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Free Seminars with admission to the MMA expo - June 12 - 13, 2010

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2010-06-08T23:21:16-04:00

A unique free seminar with admission to the MMA Expo.
No experience necessary. Street clothing is suitable.
Register on site at Booth 116. Space is limited

Tai Chi - Martial Applications

- Sneaking up on trees is one thing. But what do you do when you catch one? Learn some of the martial applications of tai chi.

Tai Chi Tuishou (Pushing Hands) Clinic

- Many of the most useful “techniques” for mixed martial artists are found in the mid-range grappling skills of tai chi tuishou (Pushing Hands). Come and learn skills that can help you control your range, your mind, and your opponent.

Tai chi Internal Power Exercises. - Root, agility and instantaneous power.

- Sometimes it is not what you do but how you are. Internal martial arts like Tai Chi, Xingyiquan and Baguazhang, have a unique way of looking at body structure, and bio-energetics. This clinic will address some simple but effective exercises for improving your ability to generate power spontaneously from any position.

Tai Chi - Neutralizing skills

- Overcoming 1000 pounds with 4 ounces.

Xingyiquan five elements for MMA

- For nearly 1000 years, xingyiquan has been a preferred method for training soldiers quickly and effectively. It has also been well represented in full-contact matches throughout the past century. Learn the five punches that are at the core of xingyiquan training. Learn the solo and two person drills that helped made xingyiquan famous as a combat system.
- Click here to go to the official website.

Tai chi lessons online

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2010-02-21T19:48:58-05:00

Online lessons

Personal instruction is available through online video chat or through pre-recorded video exchange.
But regular tai chi video lessons are being posted almost daily on our youtube channel and at www.TaiChiCentral.com .
If you would like private instruction online, please contact the instructor personally.

Our Schedule is Changing.

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2010-02-21T18:25:51-05:00

Our Schedule is Changing.

With the move to the new and larger studio space, there will be some changes to our schedule and rate structure.

Rates for group lessons will range from $53 per month and up.
Private lesson rates vary from approximately $39 per hour to approximately $68 per hour.

See the schedule and rates by clicking here

Changes to Cloud Mountain's studio and website.

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2010-02-21T18:23:43-05:00

We are moving.

The new location as of March 1, 2010 is

18 Mississaga Street East.

We will share an entrance with True North Music. Come in the front doors and up the stairs.

New Schedule effective December 4, 2009

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-11-14T21:45:07-05:00

Great News!

The baby is now sleeping through the night.
This means that Daddy is more rested and can now resume

accepting new students!

• Private Lessons
• Group Lessons
• Seminars
• Online Lessons

CLICK HERE to see the new schedule.
Check out the new schedule and a revolutionary new approach to teaching tai chi and kungfu. In addition to traditional training methods, you can now choose our new Tai Chi Fitness and Kungfu Fitness classes, designed to help you achieve maximum benefit as quickly as possible, with no memorization required.

Ian Sinclair - Instructor

Ian Sinclair is an international champion with 30 years experience in martial arts and healing exercises. He has trained with many of the world’s top masters, and has taught several champions. He also works as a consultant and performer for film and television. Ian is currently Vice President of the Canadian Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Federation.

Remembrance Day

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-11-10T21:26:43-05:00

I will be teaching no daytime classes on November 11. Please join us at the ceremony, or come out for the parade. At the very least, turn off your phone at 11 am, and take a couple of minutes to remember.

October 2, 2009 Seminars and AGM of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-09-18T14:26:41-04:00

The Annual General Meeting for the Canadian Taijiquan (CTF) Federation will be held on October 2, 2009 in Guelph, Ontario. Students are encouraged to register now.
The demos are free. The workshops are $30 each or $50 for both for CTF members.
If you are not currently a CTF member I highly recommend joining. Membership is $35 and includes discounts on seminars and events, a subscription to Tongren magazine, and more. You can join online or join at the AGM.
Go to www.canadiantaijiquanfederation.com for more information.

SCHEDULE

9:00 –   9:30 Registration
9:30 – 11:30 Workshop 1
11:30 – 12:30 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the CTF
12:30 –   1:15 Lunch
1:30 –   3:30 Workshop 2
4:00 –   5:30 Public Martial Arts Demonstrations
5:30 –         Dinner downtown Guelph

This year the Annual General Meeting of the CTF will be held in Guelph, Ontario with a full day of activities.

There will be two CTF-sponsored workshops which members and non-members are invited to attend. Vendors and information booths will be set up for the day. Access to these and a showcase of martial arts demonstrations will be free of charge and open to the public from 4:00 to 5:30pm. The AGM is free and open to all members of the CTF.

DETAILS
9:00 – 9:30    Registration

9:30 – 11:30

Workshop 1: ARTICULATING THE TAO

Applying principles of articulation to the Taijiquan form. Explore the subtle and profound principles of articulation as they apply to the Taijiquan form. This seminar will be taught by three teachers with 90 years of combined tai chi experience in 5 styles of Taijiquan.

Workshop Instructors:

Steve Higgins
Cold Mountain Internal Arts,
Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario
Ian Sinclair
Cloud Mountain Martial Arts and Wellness Centre,
Orillia, Ontario
Jonathan Krehm
Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy,
Toronto, Ontario

Cost:

CTF Members – one workshop   $30
                      both workshops $50
Non Members – one workshop   $65
                       (includes CTF membership)
                       both workshops $85
                       (includes CTF membership)
Register online or at the door.
11:30 – 12:30 Annual General Meeting of the CTF
• Free
• No preregistration required
• CTF members only
12:30 – 1:15 Lunch
• bring in your own or eat out (lots of choice nearby)
1:30 – 3:30

Workshop 2: Principles of Promotion

A round table exchange of ideas for the establishment and promotion of T’ai Chi Ch’uan in our society

Workshop Instructors:

Cost:

CTF Members – one workshop $30 - both workshops $50
Non Members
– one workshop $65 (includes CTF membership)
- both workshops $85 (includes CTF membership)
• Register online or at the door.

4:00 – 5:30 Public Martial Arts Demonstrations

no charge
• all welcome
• Demonstrators: (TBA)

5:30 – Dinner downtown Guelph

Everyone welcome
• we will take a count for reservations
• pay for your own

Where have we been?

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-09-18T12:23:39-04:00

My attempts to make regular bi-weekly entries into this site have met a bit of a challenge lately, but a challenge that I embrace with great love and enthusiasm. At the age of forty-three, I became a father for the first time in August.

So, you will understand that I have been quite pre-occupied, with my wife and daughter becoming my main priority.
I must say that you never really appreciates the stories told by new parents until it happens to you. The the lack of sleep, the emotions, the joy, the sense of awe, the lack of sleep, the lack of sleep, the ...
I am starting to get back on track, and will be making more progress over the next month or so. In the meantime, thank you all for your patience and your support at this wonderful time.

COTTQA Tournament September 12, 2009 9 am - 6 pm

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-09-03T19:18:15-04:00

The 2009 Canadian Open Taiji Championships will be held at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183-5193 Sheppard Avenue (East), Scarborough, ON Canada M1B 5Z5
Admission is $10 for adults, Children get in free.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the following locations:
• Scarborough - please contact Patrick Wu 416 402-9780
• Downtown Toronto (Bay/College) - contact Evonne Tan 647 225-3288
• Toronto East at Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy at 245 Carlaw Avenue (Dundas/Carlaw) Mon - Fri 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Sat 10:30 am - Noon

Seminars with Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.- September 2009

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-08-27T19:17:24-04:00

Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei will be teaching seminars on Chen Style Tuishou and Taolu on September 5/6 and September 19/20, 2009. For more information, contact the Taishan Club.

Canadian Taijiquan Federation AGM - October 2, 2009

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-09-03T19:16:38-04:00

The Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Federation will be held on October 2, 2009 in Guelph, Ontario. A day of seminars, food, fun, and demonstrations. There will be no classes in Orillia on that day.
For further information go to the CTF website.

Online Instruction

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-08-03T19:15:32-04:00

In July, 2009 We began pre-production of a new series of instructional videos which will soon be available through this website.

The yin and yang of Hummingbirds

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-06-15T22:56:30-04:00

I find myself doing a lot of contemplating these days, as I anticipate the arrival of my first child. Even though work has never been more hectic, I find that I am provoked into philosophical musings more and more easily. This week I found myself particularly distracted by three little birds.

I was working on a lesson plan for an upcoming tai chi seminar when a nest of hummingbirds drew my attention. How could it not? I have never had such a clear view of a hummingbird nest, and have never had the opportunity to observe one feed its young.

This nest is not exactly conspicuous. In fact, it took several minutes for my wife to explain the exact location to me, in spite me looking directly at it and belonging to one of the few species who can see colour. No one had seen this nest before yesterday, although the young are about 3 or four days old.

The hummingbird demonstrates the power of being small and inconspicuous, an example of the yang within the yin. The yang aspect of extreme yin is also shown whenever one observes a fragile baby of any species. Human infants, through their very extreme vulnerability exert an irresistible power over adults of their own species, and often over adults of other species as well. What we often find insufferable in teens and adults will prove absolutely endearing in an infant. Also, an infant crying alone at the side of a road will elicit a very different response from the one evoked by a 45-year-old football player having a tantrum in the same place. This is how we grow less powerful by being stronger.

The hummingbird seems to exhibit some tai chi principles in reverse. For, while tai chi teaches us to cultivate slowness in order to achieve speed; it is the incredible speed of the hummingbird's wings that allows it to sit still in mid air, and even to fly backwards.

When we say that tai chi teaches us to use slowness to achieve speed, this can have two meanings. In one respect this refers to the profound efficiency of movement that is cultivated by the slow conscious practice of tai chi routines. Slow practice teaches us to move the body without resistance. This slow movement cultivates the potential for lightning fast reflexes and the pure expression of natural instinct. But in another respect, the use of slowness to achieve speed refers to the awareness of efficient structure and position. One learns through practice to recognise the most appropriate position and alignment of body and mind, thus eliminating unnecessary or irrelevant movement. "The fastest way to get somewhere is to already be there."

Watch the pure, effortless movement of the hummingbird, which seems to transcend space and time. The wings move faster than the eye can follow, yet the hummingbird seems constantly at ease. Ever still, ever moving, ever hidden, ever watchful; the hummingbird is quick to take action against intruders whether they be other hummingbirds at the feeder or nosey human paparazzi. (You learn that when you try to get close to a mother and her nest.)

Perhaps I am trying too hard to find tai chi lessons in a hummingbird nest. But as a tai chi teacher and student, it is both in our tradition and in my natural instinct to seek lessons in nature. And with my first child due in a few weeks, I will be taking notes as we watch these two chicks develop over the next two to three weeks.

Mixed Martial Arts Expo

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-06-05T09:38:39-04:00

June 6 and 7, 2009
Join us in Toronto for the 4th Mixed Martial Arts Expo to be held at The International Centre - Hall 5 (across from Pearson International Airport)
Aside from all the famous MMA celebrities, there will be tournaments, workshops, seminars, demonstration, and lots of great people who are devoted to improving the world through martial arts.

There will be no classes in Orillia this weekend as Ian Sinclair will be at the MMA Expo in Toronto answering questions about internal martial arts.

Come by the Cloud Mountain "Peace is Power" Booth and take the "Tai Chi Balance and Awareness Test".

Seminar June 27, 2009 Articulating the Tao

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-05-23T19:07:25-04:00

2 Seminars

Saturday June 27, 2009 at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 248 Westmount Road, Kitchener, Ontario
$100 for the full day. $60 for half day.
$15 discount for CTF members

Part 1: Articulating the Dao

2009, 9:30 a.m. - noon.
Applying principles of articulation to Taijiquan Form
with

Part 2: Principles of Promotion

1:30 - 4:30 p.m. A round table for the extablishment and promotion of Taijiquan in our society.

Seminar June 13: Understanding Self Defence

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-05-23T19:06:20-04:00

Date: June 13, 2009
Time: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location:
247a West Street North,
Orillia, Ontario
with Jeff Snow and Ian Sinclair

Physical and Psychological Tactics for Practical Self Defence including proven approaches to:

Edged weapon defense
Weapon retention
Pressure point control
Tactical Symmetry
and more

Jeff Snow has been an instructor for many years, teaching tactical self defence to the private and public sectors:

Canadian Forces
Intelligence Teams, pre and post deployment
O.P.P. Officers
O.P.P. TRU (Tactical Response Units) Team Members
GTA (Greater Toronto Area) Police Officers
Air Canada Pilots
Class & private instruction

He also provides executive protection for members of Parliament, to high and extreme risk individuals, and to celebrities.

"Bully Beatdown" show is a disgrace to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Martial Arts in General

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-05-12T22:58:19-04:00

"Bully Beatdown" show is a disgrace to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Martial Arts in General

I have said it before and I will say it again, “Reality Television” is an oxymoron. The latest example is a recent import from the U.S. called "Bully Beatdown" in which apparent victims of bullying are avenged by professional mixed martial artists. The bullies are supposedly challenged to a martial arts bout against a seasoned pro. If the bully is offered ten thousand dollars if they win the fight. Of course, they don't stand a chance. The bully is beaten, the ten thousand dollars goes to the initial "victim" and sometimes the bully even apologises. It is predictable but not realistic.

The show presents a parody of justice. It teaches the victim and the viewer to feel more powerful through the suffering of others. In other words, it aims to make bullies of us all.

As a martial arts instructor with thirty years experience in a variety of martial arts, and as a fan of MMA athletes such as George St. Pierre and Carlos Newton, I must say that I was quite disturbed to hear about this show, and only slightly relieved to discover that the show itself is a farce.

I will be participating in the Mixed Martial Arts Expo in Toronto next month, and I expect to hear nearly unanimous condemnation of the MTV show from fellow instructors and competitors. The concept of the show has apparently invoked a gag reflex in those to whom I have spoken to, so far.

The concept of a martial artist stepping in like Charles Bronson to avenge the bullied (essentially to "bully the bully") does not represent the spirit of Mixed Martial Arts, nor does it reflect the philosophy of martial artists in general. UFC and MMA organisations should take immediate legal action in order to stop this disgrace, and save the credibility of Mixed Martial Arts Franchises.

Fortunately, after watching several excerpts of the “Bully Beatdown” episodes via the world wide web, I can say with absolute certainty that the show is not real at all. The dialogue is clearly scripted. Each episode clearly features several actors and at least one stunt double. It is more WWF than MMA.

Nevertheless, I believe the show must be stopped, as it serves to invoke hatred and ignorance, and has the potential to to terrible harm to young people. It is also promotes an inaccurate view of traditional and modern martial arts.

Martial arts are terribly misunderstood. I should know. One of my favourite martial arts is tai chi (taijiquan), which most people think of as “old people sneaking up on trees.” Explaining the true nature of the art has taken up a large part of my life.

There are many reasons why people start learning martial arts. Most learn martial arts for the broad range of benefits for mind, body and spirit.

But one of those reasons is, admittedly, for the defence or reinforcement of ego. Some boys and immature men do start training in martial arts in order to “beat other men.” They may say that it is for self defence, but the truth is that some want to experience the sense of power and confidence that comes from defeating another person in combat. Years ago, one aspiring sixteen-year-old actually wrote on his application form that his reason for wanting to learn from me was, as he said, “So I can break people.” It read, to me, like a cry for help and I immediately knew that I had to teach him. Through proper training, one learns to transcend the immaturity that leads to such primitive emotional impulses. Students learn instead that true fulfillment and self-worth is found in what you can do for people, not in what you can do to them.

Elite fighting skill depends on far more than martial techniques and physical conditioning. Just like any elite sport, there is a great deal of mental, emotional, and “spiritual” cultivation involved.

Violence of some sort exists everywhere. Martial arts are a means of skillfully seeking peace and security in an inherently violent world. This starts with self-cultivation of mind, body and spirit. Trained martial artists, in the process of learning to defeat external opponents, must learn to conquer the internal enemies. Fear, anger, hatred, worry, and bitterness fall away as one discovers the toxic and self-destructive nature of the ego.

Non-martial artists are victims of violence that comes from within as well as from external sources. While the skilled martial artist uses superior skill and awareness to avoid conflict, the untrained person often falls victim to egotistical and fearful responses that lead them into increasingly dangerous situations. Ego impairs awareness and judgement, and interferes with the cultivation of high-level martial skill.

As martial artists, we must learn to know our enemy and know ourselves. We do not learn much about anyone by hating them. We will also never be able to know their mind without first understanding our own.

I cannot accept that any trained martial artist of any style would see vengeance as an effective means of ending the cycle of violence. I am sure that the overall trends in history, martial arts, sociology, and court systems would support me on this.

A show like Bully Beatdown is, at best, junk-food for the untrained mind. It is a disgrace to martial artists everywhere, and an insult to the intelligence of the viewer. Those who watch it will learn nothing about martial arts, and risk becoming worse people for having done so. As a martial artist, I would like the show wiped from the face of the earth in order to prevent any further damage to the martial arts.

At worst, I see Bully Beatdown as a vehicle for promoting hatred and stupidity. It has the potential to do real harm to young people who watch it. As a caring citizen, I believe the show should be banned, for the damage it can do to our society.

It has been suggested that the show could be banned for violation of hate laws. But such action may prove unnecessary. I cannot imagine that the show will sell well once people realize its true nature. If it does continue to sell, however, then society may already be in worse shape than I thought.

Ian Sinclair
- Instructor, Cloud Mountain Martial Arts
- Vice President, Canadian Taijiquan Federation

Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form.

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2009-03-12T23:30:30-04:00

This series of clips resulted from a discussion about fighting principles and martial applications found in the 24 form tai chi routine. There are several possible applications for each part of a taiji routine. These applications can include striking, kick, throws, joint control and pressure point manipulation.

Here, Ian Sinclair of Cloud Mountain Martial Arts demonstrates some techniques and principles with Curtis Holmberg.

View this as a discussion and exploration of concepts, not as a bible of techniques.
Also, remember that for any technique to work properly, the correct method must be applied with the proper tool. The method is found in tuishou practice (push hands), and the tool is refined in solo qigong and form practice.

In case you are not familiar with the 24 form, is is a simplified standard routine based on the traditional long routine of Yang Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi). The long routine requires one to three years to learn and takes 20 - 40 minutes to perform.
The 24 form was created in 1956 as part of the People's Republic of China National Fitness Program. A demonstration of the 24 form is at the bottom of this entry.

Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form. Part 1

Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form. Part 2

Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form. Part 3

Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form. Part 4

Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form. Part 5

Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form. Part 6

Fighting concepts from tai chi 24 form. Part 7

The complete 24 form.

Annual General Meeting of the CTF

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-09-26T13:31:05-04:00

A reminder from Steve Higgins about the CTF A.G.M.

Greetings all,

This Saturday there will be an Open House at Cold Mountain Internal Arts,
Calvin Presbyterian Church, 248 Westmount Rd. E., Kitchener ON.

Come to see performances of Tai Chi, and other related arts!
We'll start about 2:00 p.m.
Admission free!

It will be preceded, for CTF members, by the Annual General meeting of the
Canadian Taijiquan Federation, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Hoping to see you there!

Steve H.

No Classes Saturday September 26, 2008

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-09-26T13:29:26-04:00

There will be no classes Saturday, September 27.
We will be attending the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation in Kitchener, Ontario.

Dave Harris June 10, 1939 - September 9, 2008

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-09-17T11:43:07-04:00

It is with a sad heart that I pass on the news that Sensei Dave Harris has passed on.

Dave Harris MFA was a legend in life to those who knew of him. But he never sought fame, even though he could have owned the spotlight if he wanted to. In the words of Jesse Glover, “Dave Harris is one of the greatest unknown martial artists in the world.”

Those who knew of Dave’s skills were in awe of him. His abilities to sense intent and redirect energy made for some magical demonstrations. Those most impressed were experienced martial artists with considerable skill themselves.

When people first begin to learn martial arts they see the many styles as being very from each other. In fact they are just different paths up the same mountain. When a master approaches the top of the mountain all paths converge. Dave Harris was one of those to whom all martial arts were the same. This showed in his skill as well. As Andy Dale has said, “When aikidokas watched Dave they thought he was doing excellent Aikido. A wing chun student assumed he was doing soft style wingchun. a taiji person would assume Dave’s art was taiji and the bagua practitioner, bagua. After forty-five years of study, they were all the same to Dave.”

Perhaps one of the reasons that he was not better known was the fact that many of the skills that he demonstrated were often misunderstood by less experienced martial artists. He would invite visiting experts to attack him full force with all their cunning and skill. When they subsequently picked themselves off the ground, both the “attacker” and the spectators would be at a loss to explain what he had done. He could manipulate your mind and your frame reference in very subtle ways. He did so seemingly by employing a degree of rapport that left you convinced that you must have wanted to fall down. He could uproot you with a glance, and would often tease his students and others by keeping them on the edge of balance and unable to either recover or to fall.

Dave was a humble and generous teacher who never withheld secrets that could be shared. His teaching often extended beyond the regular class times.

Dave had been teaching ”Beginner’s Mind Karate” in Seattle since the early 1960s and also learned from such notable martial arts teachers as Tchoung Tatchen, Raymond Y.M. Chung, Yueng Fook, and many others. His styles included karate, aikijutsu, baguazhang, wingchun, and taijiquan. He was a certified teacher of Tchoung’s tai chi system, and the heir to Master Yueng’s system. (Current heirs to that system now include Andy Dale and Steve Smith.)

He was also an artist, art teacher, potter and jazz aficionado. (and who knows what else?)

In recent years, Dave had switched to a lighter teaching schedule in order to spend more time caring for his wife Geri. But his Monday and Wednesday classes will be greatly missed by his students.

Please take a moment to pray for or send good thoughts to Dave’s family, friends and students.

There are memorials to Dave Harris at www.wuji.com the www.thelittledojo.com

To Dave Harris, we owe a great debt of gratitude for a life well lived, an example well set, and a legacy that we will not forget.

- Ian Sinclair

Grand Master Chen Zheng Lei to teach in Ontario Novemeber 8-9.

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-09-17T09:28:54-04:00

Grand Master Chen Zhenglei is one of the great masters of our time. It is with excitement that I am able to relay the news of his upcoming seminars in Richmond Hill, Ontario (just outside of Toronto). I have had the great good fortune to take classes with master Chen in the past. He is a wonderful teacher who shares skill that is both subtle and profound. And, of course, he is a really nice guy.

The seminars are being hosted by the Taishan School of Martial Arts and Master Jack Yan - a formal disciple of Grand Master Chen. Jack Yan is a highly respected master of Chen Taijiquan, Yang Taijiquan, and Tongbeiquan.

For local students in Orillia, registration forms are available here at Cloud Mountain Martial Arts. For the rest of you, please go to the Taishan School web site at www.taishanclub.com for more information.

Online video instruction coming soon.

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-09-17T09:21:19-04:00

While there has been some delay, the instructional videos are currently in production and will be online soon. If all goes as planned, the first few videos will be posted by the end of this month. Many of the upcoming videos will be free online, while some will be custom videos designed for current students who are either training in Orillia or taking private lessons online.

Please forgive the delay. I have been very busy lately designing curricula, lesson plans, such. Fortunately there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I will be back to a more predictable schedule soon.

August News

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-07-30T16:11:52-04:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer.

The July seminars were a great success! Thank you to those who attended.

I haven’t had a full day off since March, and I am now visibly worn out. So, my wife and I are taking a much need vacation, heading into the woods of Northern Ontario. We will be gone for about two weeks. We will be neo-luddites incommunicado. So don’t leave too many messages on the phone. Feel free to e-mail as much as you like. We will get the messages when we return home.

The school will be closed to regular classes from August 2 - August 17.

Class enrolment in increasing lately, so we have added some new classes to the fall schedule. Some more classes may be added if the demand continues to grow. The changes will be posted on the Schedule & Rates page.

Summer Seminars

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-06-07T19:24:18-04:00

During the month of July Cloud Mountain will be hosting a number of seminars, including brief evening lectures, half-day workshops, full-day seminars, and week-long day camps. Some of these seminars will run contingent upon enrolment. So, sign up soon and spread the word.

CLOUD MOUNTAIN MARTIAL ARTS DAY CAMP
For teens and adults. All levels. No experience required.
Monday - Friday / 8 am - noon / July 8 - July 26
Orillia Ontario, Canada
www.cloudmountainmartialarts.com
705-770-0279
Individualised instruction including:
Basic training, qigong, solo forms, two-person routines, tuishou, applications, more...
Week One: Taijiquan
Week Two: Xingyiquan
Week Three: Baguazhang
Each day will include basic wushu training and conditioning.
1 week: $ 195, 2 weeks: $ 395, 3 weeks: $ 495

HEALTH
TAI CHI

Though it is known as a martial art, most of the millions who practise tai chi do so for their health. Its medical benefits are the frequent subject of medical studies.

Introduction to Tai Chi (Lecture & Demonstration)
Fri. July 11, 6:30 - 9 pm $15 How is tai chi so good for health? How is it different from other exercise? What does it do for the different systems in the body? Can it help heart disease and hypertension, arthritis, asthma, allergies. Can it help cancer patients?

Tai Chi for Your Health
Sat July 12, 2 pm - 6 pm $55 Learn the rarely taught core principles of alignment, breathing, relaxing, and calming the mind. Will include simple movements and basic postures, No experience necessary.

QIGONG

Medical Qigong for Beginners
Sun. July 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $85 Learn the qigong exercises which are increasingly being used in hospitals, clinics, and daily life to improve health, strengthen the function of the internal systems, and treat various conditions.

Daoist Qigong for Beginners
Sat. July 26 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. $45 Daoist qigong has been used for millennia as a tool for achieving longevity as well as for spiritual cultivation. It is also an important adjunct to internal martial arts training.

MARTIAL ARTS

INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS (Lecture, Demo, and Video)
Fri. July 18, 7 - 9 p.m. $20 There are more than 120 different styles of Chinese wushu (kungfu). Learn some of the differences. Includes video presentations, physical demonstration, stories, philosophy, history, and Q & A.

INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS Taijiquan, Baguazhang and Xingyiquan
Sat July 19, 2 pm - 7 pm $50 Learn the power training and strategies of the Internal Martial Arts that were made famous in the Imperial Palace of the Qing Dynasty.

TUISHOU (“Pushing Hands”) & the MARTIAL TECHNIQUES of TAI CHI
Learn why the original fame of tai chi was due to its effectiveness as a means of self defence. TUISHOU (PUSHING HANDS) Sun July 20, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $45 The “secret weapon” of traditional tai chi. Learn to “neutralize 1000 pounds with 4 ounces.” MARTIAL APPLICATIONS OF TAI CHI Sun July 20, 2:30 pm - 6 p.m. $45 Learn the applications hidden in the tai chi routines. Learn how important tuishou training is for making the techniques work. Both Seminars: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. $79

SELF DEFENCE for WOMEN (Level 1)
Sun, July 27, 10 am - 5 pm $75 Combining the gentle strategies and mental training of the internal martial arts with the proven techniques used by military & law enforcement personnel.

We now have air conditioning!

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-06-07T18:47:59-04:00

After 3 summers sweating it out and trying to get a breeze flowing through the studio. I have finally decided to splurge on an air conditioner. It arrived just in time for the hot weather on Friday. Reviews so far are quite good.

Yet, when I mentioned the air conditioning to fellow instructors and school owners from other styles. The immediate reactions is usually a blunt suggestion that we at Cloud Mountain are a "bunch of wimps." They may say it with a smile and a hint of envy. But it does speak of a long tradition of welcoming extreme weather as a valued training partner and worthy opponent.

For those of us from traditional martial arts backgrounds, air conditioning seems a bit like selling out. Several of my teachers have admonished their students for not continuing to train during inclement weather. Teachers from places like Szechuan were certainly accustomed to inclement weather. The practised in the extreme heat and humidity of the summer, and in the extreme cold of winter. They practised year-round in cramped rooms with no insulation or even outdoors. Part of the conditioning was to make the body and mind impervious to the influences of the weather. They would certainly not have thought highly of students who required climate control in order to continue practice.

I justify the air conditioning by explaining that the demographic of this school is not like other martial arts schools. We have a students from a wide age range, various health conditions, and different cultural and geographical origins. Seniors certainly appreciate the cooler air, and most students (not just the women) seem to like the improved aroma.

We have a full slate of classes and seminars planned for this summer. So I expect the air conditioning will get a bit of a workout. Perhaps, with this added level of comfort in the studio, so will the rest of us.

Ian Sinclair to teach at Mixed Martial Arts Expo June 21-22

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-06-07T18:25:46-04:00

Ian Sinclair will be offering two of the more than 100 seminars expected at the Mixed Martial Arts Expo which takes place at the Toronto International Centre on June 21 - 22.
This is one of the biggest martial arts events in North America. We would like to encourage everyone to either participate in the seminars or attend as spectators.
This is the third year for this event. It has received rave reviews, and promises to be even more exciting this year.

For more information, see the MMA Expo Website:
http://www.mixedmartialartsexpo.com/index.htm

Traditional Martial Artists (TMA)

hands-on seminars on many of the traditional martial arts
try a new martial art that you've often wondered about
check out this brief video from 2006 - click here
General Public - Just a fan? Or thinking about taking up martial arts?

participate in FREE Martial Arts 101 sessions
get all the info you need to find the right school for you
catch all the action and meet top MMA Celebrities

Everyone - LOTS of contests, draws and raffles. For a list - click here
MMA Fighters/Students - 100+ hands-on seminars just for you

hit the mats with some MMA greats
OJA sanctioned/NAGA ranked Grappling Tournament - click here

MMA Fight Fans - meet UFC, PRIDE and TKO Champions!

Get autographs and photos ~ Ring Girls and MMA celebrities
shop for fan apparel and collectibles

Spring 2008

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-05-02T17:43:33-04:00

It has been just over three years that Cloud Mountain Martial Arts and Wellness Centre has been at this location. As predicted, it seems that is about the length of time it takes for people to start acknowledging the existence of a new business. People are now coming in and asking how long we have been here, invariably to be surprised that they didn't notice us sooner.

When people do come in, however, they realise that they know more about us than they thought. Word of mouth advertising has been working far better than anything we could have paid for. People who know about us do talk about us and recommend us to their friends and family. After three years in one location, the neighbours might not know exactly where we are. But they know what we do.

The word isn't just spreading around town, either. It is spreading around the world. We have already had visitors from the USA, Europe, Japan and Australia come by to visit and to train. And with the online classes allowing us to teach around the world, making an appointment for a private lesson is almost as easy for a European as it is for an Orillian.

I find the international interest in what I do to be very flattering. We all know that there are many masters out there more famous than I am, with better skill and experience than I have. But for some students, my teaching method and knowledge base seems to work for them. I know that not every teacher is right for every student, and not every student is right for every teacher. But when there is a functional rapport, it is like destiny. (緣分 yuánfèn)
I am learning to trust destiny. It has been working out well for me so far. Some students will not like what I have to offer, and I turn some students away if I think there is a better teacher for them. I trust that they will find what is right for them, and I will find the right students for me.

For, when a student does find that this school is for them, I take it as a solemn responsibility to be as generous and fair with them as my teachers have been with me. Masters Liang and Masich, in particular, were never shy about giving me the best teaching at the appropriate time. I was sometimes a terrible student, and sometimes disrespectful, selfish and lazy. But they never gave up on me. And while I may not have done all that I could to earn the respect they have shown me, I can certainly try to learn from their example.

So, Cloud Mountain Martial Arts and Wellness Centre enters a new phase. I re-affirm my dedication to my students. I will do the best I can to gain knowledge, to share knowledge, and to be the best teacher I can be. I will continue to teach not just to pass on the physical, mental and emotional skills of the internal arts, but to seek internal and external balance, harmony and peace. I will do what I can to make the World a better place, one person at a time.

Circles and Straight lines: Tai Chi's direct approach to combat.

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2007-02-19T10:51:13-05:00

The Warrior's Peace

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2003-01-23T21:22:54-05:00

The Warrior's Peace - Part I
by Ian Sinclair

“I am not a pacifist. I don’t believe in passive anything.”
- Mahatma Gandhi

When I tell people that I teach “martial arts - not violence,” it becomes clear that few people truly understand the nature of martial arts, just as few understand the real nature of peace.

It doesn’t help that the particular martial art that I specialize in is one of the most misunderstood. Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan, or Tai Chi for short) is one of the most famous martial arts in the world. There are innumerable stories about tai chi masters who, in spite of their size, age, or gender, have defeated opponents who were seemingly more formidable than they. But to many people today, Tai Chi seems like “old people sneaking up on trees”. The most recognizable element of the art - the slow, graceful movements - may seem relaxing, and there is growing scientific evidence of the health benefits. Yet even some people who practice taijiquan cannot conceive of it being effective for self defense.

Tai Chi Chuan belongs to a category of Chinese martial arts called “internal martial arts”. It includes a physical workout that can be adapted for any age or fitness level. But the primary focus is on the harmonious cultivation of mind, body, and spirit through the refinement of subtle internal alignment, the co-ordination of deep tissue, and the cultivation of qi (internal energy). Other traditional martial arts, such as karate, train these aspects also.
But the order in which “internal” and “external” aspects are taught is different. (I must note that don’t believe that there is such a thing as a superior martial art, only superior martial artists.)

To practice any traditional martial art is to constantly seek balance and harmony within an inherently violent world. To create peace in our daily lives requires constant effort, and great skill. As long as we think, feel and breathe, then balance and peace will be elusive. We must seek them constantly or lose ourselves to war and death. When we wait for times of war to struggle for peace, it is like starting to dig a well when we are already thirsty. Likewise, if we wait until someone attacks us before we seek balance, we have already lost.

A physical attack is someone trying to upset our balance, by striking us, throwing us, or killing us. Balance cannot be maintained if it doesn’t exist in the first place. So, the martial artist cultivates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance; and learns that these are all one and the same. When balance is strong, defending it is easy.

If, out of fear, we attack an enemy that we don’t understand, and abandon our principles to do so, then we will have lost the war before we fire a shot. We will have sacrificed our balance to attack the person who threatens it. This is like a nation suspending human
rights in order to "protect freedom".

Learning techniques to defend yourself is pointless if you don’t feel worth defending. Likewise, it makes no sense for a country to spend all its money on a military defense of its way of life, while not investing in that way of life. Yet people and nations often fight to avoid their own internal problems.

Martial arts are not methods to become successful at violence. Violence is much easier than that. In fact, all we need to do to increase the violence in the world is do nothing. The inherent self-destructive tendency of any closed system, family, society, or geopolitical entity will inevitably prevail unless energy is administered for the maintaining of balance, peace, health, expression, and continued creation.
I once asked a student of mine (a beleaguered Physics student at UBC) how things were going. Her desperate reply was, “Entropy is winning.” We don’t create wars. We allow them to happen by not actively creating peace. Violence, whether international war, or a dispute between two neighbours, happens after a considerable time is spent being complacent about our neighbours’ well being, and about our own inner peace.

If, through our cowardice, we choose to bathe in our own opulence, or obsess about our own hardships, then we are not actively engaging the World. We cannot see how our own selfish actions offend our family, friends, neighbours, allies, or enemies. We will be the victims of terrorism who cannot fathom what we did to provoke an attack. In fact, we will have done nothing, and that is precisely the problem. The guilt of the terrorism is clearly on the heads of the terrorists. But the responsibility for the state of the world lies with each and every one of us.

No one deserves pain. But that is irrelevant. Retribution will come surely to any who do not take responsibility for the happiness of their enemies. We are all responsible for the world being the way it is. And we must each accept total responsibility for actions or inaction that
will affect people around the world today. We might not know how our actions affect the movements of the planets. But ignorance is not innocence, nor is it bliss.

Our own ignorance is the cause of our own misery. Martial artists must develop a profound awareness of their World, and of the oneness of mind, body, and spirit. With practice they will realize that there is no separation between thought, emotion, and action. They will also see the separation of people and things as an illusion created by the ego.

Every thought we have, no matter how subtle, creates an emotional response. And every emotional response has a physical effect. Knowing this enables a martial artist to seemingly read an opponents mind; and helps us understand how close friends or lovers are able to know what the other is thinking. This is also behind a lot of other so-called “mystical” abilities.

Have you ever experienced a relationship that was so harmonious that both people would finish each others’ sentences, or sigh at the same time. Have you ever thought of someone just as they phoned you? Can you have that kind of rapport with your enemy? For that matter, can you have that kind of relationship with yourself? I often tell my students that, if you want to be able to read your opponent’s mind, you should practise by reading your own. If you can be aware of the subtle workings of your own mind, you will find that it is
relatively easy to know the intent and motivations of others.

Every successful military strategist will tell you that it is essential to know your enemy and to know What few of them bother to mention, however, is that you can never learn anything about anyone by hating them.

“Hatred is a poison, which we drink ourselves and hope that it makes our enemy sick.”
- a native proverb

Our unconscious actions can cause others to hate us, or cause hatred to become anger. Anger is the hatred of hatred. If we do not understand the anger of our enemy, it is because we are not aware of our own hatred towards them. We might say, “I don’t hate them. I don’t even think about them.” But there is no easier hatred than indifference. If our awareness is limited, and our actions are self-serving, then we are certain to become the
targets of malice.

To be able to know how an enemy is going to attack requires sensitivity, awareness and understanding. To respond appropriately to the attack requires wisdom, hope, and compassion. These qualities: sensitivity, awareness, understanding, wisdom, hope, and compassion are all expressions of love, the opposite of fear, and the fundamental attributes of a master warrior.

Courage is not an attribute of a master warrior, though it is often a useful tool for fighters. Courage is an aspect of fear. It is a coping mechanism which heightens our short-term awareness and gives us the energy to fight or flee. When a person is afraid, then the back tightens around the kidneys and adrenal glands. This pulls the shoulders and head back, affecting balance. The chest is then automatically forced to bravely stick out as a counterbalance. If there is fear with no courage, then there is no balance. However, fear continues to destabilize the person whether it is balanced by courage or not. Courage may balance fear temporarily, but it does not truly stabilize the person.

Master warriors do not fear death or life; and they desire neither life nor death. They do not wish for the past to change, or hate the enemy for trying to destroy them. They do not cling to anger or regret.

Master warriors wage peace constantly; seeking the divine in every moment, every place, every person, and every thing. They understand that true victory only comes through the disciplined, compassionate, unrelenting search for the ultimate point of balance that can only be attained through the perfection of unconditional Love.

copyright © 2003, Ian Sinclair

CLOUD MOUNTAIN MARTIAL ARTS & WELLNESS CENTRE
Taijiquan, Qigong, & Wushu
(Tai Chi, Chi Kung, & Kungfu)
247A West Streeet North
Orillia, Ontario. L3V 5C9
705-770-0279
www.cloudmountainmartialarts.com

"No Such Thing as a "Martial-Arts-Style-Beating"

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2008-01-10T15:35:39-05:00

This letter was written to the Packet in Times in Orillia in response to an article printed on Tuesday January 8, 2008.

It was with great dismay that we learned of the attack on Sunday morning by assailants who are alleged to have used “nunchucks” in the attack.

But we were also appalled to read the article describing the attack as a “Martial-arts-style beating” and claiming that the alleged assailant, who is charged with attempted murder, “tore a page form a martial-arts textbook”

There is no such thing as a “martial-arts-style beating!”, and there is no martial arts textbook that advocates such a beating.

It is true that the nunchaku is used by martial artists of several styles (it has many forms and names throughout Asia.) But it originated as a farming implement used to thresh rice or soybeans. So, perhaps you could call Sunday’s unfortunate attack a “farmer-style beating.”

To further this point, please ask yourselves the following question. Since police are the most likely people to carry handguns in this country, would you describe any murder committed using a handgun as a “police-style murder?” I would hope not.

There are at least nine martial arts schools in Orillia. And I am sure that all are equally dismayed by the event on Sunday morning.

As martial arts teachers, we see our profession as a calling to improve the lives of our students and to make the world a better place. Along with teaching practical self-defence, we see the arts we practise as providing many physical, mental and emotional benefits. Beyond that, we actively promote confidence, health, peace of mind, social responsibility, honour, and the traditional martial virtues of compassion, respect, and self-sacrifice.

Our students should be able to defend themselves first by avoiding conflict and the causes of violence. This requires the students to develop an awareness and understanding of their own minds and internal conflict. A calm mind and relaxed body are the first step to developing the body as a weapon. Students who cannot achieve inner peace will never achieve great skill.

Decisive physical action only makes sense when all else has failed. Those who “live by the sword” tend to “die by the sword.” This is a practical consideration, not merely an idealistic one. Strategically, it is not wise to make the first move. But the mind must be trained to recognise when the first move has been made, and intercept it. The violent mind is not capable of making that distinction.

There is no first attack in martial arts. It is not only unethical, it is also simply a bad strategy.

Ian Sinclair
Cloud Mountain Martial Arts
Orillia, Ontario
705-770-0279
www.cloudmountainmartialarts.com
"I have learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to be expected only from the strong." -Leo Rosten

How important is tuishou (push hands)?

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2007-12-19T22:10:11-05:00

How essential really is push hands? Can we not learn or advance in tai chi without it? Are we not doing real tai chi without knowledge of push hands?

Push hands is a defining characteristic of taijiquan. Along with qigong, forms and application practice, push hands contributes to the physical, mental, spiritual and psychological development of a taiji player. It is seen as a continuation of the practical development that begins with the solo routine and qigong.

Few schools teach tuishou to beginners.
Most schools have optional tuishou classes so that students who do not wish to engage in the practice are not required to do so. There is so much to be gained from the solo practice that most student of taijiquan do very little if any tuishou practice. Even among those who do, few approach the depth or intensity of practice that is possible.

If you are seeking high level martial skill in taiji, it is pretty safe to say that push hands is essential. But push hands is useful even if your purpose for learning taiji is more health and fitness related, or you practice as a means of achieving peace of mind.

Martial arts in general are often practised more for their benefits to mental and physical well-being than for pure combat skill. The reasons for this are deep and complex.

One thing that I tell my students is that push hands - like sanshou, suaijiao, and fencing - is an excellent form of biofeedback. If you want to know if your posture is correct, or to know if you mind is clear, or to know if you are in harmony with the universe then play push hands. If you lose your balance, use force, or get knocked over, then you will know that you have some work to do. Push hands can teach you what your mistakes are and help you to correct them, especially if you have a patient training partner.

If you don't have the opportunity to practice tuishou very often, then occasional practice will inform your solo practice. You can take the lessons learned in push hands and use them to refine your understanding of the forms and your qigong practice.

My teacher once told me that he doubted there were many high level qigong masters who were not also martial artists. I think this may be because martial study is a very efficient way of exposing the delusions, illusions and misperceptions of the ego.

Every thought carries an emotion, every emotion affects the physical body. Refining these things on our own is very difficult. It is like wearing a lamp on our foreheads and looking for our shadow. Solo practice just doesn't give us an objective point of view of ourselves the way push hands does.

There are many stages in push hands practice. And there are many ways to approach it. Beginners should practise in a co-operative and non competitive manner at least until they understand the basics of listening and following. Later it can be quite vigourous.

Having a good teacher, patience, and an open mind are most important.

Private Lessons, Group Lessons, Seminars, Online Instruction.
Tai Chi, Qigong, Wushu / Kung Fu, Self Defence, Fitness, Relaxation
Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Wushu / Kung Fu, Suaijiao, Sanshou, Tuishou, Qinna, Self Defence,
Instructor Training, Full-time and Part-time training.

Tuishou (Pushing Hands)

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2007-12-19T20:59:40-05:00

Pushing hands, (推手, tuī shǒu), is a name for two-person training routines practised in internal Chinese martial arts such as baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Taijiquan and Yiquan.

Tuishou is the gateway to the martial aspects of taijiquan. It teaches students the methods and strategies for neutralising an attack without resorting to brute force. Pushing hands counters the normal tendency to react to force with fear and aggression, and allows one instead to respond with natural instinct, softness, and emptiness.

“Health oriented” schools that avoid the martial context of taijiquan still teach tuishou for several reasons. Tuishou is not only used to teach combat skills, but to help students to understand the internal principles of the solo form. It also gives very clear feedback as to the alignment, precision, and relaxation in the student’s posture. The tiniest error in posture can be measured in the pressure or tension that builds up between players or within a person’s own body.

This is why tuishou practice, while often very vigourous, can also be relaxing, calming, and invigorating.

Training with a partner allows a student to develop “tingjing” (listening power), the sensitivity to feel the direction and strength of a partner's attack and redirect it. Tuishou provides a safe environment in which to develop high level martial skills that normal sparring practice seldom allows.

Many students are intimidated by the thought of tuishou. But with the right partners and a good teacher, anyone can find a way to enjoy and benefit from it. Tuishou practice refines form and technique in limitless detail, beginning with basic movement patterns and progressing to profound details in the ways that thought, emotion and postures interact.

The practice of tuishou becomes like a dance the increases in speed and complexity while simultaneously deepening relaxation and awareness.
The students learn to defeat the opponent without using force. Instead of force one develops a profound understanding of the power of softness and emptiness. At a basic level one neutralises the opponent’s force by applying minimal force at right angles to the direction of the opponents attack. At a deeper level, one defeats the opponent by “becoming one with the Universe“ or finding the part of the opponent’s mind that wants to be defeated and allowing that to happen.

The expression used in some taiji schools to describe this is "Give up oneself to follow another."

Pushing hands also teaches students safety habits in regard to their own vital areas, acupuncture points, principles of qinna aspects of massage. At a certain point, pushing hands begins to take on aspects of qigong, as the students learn to co-ordinate their movements in attack and defence with their breathing.

Pushing hands is said by Taiji's Chen family to have been created by Chen Wangting (1600-1680) the founder of the Chen style Tai Chi Chuan and was originally known as hitting hands (da shou) or crossing hands (ke shou). Chen was said to have devised pushing hands methods for both empty hands and armed with spears. Other Taiji schools attribute the invention of pushing hands to Zhang Sanfeng.

In recent history push hands has become a part of modern martial arts tournaments, especially those devoted to internal arts. Within this context, pushing hands is not an exercise to develop skill but a competitive sport.

Training pushing hands

In taijiquan, pushing hands is used to acquaint students with the principles of what are known as the "Eight Gates and Five Steps," eight different leverage applications in the arms accompanied by footwork in a range of motion which proponents say will eventually allow students to defend themselves calmly and competently if attacked. Also known as the "13 original movements of tai chi", a posture expressing each one of these aspects is found in all tai chi styles. Training and push hands competitions generally involve contact but no strikes.

The Eight Gates (八門 bā mén)

Peng (掤) - An upward expansive energy, forward or backward, yielding or offsetting usually with the arms, often translated as "Ward Off." Peng is also described more subtly as an energetic quality that should be present in every taiji movement as a part of the concept of "song" or relaxation, providing the strength to maintain structure when pressed and still avoid tension.
Lü (履) - A sideways, circular yielding movement, often translated as "Roll Back."
Jǐ (擠) - A pressing or squeezing offset in a direction away from the body, usually done with the back of the hand or outside edge of the forearm. Ji is often translated as "press" or “squeeze.”
àn(按) - To offset with the hand, usually a slight lift up with the fingers then a push down with the palm, which can appear as a strike if done quickly. Often translated as "push" or “press.”
Cǎi (採) - To pluck or pick downwards with the hand, especially with the fingertips or palm. The word cai is part of the compound that means to gather, collect or pluck a tea leaf from a branch. Often translated "Pluck."
Lieh (挒, liè) - Lieh means to separate, to twist or to offset with a spiral motion, often while making immobile another part of the body (such as a hand or leg) to split an opponent's body thereby destroying posture and balance. Lieh is often translated as "Split."
Zhǒu (肘) - To strike or push with the elbow. Usually translated as "Elbow Strike" or "Elbow Stroke" or just plain "Elbow." Zhou can include techniques with the knee.
Kào (靠) - To strike or push with the shoulder or upper back. The word k'ao implies leaning or inclining. Usually translated "Shoulder Strike," or "Shoulder."

The Five Steps (五步 wǔ bù):

jìn bù (進步) - Advance.
tùi bù (退步) - Retreat.
zǔo gù (左顧) - Look Left.
yòu pàn (右盼) - Gaze Right.
zhōng dìng (中定) - The central position, balance, equilibrium. Not just the physical centre, but a condition which is expected to be present at all times in the first four steps as well, associated with the concept of rooting (the ability to align the body and mind so that any force, whether internal or external is channelled directly into the ground through a relaxed body and a calm mind.

The Eight Gates correspond to the eight trigrams (Bagua 八卦) described in the Yijing (a classic of the Daoist Cannon.) The Five Steps correspond to the Wuxing 五行 (five elements) (metal, water, wood, fire, and earth.) Collectively they constitute what is referred to as the "Thirteen Postures" and form the essence of taijiquan. The late Master Jou Tsung Hwa presented the 13 postures as the “Master Key” of taijiquan, believing as many do that they defined the art. Following this train of thought, if anyone can embody the 13 postures in their art, whatever that art may be, they could be said to be practising taijiquan.

Self Defence

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2007-12-19T20:54:42-05:00

Important points:
Training is not Fighting

During practice, some element of real combat is always put aside, in order to enable students to practise safely. We may regulate speed, or accuracy, or intent, or power, or some other aspect. This is a matter of respect and common sense.

Your goal should be to develop profound skill and awareness. This can only be done in a relaxed state. Part of training is learning how to maintain this relaxed awareness in the face of increasing levels of conflict.

If you let your aggression take over, your pulse rate increases, epinephrine increases, you lose your general awareness and your fine motor skills. Without a calm mind and a relaxed body, there is no high level skill. In this state, you may get lucky and win a fight. But if you train this way you will learn nothing.

Sparring is not Fighting
Sparring is a way to develop specific skills. It must not be taken out of context.

Sparring has rules, is consensual, respectful, fair, and is done with respect for the safety of the training partner. None of this is true in fight.

Don’t come to class to fight! If you want to fight, enter a NHB tournament, and have all of your affairs taken care of.

Results depend on the goal.

If you train for health and fitness, you might not become the best fighter, and vice-versa.
If you train to become a better person, and keep that goal in mind, you will likely achieve your goal.

Martial arts are meditation

Meditation is the process of learning to understand and regulate your own mind. It is like learning to control your sails so the the winds and currents of thought, emotion, and physical circumstances don’t control your life. Martial arts training gives you instant feedback. Is your mind clear? Your opponent will let you know.

There is no best style.

There are superior students and superior teachers. There is no superior martial art. - End of topic.

You may look ridiculous when you practise.

Learn to live with that.

Sometimes you will also look like a god.

Don’t get hung up on that one either.

Train to be natural

Natural instinct is the ultimate weapon. Developing natural instinct takes lots of precise daily training.

Innovation is okay.

But it should be tested well. All ancient traditions were started by someone. The ones that lasted were the ones that worked.

Internal power includes external power.

Amongst the elite, there is often little talk about the superiority of internal or external styles. The elite will have mastered both. In fact, you can’t have internal power without the other.

Fight or Flight

Do one at a time. Don’t mix them up.

Compassion can be Fierce

Violence and suffering are often caused by fear and apathy. In the face of cruelty and suffering, we must be fearless and tenacious.

Balance is a Verb

Entropy wins when we take harmony for granted. And if we don’t constantly strive for better mental, physical, emotional and spiritual balance, we will meet defeated without meeting an enemy.

Respect

When we train with a partner, we salute our partner to indicate that we are each placing our safety in the hands of the other. This attitude is carried with us into the rest of our lives. We learn to take responsibility for others, and to trust them.

October 2007

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2007-10-01T20:30:50-04:00

OBBWC
Pure Martial Arts
Official Website: www.obbwc.com
Movie Trailer: OBBWC Trailer

Dear Instructor,

The martial art community needs your help and that of your students.

Martial arts, although widely participated in, have never received the high level of recognition and popularity that other sports have gotten. Considering how long the arts have existed, it has been only recently that they have been accepted into the Olympics.

This lack of recognition needs to change.

The 1st Open Black Belt World Championship (OBBWC) has taken the first big step by bringing pure martial art championships to the big screen. On October 20, 2007, the OBBWC will be featured in select Cineplex theatres throughout Canada. This one-time afternoon showing is an opportunity to view martial arts at its best.

The OBBWC promotes all martial art styles (Chinese, Japanese, & Korean) and encourages the martial art community to work and stand together. No matter what your art, you are a part of the martial art community and your attendance will help to further the recognition and popularity that martial arts deserve, and in turn help you.

Please inform your students of this showing and encourage them to attend. Through a communal effort, we can succeed!

Tickets and Cineplex locations can be found at www.cineplex.com

For every 10 people you bring, one free admission ticket will be awarded. For more information on this special go to www.obbwc.com or email us at kungfu@rogers.com

We look forward to having you attend.

With kind regards,

Werner Leuschner - Founder of the OBBWC

OBBWC Press Release:

For Immediate Release

1st Open Black Belt World Championship Hits the Big Screen
In High-Definition Exclusively at Select Cineplex Entertainment Theatres
Toronto, ON (CGX.UN) September 19, 2007 – Wing Chun & Escrima International Ltd and Cineplex Entertainment are pleased to announce for the first time ever, the release of The 1st OPEN BLACK BELT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (OBBWC) 2007 on the big screen in High-Definition Saturday October 20th, 2007, exclusively at select Cineplex Entertainment Theatres throughout Canada.

The OBBWC features international martial artists fighting in Chinese, Japanese and Korean disciplines, demonstrations from action movie stars and grandmasters, plus dazzling entertainment by world class group performers.

“We are pleased to offer our guests this exciting opportunity to see martial arts championship matches on our giant screens,” said Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. “It should be quite a show seeing these talented athletes dominating our 50-foot screens.”

Advance tickets are available beginning September 21st online at www.cineplex.com as well as at participating theatre box offices. Admission for children ages 3 – 12 and seniors is $9.95 + tax and general admission is $12.95 + tax.

Special guest appearances include…
* Michael Jai White – multiple black belt holder/actor “Spawn”, “Full Contact”, “Exit Wounds”, “Tyson” and a co-star in the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight”
* Cynthia Rothrock – martial artist/actress (more than 30 martial art movies)
* Don “The Dragon” Wilson –holder of 11 world titles in three different weight classes and world champion 11 years in a row/ actor (“Bloodfist” series), “Batman Forever”, “Redemption”, “Ring of Fire” and “The Last Sentinel”)
* Bill “Superfoot” Wallace – undefeated kickboxing champion and fastest kick, clocked at 100km/h
* Dan “the King of Breaking” Netherland’s attempt to break his Guinness Book of World Records
* Chad Netherland – holder of 10 Guinness Strength Records (including two in the 2008 Guinness Book of World Records edition)
* Performances by the Northern Leg/Southern Fist, Grupo Uniao Na Capoeira, Sifu Toy Chinese Martial Art School, Yudh Gatka Akhara, Grandmasters Germon Miller, Philipman Chow, Robert Cutrell and more.
The 1st Open Black Belt World Championship 2007 will be shown at the following select Cineplex Entertainment theatres throughout Canada:
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Colossus Langley Cinemas 20090 91A Avenue Langley, BC
SilverCity Riverport Cinemas 14211 Entertainment Way Richmond, BC
Cineplex Odeon Park & Tilford Cinemas 200-333 Brooksbank Avenue North Vancouver, BC
Galaxy Cinemas Nanaimo 213-4750 Rutherford Road Nanaimo, BC
Cineplex Odeon Aberdeen Mall Cinemas 700-1320 Trans Canada Highway Kamloops, BC
ALBERTA
Paramount Chinook Cinemas 6455 MacLeod Trail SW Calgary, AB
Cineplex Odeon Sunridge
Spectrum Cinemas 400-2555 32nd Street Calgary, AB
Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton 8882-170 Street Edmonton, AB
Cineplex Odeon South Edmonton
Cinemas 1525-99th Street Edmonton, AB
SASKATCHEWAN
Galaxy Cinemas Regina 420 McCarthy Boulevard N Regina, SK
Galaxy Cinemas Saskatoon 347 2nd Avenue Saskatoon, SK
MANITOBA
SilverCity Polo Park Cinemas 817 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB
ONTARIO
SilverCity Yonge-Eglinton Cinemas 2300 Yonge Street Toronto, ON
Cineplex Odeon Queensway
Cinemas 1025 The Queensway Etobicoke, ON
Coliseum Scarborough Cinemas 300 Borough Drive Scarborough, ON
SilverCity Richmond Hill Cinemas 8725 Yonge Street Richmond Hill, ON
Coliseum Mississauga Cinemas 309 Rathburn Road West Mississauga, ON
Colossus Vaughan Cinemas 3555 Highway 7 Vaughan, ON
SilverCity Thunder Bay Cinemas 850 North May Street Thunder Bay, ON
Galaxy Cinemas Barrie 72 Commerce Park Drive Barrie, ON
SilverCity Sudbury Cinemas 355 Barrydown Road Sudbury, ON
Galaxy Cinemas Waterloo 550 King Street N Waterloo, ON
Galaxy Cinemas Guelph 485 Woodlawn Road West Guelph, ON
SilverCity London Cinemas 1680 Richmond Street, London, ON
SilverCity Ancaster Cinemas 771 Golf Link Road Ancaster, ON
Cineplex Odeon Niagara Square
Cinemas 7555 Montrose Road Niagara Falls, ON
SilverCity Windsor Cinemas 4611 Walker Road Windsor, ON
Cineplex Odeon South Keys
Cinemas 2214 Bank Street Ottawa, ON
QUEBEC
Cineplex Odeon Brossard Cinemas 9350, boul. Leduc Brossard, PQ
Cineplex Odeon Ste. Foy Cinemas 1200 Boul. Duplessis Ste. Foy, PQ
Scotiabank Theatre Montreal 977 Ste-Catherine West Montreal, PQ
About OBBWC:
The OBBWC’s brainchild is Grandmaster Werner Leuschner, President of Wing Chun &
Escrima International and executive of seven different companies, which vary from land development to import/export. His goal is to unite all martial arts in friendship and to promote the sport to gain the same recognition as other world class events like boxing and the UFC.
About Cineplex Entertainment LP:
Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Cineplex Entertainment LP owns, leases or has a jointventure interest in 132 theatres with 1,329 screens serving approximately 60 million guests annually. Cineplex Entertainment LP is the largest motion picture exhibitor in Canada operating the following brands: Cineplex Odeon, Galaxy, Famous Players (including Coliseum, Colossus, SilverCity), Cinema City and Scotiabank Theatres. The units of Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund, which owns approximately 75.7% of Cineplex Entertainment LP, are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol CGX.UN). For more information, visit us at www.cineplex.com.
For more information, please contact:
Alex Leuschner OBBWC Communications Wing Chun & Escrima International Ltd. Phone: 519-746-9984 Cell: 519-573-1015
kungfu@rogers.com
www.obbwc.com
Georgia Sourtzis Manager, Communications Cineplex Entertainment 416-323-6728
georgia.sourtzis@cineplex.com

August 2007

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2007-08-30T08:27:13-04:00

After a 10 day break in early August we came back just in time to make last minute preparations for the the Annual Open Black Belt World Championships. We sent 3 competitors from our school, (Ian Sinclair, Johnathan Naughton, and Chris Follet) and were joined by our friend, Nic Langman, a Karate student of local Sensei Gill Gauthier. Some of you may remember Nic from his friendly visits to our club last winter.
To say that we were happy with the outcome would be an understatement. Ian Sinclair entered six events and placed first in all six. Chris Follet brought back four trophies - 3 second and 1 third. John Naughton won 2 second place trophies. Mr. Langman won first in the Semi-contact Kickboxing, and third in Okinawan Kata.
In addition to meeting some legendary martial arts figures and movie stars, we met competitors and masters from many countries. Martial artists from Africa, Brazil, Japan, China, India, Nepal competed, shared, taught, and demonstrated a great variety of styles, some of which we had never seen before.
The event had 200 registrants from 15 countries, although post 9/11 paranoia seems to have caused many competitors to be refused visas. The number of actual attendees was lower than hoped.
There was a great list of guests and dignitaries. The opportunity to visit with high ranking masters from a wide range of martial arts, made the event worth the trip. All of these VIPs agreed that the event itself was one of the best events they had ever seen. Very impressive for its first year.
The most noticeable thing about this event for the competitors was the obvious dedication of the promoters to make the show about the arts and the artists. The events were fair and well organised. The judges were all qualified and marked according to recognised standards.
Too many tournament promoters take advantage of the competitors’ money and time, and give them nothing of value in return. Judges are usually not trained to judge, and sometimes are not even martial artists. Promoters have been known to pick judges out of the audience on the day of the event. How many times have you been at a tournament and heard the words “Could we have a black belt judge to ring 7 please?” Such events make a mockery of themselves and of the competitors who attend. That is why so few schools encourage their students to attend open tournaments.
Fortunately this event has a good chance of changing all that. There was only one ring. The judges were chosen well ahead of time for their qualifications, and represented at least as many countries as the competitors did. The criteria for judging was determined and known well ahead of time by the judges and the competitors.
There were marvelous demonstrations of martial arts from many countries. Chinese Wushu, Sikh Gatka, Brazilian Capoeira, Japanese Jiu Jitsu, African Angolo, Korean Tae Kwan Do and Hapkido, American Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, and more.
There were celebrity demonstrations by Cynthia Rothrock, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, Dan and Chad Netherland, Michael Jai White, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Germon Miller, Klaus Schumacher, Jocelyn Toy, Robert Cutrell, and more.
My hat is off to Werner Leuschner, his family, and all those who helped him put on such a wonderful event.
And to those who missed it, you can watch the event in Cineplex Theatres across Canada on October 20.
All serious traditional martial artists should do their best to attend next year. You will be glad you did.
On another note:
Hong Luck Kung Fu, one of the oldest kung fu clubs in Canada, celebrated their 46th anniversary this August. Kara and Ian Sinclair had the good fortune to attend and join in congratulating Master Paul Chan and his many students.

July 2007

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2007-07-31T20:25:25-04:00

This summer was a very eventful on several fronts, in spite of what we missed. We missed the A Taste of China seminars in Winchester Virginia this year. (We will likely continue to miss them until the Bill of Rights is restored and the USA becomes a safer place to visit for people with odd professions and unusual surnames. )
Grandmaster Liang hosted a number of excellent seminars in Vancouver. But once again we were unable to attend them this year. Next year we hope to attend with several students from Ontario.
Sam Masich has been busy with seminars and travel. Again, we missed all of his events. Check out sammasich.com for more information about his upcoming seminars.
July started with a successful Canada Day demonstration at Couchiching park in Orillia. We booked a booth of our own this year and performed several demonstrations for appreciative crowds. Many thanks to Chris, John, Ron, Deb, Craig, Marianne, Betty, Kara, and Ian for participating in the demonstrations and helping with the setting up and tearing down.
Also in July, we held seminars for Qigong and Tai Chi. The Kali Escrima Seminar with Guro N. G. was unfortunately cancelled due to low enrolment. We will host another Kali Escrima seminar in November. The exact date will be announced soon.
The Kung Fu Boot Camp went ahead in July in spite of suffering from lower than anticipated enrolment. It was enthusiastically received by those who attended, however. So something similar will probably be held again next year.

Spring 2007

taijiman7777@yahoo.ca — 2007-06-01T16:49:25-04:00

20 Years of SYL Wushu

On Sunday, May 20, 2007 I had the honour and great good fortune to attend a banquet in Vancouver celebrating the twentieth anniversaries of two organisations founded and cofounded my Teacher, Grand Master Shouyu Liang. One is his school in Vancouver, the SYL Wushu, Taiji, Qigong Institute. The other is the International Wushu Sanshou Dao Association (IWSD), an organisation he founded.

This well run event was the result of months of planning and hard work by Master Helen Liang and several students and volunteers from the school. I estimate that the event was attended by approximately 600 people, including students of the school, their friends and family, honoured guests, dignitaries, and visitors who flew from far and wide.

The first hour was a wonderful series of demonstrations by students and instructors of the SYL Wushu Taiji and Qigong Institute. During the second hour we saw masters’ demonstrations by guests from around the world. I personally have never attended a better run demonstration. The calibre of performance was astounding!

Most importantly for me, it was a chance to see my teachers and friends whom I have missed terribly since leaving Vancouver 5 years ago. It was also a chance to make new friends.

I cannot deny that watching those magnificent demonstrations has inspired me to work much harder to improve my own skills and to provide the best instruction possible for my students.

The Shouyu Liang Wushu, Taiji, Qigong Institute is one of the most influential Wushu schools in North America, teaching traditional and modern Chinese martial arts and healing arts since 1987. As Sam Masich (another teacher of mine and a master of ceremonies for this event) pointed out, there have been times when 80-90% of all the champions in North American Competitions were people who had studied with Grandmaster Liang.

The IWSD now has member schools in many countries. It’s positive influence on the martial arts community continues to grow.

“The IWSD Association is a vehicle for members to learn new skills and to improve their martial arts ability. It functions as a bridge for martial artists all over the world to learn and share their knowledge, and to develop greater camaraderie between martial artists. The IWSD Association recognises and encourages the uniqueness of various styles and traditions, but considers the cultivation of an individual’s ability more important than the distinction that divides one style or tradition from another. The goal of the IWSD includes transcending the boundaries between styles to allow for the integration of a highly practical and versatile systems of martial skill.” - from the IWSD website

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