Articles
Over the last few years I have written a number of articles. Some try simply to convey information that is useful to martial training. The article "Fajin" talks about how to generate powerful movement from the ground up to the fist. "8 uses for reeling silk" discusses different uses for the martial method of twisting your limbs as you move.
Other articles, such as "T'ime to Get T'ough" or "The trouble with qi" are more polemic and address important issues within the Tai Chi and more general martial arts community. I don't pull any punches in these articles, because I feel that the only way to restore Tai Chi as a practical and effective fighting art is to first destroy almost everything that the words have become associated with over the last few decades. No stone should remain unturned in the total eradication of commercial new-age embellishment and, equally commercial, outdated myth and superstition. Charlatanism, exploitation and immorality must be removed if the martial arts are to move forwards.
Joanna
Please choose an article from our index →
Recommended reading
While we would hesitate to unequivocally recommend most books written about Tai Chi or other Chinese Martial Arts, here is a selection of titles we feel have something to offer.
General books
"Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey" by Brian Kennedy and Elizabeth Guo
buy this book from Amazon
In our view this book is simply invaluable. It is a brave and bold myth-busting work that draws from the works of other myth-busters such as the great Chinese martial arts historian Tang Hao, who did so much work from the 1920's to the 1950's to dispell fictional, though still widely believed, notions about the significance of the Shaolin monastery and the Wudang temples.
"The Sword Polisher's Record" by Adam Hsu
buy this book from Plum
This is a great book and is a must for any martial artist's shelf.
From the cover: "The Sword Polisher's Record, originally a monthly column that appeared for fifteen years in three maganzines, became a way of polishing the kung-fu sword, clearing up the misconceptions that are causing it to become dull and rusty."
"Martial Arts America: A Western Approach to Eastern Arts" by Bob Orlando
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Bob is a practitioner of a style of Silat Kuntao that blends Indonesian, Filipino and Chinese arts (as they are practiced in Indonesia). He makes a very compelling argument for the removal of unnecessary cultural baggage from martial arts. This is an inspiring work.
Taiji books
"Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method, Volume One" by Hong Junsheng
buy this book from Martial China Online
Hong Junsheng is a real inspiration. As well as rejecting any kind of title in his life (such as Master) he also refuted the concept of qi. He says "When dealing with ancient writings we should do away with its dregs. We must selectively accept and reject." We should also "only accept what is useful" and "adopt a scientific attitude." Hong firmly advocated taking a hands-on, practical approach to Tai Chi, and for that he must be applauded.
Common aspects of the arts
- Kung Fu Cornerstones
- 4 Dangers of False Kung Fu (sequel to above article)
- Rules are made to be... obeyed
- Fajin
- Way of water
- Six harmonies
- 8 uses for reeling silk
- What is your intention?
Other articles (on Plum Publishing website)
- To Push, to Stick or to Hit?
- Five Steps
- Purpose, quality and direction
- Gentle persistence brings just reward
(for instructors)
More T'ai Chi/Taiji articles
- 3 Things You Are Going To Hate About Tai Chi (for new students)
- How Taiji lost its quan
- The rise and fall of a martial art
- T'ime to get T'ough Campaign
- The case against T'ai Chi for special needs and falls prevention
- "Why do I need to be relaxed?" by Julie Hinder
Baguazhang and Xingyiquan
Tough on Qi (Chi or Ch'i)
- "100% Qi-Free? How can that be?!"
- A practical guide to qi
- The trouble with qi
- What are "qi sensations?"
