Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is a martial art transcending physical movement. It is a holistic practice that weaves together the internal and external aspects of the human experience to cultivate balance, harmony, and inner strength. Central to this practice are the internal and external harmonies, which guide practitioners in aligning their mind, energy, and body.The internal harmonies—Shen, Yi, Qi and Jin —focus on the inner workings of the spirit, intention, and energy. These principles teach us to cultivate a calm and ... read more
How often do we see videos of Champion Tai Chi Performers or “Masters” and say, “If only I could do that but I’m… too {uncoordinated} {big} {short} {old} {insert another issue here}, have {arthritis} {bad knees} {a neurological condition} {insert another issue here}, don’t have {flexibility} {balance} {strength} {insert another issue here}.” If you think that way, then you are very wrong. Real Tai Chi isn’t about having the highest kick, the lowest stance or the greatest endurance. It’s about ... read more
On April 14th, Ultimate Fighting Champion 300 unfolded—a historic combat sports event that left an indelible mark. Twelve current and former champions from various divisions and promotions converged, setting records for ticket sales and pay-per-view. At the heart of it all was Zhang Weili, a two-time strawweight champion, trailblazer in women’s MMA, and devoted Tai Chi practitioner.Weili’s roots trace back to Hanan in Hebei Province, a cradle of Tai Chi culture. It’s where Yang Lu Chan (founder of Yang Style ... read more
For 20 years, Shifu Tara Brayshaw has dreamt of creating a place where instructors, students, friends and colleagues could practice, have a cup of tea or coffee, read, watch videos and "hang out" between classes; a place where they could have a massage or acupuncture session; a place where they could purchase equipment and clothing; a place to meet; a place to do workshops; a place they could call their "Tai Chi Home".In 2021, prompted by COVID lockdowns, the journey ... read more
The Year of the Wood Dragon is a significant year in Chinese culture. It is believed to be a year of growth, progress, and abundance. The dragon is a mythical creature that symbolizes kindness, wisdom, auspiciousness, and strength. The Chinese dragon was revered as the master of wind and rain, bestowing good luck and favorable weather upon the ancient Chinese. The Wood Dragon is full of energy and drive, and it dreams of changing the world.In Chinese astrology, each zodiac ... read more
I was so excited to hear that the WTQA (Wushu Tai Chi Qigong Australia Inc) were going to start holding their annual festivals again here in Melbourne and that I was going to be involved in it as part of JinLi. I had no idea what to expect, other than it was a fantastic day, I would meet lots of people, see lots of incredible Tai Chi, Wushu and Qigong, and get a true taste of what it means to ... read more
Jinli Wushu-Tai Chi was recently given the opportunity to spread the word about the health and longevity benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi to the Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club. The event was hosted at the Community Hub Docklands, overlooking Victoria Harbour.Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club (MSPC) is a non-political and non-sectarian club. The club’s emphasis is on being free from the constraints and obligations of service clubs and allowing members to participate at minimum personal cost. MSPC has a range of ... read more
A symbol of Fortune, Sex, and a Good Death. The bat is all of these in the Chinese culture, these facts were unknown to myself when I had the illustration of an Eastern Grey Flying Fox tattooed to my chest. I had chosen the image as for me, it is a symbol of the bush, of home. Of course, it didn’t hurt that my other, very western associations were of horror, the gothic, grim fairy tales and demonic wings, an ... read more
The practice of Taijiquan has a profound impact on our overall wellbeing. Its holistic benefits, encompassing the nervous system, cardiovascular health, respiratory system, and the bones and muscles of our body are nothing short of transformative. Prepare to embark on a journey of self-discovery as we uncover the secrets of this ancient Chinese martial art and meditative exercise.
From the tranquil flow of Taijiquan’s movements to the deep connection to the breath, this practice offers a harmonious integration of mind, ... read more
Qigong is a powerful mind-body practice that has been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. While physical movements and exercises are an important part of Qigong, the practice also places a strong emphasis on the power of the mind. In fact, mindset is a key component of Qigong that can help to enhance the effectiveness of the practice and promote greater physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.This article explores the power of the mind in Qigong and how mindset ... read more