Talking Tai Chi with the teapotmOnk

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.

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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.

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For more info on the new paperback and free complete Tai Chi video course - see

The use and abuse of titles in the martial arts, society and all other places beneath the ozone layer.

• Why is the telephone engineer called Bob and not Master Bob?
• Why is a specialist carpenter, artist or musician not called "Master"?
• Why is there an over reliance on lineage to determine worth?
• How to avoid the dangers of titles and names

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:

1. Why is it that no-one ever chuckles when reading the The Tai Chi Classics?
2. What happens when two taoists and a giraffe walk into a bar and one says to the other..
3. What is the relationship between eyebrows and cul-de-sacs?

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.

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:

• An article on the famous ping-pong nunchaku Bruce Lee video that eternally crops up on timelines. What is the truth behind the match? 
• You'll also find preview of the podcasts and a video on the Baduanjn bears, that lead into the workouts this month that focus on energy and qigong. 
• There is also a brand new 10 minute stretch sequence that will be released on Thursday to alleviate tense and tired bodies
• And a downloadable PDF on the superfood drink of Turmeric and black pepper
• Finally this months audio-book review is RL Wing on the I Ching and and we look not only at a physical book, but the app version too and the digital casting of the coins. Something that sets it apart from all other versions as it is an interactive workbook, something you not only consult but engage with. 

PLUS! The New Illustrated Workbook is out. First 30 people get 30% discount.

• The first 30 people to use this coupon will the book at the discounted price.

Discount Code for Workbook

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.

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:

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? 

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. 

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. 

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? 

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

What does this  - now cliche - mean and does it have anything useful to tell us about our tai Chi practice? Can Tai Chi help us counter the culture of consumerism? 

Minimalism, Voluntary simplicity, downsizing, and going slow. Discover the secrets to getting to know you cutlery in this fascinating 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

In the second part of this mini series we explore Wu Wei - often misunderstood as "non-action" - when it has more to do with timing, patience and when ready - action. 

New 3 part series on Applied tai Chi  - looking at the ways we can use this art outside the classroom and into our daily lives. Today we look at the Tao - and listen to what Bruce Lee, Alan Watts, water, cats and yielding can teach us. 

Part 2 in our internal energy investigation and exploration of the elusive Taoist concept of Chi or Qi. 

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

How do practitioners define this elusive concept? How can we make sense of it? How do we even spell it? Find out (or not) in todays episode in a new 2 part series. 

Cliches can be harmless, if ineffective. But they can also be insulting, condescending and belittling. What are they? And how can we avoid the use and abuse of such phrases in Tai Chi? 

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

Why do your knees ache after practising Tai Chi? Is it normal or is it a sign that something is wrong. Find out how to make sure your knees stay healthy in this weeks episode. 

Links:

A new updated podcast 10 years later to quickly review the changes and directions over a decade. Find out where we have been and where we may yet go...

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Can Tai Chi cure toothache? Will it enable me to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Can it stop a locomotive? Will it help me develop a six-pack? 

How can we go beyond the mechanics of the moves in Tai Chi?  Part 2 or a 2 part series looking at the health aspects of the art.

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

As a multi-disciplinary art - How can we go beyond the mechanics of the moves in Tai Chi?  Part 1 or a 2 part series looking at the health aspects of the art. 

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

Episode links:

Why are we training? For what purpose? Who or what are we learning to fight or resist? 

Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

Episode links:

Do you practice full contact sparring as part of a calorie controlled diet? 

What is tai chi? A health art or martial art? 

First in a 3 part series on "everybody is tai chi fighting" 

Every Thursday afternoon - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk

Why should we practice outside the classroom and where should we practice? 

What happens when someone throws asparagus at you whilst you practice in the park? 

And how do you avoid talking tai chi fluff? 

Last week we looked at how best to learn the tai chi form and this week we ask: how long does it take to learn? 

Maybe we should ask ourselves first, what's the rush? 

Thoreau said "only when we forget our learning do we begin to know".

Does your learning get in the way of your tai chi form? How do you learn from your teacher? By copying and pasting?

There are many ways to learn tai chi, but the most important is to look for principles over metrics. Avoid memorising as this only freezes postures and stagnates flow.

Every Thursday afternoon - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk

Memory - muscles, foam, short and long term  - discover another anarchic 10 minutes of teapotmonk insights into Tai Chi and training. 

See last weeks episode for more on this subject and...

Every Thursday afternoon - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk

Comedy Cafe: Two shackled Students of Tai Chi discuss which of their styles is more authentic than the other. 

teapotmonk drama this week as he asks: Are you trapped in history? Does your teachers definition of authenticity define your every waking moment? How can we break out of this shackle that permeates our training and approach to learning? 

Every Thursday afternoon - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk

Second part in this 2-part series on Tai Chi Styles. What are they? What are the differences? Why are there differences and what criteria should we use  - other than cheese - to determine which if any - are good? 

Part 3 of a 3 part series investigating the controversial and disputed history of the art. As the teapotmonk sees the line between fact and fiction as increasingly blurred, he presents his own take on how it all came about  - in 3 parts.

Part 2 of a 3 part series investigating the controversial and disputed history of the art. As the teapotmonk sees the line between fact and fiction as increasingly blurred, he presents his own take on how it all came about  - in 3 parts.

"Half an hour a week of any strengthening exercises, even something as basic as push-ups, could reduce your risk of dying from any cause (including heart disease, cancer and diabetes) by as much as one-fifth."

Guardian newspaper Feb 28th 2022 referring to article carried out in the British Journal of Sports Medicine

It is clear that our health and well-being depend on more than just deep breathing and good posture. As much as Tai Chi is a great exercise - Are we live in changing times in which we need now to be doing more?

What else can we do? What else Should we do? Well, that’s what we are going to look at in todays episode…

There are now 3 approaches to learning Online

1. Self-paced courses
2. Zoom or Youtube live
3. A combination of 1 & 2 as a Hybrid

Discover something about the new hybrid models evolving that combine the best of research and self-study with the back up of an academy, q&a, forums and now weekly workouts covering the need for strengthening exercises that are so important as we get older. 

Part 1 of a 3 part series investigating the controversial and oft disputed history of the art. As the teapotmonk has absolutely no idea as to what could or could not be fact or fiction, he presents his own take on how it all came about  - in 3 parts. 

Todays Talking Tai Chi Episode: A Lack of Uniformity

In Karate and Judo and other martial arts, practitioners wear uniforms. In Tai Chi  - some people wear silk suits whilst others wear jeans and t-shorts. And what about belts and gradings? Can you become a black belt in Tai Chi? 

A brief discussion on why belts are great for holding up trousers, but not always for determining skill levels.

The teapotmonk muses on the nuances of the art in this 6th episode of the series.

Article Links

SHOW NOTES

On this special anniversary of the death of Cheng Man-ch'ing  - I have compiled a series of videos, articles and this podcast to celebrate the unique changes this man brought to the world of Tai Chi. Want to know what they were? Check out the links below for the video documentary on his legacy and testimonials from students and more.

Special Page  

Todays Talking Tai Chi Episode: 

Why are there different spellings and pronunciations of Tai Chi and what do they all mean? Why do schools and people argue over meanings and Does any of this matter at all? 

The teapotmonk muses on the nuances of the art in this 5th episode of the series. 

Every Thursday afternoon - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

Every Thursday afternoon - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk

Every Thursday afternoon - a new episode

The Tao Te Ching says we should learn to Yield like a Portuguese custard tart, stick like gum on the bottom of your shoe...and of course Bruce Lee talks endlessly about water, flowing and being like a teapot my friend...

But how useful are these examples and how can we employ ancient concepts in the 21st century? 

Find out more about applying Tai Chi lessons to the 21st century with the teapotmonk