Talking Tai Chi with the teapotmOnk

2024 is time for a update to the old FAQ and beginners guide, so this month I'm giving you a brief audio version of the new guide that ⁠you can find here,⁠ with all the associated videos that explore each question in more detail. 

The new post and guide 

https://www.teapotmonk.com/beginners-guide-tai-chi

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.

LINKS

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.

For more info and associated graphics see

teapotmonk.com

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

https://www.teapotmonk.com/learn-a-simple-10-step-tai-chi-form

Every month on the 10th - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

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

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

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:

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.

Learn the secret tools of humour in this special version of One Last Thing here.

Renowned International Journalist Gerald Greene is about to retire - when he is persuaded to do One Last Thing -  travel back in time to interview the greatest writers and fighters:

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

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:

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

Discount Code for Workbook

https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/tai-chi-workbook?coupon=PODCAST30PEOPLE30DISCOUNT

What's new this month

https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/this-month

Every month on the 10th - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series.

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

Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi