A Thought for the Day

When learning Tai Chi and Qigong do not get caught up in the desire to learn the next move or the next technique.  Spend time doing what you already know over and over again.  When you practice this way you will begin to develop a true understanding of what you are practicing; Only then you will be ready to learn something new.

Pine Grove Training Room Face Lift

Because of the Summer Weight Loss Boot Camp sessions and Tai Chi classes we decided to give the training room up at the Pine Grove Dojo a bit of a face lift.  Here are some of the pictures we took during the face lift.  It's still not completely done, but we thought you all might enjoy seeing the progress made so far.  If you're interested in joining us for any Tai Chi, or Weight Loss Boot Camp Classes in our newly refreshed room check out our Class Schedules and Locations.

This first picture will give you a feel for what the room looked like before.  Grey floor and white walls.  In this picture Andrew Plitt is reinforcing a post that will be used for fist conditioning.

This is one of the wall scrolls that will be used to decorate the room.

A Yin Yang symbol with the Ba Gua that we painted on one of the walls.

Our product display for Amador County's Online Health Food Store.

Here is the new entry-way into the training room with benches made from recycled building material and a shoe rack.

When you walk into the room and look to your right this is what the room looks like after its "face-lift."

This is the view from the other side of the room. 

There is still more to be done, but we're very happy with how it's turning out so far.  :)

A Small Glossery of Commonly used Chinese terms for Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Chinese Martial Arts

I added a page with a list of commonly used Chinese terms for Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, and Chinese Martial Arts.  This isn't something that I require my students to learn, but i wanted to make these terms available to anyone interested in learning them.  :)  A link to this new page is listed in the "pages" section on the left side of this blog.  You can also Click Here to view it.  Check it out.  :)

New Evening Tai Chi and Qi Gong Classes Starting in January 2012

I just wanted to let everyone know that starting in January 2012 at the KSW Karate Dojo in Pine Grove, CA evening classes in Tai Chi and Qi Gong will be made available. The classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings starting at 6:00. If you have further questions please feel free to contact the KSW Karate Dojo at (209) 296-4200 or Contact Me.

A Picture of me With Grandmaster Ming Lum

When I posted the picture of Eric Lee and me I mentioned that I also had a picture taken with a Grandmaster in Chinese Martial Arts that had attended the tournament.  That Grandmaster is Ming Lum who is considered the Godfather to Two Generations of Wushu (Martial Arts) masters.  I was completely honored to have the chance to meet him and have our picture taken together.  Here's the picture.

If you aren't familiar with Grandmaster Ming Lum here is an article where he is interviewed by Kung Fu Magazine.

After I had finished my form and the judges had given my score, a gentleman walked up to me and said, "Grandmaster Ming Lum would like to speak with you."  I followed him over to meet the Grandmaster who complimented me on my form and asked me questions about where I had been trained.  After we had talked briefly he said my form was very good and told me to keep it up.  :)  Later, just about everyone that was around when he said that came up to me and said, "If he said it was good....it was GOOD..."  :)

I had such a great time at this tournament with meeting Eric Lee and Grandmaster Ming Lum.  I hope it doesn't seem to arrogant to post their compliments, but I was so blown away by them I just couldn't help it.  :D  Besides, it's not every day you get to meet a couple of martial arts legends and have your picture taken with them.  :)