(Quick Reference) Saturday & Sunday Workshop Descriptions by Time Slot

Transcription

1 Inner Smile/Cell And Organ Cleansing Qigong (Saturday, 09:00 to 10:10) Instruction: BRUCE LA CARRUBBA, NJ & FL ( Description: Learn to use the principles of Master Jou, Tsung Hwa. The Li family cleansing qigong as learned from Dr. John Painter; the ancient Chinese practice of the "inner smile" as learned from Master Mantak Chia; and the 5 cloud/5 element practices of Master HuaChing Ni, to cleanse the cells and organs of toxic substances generated by the body's "stress circuit". This is a simple and effective practice for dealing with the stressors encountered in everyday life. We will learn to access the ever-present healing/restorative powers of Nature and of the 5 elements to detoxify the cells and convert harmful negative energy into positive healing energy. XHIN ENG (Chi Lel) QiGong for Seniors (Saturday, 09:00 to 10:10) Instruction: JAMES (MARTY) MARTIN, Havre de Grace, MD (443) Description: Qigong is an ancient form of self-healing through gentle movement. It is a movement practice focused on health, longevity, stress management, and mental clarity. Marty will be teaching the Hauxia Zhineng (Chi Lel) system, which was the world's largest non-profit medicine-less (without herbs or drugs) Qigong. The Chi Lel center in Qinhuangdao, China (one venue where Marty studied in 1997) treated patients with 180 different diseases and had a 95% success rate. Qi Awareness (Saturday, 09:00 to 10:10) Instruction: DAVID RITCHIE, Meriden CT ( Description: Qi is the life force found in all things. Being able to sense qi in yourself and others is an important goal towards advancing one s taiji practice. In this workshop, Shifu David Ritchie will teach you effective techniques to help you expand your awareness of qi. You will learn the power of mind intent and the role it plays in qi development. You will discover the power of sensing and rooting qi. You will also discover the importance of proper structure to aid qi flow, and be taught relaxation activities that can be practiced at home. This workshop will teach valuable techniques for beginners to advanced enthusiasts. Push Hands: Moving at the Speed of Life! (Saturday, 09:00 to 10:10) Instruction: DR. JONATHAN B. WALKER ( Description: In the past few years, we've looked at Push Hands from the perspective of "Non-Verbal Communications" and Conflict Resolution." This year, we will culminate those workshops and bring you up to The Speed of Life Push Hands like the Taiji choreography is learned slowly for the purpose of getting it correct, however, once you've acquired the knowledge, it must be put to the test of life itself. Can you push hands with life on a daily basis and maintain harmony? That is the question. Attend this workshop and find out just how to do that. San Shou: The Yang Style 2-Person Set (Saturday, 10:20 to 11:30) Instruction: DR. JAY DUNBAR & KATHLEEN CUSICK ( Description: Both Jay and Kathleen studied San Shou with Master Jou (Kathleen had also studied with Greg Mucci in Illinois) and in 1990 began team-teaching it at Tai Chi Farm. Since then they have led over 60 immersion workshops from Maine to Mobile and abroad. San Shou is an opportunity to: study fighting dynamics in slow motion practice internal (energy-based) rather than external (force-based) responses exercise listening, yielding, sticking, neutralizing, controlling, and returning participate in a Taiji conversation, not competition enjoy the circle of energy between two players. Come alone or with a partner: partners change during the workshop. Expect a breakthrough in your understanding of solo form!

2 Classical Taiji Ruler Qigong (Saturday, 10:20 to 11:30) Instruction: GEORGE HOFFMAN ( Description: The first and most widely known of the two major taiji ruler sets to have survived to present day. Slightly different than the lesser known Primordial Ruler, this set helps us gather qi to enhance our health and achieve vitality and longevity. This exercise system will enhance dan tian awareness, encourage the movement and transformation of jing, blood and qi and help the practitioner improve their martial arts and healing power and improve health and quality of life. Chen Style Tai-Chi (Saturday, 10:20 to 11:30) Instruction: BOB & JEAN KLEIN, Sound Beach, NY ( Description: You will learn a short, 10 movement sequence containing all the dynamics of Chen form. We will learn how to use the legs, hips, spine and ribs to generate waves of energy and how to release the energy like a whip. Chen is the second style (after Wudang), which then gave rise to Yang and other styles. This style will remove the stiffness from your body and let you move like a snake. Somatic Movement Patterns for Tai Chi ers and Other Human Beings (Saturday, 10:20 to 11:30) Instruction: JOHN LOUPOS ( Description: Hanna Somatics is a remarkably simple and effective method for addressing, or preventing, pain and stiffness. Somatics also happens to be every Tai Chi er s best resource for improving neuromuscular intelligence and proprioceptive literacy. John Loupos, H.S.E., will teach a round of Somatics movement patterns designed to help you: 1/ improve your sensorial awareness, 2/ improve your ability to manage and control your own body, and 3/ increase your range of motion for fuller and freer movement. (Please bring a mat or towel to this workshop). * Last year John brought his Somatics table and ended up fielding more requests for individual Somatics sessions than time allowed for. This year John will be available Fri afternoon thru early Sun morning. Any attendees wishing to arrange for individual Somatics sessions or personal Tai Chi sessions in advance can contact John at jadeforest@comcast.net. Tai Chi Warm-ups (Saturday, 11:40 to 12:50) Instruction: DAVID CHANDLER, Waterford, CT ( Description: This workshop is a great way to start your day. After many years of research with some of the top masters of Tai Chi on the planet David Chandler compiled this set of Tai Chi Warm-ups. The program is comprised of simple swinging motions, shaking Qigong practices, joint lubricating exercises, Indonesian Hand Dances, gentle stretches, Soong Ku (a tapping set), Meridian Massage techniques, and a variety of Tai Chi postures that wake the body up and prepare the player for any activity. It is designed to open the joints and awaken the Qi so that the practitioner is in a state of readiness to receive the body wisdom of Tai Chi play. Yi Chen Gong (Intention Rooting Skill) Moving The Body and Spirit Center for Rooting Skill (Saturday, 11:40 to 12:50) Instruction: DR. JOHN PAINTER, Arlington, TX ( Description: What if you could develop an amazing rooting skill after not three years or one year of practice but after only 15 minutes of training. It is possible and anyone can do it using the mind as the core of this power. Yes, it is possible and Dr. Painter will show you how in this informative workshop. All of the internal arts have some form or training that is designed to develop what is called root. We are told that to root we must relax (song) and sink (chen) to produce a stable base or develop pulsing force (peng jin). Dr. John Painter has studied the amazing Li family internal systems for over 50 years working tirelessly to translate their very special way of practicing internal martial arts into easy to understand lessons and language. One of the hallmarks of their practice is the art of using the mind (Yi) and especially intention and imagination to produce very powerful physical results in a very short time. In this workshop you will experience the concept of rooting in a completely new and very practical

3 way using the imagery of your physical ridgepole (Shi-Jilin) and an imaginary ridgepole Huan-Jilin) acting like a rotating Taiji Tu to provide an amazing stability and base for any form of peng jin. Anatomy of Breathing (Saturday, 11:40 to 12:50) Instruction: FRANCES ROBERTSON Description: Do you wonder why someone asks you to breath from your "belly"? Have you ever wondered why you get light-headed when you take many 'big breaths" while sitting in meditation or following instructions at a breathing workshop. Ever wondered what breathing is all about, everyone says it is so important. You can last 30 days without food and about 10 without water but a few minutes without breath and you are on your way to the next adventure. Ever wondered why one teacher says breath from your diaphragm (by the way, where is my diaphragm?) and another says breath from your belly and how does that help? Even in the medical world many disagree on the mechanics of breathing, what initiates the breath, what muscles are involved with the breath and how to increase your breath capacity. In this experiential workshop the above questions will be answered with simple anatomy and understandable explanations. You will learn how you unwittingly interfere with your natural breath and learn to get out of your own way to allow access to the breath you so need with the principles of postural/breathing coordination (Alexander Technique) Qigong & the Use of Intent (Saturday, 11:40 to 12:50) Instruction: GAR WANG, Warwick, NY Description: Using visual metaphors, one could enhance circulation by applying intent in qigong practice. Chan Ssu Chin (Saturday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: DAVID CHANDLER, Waterford, CT ( Description: Chan Ssu Chin: A Reeling Silk Exercise with David Chandler The Chan Ssu Chin is a total body awareness, energy exercise system that includes full range of motion and functions as a moving meditation and mindfulness practice. With movements that follow the path of the Yin/Yang sphere, health benefits include increased flexibility, balance, energy, mental acuity and stress reduction and also improves lymphatic function and joint mobility. Understanding Reeling Silk is fundamental to learning Tai Chi Chuan at its core. This particular Chan Ssu Chin Form was created by David Chandler, based on principles he learned from Master Jou Tsung Hwa. An instructional DVD is available to purchase for home practice. Appropriate for all levels. No Tai Chi experience necessary. Healing Aspects of Standing Meditation (Saturday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: RON GEE ( Description: Master Jou's Chen II Form (Paochui) (Saturday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: RICHARD GREENE, South Orange, NJ & Clermont, FL Description: Learn the powerful and explosive (Fa Jin) movements of the Chen Second Routine sometimes known as Cannon Fist from Richard Greene. Tai Chi, Qigong, and Pain Relief (Saturday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: DR. CJ RHOADS ( Description: Those of us who have been practicing Tai Chi or Qigong daily know how well it works as a pain reliever especially for chronic pain. Research also points to evidence that it is also effective as a preventative for a myriad of physical ailments including heart failure, cardiopulmonary respiratory disease, diabetes, shingles, digestive disorders, Parkinson's

4 disease, many types of cancer, arthritis and autoimmune disorders. But HOW? What is the actual mechanism that enables Tai Chi and Qigong to work? Physicians prescribed aspirin for headaches decades before science figured out exactly how it works (which wasn't until the seventies), but they are much less likely to encourage their patients to try Tai Chi until scientists have figured out how it works. Oddly enough, the science into health also reveals some of the "secrets" in why Taijiquan works better than external martial arts in a physical altercation. Healing Another: Push Hands & Form (Saturday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: STEPHEN WATSON, CT (farmingoursomedays@gmail.com) Description: All Taijiquan is Taijiquan for health. Health care come in acute and chronic varieties. You break your leg in an out-of-the-blue fall: acute health care is in your (very near) future. Your yearly physical examination approaches, allergy season arrives, your dietician says it is time for a regular review of goals: chronic health care is in your (not necessarily very near) future. Chronic is usual, continual, routine. Acute is random, sudden, and unpredictable. They are both health care. I do know, feel, recognize, promote, and enjoy the benefits of Taijiquan as a life practice. One I do, flow with, wrestle with, study, and play at. Each version of health care flows from this. We even know that Taijiquan as a healing practice can be seen, in its way, in such arts at Tuina. Tuina is, after all, Taijiquan Push Hands done on another s soft tissue. I also believe that Taijiquan, when practiced especially sincerely can provide these same health benefits to...onlookers. When those onlookers are as deeply invested in the conscious moment as the practitioner. This workshop is an opportunity for us to practice our art directly for an other. What follows and flows and flowers from this will be connection, compassion, and community. We may even begin to dissolve our sense of self importance and selffocus...a bit. Tai Chi Connections: Taking the Right Approach for Structure & Fluidity (Saturday, 3:50 to 5:00) Instruction: JOHN LOUPOS ( Description: All Tai Chi, regardless of style, is based on certain universal principles. Your acquisition of these principles is the key to true mastery of Tai Chi Chuan. This Tai Chi Connections seminar will focus on the nuances of body organization to improve your sense of structure & fluidity, with special attention being paid to the role of the tailbone. Yin-Yang Medical Qigong (Saturday, 3:50 to 5:00) Instruction: MASTER LU, ZHONG-HUA, Lee, Massachusetts Description: This 20 posture form was created by Grandmaster Jianye Jiang after researching many different types of Qi Gong in China. It uses Chinese poetry with nature pictures to visualize Yang Qi(chi) from Heaven and Yin Qi from Earth, then bring Yin & Yang Qi into the organs to maintain health, vitality, and longevity. Incremental, inch by inch movement in Tai Chi Chuan and its physical and life applications (Saturday, 3:50 to 5:00) Instruction: RICH MARANTZ, Manchester, VT ( Description: Expanding on Master Jou's teaching of frame by frame movie-like movement, Rich will share exercises to develop and understand inch by inch movement in Tai chi chuan, and its physical and life applications. Myths and Meanings of Tai Chi (Saturday, 3:50 to 5:00) Instruction: STEPHEN WATSON, CT (farmingoursomedays@gmail.com) Description: This workshop is designed for the TCM practitioner, novice in Neijiaquan as well as those well-versed in the motions of Tai Chi, Ba Gua, and Hsing I but still lacking in the meanings and mind behind the motions. We will begin with Taoist Contemplation. Then, we'll explore the hidden messages and metaphors of the energies, postures, names, and directions of the T'ai Chi Dance. Bring questions you have always nurtured. Bring a delightful (or delight-able) spirit.

5 Secrets Of The Taiji Diagram (Saturday, 5:10 to 6:20) Instruction: DR. JAY DUNBAR & KATHLEEN CUSICK ( Description: To truly embody the philosophy of Taijiquan we must understand and practice the dynamics hidden within the Taiji diagram: its circumference (eight energies) and its S-curved diameter (five phases of change). Master Jou designed simple exercises to help himself and his students achieve this goal. In this workshop we ll explore these exercises, which together comprise what he called the master key." Tiger Qigong (Saturday, 5:10 to 6:20) Instruction: BOB & JEAN KLEIN, Sound Beach, NY ( Description: The movements of tiger qigong (and tiger forms) emphasize the sequential rotation of the joints the spiraling energy created by the lungs. This energy then created waves that heal and massage the body s organs. The movements flush out toxins. Tiger qigong brings elasticity back to the fascia, strengthens the legs, hips and torso. It brings flexibility to the spine. WuHao 24 Short Form (Saturday, 5:10 to 6:20) Instruction: DAVID RITCHIE, Meriden CT ( Description: Wu style Tai Chi originated from small frame Chen Style and it emphasizes high compact stances and very direct techniques. Wu (Hao) style Tai Chi was developed in China at the turn of the 19th Century in Hobei Province by Wu Yuxiang and his nephew Li Yiyu. Wu style for the longest time was only taught to the Wu family descendents. Later Li Yiyu adopted Hao Weizhon as his student. This was the beginning of Wu (Hao family) Tai Chi, as it was later taught in the South. The Wu style taught in the North was called Wu (Li family) Tai Chi. The Five Elements Free Flow (Saturday, 5:10 to 6:20) Instruction: JENNIFER STEFFENER, Pt. Pleasant, NJ (taichisurfer@hotmail.com) Description: Experience the unique characteristics of your qi by exploring each of the elements in this playful free flow set. This dynamic workshop will combine meditation with movement, breath, and music. As you express yourself in movement, you will reveal the patterns of energy that live within you. Energize your body, relax your mind, and awaken your heart as you stimulate your meridians, open the flow of your qi, and renew your spirit. Master Jou's Taiji / Qigong Principles (Sunday, 09:00 to 10:10) Instruction: BRUCE LA CARRUBBA ( Description: Join one of Master Jou's senior students as he takes you on a journey back to a typical Master Jou class at the legendary Tai Chi Farm in the early 1990's. Rediscover the principles of taiji and qigong as taught by an inspirational teacher and author whose influence continues and can be palpably felt in every workshop venue you will attend this weekend. Tai Chi Diagram & Brain Plasticity (Sunday, 09:00 to 10:10) Instruction: JAMES (MARTY) MARTIN, Havre de Grace, MD (443) Description: James("Marty") will guide you through a practice using the Tai Chi Diagram (with some modification) to help promote cognitive plasticity and healthy brain functioning. The practice moves through a progression from very simple to more challenging coordinating exercises.

6 The Art of Self-Massage (Sunday, 09:00 to 10:10) Instruction: JENNIFER STEFFENER, Pt. Pleasant, NJ Description: Join this workshop in the ancient art of self-care massage that can help heal, tone, and prevent illness. This workshop will teach you simple and easy-to-learn massage techniques and acupressure points that you can perform on yourself to help relieve the symptoms of common ailments such as sinus congestion, headaches, general aches and pains, digestion and elimination problems, low energy, and stress. The Tai Chi Signature (Sunday, 09:00 to 10:10) Instruction: DR. JONATHAN B. WALKER ( Description: The Tai Chi choreography (forms) are a physical performance that can be learned by anyone who spends time and practice in the physical acclimation and coordination of the human anatomical structure. But the physical acquisition of, "Tai Chi does not make!" So what does make Tai Chi? It's the integration of mind, body and spirit (and we've all heard that before). So how is that done? Let's take only one aspect. 'The Mind," In this discipline, it is said that our mind is divided into 2 parts, the "Hsin Mind" and the "Yin Mind." These equate to the active (hsin) and passive (yin) mind states or the conscious and subconscious minds. In this workshop, we will explore both mind states and discover how to acquire the preferred "Yin" or subconscious state of mind that allows us to access the holistic benefits from performing the Tai Chi choreography. The Eighteen Luohan Qigong (Sunday, 10:20 to 11:30) Instruction: DR. JAY DUNBAR & KATHLEEN CUSICK ( Description: Welcome the Immortals, Lift the Three-Legged Cauldron, and Spread Deep Roots in this ancient set of meditative calisthenics involving body, mind, breath and spirit. Attributed to Bodhidharma, a boddhisattva (luohan) of the 6th century, they are the traditional basis of both Chinese yoga and martial art. Invigorating yet calming, challenging yet fun, they are excellent for stress relief, stretching, toning, and overall well-being. Qigong Short Simple and Effective (Sunday, 10:20 to 11:30) Instruction: GEORGE HOFFMAN ( Description: Work with Five short and simple Qigong exercises that you can use anytime to collect your breath, calm your mind and gather your Qi. Select any of these short, simple and easy to practice routines for a quick re-centering or recharging at any time throughout your busy day. Beginner Push Hand, Theory and a Basic Routine (Sunday, 10:20 to 11:30) Instruction: DAVID RITCHIE, Meriden CT ( Description: If you have never practiced push hands or are new to the game this workshop is for you. Push Hands is traditionally an important part of Tai Chi Ch uan. Push hand neutralizing is all over your Form and commonly referred to as transitions. We will cover important points such as posture, stance and center. We will practice one and two hand push hands including a routine such as rollback, push and ward off (press can be added). We will practice two person developmental exercises for relaxation, rooting, sensitivity and neutralizing. Tai Chi Principles (Sunday, 11:40 to 12:50) Instruction: DAVID CHANDLER, Waterford, CT ( Description: Master Teacher David Chandler lays out the fundamentals of the Tai Chi Principles in this dynamic workshop. The focus is on grounding, centering, balance, flow, energy, awareness, structure, yin/yang-theory, active yielding, meditation, and breathing. What is Tai Chi Chuan? What is Qigong? How does softness overcome hardness? The use of the mind and intention is primary in this workshop. How does one use simplicity and ease to accomplish the goal of peace and harmony in action? This workshop is for all level players.

7 Circle Walkin Qigong (Sunday, 11:40 to 12:50) Instruction: MARK S. GALLAGHER ( Description: Applying the principles of Qigong to Bagua practice. Bagua Zhang is a circular internal yogic practice. It is based on the Taoist philosophy of the eight trigrams, where each trigram is representative of a unique energetic expression. When performed slowly, Bagua circle walking is known for meditative health cultivation; and when performed fast, circle work improves martial awareness. As a Qigong practice, the gentle movements stimulate Qi flow to specific organs and meridians. Circle Walking Qigong is performed in a joyous, meditative and relaxed state of awareness. Workshop will focus on the fundamentals of circle walking (breath, direction & flow) and finding the Qigong within the movements. The Dynamics of Breathing (Sunday, 11:40 to 12:50) Instruction: BOB & JEAN KLEIN, Sound Beach, NY ( Description: Many teachers say, "breathe naturally". Yet if we all know how to breathe naturally, we probably wouldn't even need to study Tai-chi. We will learn breathing mechanics of the animals and how to apply them to Tai-chi forms. Breathing is the core of all qigong. If we just "go through the motions" and don't understand the breathing that is the basis of qigong, we are fooling ourselves. These breathing dynamics will transform your practice. The Chinese Iron Fan (Sunday, 11:40 to 12:50) Instruction: DR. JOHN PAINTER, Arlington, TX ( Description: A truly beautiful but effective weapon. The iron fan is an ancient weapon with modern urban combat applications. This is not a fancy dance form, but a historical look at the actual use of the Chinese fan in self-defense. The Iron or even a bamboo fan can be used my men and women alike for self-protection. Students who learn Chinese iron fan can also make use of a short stick, pen or even a pencil using fan tactics. The Chinese Iron Fan was a formidable weapon that could even be used to throw sharpened coins or darts. Today it is used to strike neutralize strikes, kicks and grabs, hit pressure points or lock joints and take an attacker down. (Student must supply their own practice weapon of metal or wood) Here are sources on Amazon.com Taoist s Cultivation of Body-Mind 4 Tiers of Advancement (Sunday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: PROFESSOR CHANG-SHIN JIH ( Description: Taoist practices are aimed to maximize the potentiality of human body-mind. Their cultivation of body-mind are divided into four consecutive stages: first, building up physical strength (ti-nen) through exercises and diet; second, transforming physical strength into chi-nen (bio-energy); third, elevating chi-nen (bio-energy) into the zhi-nen (energy of intellect), and sheng-nen (energy of spirituality), and then, the last stage, is to sublime zhi-nen & sheng-nen into the energy of le-nen (energy of creation). In this workshop, participants will learn physical exercises, meditative techniques and spiritual rituals which have been used by Taoist hermits to live out their highest potentiality as human beings. Tai Chi & I Ching - Inform Each Other (Sunday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: SUSANNA T. DE ROSA, Princeton, NJ (innerspace.taiji@verizon.net) Description: This workshop will introduce ways of exploring the I Ching and its impact on daily Tai Chi play. Master Jou's Taiji Theory (Sunday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: RICHARD GREENE, South Orange, NJ & Clermont, FL Description: Come and explore Master Jou's theory of the path to truly understanding Tai Chi philosophy and practice as set forth in his introduction to the last edition (May 1998) to his world renowned book The Dao of Taijiquan.

8 Spontaneous Qigong for healing and Tai Chi Chuan application (Sunday, 2:30 to 3:40) Instruction: RICH MARANTZ, Manchester, VT ( Description: "You don't move until the Qi moves", Master Yun Xiang Tseng. In this simple exercise, participants will turn inward and "listen" to the flow of Qi and allow the body to naturally follow. This can have the effect of awakening the innate healer within. The application of this exercise to our Tai chi practice will also be covered. 3 Keys to Maximize the Power of Taijiquan (Sunday, 3:50 to 5:00) Instruction: PROFESSOR CHANG-SHIN JIH ( Description: Dantian breathing, coiling silk movement, and emptiness of conscious mind are three keys to the empowerment of Taijiquan. Participant will learn how to sink the chi to the dantian or even one step further to the yongquan (bubbling-well). Participant will also practice how to integrate Coiling Silk movement into the sequence of any form of taichiquan. By combining both elements above, the individual taichi posture is no long standing alone, but rather flowing into each other like the waterfall with unbroken continuity and tremendous power. At the end of workshop, participant will also practice how to let go the intention of controlling, and emptying the conscious mind, so that they are able to read the intention and body-mind condition of their partners in the combative situation, or even able to absorb the energy gracefully from their playmates. Master Jou's Esoteric Practices (Sunday, 3:50 to 5:00) Instruction: BRUCE LA CARRUBBA and JENNIFER STEFFENER ( (taichisurfer@hotmail.com) Description: Come and learn some of Master Jou's more esoteric practices which he shared one-on-one with two of his senior students, including Bruce La Carrubba and Jennifer Steffener. These practices include the theory and practice of utilizing pre-birth Dantian breathing to connect the external to the internal in the body through 6 energetic terminals. eg. teeth(extenal terminus) bridging the energetic path to the bones(internal terminus). This is a wonderful healing practice to add to your daily routine. Outdoor Inner Views - An Alchemical Walk (Sunday, 3:50 to 5:00) Instruction: STEPHEN WATSON, CT (farmingoursomedays@gmail.com) Description: Seeing the Self represented in Nature. Taoist Alchemy for the Modern Poet. All Martial Arts require Kung Fu. Kung Fu means dedicated, sincere, earnest, honest hard work over time in the direction of growth. Kung Fu is the How of what it is you do, even if what you do is another martial art. All Kung Fu can be practiced by in the Play of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a way of practicing Kung Fu which is a way of practicing how one applies oneself. All Tai Chi is a whole-body/mind study of the Why of Taoism. Taoism is a proto-scientific effort to describe the Why of the world as it is felt by the unveiled mind. Taoism is a specific version of Shamanism. Shamanism is a relationship with the substantial and insubstantial aspects of existence, the sacred and the profane. It is the acceptance of the Why Not within the whirl of Why. This workshop, originated for the Old Oak School of the Dao in California invites us to walk into the woods. Not a hike, not a race. To find our (unmarked) Path along the (marked) path we will explore the natural possibilities to practice Kung Fu found on our way. We may lift rocks. We may clamber and kick, we may expand our worldview by squinting at a chrysalis. There are many games and exercise in the woods. A shaman is open to them. The games teach of the Tao, the yin and yang of everything. The Tao opens us to Tai Chi, the why of our how. Our Tai Chi reminds us to open to our Kung Fu, our struggle to reach no-struggle. Push Hands, while the most fun thing one can do on two feet, is a practice of martial skill that continually presses us to engage with what we are connected to. On our walk it may be a bit of lichen, a patch of mud, or a straight jab. Remain engaged and the How will come to you through Play. Remain engaged and the Why will spar with the Why Not. We'll have a hike like no other...

9 Come celebrate Master Jou, Tsung Hwa s Birthday Celebration & Tai Chi Festival with us and enjoy an unforgettable and life-enhancing weekend. Grandmaster Jou, Tsung Hwa demonstrating at the Zhang San Feng Festival, Tai Chi Farm 1996