2024 is time for a update to the old FAQ and beginners guide, so this month I'm giving you a brief audio version of the new guide that you can find here, with all the associated videos that explore each question in more detail.
The new post and guide
https://www.teapotmonk.com/beginners-guide-tai-chi
Going Beyond the Final Frontier.
What do we mean by The Tai Chi form? How long is it? How many postures does it have? How long does it take to learn?
These simple questions are some of the most difficult to answer, because the Form is not one thing.
There are so many variations that it becomes meaningless to discuss in general terms, but that is what we shall do today. We shall ask Captain Kirk to join us as we go boldly forth and attempt to break it all down, then pick it back up and in so doing, learn a little about what makes a Tai Chi form.
LINKS
Today, a short Taoist tale recovered recently amongst the ruins of a temple, once situated on the far banks of a certain river, sheltered in the shadows of the Wudan mountains.
The story tells of a peculiar Tai Chi tournament and is called Perfected Pot Bellies and Proud Eyebrows. It features two unusual Tai Chi masters, a goat and the meaning of winning or losing.
For more info and associated graphics see
teapotmonk.com
For more info on the new paperback and free complete Tai Chi video course - see
https://www.teapotmonk.com/learn-a-simple-10-step-tai-chi-form
Every month on the 10th - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
The use and abuse of titles in the martial arts, society and all other places beneath the ozone layer.
On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
How to turn a good intention into a daily practice with Mencius and his radical ideas about doing good. Well, not so radical really, for his ideas are pretty simple, but simplicity is hardly the flavour of the month when we are being sold the idea that life is so complicated we need to purchase out way to simplicity.
On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
There are many different reasons (on the surface) why we begin our practice of Tai Chi, but underneath this there is but one reason: We are afraid. Afraid of getting hurt, afraid of getting ill, afraid of feeling lost.
Why does fear lie grumbling beneath our feet?
Part 1 in a 2 part series in which we delve into the reasons behind the fear..
Next month: the solutions.
On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
Welcome to this episode in which we explore the subversive side of humour and how it can liberate, inform, expose and undercut in a way that no kick or punch could ever do. In this episode we ask:
Discover the hidden elements that will help you forget a new form, a new approach and a new haircut and allow your Tai Chi to express itself, rather than simply mirror that of your instructor.
Learn the secret tools of humour in this special version of One Last Thing here.
Renowned International Journalist Gerald Greene is about to retire - when he is persuaded to do One Last Thing - travel back in time to interview the greatest writers and fighters:
On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
Goodness is spread like a dollop of marmite on your neighbours toast.
Welcome to this second series that begins with a look at how rampant individualism has percolated down into everything we do, even the practices we adopt. It has come to define our lifes purpose, our health, our relationships, our aims and objectives and our martial arts.
What can we do to counter this tendency and how can a practice like Tai Chi offer us a solution? This is the theme of this new series to be released on the 10th of each month. And in between, sporadic and spontaneous complimentary episodes on a host of related material.
Today we begin with the Cult of the Individual and ask: How do you escape the reverb of your thoughts? How do you combat the complacency of the age we live in? And Where do you find purpose in what you do? (answer the poll in this episode notes)
On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
The new Tai Chi suggestion page for June is out - plus get 30% off price of the new workbook. See link in show notes and this month you will find:
PLUS! The New Illustrated Workbook is out. First 30 people get 30% discount.
Discount Code for Workbook
https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/tai-chi-workbook?coupon=PODCAST30PEOPLE30DISCOUNT
What's new this month
https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/this-month
Every month on the 10th - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
A brief introduction to Series 2 of Talking Tai Chi with the teapotmonk.
Every month on the 10th, a new episode to be uploaded, with surprise additional episodes in between, so make sure you subscribe to be notified when the surprises occur.
In the meantime check out the new workbook coming out next month
Every month on the 10th - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
As we near the near of this series the teapotmonk brings this short update on where we are, whee we are going and changes expected for the rest of the year.
Links form this episode include:
Remember before you go - 3 things you can do right now:
I look forward to greeting you as a new member and working towards something special from herein
The enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, said Stephen hawking, but the illusion of knowledge.
And what about humility? Where has this gone in an era of self-promotion? And if Sifu does know everything, is that good or bad?
Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
Understanding the principles of Tai Chi can help you mange your time and handle the pressure to always appear "busy". But how do we apply these principles to the tai chi form and indeed, learning anything?
The Manual of Bean Curd Boxing
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At some point you will have to stop copying and start creating. But how do you find your inner rhythm if you have only been watching another for all time? Discover the best tips including:
Rooting and Shifting
Broken rhythms
Putting down the Remote
Yielding to yourself
Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
There is good and bad in everything. In fact most things are composed of the two. Thats what Yin Yang theory tells us. And in the search for a guide or Guru, Sage or Supporter, we often have to compromise.
So take your own critical awareness with you, but don't be too harsh. We all need different things at different times in our lives, and so just make the best of where you are, with whom you are with, and the opportunities that are there. If that is a local class, then go for it and make the best of it. If it is online, then, well, make the best of that too.
Watch this for an update on online teaching.
Krishnamurti appears in One Last thing
Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
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Forget the Tai Chi Classics or your average manual of instructions. These will tell you what to do, but won't tell you why. For the deeper stuff you'll need to get a copy of the Tao te Ching. In this week we talk about how many toes you should have on your feet, Pooh Bear, Alan Watts and the benefits of the empty honey pot.
Discover the best versions in this book list
Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
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It's the ultimate shuffle playlist
The Red pill or the Blue?
The 64 Hexagrams that have been used throughout history to guide behaviour and suggest solutions.
But is the oracle anything more substantial that a series of reflections on change and impermanence?
Check out the list of the best versions
Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
What do we mean by being in balance and the harmony of the opposites? History, meaning, application and interpretation in this weeks black and white episode.
Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.
Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk
