Internal Arts Madeira

18/10/2026

Just a few, short notes I wrote about important details for Zhan Zhuang (Standing Post Practice).

I should probably transcribe these into a more organized, easier to read document.

Maybe even make a video…

18/10/2026

This!

I don't know this instructor, nor have I ever trained with him...but this is the way I practice and teach the opening movements of the Tai Chi forms.

One of the core principles I follow is that movement starts with the body, then continues out to the arms. The arms follow the body, not the other way around.

If I want my arms to go up and forward, then the body must first move down and back, and vice versa when I want my arms to go down and back.

My eyes were first opened to this concept when I attended a seminar where Chen Xiaowang demonstrated how this movement is used to dislodge a double wrist grab. The movement was so much more powerful when the body dropped first to propel the arms upwards.

I've kept that demonstration in mind ever since, even though it took place at least a decade or more ago.

17/10/2026

The first two or three months of learning Tai Chi are actually kind of easy.

You don’t really know what you are doing, and that’s okay. You anticipated - and have accepted - feeling a bit awkward as your body adjusts. You’re just going along with the flow and everything is copacetic.

But then a strange thing happens.

It suddenly gets difficult.

Really difficult!

You expected to know what you are doing by now, but you don’t. You start to feel foolish because when you focus on your legs, your arms go the wrong way, and vice versa. You're frustrated.

Congratulations! You’ve just reached the point where most people quit.

What you are feeling is the price of admission.

Everyone has to pay it.

Keep going.

16/10/2026

If you are learning Tai Chi or Qigong (or both) and there is something you don’t understand, then ask.

Your instructor doesn’t know what you don’t know, and your questions are the best way for them to evaluate gaps in your knowledge.

And those gaps can help your instructor refine their teaching methodology to eliminate any uncertainties.

Also, asking questions is a good way for you to evaluate whether your instructor actually knows their stuff, or are just faking it (and there are a lot of charlatans out there doing just that).

At the same time, understand that your teacher is not omniscient; there’s a lot they don’t know.

The difference between a good instructor and a fraud is the first, when asked a difficult question, will be humble enough to say “I don’t know,” and then diligent enough to go find the answer.

The later will just make something up to keep you quiet, or - even worse - imply you aren’t ready for such secret knowledge, or some such nonsense.

Honesty is always the best policy!

10/10/2026

The map is not the territory, nor are the Tai Chi forms the art.

The forms, the long sequences of movements that are most representative of Tai Chi in popular culture, are a training tool. A technology, so to speak.

They are the most visible aspect of Tai Chi, but there’s more to it than that.

There is an entire methodology of physical training based on movement, coordination, and balance exercises. There is weapons training, partner drills, sparing, etc.

The forms are what most people seek, and that’s fine because there are so many health benefits to be had from practicing those alone.

But the forms are just the entry point, the edge of the map, and there’s so much more territory to explore…

08/10/2026

Outdoor Tai Chi and Qigong practice is best, but indoors is always better than not at all.

As we move into winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, there will almost certainly be days when it’s not possible to practice outdoors due to inclement weather.

In fact, last year I had to cancel my open-air classes many times because the weather wouldn’t cooperate.

I’ve always believed practicing outside is best, but if it isn’t possible, don’t use rain or snow as an excuse to skip your Tai Chi or Qigong training.

A lot of Tai Chi training can be done indoors, even in a small room. Qigong lends itself very well to practice in small spaces.

If you need suggestions, please read the attached article I wrote on this topic a while back, or ask your own instructor on how to effectively train indoors.

Practicing Tai Chi can take up a lot of room, but what do you do when space is at a premium?

08/10/2026

Trust the process...

The Path of Taijiquan

07/10/2026

30 minutes of Tai Chi practice = profit

30 minutes of doom scrolling = loss

Don't claim to have insufficient time for the serious if you apparently have more than enough for the frivolous.

06/10/2026

It’s impossible to know exactly where practicing Tai Chi or Qigong will take you.

Although the destination is uncertain, it just might be an improvement to wherever you are now.

The only way to find out is to take the first step.

I don’t think I’m more than a bit further down the path than you are, but I’m waiting just around the bend to help you find your way.