10 Days of Taijiquan

Movement, Nutrition, and Philosophy: A Deep Dive into a 10-Day Taijiquan Seminar

Today, I'm excited to unfold the layers of a recent 10-day Taijiquan seminar organized by the Montreal Gongfu Research Center that I attended with Oamsin Termpaiboon, a senior student of Liang Dehua in the Shaohou system, Gu school of Yang style taijiquan. I first discovered Taiji in 2019, learning the basics of a Yang Style form in Montreal. I stayed interested in the practice, but didn't get serious about martial arts training until January 2023. Beyond the physical transformations, the philosophical dimensions of this journey have left an indelible mark on me. Let's dive in:

Days 1-3: Laying the Foundations of Movement and Self-Knowledge

To offer a glimpse into my daily routine during the seminar, let's take a look at Day 2. The day began with an intensive session of the Old Frame form and Jing Gong from 6-8 a.m., followed by another session from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Around 10:30 a.m., I listened to my body's call for rest and took a rejuvenating nap until lunchtime. The absence of caffeine in my system made the fatigue impossible to ignore—a reminder that listening to one's body is crucial. The evening was a balanced blend of Jing Gong, partner drills, and a bit of leisure, watching "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex." It was a day filled with physical exertion, emotional highs, and the kind of fatigue that feels well-earned. As Peace Pilgrim wisely said, "There is nothing new about [her] message, except the practice of it." My focus, like hers, is clear: it's all about health—of the body, relationships, and the Earth.

Now, let's dive into the first few days of the seminar, which were foundational in more ways than one. They began with a focus on basic Taijiquan movements, serving as a metaphorical handshake with our own bodies. Techniques like "Opening the Window" and "Drawing the Bow" were not just exercises in physical dexterity but gateways to deeper philosophical understanding. Each movement resonated with the ancient axiom of "Zhi Ji Zhi Gong" (Know Yourself, Know Skill), echoing the sentiment that to excel in any skill, understanding oneself is the first crucial step.

These initial days were more than an introduction to Taijiquan; they were a tuning process, much like adjusting the strings on a musical instrument. The objective was to harmonize the mechanics of my body with broader principles of holistic health. It felt like a growing connection to a higher skill set was taking shape, underpinned by a deeper understanding of my own body's mechanics and natural rhythms.

Nutritional Notes: Going caffeine-free on Day 2 turned out to be an enlightening experience. As a regular consumer of 90% dark chocolate, abstaining from it heightened my awareness of my body's natural rhythms, serving as a real-time lesson in the role of fatigue during training. On the nutritional front, my vegan diet, rich in nuts and fruits, proved invaluable. These plant-based foods sustained my energy levels without the crashes often linked to caffeinated products, emphasizing the synergistic relationship between nutrition and martial training.

Days 4-6: Tuning into the Body and the Tao of Practice

By the middle of the seminar, we started learning more complex moves like Lou Xi Ao Bu (Brush Knee Twist Step) and Dan Bian (Single Whip). These aren't just cool moves; they are expressions of a simple but powerful idea: going with the flow. It's like surfing; you can't control the wave, but you can ride it. This concept, called "wu wei" (Effortless Action) in Taoist philosophy, teaches me that practicing Taijiquan isn't about forcing it. It's about adapting and flowing with what comes your way.

The seminar’s middle days led us further into specialized movements from the Yang style form like Lou Xi Ao Bu (Brush Knee Twist Step) and Dan Bian (Single Whip). I'm attempting to integrate that these are not just movements but expressions of the Taoist philosophy of "wu wei," or 'effortless action.' I came to realize that training isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. The art lies in skillfully adapting to internal and external cues, making each moment an exercise in mindful action.

Nutritional Notes: Experimented with a micro-dose of THC and CBD, and caved in and ate some dark chocolate on Day 3. Euphoric, truly. Opting for vegan dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants, contributed to a sense of balance and presence during my training. This experience highlighted the synergy between vegan eating and mindful substances, pointing to the potential for a plant-based diet to enhance focus and well-being in martial arts. It was practice in its own right, a careful balance of intention and presence, opening new windows into how different substances can affect focus, energy, and overall well-being.

Days 7-9: Advanced Techniques, Harmony, Qi, and the Quiet Power of Jing Gong

As the seminar entered its advanced stages, the profound relationship between movement and stillness came into sharp focus. It was here that the practice of Jing Gong took center stage. Jing Gong, or "Quiet Skill," is an introspective form of Neigong that emphasizes the cultivation of internal energy (Qi) through stillness and focused intention. It serves as a philosophical and practical counterpart to the more dynamic forms of Taijiquan.

Imagine a still pond that's full of life underneath. That's Jing Gong—being calm on the surface but full of energy within. This practice teaches us that being 'stuck' is like water turning stale; it's not healthy. But Jing Gong shows us how to be like flowing water—calm but never stuck. This aligns perfectly with the idea of "Wu Wei," effortless action, reminding us that sometimes, doing less achieves more.

In Jing Gong, the art of "dynamic stillness" unfolds. While pathology is often considered a form of "stuckness," Jing Gong teaches us that stillness can be a transformative space from which change becomes possible. It's as if the stillness itself is alive, teeming with potential energy that can be channeled into movement when the moment is right. This Taoist principle of effortless action, or "Wu Wei," found a natural expression here.

The practice offered a holistic approach to well-being, aligning perfectly with the Three External Harmonies and Qi skills explored earlier. It became a lesson in balance, unity, and the harmonious flow of energy, both within the body and in interaction with the world.

Nutritional Notes: The decision to rest on Day 7 transcended mere physical recuperation; it echoed the Jing Gong philosophy of dynamic stillness and balance. Listening to my body's needs wasn't just a momentary choice but an alignment with the ancient wisdom that emphasizes the unity of body, mind, and spirit. Throughout this journey, vegan eating served as a parallel path to the philosophical and physical teachings of the seminar. The nutritional choices made—from caffeine-free days to plant-based protein sources—were not mere dietary selections but integral aspects of a holistic approach to Taijiquan and well-being. In line with the philosophy of Jing Gong, vegan eating here wasn't just about nourishing the body but achieving a form of dynamic stillness and balance within.

Closing Thoughts: The Dance of Dynamic Stillness and the Journey Ahead

The essence of this 10-day Taijiquan seminar can be encapsulated in a single, ever-relevant truth: the only constant is change. From the first day's foundational movements to the advanced practices and philosophical depths explored later, each step was a seed sown for future growth. The journey through movement, nutrition, and philosophy has been transformative, a dance between the microcosm of my personal experiences and the macrocosm of timeless, universal wisdom.

As I step forward from this enriching experience, I find myself at a significant hinge moment, transitioning into a period of intensified focus on Tuina—Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork. The insights from my Taijiquan training serve as a robust foundation for this next chapter. A Tarot spread I did indicated the importance of alliances and the challenges that lie ahead, underlining the need for a centered, uncompromising approach to my evolving practices.

I have all the tools, the skills, and the habits I need. I am ready. I am focused. The mantras resonate within me, aligning with my core ethos: "Need little, want less." This autumn, my priorities are clear: Health, Tuina, and Gongfu, followed closely by the community of friends that sustains me. While I hold a place for the pursuits that enliven me, like writing philosophy and social engagements, these will take a backseat for now. It's a time of surrendered will, and of drawing inward.

Therefore, I'll be stepping away from the digital world and going mostly offline until November to fully immerse myself in this new phase. The intention is not to isolate but to deepen my commitment to the path I'm on, to be a conduit for the voice and love that seeks expression through me.

Until we meet again, remember: The heart knows. Don't posture, just be.

Signing off for now, friends and fellow seekers. 🌿