As is the nature of all things, change appears once more on the horizon. But there is other news too - such as the Taichi weekend retreat from Feb 9th - free to all. It’s a digital series of activities that you can join head over to https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/balance-retreat
2024 is time for a update to the old FAQ and beginners guide, so this month I'm giving you a brief audio version of the new guide that you can find here, with all the associated videos that explore each question in more detail. The new post and guide https://www.teapotmonk.com/beginners-guide-tai-chi
Going Beyond the Final Frontier. What do we mean by The Tai Chi form? How long is it? How many postures does it have? How long does it take to learn? These simple questions are some of the most difficult to answer, because the Form is not one thing. There are so many variations that it becomes meaningless to discuss in general terms, but that is what we shall do today. We shall ask Captain Kirk to join us as we go boldly forth and attempt to break it all down, then pick it back up and in so doing, learn a little about what makes a Tai Chi form. LINKS teapotmonk Tai Chi Beginners Guide to Tai Chi and Course offer All books and courses on offer.
Today, a short Taoist tale recovered recently amongst the ruins of a temple, once situated on the far banks of a certain river, sheltered in the shadows of the Wudan mountains. The story tells of a peculiar Tai Chi tournament and is called Perfected Pot Bellies and Proud Eyebrows. It features two unusual Tai Chi masters, a goat and the meaning of winning or losing. For more info and associated graphics see teapotmonk.com For more info on the new paperback and free complete Tai Chi video course - see https://www.teapotmonk.com/learn-a-simple-10-step-tai-chi-form Every month on the 10th - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com
The use and abuse of titles in the martial arts, society and all other places beneath the ozone layer. Why is the telephone engineer called Bob and not Master Bob? Why is a specialist carpenter, artist or musician not called "Master"? Why is there an over reliance on lineage to determine worth? How to avoid the dangers of titles and names On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com The Tai Chi Illustrated Workbook: https://www.teapotmonk.com/taichi-illustrated-workbook The new Tai Chi Form paperback: https://www.teapotmonk.com/learn-a-simple-10-step-tai-chi-form
How to turn a good intention into a daily practice with Mencius and his radical ideas about doing good. Well, not so radical really, for his ideas are pretty simple, but simplicity is hardly the flavour of the month when we are being sold the idea that life is so complicated we need to purchase out way to simplicity. On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com The Tai Chi Illustrated Workbook: https://www.teapotmonk.com/taichi-illustrated-workbook
There are many different reasons (on the surface) why we begin our practice of Tai Chi, but underneath this there is but one reason: We are afraid. Afraid of getting hurt, afraid of getting ill, afraid of feeling lost. Why does fear lie grumbling beneath our feet? Part 1 in a 2 part series in which we delve into the reasons behind the fear.. Next month: the solutions. On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com The Tai Chi Illustrated Workbook: https://www.teapotmonk.com/taichi-illustrated-workbook
Welcome to this episode in which we explore the subversive side of humour and how it can liberate, inform, expose and undercut in a way that no kick or punch could ever do. In this episode we ask: Why is it that no-one ever chuckles when reading the The Tai Chi Classics? What happens when two taoists and a giraffe walk into a bar and one says to the other.. What is the relationship between eyebrows and cul-de-sacs? Discover the hidden elements that will help you forget a new form, a new approach and a new haircut and allow your Tai Chi to express itself, rather than simply mirror that of your instructor. Learn the secret tools of humour in this special version of One Last Thing here. Renowned International Journalist Gerald Greene is about to retire - when he is persuaded to do One Last Thing - travel back in time to interview the greatest writers and fighters: Bruce Lee talks about his nunchaku obsession with Carl Jung Alan Watts lectures The Priests from the Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Series Rocky talks aggression with Marshal McLuhan Lao Tzu discusses productivity and wifi issues in the 5th Century BC David Carradine challenges Bruce Lee (on the phone) Mas Oyama talks Animal Rights Krishnamurti discusses hair with Colt Mr Han-Man talks about his concerns with the poster of Enter the Dragon On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com The Tai Chi Illustrated Workbook: https://www.teapotmonk.com/taichi-illustrated-workbook
Goodness is spread like a dollop of marmite on your neighbours toast. Welcome to this second series that begins with a look at how rampant individualism has percolated down into everything we do, even the practices we adopt. It has come to define our lifes purpose, our health, our relationships, our aims and objectives and our martial arts. What can we do to counter this tendency and how can a practice like Tai Chi offer us a solution? This is the theme of this new series to be released on the 10th of each month. And in between, sporadic and spontaneous complimentary episodes on a host of related material. Today we begin with the Cult of the Individual and ask: How do you escape the reverb of your thoughts? How do you combat the complacency of the age we live in? And Where do you find purpose in what you do? (answer the poll in this episode notes) On the 10th of each month - a new episode. (with surprise episodes released in-between so make sure you subscribe not to miss these special episodes. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com The Tai Chi Illustrated Workbook: https://www.teapotmonk.com/taichi-illustrated-workbook
The new Tai Chi suggestion page for June is out - plus get 30% off price of the new workbook. See link in show notes and this month you will find: An article on the famous ping-pong nunchaku Bruce Lee video that eternally crops up on timelines. What is the truth behind the match? You'll also find preview of the podcasts and a video on the Baduanjn bears, that lead into the workouts this month that focus on energy and qigong. There is also a brand new 10 minute stretch sequence that will be released on Thursday to alleviate tense and tired bodies And a downloadable PDF on the superfood drink of Turmeric and black pepper Finally this months audio-book review is RL Wing on the I Ching and and we look not only at a physical book, but the app version too and the digital casting of the coins. Something that sets it apart from all other versions as it is an interactive workbook, something you not only consult but engage with. PLUS! The New Illustrated Workbook is out. First 30 people get 30% discount. The first 30 people to use this coupon will the book at the discounted price. Discount Code for Workbook https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/tai-chi-workbook?coupon=PODCAST30PEOPLE30DISCOUNT What's new this month https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/this-month Every month on the 10th - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
A brief introduction to Series 2 of Talking Tai Chi with the teapotmonk. Every month on the 10th, a new episode to be uploaded, with surprise additional episodes in between, so make sure you subscribe to be notified when the surprises occur. In the meantime check out the new workbook coming out next month Every month on the 10th - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
Letting go, we can change direction. Letting go of "correctness" we can go back to playing, experimenting and learning afresh. Stepping away from the known path, allows us to explore what is unknown. But let's remember these are just words...like those on a menu and not get confused between the words and the meal. More on Alan Watts Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
As we near the near of this series the teapotmonk brings this short update on where we are, whee we are going and changes expected for the rest of the year. Links form this episode include: Remember before you go - 3 things you can do right now: Go to your podcast app and leave a 5 star review on Spotify, Apple or Google - this will make me insanely happy and will really help others to find it. Then go to www.21stcenturytaichi.com and become a member of the academy - that way you’ll get access to the Sketchy history and lots more. Finally Whilst there and wondering how to fill your time, Check out the This month tab for all the crazy and amazing new content each month I look forward to greeting you as a new member and working towards something special from herein The balance Free PDF
The enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, said Stephen hawking, but the illusion of knowledge. And what about humility? Where has this gone in an era of self-promotion? And if Sifu does know everything, is that good or bad? Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
Understanding the principles of Tai Chi can help you mange your time and handle the pressure to always appear "busy". But how do we apply these principles to the tai chi form and indeed, learning anything? David Allen GTD book The Manual of Bean Curd Boxing Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
At some point you will have to stop copying and start creating. But how do you find your inner rhythm if you have only been watching another for all time? Discover the best tips including: Rooting and Shifting Broken rhythms Putting down the Remote Yielding to yourself Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
There is good and bad in everything. In fact most things are composed of the two. Thats what Yin Yang theory tells us. And in the search for a guide or Guru, Sage or Supporter, we often have to compromise. So take your own critical awareness with you, but don't be too harsh. We all need different things at different times in our lives, and so just make the best of where you are, with whom you are with, and the opportunities that are there. If that is a local class, then go for it and make the best of it. If it is online, then, well, make the best of that too. Watch this for an update on online teaching. Krishnamurti appears in One Last thing Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
Forget the Tai Chi Classics or your average manual of instructions. These will tell you what to do, but won't tell you why. For the deeper stuff you'll need to get a copy of the Tao te Ching. In this week we talk about how many toes you should have on your feet, Pooh Bear, Alan Watts and the benefits of the empty honey pot. Discover the best versions in this book list Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
It's the ultimate shuffle playlist The Red pill or the Blue? The 64 Hexagrams that have been used throughout history to guide behaviour and suggest solutions. But is the oracle anything more substantial that a series of reflections on change and impermanence? Check out the list of the best versions Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi
What do we mean by being in balance and the harmony of the opposites? History, meaning, application and interpretation in this weeks black and white episode. Every other Thursday - a new episode. Subscribe for the whole series. Find out more about learning Tai Chi in the 21st century with the teapotmonk Tai Chi Training and Resources: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com The teapotmonk: https://www.teapotmonk.com Ways we learn Tai Chi: https://www.21stcenturytaichi.com/ways-of-learning-taichi