"Soon will set in the fitful weather, with fierce gales and sullen skies and frosty air, and it will be time to tuck up safely my roses and lillies and the rest for their winter sleep beneath the snow, where I never forget them, but ever dream of their wakening in happy summers yet to be."
- Celia Thaxter
January Gardening
I pruned six roses. I dug up each rose and transplanted the roots into a new large pot. I moved six pots of roses to the nursery area in the back yard.
I excavated and layed pavers by the front door.
We had moved some large potted plants indoors: a lemon citrus, an avocado, a succulent, a fuchsia, etc.
I reworked the sides of the large covered patio on the east side of our house. I closed the entire fence line on the east side from the front gate to the back yard gate. Then I hung brown plastic sheets to enclose three sides and provide some additional rain protection. Two 75 watt utility lights were hung to provide worksite illumination. All sides included four level plastic storage racks to maximize storage in this covered and enclosed storage and work area outside the garage.
I started putting the the 4"x4"x8' treated posts into concrete in the ground.
Monday, January 08, 2018
Taiji Fan
There are many T'ai Chi Ch'uan exercise forms which make use of a fan. Most are shorter forms, under 25 movements, but some, like the famous Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan Form have over 50 movements. Most are done slowly and softly, but some include vigorous and fast movements. The majority favor the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan.
Tai Chi Fan: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Notes, Lore, Quotations. Research by Mike Garofalo. I welcome any comments, suggestions, additions, or ideas regarding this webpage.
One of the most popular Tai Chi Fan forms was created by Professor Li Deyin (1938-). It has 52 movements. I includes slow and gentle movements in the first half of the form, then the second half is much more vigorous. This Tai Chi Fan form is for athletic and intermediate Tai Chi students.
Here are some instructional resources for learning the Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan Form.
Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan. Routine 1, created by Grandmaster Li Deyin (1938-). Instructional DVD, 65 minutes, by Master Jesse Tsao. Tai Chi Healthways, San Diego, California. "The most popular Tai Chi Fan form ever practiced in China. The routine was created by Grandmaster Li Deyin, Jesse Tsao's teacher since 1978. There are 52 movements in the whole routine based on the characteristic Tai Chi posture with the fan's artistic and martial functions. Master Tsao presents demonstrations at the beginning and end. He teaches step-by-step in slow motion, in English. There are plenty of repetitions of movements in both front and back view. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation." Cost: 35.00 US. Demonstration.
Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan Instructional DVD by Professor Li Deyin. Narration in English. "A fan routine, created by Professor Li, which combines the gracefulness, centrality and continuity of Taiji with the power, speed and fierceness of Wushu. It is designed as an addition to the exercises for health, and has received massive interest and support throughout the world. In this DVD, Professor Li provides in-depth teaching with Mrs. Fang Mishou performing detail demonstration." Vendor 1. Cost: $35.00 US.
Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. List of 52 movement names, directions, instructions, and notes by Mike Garofalo.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
With Slow Movements ...
"The movements of Qigong exercise should be slow instead of fast because slow movements will nourish qi and combine the posture with qi. The training practice of Qigong should start with Wuji with slow movement until the closing of the training. Every movement and step must be done slowly, opening and spreading of the body be slow, closing and sinking of the body be slow, and rising and falling of the body be slow. With slow movements, one can keep thinking whether the upper, lower, left and right of the body are followed, and whether the interior and exterior are coordinated. With the slow and gentle movements and posture, the internal qi is conducted to flow slowly in the body to integrate mindwill with qi, vitality with posture, and enter the realm of forgetting the substance and me."
- Master Wang Fengming, Special Taoist Taji Stick and Ruler Qigong, p. 115.
Hun Yuan Qigong, Primordial Qigong, Mixed Circles Qigong
Valley Spirit Qigong
Vancouver Tai Chi and Chi Kung Studio, Vancouver, Washington State
I was given a number of books by family and friends this holiday season, and for my 72nd birthday. I thank them for their generosity.
A 5 DVD set of instructional DVDs from Brett Wagland and Fontane Ip from Canberra, Australia. They teach Hunyuan Taijiquan and Qigong. A $125 investment in coaching in Hunyuan:
Yang Tai Chi for Beginners. By Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Instructional DVD, 293 minutes. YMAA, 2012. VSCL.
Tai Chi Chuan Martial Power: Advanced Yang Style. By Dr. Wang, Jwing Ming. Foreword by Tsung-Hwa Jou. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, YMAA Publication Center, 3rd Edition, 1986, 1996, 2015. Index, glossary, bibliography, 274 pages. ISBN: 978-1594392948. VSCL.
Tai Ji Quan: 105 Posture Yang Style Solo Form - Instructions and Applications. Chen Kung Series, From the Private Family Records of Master Yang Luchan, Volume Three. Translation and commentary by Master Stuart Alve Olson. Phoenix, Arizona, Valley Spirit Arts, 2017. Bibliography, appendices, 234 pages. ISBN: 978-1548105372. VSCL. "The long-awaited third volume in the Chen Kung Series presents the detailed instructions on the original Yang Style 105-Posture Taijiquan form, along with explanations of the practical self-defense applications, commentaries by Chen Kung, translations of the illustrations in the text, and notes by Stuart Alve Olson. A truly remarkable, insightful work that complements anyone’s library on the art of Taijiquan." "Born in 1906, Master Chen Kung (a.k.a., Yearning K. Chen and Chen Yen-lin) passed away in Shanghai, Chiina, in 1980. Master Chen Kung copied the Yang Family manuscripts in 1930."
Northwest Tai Chi and Qigong Studio, Vancouver, Washington
Northwest Taijiquan and Qigong
The Vancouver Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong Studio
Sifu Brian Knack
Assistant Instructors: Bill, Sandy, Joel
Vancouver Health and Wellness Building
202 E. Mcloughlin Blvd., Vancouver, Washington, 98663
360-607-8240
Also, on Facebook
The information on the Northwest Taijiquan website has not been updated.
Class Schedule:
Tuesday Morning 9-11 am
Tuesday Evening 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday Morning 9-11 am (Class Cancelled Jan-Mar 2018)
Saturday Morning 10-12 am
I plan to attend these classes in 2018.
The facility is clean and attractive, and located in downtown Vancouver, near Main Street and Mcloughlin Blvd. An excellent peaceful atmosphere with many very accomplished and knowledgeable students. Good mature attitudes all around, and peaceful, polite, and friendly people.
Here are the kinds of Taijiquan and Qigong we have been learning and practicing at the Vancouver Studio (Dojo/Training Center) with Sifu Knack, and the assistant Instructors Sandy, Bill, Joel, and Camille along with four to eight other other students. I also use DVDs by Sifu Knack for home study. Curriculum:
Yang Style Taijiquan 24 Form
Yang Style Taijiquan 108 Long Form
Hunyuan Chen Taijiquan 24 Form
Eight Gates Warmup Yang Taijiquan
Push Hands
Da Lu
Hunyuan Qigiong, Primordial Qigong, Mixed Circles Qigong
Kuan Yin Sitting Qigong
Bagua Qigong: Liang Shen Pu
Eight Immortals Flute Form
Hun Yuan Taiji Stick and Qigong Ruler.
32 Sword Form
Chen Broadsword Form
About Sifu Bryan Knack Ph.D./Ma.Sc.D.
"Bryan Knack was inducted to the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as "Chinese Martial Arts Master of the Year" and "International Sifu of the Year."
"Sifu Bryan Knack began studying martial arts in the mid-70's, begining with the external martial arts of Goju-ryu (Okinawan karate) and Siu Lum Kung Fu in the 1980's. Then he turned his studies to Tai Chi and Qi Gong and had a training center in Portland, Oregon.
He returned to his hometown of Spokane to open his own studio, Northwest Tai Chi for Health in 2000. Sifu Knack returned to the Vancouver/Portland area in 2011 to be close to his family."
"Tai Chi is fun! The Vancouver Tai Chi and Qigong Studio offers an affordable program for multiple section classes for a monthly charge, or for a small fee for each class you attend."
Come and Join Us in Practicing and Learning Taijiquan and Qigong.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Hunyuan Taijiquan and Qigong
"Hun Yuan Qigong is often translated as meaning ‘Primordial’ or ‘Congenital Qigong’ which is an appropriate name but it really deserves further exploration. ‘Hun’ by its nature refers to something that is mixed, something that is still a composite and hasn’t been divided into various parts as in Hun Dun which is often translated as original chaos. ‘Yuan’ literally means rotations or circles. So the name of this Qigong set is actually Mixed Circles or Mixed Rotations Qigong. Why is this and what does this have to do with primordial? A state of undifferentiated rotating energy is the original state of the cosmos according to esoteric Daoism. This was the state before Yin and Yang divided. It is the potential for something but nothing manifest. The ultimate state of Wuji is supposed to be formed of various mixed circles – Wuji is Hun Yuan. Out of these mixed circles come Taiji which is the catalyst for Creation so Hun Yuan literally implies trying to take yourself, your Mind, your Energy Body to a state before Yin and Yang divided when there is still just rotational potential for something – which is why often they’ll shorten all of that and say Primordial Qigong for example. Most people will know Hun Yuan Qigong through a gentleman who died recently named Feng Zhi Qiang who was the founder of Hun Yuan Taiji, a variant of Chen style boxing. Feng also taught Hun Yuan Qigong which, prior to being part of a Taijiquan system, had alchemical Daoist origins."
- Damo Mitchell, Hun Yuan in Qigong
- Damo Mitchell, Hun Yuan in Qigong
- Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang
Chen Tai Chi Chuan
Hun Yuan Qigong
HunYuan Qigong: Tracing Life to its Root, by Kenneth S. Cohen, 2007
Valley Spirit Qigong
Hun Yuan Tai Chi 24 Form. Instructional DVD, NTSC, 74 minutes. Featuring Brett Wagland and Fontane Ip. From the Tai Chi Academy. VSCL.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Vancouver Tai Chi Chuan Studio
Northwest Taijiquan and Qigong
The Vancouver Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong Studio
Sifu Brian Knack
Assistant Instructors: Bill, Sandy, Joel
Vancouver Health and Wellness Building
202 E. Mcloughlin Blvd., Vancouver, Washington, 98663
360-607-8240
Also, on Facebook
The information on the Northwest Taijiquan website has not been updated.
Class Schedule:
Tuesday Morning 9-11 am
Tuesday Evening 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday Morning 9-11 am (Class Cancelled Jan-Mar 2018)
Saturday Morning 10-12 am
I plan to attend these classes in 2018.
The facility is clean and attractive, and located in downtown Vancouver, near Main Street and Mcloughlin Blvd. An excellent peaceful atmosphere with many very accomplished and knowledgeable students. Good mature attitudes all around, and peaceful and friendly people.
Here are the kinds of Taijiquan and Qigong we have been practicing at the Vancouver Studio with Sifu Knack, and the advanced students and assistant Instructors Sandy, Bill, Joel, Camille and with four to eight other other students. I also use DVDs by Sifu Knack for home study. Curriculum:
Yang Style Taijiquan 24 Form
Yang Style Taijiquan 108 Long Form
Hunyuan Chen Taijiquan 24 Form
Eight Gates Warmup Yang Taijiquan
Push Hands
Da Lu
Hun Yuan Qigiong
Kuan Yin Sitting Qigong
Bagua Qigong: Liang Shen Pu
Eight Immortals Flute Stick Form
Hun Yuan Taiji Stick and Qigong Ruler
32 Sword Form
Chen Broadsword Form
About Sifu Bryan Knack Ph.D./Ma.Sc.D.
"Bryan Knack was inducted to the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as "Chinese Martial Arts Master of the Year" and "International Sifu of the Year."
Sifu Bryan Knack began studying martial arts in the mid-70's, begining with the external martial arts of Goju-ryu (Okinawan karate) and Siu Lum Kung Fu in the 1980's. Then he turned his studies to Tai Chi and Qi Gong and had a training center in Portland, Oregon.
He returned to his hometown of Spokane to open his own studio, Northwest Tai Chi for Health in 2000. Sifu Knack returned to the Vancouver/Portland area in 2011 to be close to his family."
"Tai Chi is fun! The Vancouver Tai Chi and Qigong Studeio offers an affordable program for multiple section classes for a monthly charge, or for a small fee for each class you attend."
Come and Join us in Practicing and Learning Taijiquan and Qigong.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Taijiquan Thirteen Postures
"Tai Chi Chuan is based on this theory, and therefore it is smooth,
continuous, and round. When it is necessary to be soft, the art is soft, and
when it is necessary to be hard, the art can be hard enough to defeat any
opponent. Yin-Yang theory also determines Tai Chi fighting strategy and
has led to thirteen concepts [Jings] which guide practice and fighting.
Thus, Tai Chi Chuan is also called "Thirteen Postures."
"Chang San-Feng Tai Chi Chuan treatise states "What are the thirteen postures? Peng (Wardoff), Lu (Rollback), Ghi (Press), An (Push), Chai (Pluck), Lie (Split), Zou (Elbow-Stroke), Kau (Shoulder-Stroke), these are the Eight Trigrams. Jinn Bu (Forward), Twe Bu (Backward), Dsao Gu (Beware of the Left), Yu Pan (Look to the Right), Dsung Dien (Central EQuilibrium), these are the Five Elements. Wardoff, Rollback, Press, and Push are Chyan (Heaven), Kuen (Earth), Kann (Water), and Lii (Fire) are the four main sides. Pluck, Split, Elbow-Stroke, and Shoulder-Stroke are Shiunn (Wind), Jenn (Thunder), Duey (Lake), and Genn (Mountain), the four diagonal corners. Forward, Backward, Beware of the Left, Look to the Right and Central Equilibrium are Gin (Metal), Moo (Wood), Sui (Water), For (Fire), and Tu (Earth). All together they are thirteen postures."
"The eight postures are the eight basic fighting moves of the art, and can be assigned directions according to where the opponents force is moved. Wardoff rebounds the opponent back in the direction from which he came from. Rollback leads him further that he intended to go in the direction he was attacking. Split and Shoulder-Stroke lead him forward and deflect him slightly sideward. Pluck and Elbow-Stroke can be done so as to catch the opponent just as he is starting forward, and strike or unbalance him diagonally to his rear. Push and Press deflect the opponent and attack at right angles to his motion. The five directions refer to stance, footwork, and fighting strategy. They concern the way one moves around in response to the opponent's attack, and how one sets up one's own attacks."
- Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming. Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Volume One: Tai Chi Theory and Tai Chi Jing. By Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Boston, Massachusetts, Yang's Martial Arts Academy, YMAA, 1986. Glossary, 276 pages. ISBN: Unknown. This book includes a detailed explanation of the concepts of Jing, Yi, and Chi; and an outstanding discussion of the Jings (pp. 68-210) of Tai Chi Chuan. VSCL. Quotes from p. 9, and p. 253 (Appendix 13).
Tai Chi Chuan Martial Power: Advanced Yang Style. By Dr. Wang, Jwing Ming. Foreword by Tsung-Hwa Jou. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, YMAA Publication Center, 3rd Edition, 1986, 1996, 2015. Index, glossary, bibliography, 274 pages. ISBN: 978-1594392948. VSCL.
"Chang San-Feng Tai Chi Chuan treatise states "What are the thirteen postures? Peng (Wardoff), Lu (Rollback), Ghi (Press), An (Push), Chai (Pluck), Lie (Split), Zou (Elbow-Stroke), Kau (Shoulder-Stroke), these are the Eight Trigrams. Jinn Bu (Forward), Twe Bu (Backward), Dsao Gu (Beware of the Left), Yu Pan (Look to the Right), Dsung Dien (Central EQuilibrium), these are the Five Elements. Wardoff, Rollback, Press, and Push are Chyan (Heaven), Kuen (Earth), Kann (Water), and Lii (Fire) are the four main sides. Pluck, Split, Elbow-Stroke, and Shoulder-Stroke are Shiunn (Wind), Jenn (Thunder), Duey (Lake), and Genn (Mountain), the four diagonal corners. Forward, Backward, Beware of the Left, Look to the Right and Central Equilibrium are Gin (Metal), Moo (Wood), Sui (Water), For (Fire), and Tu (Earth). All together they are thirteen postures."
"The eight postures are the eight basic fighting moves of the art, and can be assigned directions according to where the opponents force is moved. Wardoff rebounds the opponent back in the direction from which he came from. Rollback leads him further that he intended to go in the direction he was attacking. Split and Shoulder-Stroke lead him forward and deflect him slightly sideward. Pluck and Elbow-Stroke can be done so as to catch the opponent just as he is starting forward, and strike or unbalance him diagonally to his rear. Push and Press deflect the opponent and attack at right angles to his motion. The five directions refer to stance, footwork, and fighting strategy. They concern the way one moves around in response to the opponent's attack, and how one sets up one's own attacks."
- Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming. Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Volume One: Tai Chi Theory and Tai Chi Jing. By Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Boston, Massachusetts, Yang's Martial Arts Academy, YMAA, 1986. Glossary, 276 pages. ISBN: Unknown. This book includes a detailed explanation of the concepts of Jing, Yi, and Chi; and an outstanding discussion of the Jings (pp. 68-210) of Tai Chi Chuan. VSCL. Quotes from p. 9, and p. 253 (Appendix 13).
Tai Chi Chuan Martial Power: Advanced Yang Style. By Dr. Wang, Jwing Ming. Foreword by Tsung-Hwa Jou. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, YMAA Publication Center, 3rd Edition, 1986, 1996, 2015. Index, glossary, bibliography, 274 pages. ISBN: 978-1594392948. VSCL.
| Taijiquan Jings | Eight Trigrams and Five Elements |
| Wardoff (Peng) | Heaven (Chyan) |
| Rollback (Lu) | Earth (Kuen) |
| Press (Ghi) | Water (Kann) |
| Push (An) | Fire (Lii) |
| Pluck (Chai) | Wind (Shiunn) |
| Split (Lie) | Thunder (Jenn) |
| Elbow-Stroke (Zou) | Lake (Duey) |
| Shoulder-Stroke (Kau) | Mountain (Genn) |
| Forward (Jinn Bu) | Metal (Gin) |
| Backward (Twe Bu) | Wood (Moo) |
| Left (Sou Gu) | Water (Sui) |
| Right (Yu Pan) | Fire (For) |
| Center (Sung Dien) | Earth (Tu) |
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Regain Childhood Suppleness
Tao Te Ching (Daodejing) by Lao Tzu (Laozi)
Chapter 10
"While you
Cultivate the soul and embrace unity,
can you keep them from separating?
Focus your vital breath until it is supremely soft,
can you be like a baby?
Cleanse the mirror of mysteries,
can you make it free of blemish?"
- Translated by Victor H. Mair, 1990, Chapter 10
"By patience the animal spirits can be disciplined.
By self-control one can unify the character.
By close attention to the will, compelling gentleness,
one can become like a little child.
By purifying the subconscious desires one may be without fault."
- Translated by Dwight Goddard and Henri Borel, 1919, Chapter 10
"When the intelligent and animal souls are held together in one embrace, they can be kept from separating.
When one gives undivided attention to the vital breath, and brings it to the utmost degree of pliancy,
He can become as a tender babe.
When he has cleansed away the most mysterious sights of his imagination,
He can become without a flaw."
- Translated by James Legge, 1891, Chapter 10
Chapter 10
"While you
Cultivate the soul and embrace unity,
can you keep them from separating?
Focus your vital breath until it is supremely soft,
can you be like a baby?
Cleanse the mirror of mysteries,
can you make it free of blemish?"
- Translated by Victor H. Mair, 1990, Chapter 10
"By patience the animal spirits can be disciplined.
By self-control one can unify the character.
By close attention to the will, compelling gentleness,
one can become like a little child.
By purifying the subconscious desires one may be without fault."
- Translated by Dwight Goddard and Henri Borel, 1919, Chapter 10
"When the intelligent and animal souls are held together in one embrace, they can be kept from separating.
When one gives undivided attention to the vital breath, and brings it to the utmost degree of pliancy,
He can become as a tender babe.
When he has cleansed away the most mysterious sights of his imagination,
He can become without a flaw."
- Translated by James Legge, 1891, Chapter 10
"Can you coax your mind from its wandering
and keep to the original oneness?
Can you let your body become
supple as a newborn child's?
Can you cleanse your inner vision
until you see nothing but the light?
Can you love people and lead them
without imposing your will?
Can you deal with the most vital matters
by letting events take their course?
Can you step back from you own mind
and thus understand all things?
Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue."
- Translated by Stephen Mitchell, 1988, Chapter 10
and keep to the original oneness?
Can you let your body become
supple as a newborn child's?
Can you cleanse your inner vision
until you see nothing but the light?
Can you love people and lead them
without imposing your will?
Can you deal with the most vital matters
by letting events take their course?
Can you step back from you own mind
and thus understand all things?
Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue."
- Translated by Stephen Mitchell, 1988, Chapter 10
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Powell's Bookstore Visit
We went to Powell's "City of Books" Bookstore in downtown Portland today. Along for the trip were the adults: Alicia, Karen, Sean, and I. We took the children: Katelyn and Makenna (my granddaughters) and their two cousins, Casey and Ryan.
Everyone enjoyed the bookstore visit. Powell's is the largest bookstore in the Pacific Northwest.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Responding to Changing Circumstances
Lately, I have been reading the letters and short essays by the Roman philosopher, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, 4 BCE - 65 CE. Seneca was a wealthy Roman, influential writer, political advisor, and aristocrat. Many consider him a Stoic. He grew up in Spain. Once, he was banished to Corsica for seven years; and, later, ordered to commit suicide by the Emperor Nero.
"And we ought to make ourselves adaptable. We should not be partial to a rigid program but pass easily where chance has taken us without shrinking from change or plan or status, provided we do not fall into the vice of fickleness, which is an enemy to repose. Obstinacy is necessarily anxious and unhappy because Fortune often forces it askew, but fickleness is a more serious fault because it never holds its posture. Each, inability to change and inability to persevere, is hostile to tranquility. In any case, the mind must be recalled from externals and focus upon itself. It must confide in itself, find pleasure in itself, respect its own interests, withdraw as far as may be from what is foreign to it and devote itself to itself; it must not feel losses and must even construe adversity charitably."
- Seneca, On Tranquility, Section 14, p.99 in the Hadas' translation; online version transleated by Aubrey Stewart.
Letters from a Stoic. By Seneca. Translated with an introduction by Robin Campbell. Illustrated by Coralie Bickford-Smith. Hardcover Classics Series. New York, Penguin Classics, Reissue Edition, 2015. Index of persons, appendix, notes, 352 pages. ISBN: 978-0141395852. VSCL.
Seneca The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca: Essays and Letters
. By Seneca. Translated with and introduction by Moses Hadas. New York, W. W. Norton, 1958, 1968. 261 pages. ISBN: 0393004597. VSCL.
Stoicism: Bibliography, Links, Notes, Quotations, Reflections, Resources.
A hypertext notebook by Michael P. Garofalo.
Personally, I favor the metaphysics and natural philosophy of the Epicureans over the Stoics.
A hypertext notebook by Michael P. Garofalo.
Personally, I favor the metaphysics and natural philosophy of the Epicureans over the Stoics.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Let It Go
"To study Tai Chi Chuan means to learn to relax," were his first words to my beginners' class, and it was his constant message. "Relax. Let go of all tension, all hardness. Be soft. Hardness is the discipline of death; softness is the discipline of life. So, wherever you identify tension or hardness, let it go. Relax completely. This is what it means to study Tai Chi Chuan."
- The words of the Tai Chi Chuan Master Cheng Man-ch'ing, 1967. Gateway to the Miraculous: Further Explorations in the Tao of Cheng Man-ch'ing. By Wolfe Lowenthal, p. 41.
Gateway to the Miraculous: Further Explorations in the Tao of Cheng Man-ch'ing. By Wolfe Lowenthal. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, Frog Ltd., 1994. 124 pages. ISBN: 1883319137. Wolfe Lowenthal was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing from 1967-1975; and later taught Taijiquan at the Long River Tai Chi Circle. VSCL.
Relax (Sung) in Tai Chi Chuan
Relaxed, Loosened, Soft, Released
Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Notes, Resources, Instructions.
A hypertext notebook by Michael P. Garofalo.
Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Vancouver, Washington
Cloud Hands Taijiquan
"If we want to fold something up, we must first spread it out.
If we want to weaken something, we must first strengthen it.
If we want to get rid of something, we must first encourage it.
If we want to have something, we must first let it go.
This is called The Secret Wisdom:
That the soft and the weak shall overcome the hard and the strong."
- Dao De Jing, Chapter 36
Translated by Roderic and Amy Sorrell, 2003
Monday, December 18, 2017
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Tai Chi Chuan with Whisker's Man
Yang Taijiquan 37 Form of Master Cheng Man-ch’ing in 1940
1. Preparation: Standing, Step
2. Beginning: Raise Hands, Lower Hands
3. Ward Off Left
4. Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail: Ward Off L/R, Roll Back, Press, Push
5. Single Whip
6. Raise Hands
7. Shoulder Strike
8. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
9. Brush Left Knee, Twist Step
10. Play the Lute
11. Brush Left Knee, Twist Step
12. Step Forward, Deflect, Parry, Punch
13. Apparently Sealing, Seemingly Closing, Apparent Close, Push
14. Cross Hands, Embrace Tiger
15. Return to Mountain Brush Knee, Grasping Sparrow’s Tail, Single Whip
16. Rely on Fist Under Elbow
17. Step Back, Retreat, Repulsing Monkey 3X
18. Diagonal Slant Flying
19. Cloud Hands 4X, Single Whip
20. Snake Creeps Down
21. Golden Rooster Stands on Both Legs 2X
22. Kick with Right Foot
23. Kick with Left Foot
24. Turn, Kick with Left Heel
25. Brush Knees 3X, Punch Down
26. Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail, Single Whip
27. Fair Lady Works the Shuttles 4X
28. Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail, Single Whip
29. Snake Creeps Down Left Leg
30. Seven Stars of the Big Dipper Step Forward
31. Step Back, Ride the Tiger
32. Rotate and Turn Body, Sweeping Right Leg Lotus Kick
33. Bend the Bow, Shoot the Tiger
34. Step Forward, Deflect Block, Intercept and Punch
35. Apparent Close, Withdraw and Push
36. Cross Hands, Horse Stance
37. Conclusion: Feet Together, Hands Down, Standing
List of the 37 Movements, 1 page, PDF format, 4/15/2016
http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/chengform4.pdf
Cheng Man-ch'ing (1902-1975): Tai Chi Chuan Master
Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing was also known affectionately by one of his many nicknames - "Whisker's Man." Lots of pictures of him smiling - I like that.
1. Preparation: Standing, Step
2. Beginning: Raise Hands, Lower Hands
3. Ward Off Left
4. Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail: Ward Off L/R, Roll Back, Press, Push
5. Single Whip
6. Raise Hands
7. Shoulder Strike
8. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
9. Brush Left Knee, Twist Step
10. Play the Lute
11. Brush Left Knee, Twist Step
12. Step Forward, Deflect, Parry, Punch
13. Apparently Sealing, Seemingly Closing, Apparent Close, Push
14. Cross Hands, Embrace Tiger
15. Return to Mountain Brush Knee, Grasping Sparrow’s Tail, Single Whip
16. Rely on Fist Under Elbow
17. Step Back, Retreat, Repulsing Monkey 3X
18. Diagonal Slant Flying
19. Cloud Hands 4X, Single Whip
20. Snake Creeps Down
21. Golden Rooster Stands on Both Legs 2X
22. Kick with Right Foot
23. Kick with Left Foot
24. Turn, Kick with Left Heel
25. Brush Knees 3X, Punch Down
26. Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail, Single Whip
27. Fair Lady Works the Shuttles 4X
28. Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail, Single Whip
29. Snake Creeps Down Left Leg
30. Seven Stars of the Big Dipper Step Forward
31. Step Back, Ride the Tiger
32. Rotate and Turn Body, Sweeping Right Leg Lotus Kick
33. Bend the Bow, Shoot the Tiger
34. Step Forward, Deflect Block, Intercept and Punch
35. Apparent Close, Withdraw and Push
36. Cross Hands, Horse Stance
37. Conclusion: Feet Together, Hands Down, Standing
List of the 37 Movements, 1 page, PDF format, 4/15/2016
http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/chengform4.pdf
Cheng Man-ch'ing (1902-1975): Tai Chi Chuan Master
Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Resources, Reflections, Notes.
A hypertext notebook by Michael P. Garofalo.
A hypertext notebook by Michael P. Garofalo.
Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Notes, Instructions. By Mike Garofalo.
Cheng Man-ch'ing on UTube
There is a very good article by Master Wasentha Young titled "Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing's Design of the Yang Style Short Form." It is located in the recent Qi Magazine: Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness (Volume 27, Number 4, 2017, pp. 30-37.) Her instruction on pacing energetic flow levels at subsequences of dingdian, parts of the 37 form, were valuable.
Cheng Man-ch'ing on UTube
There is a very good article by Master Wasentha Young titled "Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing's Design of the Yang Style Short Form." It is located in the recent Qi Magazine: Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness (Volume 27, Number 4, 2017, pp. 30-37.) Her instruction on pacing energetic flow levels at subsequences of dingdian, parts of the 37 form, were valuable.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Cherish and Enjoy Old Age
Lately, I have been reading the letters and short essays by the Roman philosopher, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, 4 BCE - 65 CE. Seneca was a wealthy Roman, influential writer, political advisor, and aristocrat. Many consider him a Stoic. He was raised and educated in Rome. Once, he was banished to Corsica for seven years; and, later, ordered to commit suicide by the Emperor Nero.
"We should cherish old age and enjoy it. It is full of pleasure if you know how to use it. Fruit tastes most delicious when its season is ending. The charms of youth are at their greatest at the time of its passing. It is the final glass which pleases the inveterate drinker, the one that sets the crowning touch on his intoxication and sends him off into oblivion. Every pleasure defers till its last its greatest delights. The time of life which offers the greatest delight is the age that sees the downward movement - not the steep decline - already begun; and in my opinion, even the age that stands on the brink has pleasures of its own - or else the very fact of not experiencing the want of any pleasures takes their place. How nice it is to have out-worn one's desires and left them behind."
- Seneca, Letters, XII, p. 37 in the Campbell translation; online version by R. M. Gummere.
Letters from a Stoic. By Seneca. Translated with an introduction by Robin Campbell. Illustrated by Coralie Bickford-Smith. Hardcover Classics Series. New York, Penguin Classics, Reissue Edition, 2015. Index of persons, appendix, notes, 352 pages. ISBN: 978-0141395852. VSCL.
Seneca The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca: Essays and Letters
. By Seneca. Translated with and introduction by Moses Hadas. New York, W. W. Norton, 1958, 1968. 261 pages. ISBN: 0393004597. VSCL.
Stoicism: Bibliography, Links, Notes, Quotations, Reflections, Resources.
A hypertext notebook by Michael P. Garofalo.
Personally, I favor the metaphysics and natural philosophy of the Epicureans over the Stoics. The Stoics remind me of the Confucians, and the Epicureans remind me of the Taoist thinkers of around 300 BCE.
A hypertext notebook by Michael P. Garofalo.
Personally, I favor the metaphysics and natural philosophy of the Epicureans over the Stoics. The Stoics remind me of the Confucians, and the Epicureans remind me of the Taoist thinkers of around 300 BCE.
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