Where is the Dantien located?

This is the title of a post on the Qialance Blog and it provides a bit of information about what the Dantien is and how to find it.

The article can be read here.

I actually like working with the suggestion by Nakamura Tempu which is to locate the point four fingers width below the navel on the surface of the body. The mind rests there quite naturally.

There are many methods to locate this area in the body. I don't have it to hand but the book on Kyudo by Hans Joachim Stein gives a breathing method for it.

The Form is your Teacher

Somewhere you might come across the idea that the Form is your teacher.

In my own experience this means that you need to listen to the subtle feedback of your mind/body as you investigate your form. It means being open to the slightest nuances, the "oh that's interesting" moment as you make a discovery.

After having learnt a form, don't just parrot it. Investigate it. Find out what makes it "tick", what is going on, what are the connections etc.

Loosening the Buttocks

Article from Classical Tai Chi Blog

This is a really good article about "drooping the buttocks" and not making the mistake of forcibly tucking the pelvis.


The article can be read here

Model for learning Martial Arts Forms

This is a great post from Devon Boorman's blog which is just as applicable to Tai Chi. It discusses learning form, energy, intent etc.

Read the post here

My Favourite Books

Following the previous post, here is the book by Herman Kauz on non-competitive pushing hands.

It's an interesting read and there are some good push hands exercises to do with a partner.

Interview with Herman Kauz

This is a short interview with Herman Kauz. I've got his book on pushing hands and I personally fully subscribe to the non competitive ethos.

The interview can be read here

Can still get down there

Squatting Single Whip - Chinagarten  Zurich, Switzerland.