Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Aug 18, 2011, 9:52 am
It requires some bravery and stability to question, more bravery and stability to let go of...those comforting beliefs. After all, they've kept our minds safe and secure. Wondering and questioning our early coping mechanisms can be terrifying. And risky. For some people: it's inconceivable!
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Aug 15, 2011, 9:11 am
Many who don't stock their wells, are eventually forced to do so because their silent spirit, deep inside, whispers the answers and hints at ways to connect more fully to life, to living, to love.
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - May 4, 2011, 7:30 am
This time, the old man was impressed with Zhang's fortitude and humility, that he presented Zhang with a book...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Apr 28, 2011, 11:21 pm
World Tai chi and Qigong Day kicks off the local Real Taiji Community at our humble Farmstead. Stop over and socialize with great Taiji practitioners.
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Apr 18, 2011, 10:42 am
It’s true. And if you’ve experience Flow, you know. However you discovered it, do it more because it provokes a deeper kind of awareness…an awe of the energies and mysteries that surround us. It’s likely that, partly as a response to the great terrors that lurk deep inside the truth of being...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Apr 8, 2011, 3:17 pm
Because we have Taiji to talk about, examine, and practice together, here's 3 ways to enhance your online experience and to draw you in to playing Taiji...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Apr 2, 2011, 5:10 pm
Whatever tool you use: you've got to be close enough to use it...one of the easy errors of self-defense training is being too far away...and training too far away. And when we train Taiji, or any martial art, too far away, we can create neurotic self-defense.
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 31, 2011, 10:08 am
I use Taiji for daily reminding: get out of your own way and you'll realize that you already have self-defense. No training necessary. You're already ready.
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 30, 2011, 7:32 pm
Because I have martial arts and Taiji students lurking on the edge of instructor-hood... once immersed in Taiji, who grew fast and sunk deep.
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 29, 2011, 4:48 pm
Our ability to defend our personal tenderness is already built into us. In this modern world it will still help me to study martial arts, but it'll help me more to study ways to unleash my inherent skills...to get out of my own way...and to have some fun while I'm at it.
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 28, 2011, 7:00 pm
It's not a negative thing that there will be great changes. It's not negative; it's evolution. When you look at it as evolution...it's time. Nothing stays the same. Have Heart...keep moving.
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 26, 2011, 6:11 pm
You’re a burly, tenacious, heroic warrior. Yes, I’m sure. Because really: I know it. I’m certain of it. Okay, okay — I’ll give you 5 reasons, from fairly obvious to slightly subtle. 1. You’re Reading This. It’s obvious, but it also makes you heroic from my perspective. See, I enjoy h...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 25, 2011, 2:40 pm
Big Thanks: to all Subscribers. First, thanks for participating. I appreciate that you show up at RealTaiji and that you interact with the ideas and the lessons. Second: when you articulated your “Personal History / Goals of Taijiquan” you gifted me with vision. What you want is important to m...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 23, 2011, 3:09 pm
I’ll admit it now: I’ve avoided telling you about something I’m passionate about. I figured that RealTaiji was not the place for it. I was wrong: it is the perfect place for it. I’m certain because I feel as if I cheated with my silence. I cheated because I feared that you’d run away from...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 22, 2011, 7:57 pm
It’s years ago that I read Dr. William Glasser’s Choice Theory. I continue to trust the concepts and lessons presented in that easy to read book because it’s filled with practical and useful psychology tips, it emulates the soft-skills advice that we receive from cryptic sources (you know, tho...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 21, 2011, 1:26 pm
Here’s 3 reasons why RTJ is excellent and getting better: Mike Becky Emily Mike & Becky got involved with RealTaiji in its infancy, and they’ve been great supporters through the whole deal. Emily is their little one. Mike’s friend Josh found RTJ on the internet, while searching for Taiji in ...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 20, 2011, 9:19 pm
It’s time for new growth. It’s Spring. And I finally have my clocks forward. So here’s the deal: for the next 4 weeks watch for stories and shows about… Awesome clients and Taiji practitioners that rove the interconnected halls of RTJ, My gratitude (for lots of things), and Taiji. In som...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 18, 2011, 1:15 pm
Silence. It’s intriguing isn’t it? Watch for a big moon on the 20th of March, right on the Equinox, because the moon is full and perigree…it’s close to the Earth right now. This year, the Equinox is a great time for Taiji at dusk. In the last couple weeks, I’ve moved toward silence, becau...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 18, 2011, 1:12 pm
Oh yeah, I added it few days ago, so if you’ve been to the Taiji Course Yang Lu-chan Form Energetics, you know…the final show is there: 3 Punches to Close-up. You’ve done them already, but check it out because this Taiji teaching reveals a couple of extra iotas about the closing of this secti...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 9, 2011, 11:09 am
We’re almost there: you’ve almost nailed down this second full-section of the Great Yang Lu Chan Taiji Form. And by now you’re, no doubt, pretty darned good at Taiji. If you’ve only…merely…memorized the sequence, there’s something to be said for you’re sheer will-power in memorizing ...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 8, 2011, 9:45 am
I have a new found enjoyment of being in my body. I use the principles I’ve learned to explore and enjoy my body through movement. I’ve used the principles to improve my posture and how I run, jump, and play. The awareness has helped me bring more unconscious habits, reactions, and reflexe...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Mar 3, 2011, 1:29 pm
It’s one of my favorite section: lots of punching. The big deal is putting together Punch Tiger Left and Punch Tiger Right…very fun, energetic fajing bits in the center of this section. Training in the Taiji Courtyard? Then enjoy it here. Or upgrade to see it.
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Feb 12, 2011, 5:14 pm
First: a reminder. Preparations for Push Hands are available right now, right here. It’s free (a Peek over the Fence course) and it’ll prepare your for… Single Push Hands Fundamentals: available now in the Taiji Training Courtyard. If you’re in it already, find a friend or family member to ...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Feb 8, 2011, 10:20 am
I started learning from Steven in October of 2008. I took a very immersive approach so I have spent many hours studying with him. I came to Steven with no experience and in 11 short months he was able to help me achieve a Senior Student ranking from the World Taiji Boxing Association. It’s a...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Feb 2, 2011, 5:35 pm
If you’ve had trouble with bookmarked links…note that the Taiji Courses have changed locations slightly. It was http://courses.realtaiji.com now it’s http://realtaiji.com/courses and the rest should be updated. Let me know if you find broken links. Also there’s a new course right now, and ...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Feb 1, 2011, 8:54 am
Learning to move with less force and more grace improved my life. I have always learned to try or to push my way through everything and that was the only way I knew how to move. RealTaiji taught my body to move the natural way. To move by learning to relax and to move my energy and spirit-that-move...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Jan 29, 2011, 12:40 pm
The second part: Hold the Sky to Brush Knee Twist Step 2 is up and running at http://courses.realtaiji.com/yang-lu-chan-form-energetics/7/. Plus you’ll see Low Punch (or Groin Punch) to Phoenix Punch is ready to go at http://courses.realtaiji.com/yang-lu-chan-form-energetics/8/
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Jan 22, 2011, 8:35 am
Yep. All told this 12 motion piece in the second section of the Yang Lu-chan Taiji Form flows through 38 minutes. Enjoy it…we’ll cover some variety of energetic topics along the way. It’s here: Yang Lu-chan Energetics (the 2nd complete section from the great long form).
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Jan 21, 2011, 7:31 pm
The center part of section 2 of Yang Lu-chan form includes a focused examination of cloud hands. Oh, man! there’s no way to exhaust this subject. Cloud Hands is such a fundamental motion that it lurks beneath the surface of many, many motions. In the form, it’s timed to take place right when we...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Jan 17, 2011, 8:28 am
Actually: it’s T’ai-chi… The first Romanization of the famous concept,The Ultimate Principle of the Universe,Refers to the slow-movement system.The English Spelling of Tai Chi If T’ai-chi was an accurate translation of the Chinese word, it seems inevitable to me that Tai Chi evolved from it....
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Jan 16, 2011, 1:50 pm
Two things: this new category of articles called “Course Updates” appears in RSS Feeds and Email Updates, but not on the main blog page. Why? Because these brief updates… Show what’s new behind-the-scenes in Real Taiji Online Courses.Inspire participation so you get better, feel better, and ...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Jan 10, 2011, 9:00 am
You may know this already…this is either a reminder or a highlight about what we’re exploring here at RealTaiji.com. Here’s 3 brief concepts you might like to know about Taiji: Taiji is the highest conceivable principle.Taiji is the proper and official spelling.Taiji is the conventional nickna...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Jan 4, 2011, 9:24 am
New Year Resolutions for 2011 Thanks for joining this exquisite adventure. (If you’re not signed up—do it.) Here’s some initial RTJ video-course resolutions for 2011: Out with the Old…Yang Lu-chan Long FormSee how to Push Hands for Health & PowerShort Fight-Form, Solo and AppliedStrike Thin...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Dec 22, 2010, 8:12 am
As Warriors or Taiji Practitioners, what do we do with Santa? (When my beard is big, I could be Him, but…) what does he teach us? Think about it. Who’s Naughty and Nice? He distinguishes naughty from nice. So do you. Though you might call it something else, like following the Way or making del...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Dec 20, 2010, 1:11 pm
Facing the Top of the World There’s something magical about facing North…a pinpoint of stability in a vast, spiraling Universe. I wonder if facing South, if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, boasts similar magic? It’s strange, I’m certain.I won’t tell you what the magic should feel like...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Dec 15, 2010, 2:49 am
To manifest clarity and make Taiji Courses easier to see and experience, I give you a new theme: the Black Line Theme. Please enjoy it. It keeps with my vision: it’s simple and clean, and it provides focus on the key piece of each course: High-Definition Videos. Because I’m not a fan of freaky-...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 26, 2010, 6:05 am
What will you buy? I hope you get a… Shiny new computer,Slick mobile device,and Giant laptop.Because great video technology will help you see and understand Taiji right here — get all 3 for the best advantage While you’re at it…Taiji Training in the Courtyard is available at an exclusive B...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 25, 2010, 6:26 pm
Three weeks ago, I had a dream. The Dream Setting: I helped the Fringe Team chase a criminal to the campus of a private college in Minnesota. (Which one? I don’t know…I just knew, for sure, that much.)The Dream Sequence: We raced after him.We lost him.Suddenly — I knew. The criminal was afte...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 24, 2010, 6:38 pm
Hey Every Body, Thank you for enjoying the Discussion of the Practice of T’ai-chi Ch’üan. Let’s wrap up with final thoughts about: What to train — T’ai-chi CurriculumWhen to train T’ai-chi — Times of DayWhere to train — Terrain for T’ai-chiWhat does the T’ai-chi curriculum c...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 23, 2010, 6:27 pm
The World is beautiful and so is Taiji. …integrated, complex, intricately interwoven, fluid-flowing marvels of grace. I maintain awe at the wonders around me. The last, tip-top philosophical vision of Real in Real Taiji? Beauty!If it’s not aesthetically awesome, then it’s not real enough for...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 22, 2010, 1:03 pm
↔ Available Now: Taiji Training. Available now for testing: “Taiji Training in the Courtyard!” Level up from “Peek over the Fence” and you’ll have access to thorough Health Improvement ExercisesEasy Fitness & Pain ReliefThe Most Powerful and Exquisite Taiji FormsHere’s the Courses you�...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 17, 2010, 6:16 pm
Settle down. Sink in. Experience your foot (and your other foot) in all its grandeur. It’s easy to find energy in hands. They warm up, feel, sense, and play with ease, tenderness, and power. It’s easy to choose what to do with our hands. Feet are far away…know what I mean? Compared to hand...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 16, 2010, 4:10 pm
The internet is slick. What a great way to exchange information.What a great way to discover ideas.What a great way to share thoughts.It’s not knowledge though, is it? One gathers knowledge through experience. The experience of being, for example…by just sitting there, or meditating or practic...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 11, 2010, 1:32 pm
Thanks Veterans. Thanks for serving the people.Thanks for helping me and my family.Thanks for keeping us safe.Thanks for fighting.I know a lot of Veteran Warriors. And so do you… We know people who fight wars against ignorance, wars against inequity, wars against atrocities and terrors created b...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 10, 2010, 8:49 pm
We suddenly veer toward the abstract: What is Full?What is Empty?What’s the context of the question?The earlier points were pretty straight forward. Though this one tends to sound abstract, let’s be careful — let’s make practical sense of this weighty issue. Because we’re exploring T’ai...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 9, 2010, 4:30 pm
Many martial arts are named after the Way. Many books describe the Way. Like the Tao Te Ching: The Way that can be told is not the eternal Way. The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth. The named is the mother of ten thousand things. ...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 3, 2010, 6:21 pm
Hang on! This point gets lots of press in T’ai-chi Ch’üan circles. We hear… “Relax. Relax. Relax.” We often envision shoulders, especially that bit between the neck and shoulders, as a source or a storage device for stress and tension. It’s true. And it’s where many people cinch dow...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Nov 2, 2010, 3:14 pm
Epistemology, means, well, you know: the study of knowledge. In terms of being real (and discovering the real in RealTaiji!) consider 3 concepts: Input/Output Purposes of Beliefs Experience is Knowing Input/Output We each own various ways and vast potential for bringing information from the World...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Oct 27, 2010, 6:04 pm
Hanging off the first point, this one is also a core principle to great health and longevity. Your Body Should Maintain an Erect Posture! It’s an easy one to compromise. Many people teach and practice T’ai-chi Ch’üan with a leaning or a stooped posture. Besides that, several peculiar postur...
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Steven Smith posted an article on Real Taijiquan - Oct 26, 2010, 4:20 pm
We were born in the World…the Real World. We sense it, experience it, interact with it. It’s the World. There’s not a lot to say about it, except: “Wow!” “It’s amazing.” “What a great place to practice Taiji!” Let’s not get too abstract nor guess about where it came from or...
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