If you have been watching the news at all lately, you’ve probably heard of sword yoga, and one of its most popular innovators, WeaponsUp. This organization fuses kung fu sword (jian) training with traditional yoga practices to empower women. The discourse within the martial arts community about this fusion practice is heated indeed. I alsoContinue reading “Tai Chi Sword: On The Benefits of Weapons Training and the Perils of Gatekeeping”
Tag Archives: fitness
Chen Tai Chi and Irish Dancing: St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Reflection
In Canada, we celebrate Irish Heritage Month through the month of March and today we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with billions of others around the world. My paternal grandfather was from County Armagh in northern Ireland. I never knew him as he died before I was born but I was motivated to explore my IrishContinue reading “Chen Tai Chi and Irish Dancing: St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Reflection”
Tai Chi And Curling: Why I Love Both
I began curling at the age of 10 and maintained my curling practice every winter through the age of 17. I played an additional half-season in my early twenties-unfortunately financial cost combined with limited time and energy have kept me off the ice since then, but I still love watching the sport. I began practicingContinue reading “Tai Chi And Curling: Why I Love Both”
Learning From A Grandmaster
Note: This post was originally published elsewhere on June 30, 2024 Last weekend, I was fortunate to attend a workshop led by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei on the Old Frame Second Routine, also known as the Cannon Fist Routine. This was the second workshop I’ve ever attended taught by the Grandmaster of whom my taijiquan lineageContinue reading “Learning From A Grandmaster”
The Dreamers' Corner 