Greetings..
To take a page from your book: I find people who post things like you are people who have invested a lot of time into esoteric practices to the exclusion of traditional strength training. They hope beyond hope that such practices will somehow lead them to the path of greater strength, and that is all they are left with: hope. If that is how the chose to spend their time, so be it. To each their own. That does not mean that they should dish out disinformation in an attempt to validate their practice. (BTW, I practice Tai Chi and am starting Ba Gua)
Well, i have done, and still do, quite a bit of work with weights and resistance.. it has only been in the last year that i have been able to make the break-through in awareness and do the research necessary that contradicts most of the "disinformation" about the Connective Tissue System (CTS).. but, i don't intend to quibble about it, the data speaks for itself.. i'v dropped 15 pounds of counter-productive muscle, and gained much more strength , particularly where it matters most.. and, indeed, i have invested a lot of time in "esoteric" practices.. but, not to the detriment of sound physical exercise and dedicated Taiji practice..
Now, as cleverly worded as the post is, i assume that Ford is an intelligent being.. but, the evidence also suggests a lack of pragmatism:
They hope beyond hope that such practices will somehow lead them to the path of greater strength, and that is all they are left with: hope.
Until someone (in this case i refer to Ford) is open-minded enough to test, in a practical manner, the assertions of emerging research and equally reputable researchers.. it is easy to contradict things you haven't given a pragmatic chance.. i am, of course, supposing that you haven't actually gone through the disciplines that might reveal much of the info i am posting.. i understand, this limitation, i am occasionally prejudiced to my own detriment, too..
Also, this is NOT a relatively new area of research. Some of the pseudo-scientific theories surrounding this old and time tested research are "relatively new". Don't take my word for it. Take the word of esteemed scientists the world over. This is a list of collective works that are used to train olympic champions and professional athletic standouts. This goes for track stars as well as boxers and wrestlers... (ie those competing in aspects of fighting at the highest possible level of competition)
Now, i can cite many reputable scientists and many well-funded research grants by cutting-edge institutions.. and someone will call it "psuedo-science".. similarly, someone can cite contrary perspectives and i could express my own rebuttals.. i.e.: "old-school, behind the times, self-validating, etc.. but, those interactions are largely counter-productive.. i've successfully played in both camps, and my cumulative experience persuades me that the CTS is a fundamental component of the "real" Taiji experience.. so, as is my nature, i try to pass this information along, without attaching any other value than an intention to get people to consider alternative power sources..
Now, more to the point: I do not "hope beyond hope that such practices will somehow lead them to the path of greater strength" as Ford surmises.. i evaluate evidence from many perspectives, test the evidence, and formulate sound opinions.. i'm 5'9" and 153 lbs., i spar, roll, and push with people on the far side of 200 lbs. with success that i have evaluated to be directly linked to the CTS and its disciplined use.. i train with weight and resistance, but.. not as a "muscle-building process", rather a toning and balancing process in an attempt to find the most beneficial relationship between the neuro-muscular system and the CTS.. any concept that the CTS is isolated to ligament and tendon systems is a fundamental mis-understanding of the CTS.. it permeates every cell down to the DNA level.. any doubt that the CTS is responsible in a real and tangible proportion of strength, movement, health, and a myriad of other functions is equally flawed.. the CTS is much more than "along for the ride", it is part and parcel "the ride".. but, this is, actually, old news, as well..
But, this is becoming laborious.. as always, there is the wisdom of the third party observer to consider.. i have posted links, suggested searches (current scientific research), and related my own and other anecdotal accounts.. rather than do the "my sources are better than your sources" duel, i will rely on the analytical abilities of the others.. my own experiences have settled this issue, for me.. and, i began this research as a skeptic, having much the same opinion as Ford, go figure..
Be well...
TaiChiBob.. "the teacher that is not also a student is neither"