Building Strength for the Older Student

Almost weekly I’m finding new articles online which outline the incredible benefits - and utmost importance - of being strong as we mature.  I speak to my tai chi students in the 60+ age range about this quite a lot and the general consensus is that they would love to be stronger but either have … Continue reading Building Strength for the Older Student

Kung Fu Beats Coronavirus

As a martial artist we spend a great proportion of our lives putting our bodies as well as our minds into uncomfortable situations and positions.   Take my favourite exercise for example, the low horse stance (those who know me will not be surprised!). It's the perfect example of physical discomfort and stress.    It … Continue reading Kung Fu Beats Coronavirus

Tào Lù and the Platonic World of Forms

套路 - tàolù Taolu is the pinyin romanisation of 套路. In this context 'tào' is a classifying word for anything regarding sets or collections of things, 'lù' is a journey, road, path. In English we speak of martial arts forms, sets, routines. The Japanese term 'kata' is often used also. Plato was of course the … Continue reading Tào Lù and the Platonic World of Forms

5 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution

January is, of course, the time of year when many of us start thinking of putting new plans into action for the year ahead.However, everyone knows that the best intentions are often being put to one side by February or March. So here are a few ideas on how to keep up those resolutions and … Continue reading 5 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution

Kung Fu and Kickboxing Day 2013

Another year another Kung Fu camp in the lovely setting of Ben's family farm at Warninglid. This year we met up first thing on Saturday morning and Horsham instructor Hamish led students through a chi kung and mobility warm up - to wake everyone up and get the body ready for the hours of training … Continue reading Kung Fu and Kickboxing Day 2013

5 ways to find your motivation

1. Don't settle for where you are right now We are often told that we have to make the best of what we've got or settle for what we have. Whilst true to a degree, particularly if you compare yourselves to those born into poverty or abusive families or you have very limiting health conditions, … Continue reading 5 ways to find your motivation