Nexus
04-26-2002, 10:10 AM
Excuse the pun in the topic! =)
Master Lao Ma (Magic Tortoise T'ai Chi Chuan School), Master Helen Wu & Master Grace Wu are all visiting Anchorage, Alaska May 1st - May 6th for the 5th Annual Taiji Spring Festival.
The second half of this post will include the details of what is being offered in terms of seminars and classes but the first half I would like to relay some of my personal experiences.
Lao Ma, who has arrived a week early has provided several of us with the opportunity to study with him before the Festival. I have spent two days working with him so far and I must say that his skill and knowledge of t'ai chi chuan is extraordinary. It is an absolute pleasure to work with him and his energy is so uplifting and vibrant that he keeps you constantly in the groove of learning. He is advocating above all other aspects of the t'ai chi, Dantien Development and when you see a 60 year old man move so subtly and gracefully, yet so powerfully, it gives inspiration to continue on our own personal road to mastery in the art.
If anyone has any personal questions, feel free to ask.
I know I will be seeing some of you at the seminars already, as I had the pleasure of meeting with "uncle" from this message board yesterday at the Oriental Healing Art Center here in Anchorage. We'll be doing the 42-movement t'ai chi sword form with Master Helen Wu.
Without further delay, here is what is being offered in the seminars:
TAIJIQUAN FORMS
Ba Gua, Master Grace Wu
Thursday, May 2..............9am-Noon $45
REPEATS Saturday, May 4..6pm-9pm $45
Bau Gua or the Eight Directions is a walking pattern
involving turning palms, gliding steps and circular movements
performed in the Eight directions. Techniques will help
develop inner strength and infuse your Taiji with the directional
energies of Heaven/Earth, Fire/Water, Thunder/Mountain, and
Wind/Lake.
24 Movement Taijiquan, Master Grace Wu
Thursday, May 2..............6pm-9pm $45
REPEATS Saturday, May 4..9am-Noon $45
A grand tower must be based on a firm foundation."
says Lao Tzu. It is essential to develop good fundamentals in
Taiji practice. This Yang-style standardized form was developed
in the 1950's to promote Taijiquan. This class involves
the basic movements of the 24 Taijiquan form as well as
learning the essence of Taijiquan practice.
Push Hands 1 (Tui-Shou), Master Lao Ma
Saturday, May 4...........2pm-5pm $45
Push-Hands is the interpersonal interaction of internal
energy and will be introduced by exploring Taiji principles in
two and three person exercises. This cooperative form
develops a sensitivity Qi and focus will be on using these
methods for deeper enhancement of the individuals solo form.
Push-Hands 2, Master Lao Ma
Sunday, May 5............3pm-6pm $45
This class reviews and builds on the principles of "Push
Hands 1". Push Hands 1 is NOT a prerequistite for the Push
Hands 2 class.
"Four Flowers - Five Elements" Fundamental
Exercises for Taijiquan, Master Lao Ma
Thursday, May 2...........2pm-5pm $45
Explore the practices and guiding principles of the founder
of Taiji, Zhang Sanfeng, in a simple set of exercises. Focus
will be on the fundamental body movements of Taiji postures
and the interaction and interdependence of the joints, the
Dantian, and breathing. This work will present the novice
with a solid foundation upon which to build training, and the
advanced student with an essential study tool for refinements
and exploration in the theory and techniques of Taiji.
Wudangshan 108 Taijiquan, Master Lao Ma
Monday, May 6.............9am-9pm $115
This form can be traced directly back to the founder of
Taijiquan, Zhang Sanfeng. This is a traditional and finely detailed
Taiji long form which contains many layers of applications. Master
Lao Ma learned this form in the shadow of Wudang mountain in
China from ÒGrandfatherÓ Ding YeYe who taught on Wudang
for over 60 yrs. as a tribute to Zhang Sanfeng.
MEDICAL QIGONG & TAIJI HEALING
20 Postures Rehabilitation QiGong, Master Helen Wu
Thursday, May 2..............6pm-9 pm $45
The 20 Posture routine was founded by Grand Master Wang
Zi-Ping, Master Wu's grandfather, in 1958. He was well-known
doctor of traditional Chinese Medicine and one of the most
famous Chinese martial artists in China. The 20 Posture form
is based on centuries of ancient therapeutic exercises, involving
the mind and the body. This form has been practiced
widely in China and will help to improve motivation, concentration,
remedy high blood pressure, arthritis, and reverse
harmful effects of prolonged sedimentary jobs.
WEAPONS FORMS
42-Movement Sword Form, Master Helen Wu
Thursday, May 2...Part 1 9am-Noon $95
Part 2 2pm-4pm
This form will help to restore physical health and mental
well-being, combat stress, depression and fatigue by reintegrating
the mind, body, and spirit. It was developed by the
Chinese National Wushu Association for internat'l competition.
Flying Rainbow Taiji Fan Form, Master Helen Wu
Friday May 3.......Part 1 9am-Noon $95
Part 2 2pm-5pm
This form was created by Master Wu's mother, Madame Wang
Ju-Rong, one of the most highly respected women in Chinese
martial arts. With or without the application of fan as a
weapon, this form cultivates beauty, grace, and power.
TAOIST FINE ARTS, CULTURE AND PHILOSOPHY
Taiji Principles & "The Art of War", Master Grace Wu
Friday, May 3..................9am-11am $45
In corporations and courtrooms, in East and West, Sun Tzu's
The Art of War is used as a guide to successfully manage
conflict. Taijiquan is the physical manifestation of this quality.
In this workshop, The Art of War and Taijiquan principles will
be applied to both form and to our lives.
Chinese Culture and Language, Master Lao Ma
Friday May 3...................2pm-5pm $45
Master Loa Ma will discuss his experiences on Wudang
Mountain and talk about how the practice of Taiji is integral
to Chinese culture. Learn the meanings behind the translation
of Taiji terms.
I Ching Divination, Master Lao Ma
Saturday, May 4...............6pm-9pm $45
Explore the mystical aspects of Taoism and learn to cultivate
a personal relationship with the Òold sage in youÓ to find
guidance, inspiration, and empowerment by using the 4,000
year old I Ching or Book of Changes.
ShuFa, Chinese Calligraphy, Master Lao Ma
Sunday, May 5.................9am-1pm $45
The contemplative art of ShuFa or the Chinese Art of
Beautiful Writing, is the foundation of Taiji culture. Explore
how Shufa influences and enhances the practice of Taiji. Five
basic strokes will be learned using ink stick, ink stone, brush,
and rice paper to create simple Chinese picture words or
characters.
.
Master Lao Ma (Magic Tortoise T'ai Chi Chuan School), Master Helen Wu & Master Grace Wu are all visiting Anchorage, Alaska May 1st - May 6th for the 5th Annual Taiji Spring Festival.
The second half of this post will include the details of what is being offered in terms of seminars and classes but the first half I would like to relay some of my personal experiences.
Lao Ma, who has arrived a week early has provided several of us with the opportunity to study with him before the Festival. I have spent two days working with him so far and I must say that his skill and knowledge of t'ai chi chuan is extraordinary. It is an absolute pleasure to work with him and his energy is so uplifting and vibrant that he keeps you constantly in the groove of learning. He is advocating above all other aspects of the t'ai chi, Dantien Development and when you see a 60 year old man move so subtly and gracefully, yet so powerfully, it gives inspiration to continue on our own personal road to mastery in the art.
If anyone has any personal questions, feel free to ask.
I know I will be seeing some of you at the seminars already, as I had the pleasure of meeting with "uncle" from this message board yesterday at the Oriental Healing Art Center here in Anchorage. We'll be doing the 42-movement t'ai chi sword form with Master Helen Wu.
Without further delay, here is what is being offered in the seminars:
TAIJIQUAN FORMS
Ba Gua, Master Grace Wu
Thursday, May 2..............9am-Noon $45
REPEATS Saturday, May 4..6pm-9pm $45
Bau Gua or the Eight Directions is a walking pattern
involving turning palms, gliding steps and circular movements
performed in the Eight directions. Techniques will help
develop inner strength and infuse your Taiji with the directional
energies of Heaven/Earth, Fire/Water, Thunder/Mountain, and
Wind/Lake.
24 Movement Taijiquan, Master Grace Wu
Thursday, May 2..............6pm-9pm $45
REPEATS Saturday, May 4..9am-Noon $45
A grand tower must be based on a firm foundation."
says Lao Tzu. It is essential to develop good fundamentals in
Taiji practice. This Yang-style standardized form was developed
in the 1950's to promote Taijiquan. This class involves
the basic movements of the 24 Taijiquan form as well as
learning the essence of Taijiquan practice.
Push Hands 1 (Tui-Shou), Master Lao Ma
Saturday, May 4...........2pm-5pm $45
Push-Hands is the interpersonal interaction of internal
energy and will be introduced by exploring Taiji principles in
two and three person exercises. This cooperative form
develops a sensitivity Qi and focus will be on using these
methods for deeper enhancement of the individuals solo form.
Push-Hands 2, Master Lao Ma
Sunday, May 5............3pm-6pm $45
This class reviews and builds on the principles of "Push
Hands 1". Push Hands 1 is NOT a prerequistite for the Push
Hands 2 class.
"Four Flowers - Five Elements" Fundamental
Exercises for Taijiquan, Master Lao Ma
Thursday, May 2...........2pm-5pm $45
Explore the practices and guiding principles of the founder
of Taiji, Zhang Sanfeng, in a simple set of exercises. Focus
will be on the fundamental body movements of Taiji postures
and the interaction and interdependence of the joints, the
Dantian, and breathing. This work will present the novice
with a solid foundation upon which to build training, and the
advanced student with an essential study tool for refinements
and exploration in the theory and techniques of Taiji.
Wudangshan 108 Taijiquan, Master Lao Ma
Monday, May 6.............9am-9pm $115
This form can be traced directly back to the founder of
Taijiquan, Zhang Sanfeng. This is a traditional and finely detailed
Taiji long form which contains many layers of applications. Master
Lao Ma learned this form in the shadow of Wudang mountain in
China from ÒGrandfatherÓ Ding YeYe who taught on Wudang
for over 60 yrs. as a tribute to Zhang Sanfeng.
MEDICAL QIGONG & TAIJI HEALING
20 Postures Rehabilitation QiGong, Master Helen Wu
Thursday, May 2..............6pm-9 pm $45
The 20 Posture routine was founded by Grand Master Wang
Zi-Ping, Master Wu's grandfather, in 1958. He was well-known
doctor of traditional Chinese Medicine and one of the most
famous Chinese martial artists in China. The 20 Posture form
is based on centuries of ancient therapeutic exercises, involving
the mind and the body. This form has been practiced
widely in China and will help to improve motivation, concentration,
remedy high blood pressure, arthritis, and reverse
harmful effects of prolonged sedimentary jobs.
WEAPONS FORMS
42-Movement Sword Form, Master Helen Wu
Thursday, May 2...Part 1 9am-Noon $95
Part 2 2pm-4pm
This form will help to restore physical health and mental
well-being, combat stress, depression and fatigue by reintegrating
the mind, body, and spirit. It was developed by the
Chinese National Wushu Association for internat'l competition.
Flying Rainbow Taiji Fan Form, Master Helen Wu
Friday May 3.......Part 1 9am-Noon $95
Part 2 2pm-5pm
This form was created by Master Wu's mother, Madame Wang
Ju-Rong, one of the most highly respected women in Chinese
martial arts. With or without the application of fan as a
weapon, this form cultivates beauty, grace, and power.
TAOIST FINE ARTS, CULTURE AND PHILOSOPHY
Taiji Principles & "The Art of War", Master Grace Wu
Friday, May 3..................9am-11am $45
In corporations and courtrooms, in East and West, Sun Tzu's
The Art of War is used as a guide to successfully manage
conflict. Taijiquan is the physical manifestation of this quality.
In this workshop, The Art of War and Taijiquan principles will
be applied to both form and to our lives.
Chinese Culture and Language, Master Lao Ma
Friday May 3...................2pm-5pm $45
Master Loa Ma will discuss his experiences on Wudang
Mountain and talk about how the practice of Taiji is integral
to Chinese culture. Learn the meanings behind the translation
of Taiji terms.
I Ching Divination, Master Lao Ma
Saturday, May 4...............6pm-9pm $45
Explore the mystical aspects of Taoism and learn to cultivate
a personal relationship with the Òold sage in youÓ to find
guidance, inspiration, and empowerment by using the 4,000
year old I Ching or Book of Changes.
ShuFa, Chinese Calligraphy, Master Lao Ma
Sunday, May 5.................9am-1pm $45
The contemplative art of ShuFa or the Chinese Art of
Beautiful Writing, is the foundation of Taiji culture. Explore
how Shufa influences and enhances the practice of Taiji. Five
basic strokes will be learned using ink stick, ink stone, brush,
and rice paper to create simple Chinese picture words or
characters.
.