Today marks the first International Day of Taijiquan. To commemorate the occasion, I will share some of the ways my taijiquan practice has deepened over the past year. The New Frame In the past year, I have added the New Frame (xinjia) routines to my practice. The New Frame has some differences which are designedContinue reading “International Day of Taijiquan 2026”
Tag Archives: martial arts
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”
Taijiquan: A Martial Art for Women?
Today marks the annual International Women’s Day. As a taijiquan practitioner and an intersectional feminist, I thought I’d share some reasons I think taijiquan is a martial art that would benefit any woman interested in learning. Body Mechanics & Power Generation Taijiquan is a martial art that relies a lot on correct body mechanics forContinue reading “Taijiquan: A Martial Art for Women?”
Tai Chi and Chinese Culture: A Lunar New Year Reflection
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”
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”
The Dreamers' Corner 