, ever so slowly, from one position to the next. Slowing walking down reveals the complexity of the task. Most of us have learned to walk poorly—more or less throwing our bodies off balance and catching ourselves with a step before we fall over. In taiji every foot step is deliberate, always moving from a rooted position, never stepping out "off balance." For beginners, it is frustratingly and tantalizingly impossible. Check out any newbies at class and you see folk trying to walk again for first time and looking at sixes and sevens, unable to balance, disconnected from their bodily functions, and uncertain of mother earth. In time movement becomes more fluid as the taiji player learns to relax—<i>song—</i>sink the area around the hips—<i>kua—</i>and understands the flow of yin (rootedness) and yang (movement).<br />
Taiji walking (like much else in taiji play, such as standing or sitting) transfers into everyday life and you find you begin to walk differently—more centered, more balanced.<br />
There is so much to say about walking—Robert Chuckrow has a great book <i>Tai Chi Walking</i>—but I want to dwell on the root of the walk, the feet. If we take walking for granted, by and large, we ignore our feet. Our feet are just "there," at the end of our legs. We learn early in life that to walk without shoes is a bad thing. We cover our feet in layers of stiff protection and support in the belief (I now think mistaken belief) that our feet above all need to be protected and, God forbid, should never touch the earth unclothed.<br />
Recently, I was looking at the delightful two year-old young son of a friend of ours. He was playing, showing off a little, and entrancing the group of adults seated in a circle around his "stage." His sneakers caught my attention. Little replicas of the sneakers adults wear—heals at least twice the height the rigid soles, and arch supports. the sneakers were inflexible. I observed that already his little walking had taken on the gait of the adult, falling forward and catching himself before the fall, feet little stiff planks at the end of his legs.<br />
Several years ago, suffering from undiagnosed "plantar fasciitis," I did some research on why feet hurt. Much of the literature churned out the standard western view that feet need protecting, that the whole underfoot needs support, that softness from the harsh ground is required. Then I discovered a whole subculture of barefoot running and walking and a very different understanding of feet and their function. In brief, this literature suggests that the whole epidemic of foot complaints has its root in a very wrong understanding of the needs of feet. Instead of being encased in shoes, feet need to move freely, to develop and strengthen the myriad muscles, to build naturally strong arches. It made sense to me and I gradually explored walking barefoot, or as near barefoot as possible. Since my early explorations, when the only barefoot shoes were strange toe shoes, a whole industry of "barefoot shoes" has sprung up, and even the major corporations are now offering their own range of minimalist, barefoot footwear.<br />
The advice of the barefoot folk is to walk barefoot as much as possible, but when necessary to wear shoes that give the feet the most freedom to develop naturally. In simple terms it means a flat footbed, no arches, no heals (Zero drop is the jargon), wide toe box, thin sole to allow for ground feel. You should be able to feel every ridge, stone, twig and undulation. Feeling the ground helps your feet develop and strengthen, and gives the added advantage of a wonderful foot massage just in the action of walking.<br />
Since my early explorations, I have transitioned to all barefoot/barefoot shoes. Foot pain is a thing of the past. My feet have grown a half size and spread out nicely, without the restriction of traditional shoes. I did try on a pair of my old sneakers with large heals, tons of cushioning, and arch supports—it was unbearable!<br />
So what shoes do I wear? My only shoes now are produced by Softstar Shoes—an amazing eco-friendly company in Oregon. I have tried other minimalist shoes, but these are, in my opinion by far the best. I cannot speak too highly of their product, their customer service and their ethos as a company. In the picture at the head of this blog, you can clearly see my footprint on the sole of the shoe. These shoes are the closest to walking barefoot you will find.<br />
Go on, take a walk!<br />
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Here's a link to <a href="http://www.softstarshoes.com/" target="_blank">Softstar shoes</a><br />
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And Robert Chuckrow's book:<br />
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Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-84016313262816549972014-12-31T15:07:00.001-05:002014-12-31T15:07:40.397-05:00A resolution for 2015? Try tai chi!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the time of year to make resolutions (and hopefully not to break them too soon!) It seems most of the new year resolutions relate to health, or weight, or exercise. Many are probably too unrealistic to "stick." Nonetheless, we use the new year to take stock. So, why not try tai chi?</div>
Five years ago this week I began to keep a daily record of my taiji practice. I suppose it was part of a new year resolution to take my practice more seriously. Since I began my daily journal I have completed over 2,200 hours of taiji, and many more hours studying and teaching taiji and ancient Chinese philosophy. That averages about an hour and twelve minutes a day. It's been quite a journey and I'm still loving it.<br />
If you're tempted to start here's a few things I have learned:<br />
1. Taiji is "easy" but it's not easy. Anyone can begin a taiji practice, get many benefits and much enjoyment from day one. It's as easy as taking a breath, making a step, or raising an arm or two. Easy! But after you have taken that first breath or first step you realize that this simple stuff is not easy at all.<br />
2. You don't need any special equipment or go to any special place. You do your taiji right where you are. So it's relatively cheap!<br />
3. It improves your balance, flexibility, strength, and concentration.<br />
4. You get to know your body, and it's patterns and rhythms.<br />
5. If you want something absorbing, that takes a lifetime to truly master, that has infinite variety, taiji fits the bill.<br />
6. Also, you meet some really nice people who are taiji players!<br />
What's not to love about it? So, go on give it a try!Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-72235266577230318752014-07-30T12:01:00.000-04:002014-07-30T12:01:27.894-04:00Summer Training with Taijiquan Master, Dr. Jesse Tsao<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was honored to join the summer taiji training with Master Jesse and a couple dozen wonderful folk from many places in the USA and beyond.<br />
But how to distill such a wonderful and intense week into a short blog? With difficulty! As they say with any good story; "You had to be there!"<br />
The week was themed around the idea of <i>neigong</i>—internal energy cultivation—and Master Jesse taught us in three areas: <i>neigong</i> in a new short form—mini compact taiji, based on the Chen system; <i>neigong</i> in each of the long forms in the main family traditions of Chen, Yang, Sun and Wu; and <i>neigong</i> in push hands play.<br />
Much of the week focussed on the core concepts of taiji that can be applied in any style. As Jesse teaches, this is like learning a formula rather than memorizing the answer to a math question. The formula can be applied in many situations. Yet, like some math formulas, the core concepts of taiji, though easily stated, take much practice for a player to become proficient. Simply stated the core concepts are: 1) settle down before any movement (feet, hips, shoulders), 2) practice the "figure eight" from heel to opposite toes, to same foot heel, to opposite toes, and 3) become aware of the connections between the three "rings of energy," feet and hands, knees and elbows, hips and shoulders. I used to think that patting the head and rubbing the tummy at the same time was difficult, but this? There are so many layers of somatic complexity. Whatever the style of taiji practices, these essential ideas form the core. Jesse taught us the principles using the Chen compact mini routine, and we then applied them to other forms. During the week I had opportunity to apply the principles in the long forms of Chen, Yang and Wu, with some shorter work with Sun. Chen and Yang long forms are my alternate daily practice. Wu and Sun were new to me and I enjoyed their different energies. The fluidity and power observed in taiji masters derives from the internalization of these principles with their effect in every posture and transition. When you look at taiji and it seems less flowing, wooden (sticklike) and disjointed, it is because these principles have not yet been internalized.<br />
The testing out of the principles comes not only in the forms but in partner work often translated into English as "push hands." Jesse taught us that "control" is a better understanding than "push," and that hands are a minor part of the play. Much more it is about rooting, settling, centering, controlling your self (knowing your self) and only then controlling your partner (knowing your partner). There is immense subtlety in push hands. The temptation is always to overcommit, lose the center, panic, win at all costs, and save face. I learned from Jesse that much is about the Ego and Ego-attachments. We win by losing. We invest in loss. This week I did a great deal of investment! (Not to mention a fair few bruises from my friends who sometimes gripped too hard!)<br />
All in all, a wonderful week of learning, and a great deal of fun. I returned home with so many new insights, and in this morning's practice I already see the benefits.<br />
Many thanks to all participants from whom I learned a great deal, to Isabelle, Alain and Thomas who cared for me above and beyond the call, and most of all to my sifu master Jesse, a wonderful, compassionate and extraordinary teacher.<br />
<br />Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-91013459391838633392014-06-21T11:55:00.002-04:002014-06-21T11:55:40.565-04:00Summer reading for taijiquan players<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have always been a reader. I suppose I "can't help it." Something takes my interest and I read about it. usually read lots about it. When I became serious about taijiquan I read about it. I read as much as I could find. Even before I had raised my hands to gather energy, or had taken my first slow step, I had read a slew of books.<br />
Yet, taiji is something you do, you feel in your body, you connect with the energies of earth and heaven. You don't just read about it. You can, of course, read about it, but that is not "it."<br />
One of my academic areas of interest is somaesthetics—body consciousness. Philosophy has had a great deal to "say" about the body; some of it good, most of it bad. Much has been written about escape from the body (into the mind, or the spirit, or anywhere "out of the body"). Much has been written about subduing the body and its appetites. In the west a little has been written about the connection of mind and body (quite a bit being written recently from the slant of brain science).<br />
But all of this is "written down," presenting models to explain the mind and body connection. Scholars have not had much to say about "somatic practice," body consciousness, actually doing, feeling, moving, noticing the body. Hence, the fairly recent discipline in philosophy of somaesthetics. Some of us are trying not just to think, write, and read about the body, but to experience the body in positive, integrative, energetic ways.<br />
Yet, still I read! But here's the thing with reading about taijiquan. The writing only makes sense in so far as you experience in your body the interconnectedness of mind, body, earth, and energy that you read about. This makes taiji reading intriguing. I have found that when I read a taiji book I pick up lots of good stuff as it gels with my current level of taiji experience and awareness. "Ah, yes, I have felt that!" In the same book much passes me by. I read the words, and though they make grammatical sense, the true meaning is lost on me because I have not experienced what the writer is speaking of. Six months later I go back to that same book, same page, and see something completely different, as if I had not read the book before. "Ah, yes, I now know what that feels like!" When I first read the taiji classics, I though "no big deal." Since then, I have come to appreciate their depths.<br />
Which brings me to summer reading for the taijiquan player. I discovered the trilogy of books by John Loupos some time ago. John writes from many years experience as a taiji player and teacher. He writes in a a clear and accessible way. What I like about these books is that each is written in many short vignettes, most no more than a page or two. When needed the text is accompanied by very helpful photos and some creative artwork. Taken together there are thirty-seven very helpful chapters. Each chapter is divided into from four to seventeen sections. Altogether there are scores of bite-size, manageable, often brilliant teachings. I like, too, that you don't have to read the books, or the chapters in each book, in order. You can dip in and out as your feel like it. Each section is self-contained. In fact, I have found that the best approach. In each section there is much to digest, much to "try out," and much to somatically experience. In other words, you can't really just sit down and read these books. You read and you play. To get the most from John's teaching, you read and play and play and play and play again. It takes time to internalize each principle, each movement, each connection.<br />
Enjoy and have a great summer of taiji!<br />
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</iframe>Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-41321127221012743622014-06-09T10:56:00.001-04:002014-06-09T10:56:26.289-04:00Morning taiji, barefoot in the wet grass ... bliss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For a few years now I have been barefoot as much as possible. I'm not sure how it happened. I suppose it was when I began taiji and bought some Feiyue martial arts shoes (I blogged about it in 2010). These are very minimalist "sneakers," what we used to call in England plimsoles, or pumps, when I was a kid. (Tricky, because in the US pumps refer to women's shoes with heels.)<br />
Feiyue shoes have no support, no arches, minimal cushioning. At first they felt really weird. For years I had been used to shoes that encased my feet, offering very little flexibility.<br />
In time I really took to the minimalist shoes.<br />
I wondered whether this would damage my feet. For years I had bought into the view that feet needed to be overprotected. My feet very rarely touched the ground without shoes, often with very thick spongey soles. So I did some research and discovered the "barefoot revolution." People all over the place were throwing off their shoes and connected with the Earth again.<br />
One of the leaders of the revolution was "Vibram Fivefingers." I bought some and took to them immediately. I hiked in them; ran in them; played squash in them. The trouble with them is that they are very strange to look at. You get funny looks when you where them. And they don't go with suits and bow ties! So at work, traditional shoes, outside work Fivefingers.<br />
Then I discovered Softstar Shoes. They make a perfect minimalist shoe that go perfectly with more formal attire. I bought a pair, then another, and never looked back!<br />
So, its barefoot or almost barefoot for me, all the time. I tried a pair of my former shoes. Ouch! I couldn't walk in them. So alien after being barefoot. My feet feel great. I suffered from sore arches before going barefoot. That has now gone.<br />
Of course, it takes a little while getting used to, and the "experts" say you should go barefoot incrementally so your feet get used to the new way of walking. It is different. I realized early how very much I was used to striking hard with my heels, and thus jarring my whole body.<br />
All by way of saying that last night we had major rain. So today taiji, barefoot, on the wet grass. Sensually a treat!<br />
Recently, I have been reading about the "earthing" or "grounding" movement. In brief, it says that our modern footwear has insulated us from Earth. The human body is charged positively. The Earth negatively. Traditionally, every day humans balanced the bioelectricity of the body by "earthing" connecting with the ground. Recently, we have lost the connection, insulated against it by rubber and plastic. The problem: the imbalance is connected to inflammation and its associated maladies.<br />
Earthing is, I discovered, a bonus! Healthy, strong feet by being barefoot, and bioelectrical body balance.<br />
Interestingly, the research suggests that the main "grounding" point of the body is the ball of the foot—the bubbling well point, K1, in Traditional Chinese Medicine. How cool! East meets West. It gives a whole new perspective to "rooting" in taiji.<br />
So, try going barefoot. Your feet will thank you. You body will benefit!<br />
<br />Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-46015723821451343812014-05-07T20:17:00.000-04:002014-05-07T20:17:06.917-04:00Congratulations faculty and staff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Congratulations to the faculty and staff members who completed the fifteen week qigong for wellness course. It's quite a commitment and I was so pleased with those who made it to the end! We are all looking forward to the visit of Master Jesse in September. Well done all!Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-2990136754017403582014-05-06T12:55:00.001-04:002014-05-06T12:55:44.670-04:00Great spring semester ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF5rPP2A9Kz7yc4O8xRXeAqG6uCctP47PKv7LpzpRrgzUYwh7sqOVIrDT4teFrTD1KB3rpXUSP-YIwCWMbafvLZHH9_v7eCXwMVyXrvzeN87XTdmpg1106a_dvbYRr0mkKs7PEsIVLeg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF5rPP2A9Kz7yc4O8xRXeAqG6uCctP47PKv7LpzpRrgzUYwh7sqOVIrDT4teFrTD1KB3rpXUSP-YIwCWMbafvLZHH9_v7eCXwMVyXrvzeN87XTdmpg1106a_dvbYRr0mkKs7PEsIVLeg/s1600/photo.JPG" height="128" width="320" /></a>Last class today with another wonderful group of students. Twenty-five received their certificates of completion. During the semester they learned sitting mediation, a joint routine to keep joints open and flexible, some basic taijiquan and the Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong.<br />
Already looking forward to the fall class with another twenty-five students already signed up!<br />
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<br />Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-73350315026422317092014-04-29T10:50:00.000-04:002014-04-29T10:50:23.837-04:00Save the date ... Master Jesse Tsao in Cortland NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Save the date! September 5-7, 2014 Taijiquan Master Jesse Tsao will be at SUNY Cortland NY. Friday evening Master Tsao will give a public lecture and demonstration. Saturday and Sunday Master Tsao will teach Chen Compact Mini Taijiquan routine. This routine will be a great "kick start" to taiji practice, and a beneficial shorter Chen routine for those new to Chen style. It will also be useful for those in different taiji styles to "cross-train."<div>
Friday Public Lecture is free. Two day workshop is free for Cortland students, $100 for Cortland Faculty and Staff, and $200 general public.</div>
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Stay tuned for more details.</div>
Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-86327093028066235122013-12-03T21:37:00.001-05:002013-12-03T21:37:59.579-05:00A Great Semester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was the last class with my students learning Nine Piece Tai Chi Gong, as developed and taught by Master Jesse. The set is a nice introduction to taijiquan and qigong, using nine postures from different taiji styles with qigong breathing. It is so good to see students "get it" after fifteen weeks. I was so pleased with them today. Each student received a certificate of completion. Well done students!Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-61168627550521167702013-09-17T17:55:00.002-04:002013-09-17T17:55:51.873-04:00Brushed knee ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the third class and the students are doing great! Today was a beautiful day to do taiji and meditation outside. Well done students!Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-72056964113819719062013-08-29T10:36:00.000-04:002013-08-29T10:36:01.288-04:00Great start to semester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Taiji and qigong classes started this week. Twenty-six students in one class and eighteen faculty and staff in the other. Everyone seems very keen to learn. Several in each class are returning members. This semester, besides a basic warm-up joint routine and zazen sitting meditation I am teaching the Nine-Piece Tai Chi Gong designed by Master Jesse Tsao. The routine consists of nine postures taken from serval different taiji traditions, and practiced for health using qigong breathing and intention. It's a very nice little set to introduce folk to both taiji and qigong.Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-16589054653155652982013-07-30T10:55:00.000-04:002013-07-30T10:55:28.121-04:00Taijiquan training with Master Jesse Tsao<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Day 1 ... Up at 4:15 EST. Plane delayed, broken jetway, and a traffic jam for the shuttle meant I missed my connection to San Diego (by five minutes!) Re-routed through Phoenix. Landed in San Diego 3:05 PST. The adventure begins! Made it for the last fifteen minutes of the first days teaching. What did I miss? Settle before you move. Met the good taiji players staying at my motel and we shared our food.<br />
Day 2 ... A good night's sleep. Woke at four dosed until six. Simple stretching and breakfast. For the next two days we will concentrate on a either Yang long form or Chen Old Frame first routine. I know them both and they form the mainstay of my practice. But which to choose?<br />
I chose Yang long form and learned a lot. But a mixed day. Highlights: having Master Jesse teach. He is so insightful and very detailed. When Jesse corrects mistakes in your form you remember. As he teaches he also gives fascinating background on the history of the form, why changes were made along the way, some deep insights into energy work, martial arts application, and health issues.<br />
For instance, I learned today that the 24 Form, though often introduced as Yang style, has marked differences from traditional Yang in many ways. Stepping in backward in "repulse the monkey" in 24 Form has the feet almost behind each other, causing a twist. This looks quite good, but is actually very unstable and impossible for martial arts. As the hand goes behind in brushed knee in 24 Form the hand is palm down. In traditional the palm turns out in a block. There are other subtle simplifications that took Yang and made it less martial in application (as historically Yang took Chen and did the same).<br />
Much of the training today followed from yesterday and learning to settle before every move. This gives stability, sinks qi, and prepares you for the next movement.<br />
The day was mixed in that my power back pain got increasingly bad. I had a few interventions during the day (different stretching exercises, a little back manipulation etc). Sadly, while bringing a little relief, the pain remained. This was frustrating as I was unable to move as freely as I normally move. This and other aspects of the day caused some inner ego-attachment work. Attachments to our self-image is difficult to lose and painful in the losing. Frustrating as all this seemed, I think actually it will be to the good in the long term. Today I feel a little bruised (physically and psychologically) and humbled.<br />
But a good night's sleep again, and today is a new day. I hope my back holds out.<br />
Day 3 ... Great day of learning. By the end of the day our Yang long form group was very smooth and together. The last few times through the whole form felt really good, with a great synergy between us. It is quite delightful to have Master Jesse teach directly and to gain his insights. Those who have seen Jesse know that in the forms his body seems to flow like water. I asked directly about that and Jesse helped a lot. Much has to do with the flexibility of the kwa, hip movement, pelvis, and lower back. It is impossible to describe in words either what the movement looks like or how it is carried out. Much practice to be done on my part!<br />
The most interesting part of the day was when I asked Jesse why we punch low in the second part of the Yang form and exactly where is the punch intended. Belly button is the answer. I asked why. Jesse told me to relax and placed his thumb about an inch from my stomach. Then a short fa jin. I can honestly say I have rarely felt anything like it. Intense pain, almost like an explosion inside. It completely and utterly disoriented me. It is the site of an acupuncture point. Lessons learned? Taiji is very effective as self-defense. Great care is needed with taiji. Acupuncture points can be used for healing or hurting. Without wanting to sound too mystical I feel there was a profound connection between master and disciple in the exchange.<br />
My back held out, felt good in the form, and when I felt it beginning to hurt I did several lower back exercises. The only restriction was in the low form "snake creeps down." I generally go very low with extended leg almost flat. I decided to keep it to medium low.<br />
All in all a growing day. Today we do qigong. Looking forward to it.<br />
Day 4 ....<br />
Master Jesse took us through the basic qigong for health routine that I have taught my students. A lot of insight and additional points of understanding. Very helpful. In the afternoon Jesse taught us taiji bang massage. This was new to me but such a help. Using the bang (a piece of wood or bamboo roughly 15-18 inches long—we used bamboo sticks) you can very effectively give yourself an all over body massage. Being qigong massage the routine follows all the meridian points. It will be great to teach this to others.<br />
Jesse was very insistent again that qigong and taiji are not "magic," but rather putting the mind/body in line with nature and the natural rythyms of life and the universe. Perhaps we are so out of touch with the natural way that when we encounter the natural way it feels like magic. Yet, there are some folk around who take advantage of the gullible and make all kinds of nonsensical claims for qi. Beware!<br />
I spent a long time on one part of the Yang long form. Much help from Jesse and by the end of many repititions I think I had internalized it.<br />
Did some push hands with a very competent player. Learned much.<br />
By the end of the day's training I had reached saturation point. The last half hour I was spent.<br />
My back held out again, though I still used caution with snake creeps down. The most effective stretch for it seems to be a full squat, feet twelve inches apart, toes slightly angled out. Stretches the lower back nicely.<br />
Day 5 ... push hands ... Hopefully my skill will improve. What a fun day! In a nutshell, the secret of push hands is to settle, to maintain your center, and not to use li (force) but rather jin (energy) to find your partner's center and to unbalance them. Sounds simple. Extraordinarily difficult. Push hands brings out all your insecurities, competitiveness, foolishness and fears. It shows you where your taiji form is ineffective, where you are tense, unbalanced, and fearful. It reveals the same about your partner. It's a very good way to get to know someone.<br />
Master Jesse taught us three basic principles: how to settle, how to receive a push, and how to push. He taught us, too, the figure eight principle of moving forward to backward. Other than that we pushed, and Jesse corrected us. Six hours of push hands! Today I have small finger sized bruises on both arms and chest in several places. My favorite part of the day was free pushing hands with Alain Mellan, one of Jesse's senior instructors. Alain is such a gracious man and in push hands as slippy as a wet fish! Great fun. Alain taught me much. My biggest issue is trying too hard. Need to learn to relax into the structure, giving in the front, strong as steel in the back.<br />
Day 6 ... Another morning of form work, with a great yoga warm up. I had never done the yoga before (quite a stretch!) More good correction of Yang form by Master Jesse. A good end to the training.<br />
A delightful lunch and afternoon walk with Isabelle, Alain and Thomas. Visited the meditation garden of the Self-Realization Fellowship. Very peaceful with wonderful trees and nice view of the ocean. <br />
Day 7 ... Back to Ithaca. Smooth lights, no delays. Great week. Much to process.<br />
(Update on back ... steadily got better in the second half of the training. In my form first day home, snake creeps down all the way to the floor with no pain. Traditionally, we are told to rest the back when it hurts. I did 30 hours taiji and the back got steadily better. Much stretching, twisting, turning, movement. And lot of Tiger Balm!)<br />
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Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-24538322403490142212013-07-17T12:30:00.000-04:002013-07-17T12:30:54.346-04:00Back to earth ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Taijiquan is at once very simple—balance, relaxation, standing, walking—and yet ever so complex. To learn taiji is to learn connection to earth, to find your part in nature, to learn the flow and to go with the flow, to work with change. It seems to me that much of the exercise and fitness industry is about trying to work against change, to stop the flow, to turn the clock back. The human fight against nature is a lost cause!<br />
For years I have suffered periodically with back pain. Doubtless this has been brought on by years of bad posture, and by aging too. I suppose most folk suffer from the occasional foolish lifting of heavy objects, or twisting while carrying something. Instant pain that lasts for a day or two or longer. I have noticed that as I age these have become more frequent. Most recently I was putting heavy cases in the truck of a friend's car. Very carelessly I leaned over and pulled the heaviest case. I pulled my lower back too! So, learning how to deal with this has become a challenge.<br />
Here's what I am learning so far:<br />
a) I'm not in my twenties anymore! Part of living successfully is to flow with the change of getting older. That doesn't mean you give in and flop on the couch. It does mean you have to become more aware of limitations and work with them.<br />
b) Reading widely on lower back pain, some folk are suggesting that this is our culture's current manifestation of stress. Not too long ago, the physical symptom of stress was stomach issues. Seems now it is more commonly back issues. When stressed we hold ourselves tense, our center of gravity is kept high (in the chest area). The result is bad posture, sore muscles, neck strains, back pains, pulled muscles.<br />
c) So, if lower back pain is due to stress and bad posture, how to deal with it? I suppose, take care of the stress and take care of the posture!<br />
d) Stress is a tricky subject and there is no consensus about what stress is, its causes, and why it manifests in different physical ways. It seems clear that we need at least some stress and tension in life. Without tension in the right places the building collapses! But too much stress and the building collapses for different reasons. Balance is needed. If the human mind/body is like a building then no tension at all and we would simply be a "blob." Gravity is working constantly to push us to the ground. The only reason we stand upright is because of the tension in the body—bone structure, tendons, muscles, fascia etc. But, get the tension wrong—bad posture— and gravity makes us feel it in aches and pains and pulled muscles.<br />
e) Most of us keep our center of gravity too high (see my previous blog with advice from Master Jesse Tsao). I have been working on lowering the center to just below the hips, roughly at the center of the perineum (though in polite company we tend not to talk about the perineum!) This involves threes things: 1. physically lowering the center by unlocking the knees, sinking the kwa structures of the hips, 2. intentionally focusing on this lower center, and 3. on the out-breath allowing the whole structure to sink (sinking the <i>qi</i>). I have found this most helpful with the back pain. Instead of fighting nature (gravity) and holding an awkward posture, this works with nature and returns you to earth, rooted, connected. I have also discovered that in taiji form to take this approach means no pain at all. If I do not lower the center, sink the qi, then the back pain is present. There are also some useful qigong exercises for stretching the back ever so gently that I have incorporated into my morning routine.<br />
f) That fixes the posture issues! But in contemporary life we face many points of stress and tension that work against a balanced life. One solution is to get rid of those stress points we don't need to live with. A toxic relationship? End it. Bad eating habits? Change them. Taking the pressures from work home? Leave them at the office door. Three other helpful strategies: 1. Some inner work is called for—looking at ego-attachments, facing grief, dealing with trauma. Sometimes you can work this through yourself. Sometimes not. A good friend or counselor can help. 2. The very same strategy for dealing with bad physical posture is also an antidote to stress. Taijiquan works! Over time taiji play linked with taiji philosophy and outlook lowers stress levels. 3. Get some body and energy work through a reiki master.<br />
Stay rooted,<br />
Andy<br />
<br />Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-25933715031903739372013-04-13T09:26:00.001-04:002013-04-13T09:26:26.457-04:00Lower back pain? Try this ...<br />
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Over the years, like most of us, I have suffered the odd twist of the lower back. You know the kind of thing ... picking up something heavy the wrong way, twisting around awkwardly. When I was younger the pain lasted a day or too, a few tender days, then back to normal. As I get older the healing process takes longer.<br />
Daily taijiquan and gigong have helped immensely. Far fewer episodes of back ache (or shoulder ache, or arm ache, or any kind of ache). But every now and then ...<br />
A couple of weeks ago I spent a day writing. A whole day. In the same position. On a chair, I know now, was not right for my back! The result was a lot of lower back pain that lasted over a week.<br />
I talked to my sifu, Master Jesse Tsao. As always, Jesse was very helpful. I hope this helps anyone who suffers from lower back pain.<br />
Much lower back pain arises because we hold our center of gravity above the hips. The effect is a lot of pressure bearing down on the lower back muscles. Solution? Lower the center of gravity. But how?<br />
a) Lowering posture helps. Just an inch lower is all that is needed. To lower the posture we need to unlock the knees and hip area (kua). Daily knee rotation and massage. Daily hip rotation. Getting looser.<br />
b) Paying attention to breathing, particularly the out breath. Breath out all the way. The physical effect is to lift the diaphragm and tighten the tummy. As you do that you feel your center getting lower.<br />
c) Intention. In your mind see your center getting lower. Master Jesse says to keep the center below the hips. Some taiji masters keep their center below the knees. The effect is to make the legs quite "heavy" and solid, the hips flexible (they are not taking the weight), and the upper body light. This relieves a lot of pressure on the lower back muscles. Try it. It really works.<br />
Stay well and centered.Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-74352793685846877102013-02-24T12:03:00.000-05:002013-02-24T12:03:13.668-05:00Taiji and heart health<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm-WhaVT-wOr40g_EToAIsDedj7GSknXDtGa6i4sFHuTuXaMrcOCGdltldMnkYHNSEHaTl858QSAwLDwl1gD0ERLIlr7PCLRWPzGVvsXxVyyjJAkrwc3o1HmPGlHtae22as9IJ_berTw/s200/heart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px;" width="166" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://heartofwisconsin.blogspot.com/2011/01/resolve-to-make-heart-health-priority.html</span></td></tr>
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A couple of days ago after my morning taiji practice I checked my blood pressure and heart rate. Blood pressure in the right place, pretty low, and heart rate 99 bpm. It set me thinking, and as one thing led to another I found myself doing a little internet research on taijquan and heart health.<br />
I found a lot of studies in the different medical journals.<br />
It turns out that taijiquan is an excellent way to train the whole cardiovascular system. I had read (but can't remember where) that for all round health "because taiji is so slow" you had to add an aerobic exercise form as well—something a little more rigorous. Well, it turns out that this is not quite right.<br />
The studies demonstrate that taiji lowers blood pressure, but during practice raises the pulse to aerobic levels.<br />
So I checked this out. For aerobic exercise take 220 bpm minus your age. That is your maximum safe heart rate. Aerobic rate is then 50-75% of that number. For me that is a range of 82-124. So, my 99 bpm (after a couple minutes slow belly breathing) turns out to be aerobic. My guess is that during the forms the bpm would be somewhat over 100. Of course, that's not as fast heart rate as when I jog or play squash, but it is moderately aerobic, and therefore good for the heart and whole cardiovascular system. The bonus is that taiji is low impact—less chance of running into the wall of the squash court, or damaging knees on pavement—and has so many other health and fitness benefits (flexibility, strength, balance etc).<br />
The studies if you are interested:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11789583">Heart rate response during taiji practice.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2724196">Changes in heart rate.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi">Harvard Medical School Study.</a><br />
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These are just a sample of the many.<br />
Play taiji ... be well!<br />
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<br />Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-13655570389538153442013-01-29T20:32:00.000-05:002013-01-29T20:32:15.187-05:00New class starts well<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTUsBfwx-YozZ3Ullgz6qYrlCwgZgde61eBxqVAwXIEIqQi6yHiWg4l0qu_fljm5OuKNJmK0ucRdy3mS4ntLPm3gBl4CZSjNwtBuEgdQ9C3dZC_gFtiXfNx4s4pbdhJNTC1aAlGmKy8g/s1600/tai_chi_18292.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTUsBfwx-YozZ3Ullgz6qYrlCwgZgde61eBxqVAwXIEIqQi6yHiWg4l0qu_fljm5OuKNJmK0ucRdy3mS4ntLPm3gBl4CZSjNwtBuEgdQ9C3dZC_gFtiXfNx4s4pbdhJNTC1aAlGmKy8g/s200/tai_chi_18292.png" width="186" /></a></div>
A new class of 26 students started today. I will be teaching Shi-san-shi (thirteen essential taiji postures/energies) as well as zazen breathing and basic qigong. Good start! Looking forward to the new semester.Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-38867870037919496602012-12-09T12:02:00.001-05:002012-12-09T12:02:04.927-05:00Another great semester!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtVU0WEaTRh5tnpWD_4g4KkqWCmyqRqyIeasyYNiXHD2bMvP8f50STNgybdqZyikpa55bG1ciZ_f4weC3DBWnNnGzpAIf4aoFVmuyzgT5ewtTRpVveCmYNjpdTcJPWcObtwAQJVRNrTY/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtVU0WEaTRh5tnpWD_4g4KkqWCmyqRqyIeasyYNiXHD2bMvP8f50STNgybdqZyikpa55bG1ciZ_f4weC3DBWnNnGzpAIf4aoFVmuyzgT5ewtTRpVveCmYNjpdTcJPWcObtwAQJVRNrTY/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students in the last class (bunched together for the photo!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh3hkjQ5et99QUf92-x2WAEYP6V56XqcaX0sAdz6wDeN0w9_MAvrQwQe7TqjUl_3mKhqnsRmEwgq84JWnGFktDJphPEReadkVE-Ku3DFtfVMvKC0HVVeT463ypBaS4KQuvl9ePbniNLk/s1600/IMG_0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh3hkjQ5et99QUf92-x2WAEYP6V56XqcaX0sAdz6wDeN0w9_MAvrQwQe7TqjUl_3mKhqnsRmEwgq84JWnGFktDJphPEReadkVE-Ku3DFtfVMvKC0HVVeT463ypBaS4KQuvl9ePbniNLk/s320/IMG_0129.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students Richard bows before receiving his certificate.</td></tr>
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Classes finished this week, and I was very pleased to award 24 students a certificate for learning Eight Pieces of Brocade routine as taught by my sifu, Master Jesse Tsao. The students were great, and it was such a joy to teach them. Not only that, the students get college credit! Well done everybody!Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896411383812889524.post-91338872589936683372012-09-20T12:21:00.000-04:002012-09-20T12:21:16.886-04:00It's not magic, it's taiji<a href="http://www.taichichuan.dk/COMPARE%20TAI%20CHI%20CHUAN/1.del/Mini/2_DYJ-Peng-before-bird-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="431" id="il_fi" src="http://www.taichichuan.dk/COMPARE%20TAI%20CHI%20CHUAN/1.del/Mini/2_DYJ-Peng-before-bird-web.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /></a>Those who have been around taiji masters (or viewed videos on You Tube) are often amazed at seemingly impossible moves. An aura of mystique surrounds taiji/qigong. Some teachers play up to the mystique and have their followers in awe. At Master Jesse's summer training he insisted a number of times that there is nothing "magic" about taiji. Taiji is practice—long term <i>gongfu</i>.<br />
Recently, I tried an experiment to see how my rooting and <i>peng</i> (ward off) postures are coming along. Leaving the university sports center I met one of the football coaches. (Big guy, much taller than me, at a guess 300+ pounds of solid linebacker.) We chatted for a while and I asked him if he would push me. (Bit foolish you might say!) I assumed a <i>peng</i> position, bow stance, asked him to push my wrist and elbow, slowly adding more pressure. I relaxed (<i>song</i>) into my structure. After a while I asked him to stop. How much strength was he using? He told me about forty percent. I remained relaxed, no tension in the muscles and simply stood. I was pleased the root held.<br />
A few days later I discovered one of my students is a college champion wrestler (number two in the country). Another experiment. After a chat, he agreed to push me and try to find my center and unbalance me. We pushed for ten minutes or so. I relaxed into my stance again. Each of seven times he was unable to unbalance me. Seven times he lost balance. He repeated a number of times, "How did you do that?" I simply smiled.<br />
It's not magic, it's taiji.Dr. Andy Fitz-Gibbonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05686698208479793710noreply@blogger.com0