Several leading taijiquan teachers have asserted that familiarizing oneself with Chinese cultural works is essential to deepening one’s taijiquan practice. Since we are starting the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar, I will take this opportunity to share ways in which I broaden my cultural literacy. Tao Te Ching/Dao De JingContinue reading “Tai Chi and Chinese Culture: A Lunar New Year Reflection”
Tag Archives: martial arts
Tai Chi in Winter: Tips for Practice
I have previously written on practicing tai chi in winter and why I love it. Today, I want to take a slightly different tack and share some tips for winter practice as someone who regularly practices in Canadian winters in southwestern Ontario. A few caveats are in order: You know your body best; don’t justContinue reading “Tai Chi in Winter: Tips for Practice”
Why I Love Tai Chi Demos (Of A Certain Type)
I’ve had the opportunity recently to offer tai chi demonstrations, and I am preparing for an upcoming demo. The benefits and drawbacks of tai chi demonstrations are often debated so I want to share why I personally love tai chi demos-with a necessary caveat. My Story When I was 12 years old, I went toContinue reading “Why I Love Tai Chi Demos (Of A Certain Type)”
Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026: A New Year’s Reflection
Today is New Year’s Eve Day. As such, here are some milestones in my life from the past year. Work Anniversary In March, I marked two years as an employee of the City of Guelph. Taijiquan Anniversaries In April, I marked 21 years as a practitioner of taijiquan, and in May I marked 10 yearsContinue reading “Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026: A New Year’s Reflection”
Clarifying Chi-Inspired by “The Power of Chi” with Morgan Freeman
Recently a documentary was released on Prime Video called The Power of Chi narrated by Morgan Freeman. The documentary heavily featured Yang style tai chi instructor Adam Mizner and featured competitive athletes from several different disciplines getting a taste of tai chi. Watching the documentary was very thought-provoking and somewhat concerning. While I understand theContinue reading “Clarifying Chi-Inspired by “The Power of Chi” with Morgan Freeman”
My Tai Chi Journey
If you are new to Hoggs Chen Tai Chi Praxeum, this is an excellent place to learn more about why I am so passionate about tai chi in general, and Chen style tai chi in particular. When I was around eight years old, I was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD, aka dyspraxia). I alsoContinue reading “My Tai Chi Journey”
On Violence, Faith, and Justice: Responses to the Charlie Kirk Incident
Earlier this week, a man by the name of Charlie Kirk was killed by a single gunshot during one of his infamous speaking events at a university in Utah. Online discourse reacting to the incident has been profuse, diverse, and passionate. One of the final courses I took in my Master’s of Theological Studies wasContinue reading “On Violence, Faith, and Justice: Responses to the Charlie Kirk Incident”
Theological Studies Essays
Through my Master’s of Theological Studies program I wrote several research papers, some of which I feel should be available for a wider readership. For your reading pleasure, this post makes them available. Please give them a read if you’re interested and let me know what you think! A Theology of TaijiquanOriginal version written forContinue reading “Theological Studies Essays”
Practices to Cultivate Resilience and Resistance
The US federal election is over; but the ramifications are only starting to sink in. I am sadly not surprised by the result though I, like many, hoped for a different one. As the US reckons with the outcome, people in my own country of Canada are facing right-wing authoritarianism spurred on by many ofContinue reading “Practices to Cultivate Resilience and Resistance”
My Cat & Tai Chi: An Insight Into The Internal Arts
My cat Salem is only a few short months away from turning 2. She is still young, playful and full of energy. She is very affectionate most of the time, but she also likes to play rough on occasion and has yet to realize how much her claws and teeth can do to my poorContinue reading “My Cat & Tai Chi: An Insight Into The Internal Arts”