tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66938752009-02-21T12:18:42.142+11:00The Tai Chi Club aims to promote and popularise the traditional art of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. Club members are shown how the practice of Tai Chi can improve one’s health and also simple self-defence applications.<p>Studying or working at Monash University? Come and join today!</p>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1120779046154822022005-07-08T09:24:00.000+10:002005-07-08T09:30:46.166+10:00<p>Hi everyone,<br /></p> <p>This site finishes here...... :o(<br /></p> <p>HOWEVER.....we have a new home! The new look, highly funky <a href="http://monashtaichi.blogspot.com">Tai Chi Chuan Club website is now HERE</a>!<br />Take a look and see what new features are there...<br /></p> <p>Some things you can do to keep track of the updates on the new site:<br /><blockquote>1. Bookmark it! Lots of info and news events will be available on the new site!<br />2. Subscribe to the site feed (if you use <a href="http://www.bloglines.com">Bloglines</a>, or <a href="http://www.feedster.com">Feedster</a>, or something like that!)...<br />3. Subscribe using your email address (just type in your address and hit subscribe) to receive notifications of new info on the site....!</blockquote><br />...I'll keep this old site up for a longer bit longer...for posterity. CIAO!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-112077904615482202?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1117847619689900052005-06-04T11:07:00.000+10:002005-06-04T11:15:11.123+10:00<p>Hi everyone,<br /></p> <p>I've just updated the look and functions of our Tai Chi blog here...how do you like it? It's quite easy to change (a Blogger template!), so feel free to leave a comment about how you like the look! There is now a comments feature (in-built from Blogger) for each post. You can leave comments anytime!<br /> </p> <p>I've also set up a <a href="http://www.flickr.com">Flickr account</a> where photos can be stored (this is my account, but do we want a separate Tai Chi account?)...the demo photo comes from the Flickr site and you can blog directly from Flickr into this Tai Chi blog! Cool huh?!<br /></p> <p>You'll note the polling feature on the sidebar...this will change periodically. If you have any ideas for polls that are fun, easy, and also help members out a bit too (info and the like), please let us know!<br /></p> <p>There is also a subscription feature (powered by <a href="http://www.bloglet.com/">Bloglet</a>) which you can sign up to, to receive updates of this blog at your email address - very convenient if you want to stay in touch with news and information about the Club!<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Sign up NOW!! :o)</span><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111784761968990005?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1117846834976041172005-06-04T11:00:00.000+10:002005-06-04T11:00:34.980+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46651875@N00/17306049/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://photos12.flickr.com/17306049_da20a1f4f5_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46651875@N00/17306049/">Tai Chi Demo 2005 (1)</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/46651875@N00/">margoc</a>. </span></div>Our outdoor training sessions-come-demonstrations were a great success! Thanks to members who were able to make the two days around lunchtime - your involvement is much appreciated, thank you!<br /><br />We were able to capture some of the demo with photographs and short movies too. We will publish some of these to this site, once we have permission from members and Sifu to do so...so, stay tuned!!<br /><br />Here's one for starters anyhow...<br /><br />We hope to have another demo before semester 2 as part of our semester 2 memebrship drive! Hope to see as many members as can make it once again!<br /><br />Cheers!<br clear="all" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111784683497604117?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1117327831590113162005-05-29T10:11:00.000+10:002005-05-29T10:50:31.596+10:00<p>Thank you to all members who made it for the AGM.<br /></p> <p>We voted in our new office bearers for 2005.<br /></p> <p>Brendan was re-elected as Club President - congrats Brendan!<br />Our new treasurer is Alvin,<br />Our secretary is Marg and Sven - a joint role this year, and<br />Public Officer is Anthony!<br /></p> <p>Congratulations to our new officebearers and thanks to the members for making your vote count!<br /></p> <p>Please feel free to approach the officebearers about your thoughts, ideas or comments about the Club. Remember it's your club and we want to run it in the best way that suits club members.<br /></p> <p>You can also post comments to this blog too, if you have suggestions, etc.<br /></p> <p>We look forward to hearing from you and talking with you at training.<br /></p> <p>Cheers!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111732783159011316?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1115785922521884562005-05-11T14:27:00.000+10:002005-05-11T14:32:02.706+10:00<p><br />We hope as many members as possible can come along this Thursday to be present for our <span style="font-style: italic;">2005 Club Annual General Meeting</span> (AGM). This meeting will see a changeover of Club Officer Bearers to replace those (or be renewed) from 2004.<br /><br />You can nominate yourself or someone else for either:<br /></p> <ul> <li>Club President</li> <li>Secretary</li> <li>Treasurer</li> <li>Public Officer</li> </ul> Voting for these positions will take place during the meeting.<br /><br />An agenda has been emailed to all Club members who have rpovided an active email address. If you have not received an agenda by email, there will be copies available at the meeting on Thursday.<br /><br />We hope you can attend...see you there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111578592252188456?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1114732245464596362005-05-02T09:16:00.000+10:002005-05-02T09:15:12.986+10:00<p>Please come along on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday 14th May</span> starting at <span style="font-weight: bold;">9am</span>, to a <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">cross training day</span> for both Tai Chi and Arnis Clubs. We will meet at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Common Room</span> (near basketball court), Sports and Rec Centre. This all day seminar will be a great opportunity to:<br /></p> <ul> <li>meet other club members including Arnis Club members,</li> <li>involve yourself in in-depth training of Tai Chi</li> <li>try out other forms of 'open hand' techniques (tai chi is, and arnis has, an open hand style), </li> <li>see where you might like to extend your tai chi training in the future, and</li> <li>get to know and enjoy the company of your fellow club members for the day!</li> </ul> <p>There will be a small fee on the day of <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;">$20 (plus $5 if staying for dinner!)</span> to cover room hire and coaching fees.<br /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Please also BYO lunch.</span><br /></p> <p>We will end the day with an early dinner (pizza or something) and perhaps some videos/DVDs (we might be able to convince Sifu to show one or two of his tai chi videos)!<br /></p> <p>If interested, please contact <a href="mailto:brendan.whittingham@eng.monash.edu.au">Brendan </a>or <a href="mailto:margaret.oconnell@celts.monash.edu.au">Marg </a>via email or at training, by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday May 5th.<br />We will need final numbers in order to maintain our booking.</span><br /></p> <p>Hope to see you there! </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111473224546459636?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1114643342820702182005-04-29T08:57:00.000+10:002005-04-29T09:51:01.100+10:00<p>At a recent session, Sifu John talked about maintaining a rocking motion in the easy tai chi form, calling it <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chan Su Chin</span> or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chan Xu Jing</span>, depending on your Chinese - please correct me if this is incorrect! It's kind of like weaving a silky cocoon - not sure of the exact translation...anyone want to have a try?<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> Leave your translation in the comments area at the end of this post!</span><br /></p> <p><img src="http://www.ag.auburn.edu/dept/entplp/bulletins/easterntentcaterpillar/photo12.jpg" height="106" width="232" /><br /></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Larvae spin silken cocoons and pupate inside. <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">(Photo by <a href="http://www.ag.auburn.edu/dept/entplp/bulletins/easterntentcaterpillar/photo12.htm">Lacy L. Hyche</a>)</span></span></span></p> <p>Sifu was referring to the softness and smoothness of the movements of each posture and the connecting movements between postures in the easy tai chi form. Sifu considers this one of the fundamentals of Yang style T'ai Chi Chu'an. It reminds me too of the saying: <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">smooth as silk</span> and also <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">light as a feather</span>! You may notice this too when you are doing pushing hands.<br /></p> <p>The following link shows a slideshow of <a href="http://www.peacefuldragonschool.com/forms.cfm">Master Chen Wei Ming doing the Tai Chi form</a>. Chen Wei Ming was the senoir student of Yang Chen Fu, the great master of what is now our Yang style T'ai chi today!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111464334282070218?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1114643831984869002005-04-28T09:09:00.000+10:002005-04-28T14:22:02.250+10:00<p><img src="http://www.biom.net/tai_chi_experience.jpg" /></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Image source: <a href="http://www.biom.net/tai_chi_experience.htm">BIOM.net</a></span></p> <p>Those of you who are interested in doing a <span style="font-weight: bold;">tai chi demo</span> and can be available on <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Tuesday May 17 at 1-2pm</span> and/or <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Thursday May 19 12-1pm</span>, please contact either <a href="mailto:brendan.whittingham@eng.monash.edu.au">Brendan</a> or <a href="mailto:margaret.oconnell@celts.monash.edu.au">Marg </a>via email or at training.<br /></p> <p>It would be great to have 10-15 people (or more!!) from the club join in the demos so we can also show the strength of the club as well as the great progress everyone has made in the form!<br /></p> <p>We would like to demonstrate:<br />1. easy tai chi format<br />2. maybe push hands<br />3. some of the sword form (you can see what you can train up to!)<br /></p> <p>Please let us know by <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Thursday May 5th</span> (next week). May thanks!! :oD<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111464383198486900?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1080603391968094512005-03-30T09:54:00.000+10:002005-04-06T13:24:27.836+10:00<p>Please check this web log regularly for updates on the Club's events, training and social calendar, from time to time.</p> <p>Please also note the <a href="http://monash-taichi.blogspot.com/2005_02_01_monash-taichi_archive.html">NEW Tai Chi session times</a>!<br /></p> <p>As a member, this Club is <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">yours </span>to make it what you wish it to be, so approach us with your suggestions on social events or let us know if you are willing to help out in organising events or demonstrations. In 2004/05, we plan to take Tai Chi to the people! We'd like to do some public demonstrations and encourage more people to join our Club, to benefit from the wonderful art and health benefits of Tai Chi!</p> <p>Our sifu is John Chow. For more information on Sifu John and his Tai Chi background check out <a href="http://yellowbamboohk.com/">his website</a>.<br /></p> <p>If you would like to participate on this blog, please send an email to the <a href="mailto:margaret.oconnell@celts.monash.edu.au?subject=Subscribing%20to%20the%20Tai%20Chi%20blog">Club secretary</a> with your details, or subscribe (see right hand column) to receive updates!<br /><br />Happy Tai Chi-ing!<br />Brendan Whittingham (President) and Marg O'Connell (Secretary)<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108060339196809451?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1111369255753602172005-03-21T12:33:00.000+11:002005-03-21T12:40:55.756+11:00<p>As we have progressed through the sessions this semester, the advanced students (and others game enough to join in!) have begun to work on their tai chi boxing techniques and footwork.<br /></p> <p>Sifu John has written some advice on appropriate training methods for boxing. You can find this aadvice on his website under the pages titled <a href="http://www.yellowbamboohk.com/kickboxing/Advice%20on%20Punching%20the%20Mitts.html">Advice on Punching the Mitts</a> and <a href="http://www.yellowbamboohk.com/kickboxing/Advice%20on%20Holding%20the%20Mitts.html">Advice on Holding the Mitts</a>. For kickboxing, you can access the advice <a href="http://www.yellowbamboohk.com/kickboxing/Easy%20Kickboxing%20footwork.html">here</a>.<br /></p> <p>If you are intersting in beginning tai chi boxing, please approach Sifu John during training. Beginners are welcome to watch advanced classes, but should check with Sifu before beginning the boxing. We have some beginners already joining in, so please don't be shy!!<br /></p> <p>This also demonstrates the range of tai chi chuan in its aspects of relaxation and health AND in application. You take from tai chi what you wish and give what you wish in return. It is indeed a way of life!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111136925575360217?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1110500582652983332005-03-11T11:15:00.000+11:002005-03-11T11:23:02.656+11:00<p>We've had a great start to the year with many people now having joined the Club!<br /></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">I want to take this opportunity to</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WELCOME</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">all new and returning members for 2005 and hope your tai chi year is a relaxing and enjoyable one!</span><br /></p> <p>Remember, it is still not too late to join, so if you know of others who are interested, please invite them along - their first training session is FREE!<br /></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Advanced Classes</span><br />For those who are returning members, you are welcome to attend the advanced classes in the last half hour of the training sessions. For beginners, you are welcome to stay after your training and watch!<br /></p> <p>Sifu John has open fingered leather boxing gloves for sale at $25, for those interested in doing tai chi boxing.<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-111050058265298333?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1108688039722635332005-02-18T11:48:00.000+11:002005-02-28T11:09:39.406+11:00<p></p><blockquote>Updated: Feb 28, 2005, 10.23am - <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Please note, NEW TIMES for tai chi classes below!!</span></blockquote><br />Hi everyone! <p>A Happy New Year to you for 2005 and Happy Lunar New Year for the Year of the Rooster!<br /><br />We are conducting Tai Chi classes again this year and hope you can join us once again! Training times are slightly changed from last year -- please note:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > Tuesdays: 5.00 - 7pm<br />Thursday lunchtimes: 12noon - 1pm<br />Thursdays: 5.00 - 7pm</span><br /><br />We will hold the sessions in the Basement Rehearsal Room in the Campus Centre, Clayton campus.<br />Sessions will begin first week of semester, beginning <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Tuesday, 1st March 2005</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">, 5pm - 7pm</span>.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunchtime sessions</span> will be held in the Martial Arts Hall, Sports and Rec Centre. Please check with <a href="mailto:brendan.whittingham@eng.monash.edu.au">Brendan Whittingham</a> to confirm.</p> <p>Come along to <a href="http://www.monash.edu/orientation/">O-Week</a> to talk to us about Tai Chi and what we can do for you!<br /><br />Our trainers will be <a href="http://yellowbamboohk.com/">Sifu John Chow</a> and supported by Serg Burri.<br /><br />Our club president is Brendan Whittingham. Please feel free to approach Brendan about membership to the Club. You can also send comment or question under this posting on this website!</p> <p><br />Everybody is welcome to join, so come along and bring a friend! Remember your first session is complementary. Please forward this notice to others who may be interested in Tai Chi.<br /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Membership</span><br />Membership for the semester is $50.<br />On joining the Club as a member, you receive a club t-shirt and have voting rights at committee meetings and you are able to take part in developing the Club through becoming a committee member, and arranging Club events (social and otherwise).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >**If you have any problems with payment PLEASE approach us about financial assistance - we don't wish to exclude ANYONE from the club because of financial situations.</span><br /><br />Updates and notices about Club events and training sessions can be found here on our web log as well as an email list - if you wish to join the list, please forward a request to <a href="mailto:margaret.oconnell@celts.monash.edu.au">my email address</a>.<br /><br />Best wishes and I look forward to seeing you at training!<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-110868803972263533?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1102051636948361782004-12-03T16:19:00.000+11:002004-12-03T16:30:27.440+11:00<div style="text-align: left;">Hi everyone! <br /></div> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/market16.jpg" alt="Christmas market in Germany" align="top" /> <br /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/index1.htm" target="_blank" title="Find out more about the Christmas markets in Germany">The Christmas markets in Germany</a></p> <p>The festive season is upon us once more. For some it's an exciting and joyous time of the year, for others they couldn't care less! I'm somewhere in between, but only because I'm mostly looking forward to a relaxing break, before bolting out into 2005! <br /></p> <p>2005 has much in store for the Tai Chi Chuan Club. We hope you will join us in the New Year when the university semester gets underway! We usually begin training the week beginning the semester, so it's likely we'll start on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">first Tuesday</span> in Week 1, that is <span style="font-weight: bold;">March 1st, 2005</span>. <br /></p> <p>Until then, have a relaxing, enjoyable and safe holiday break! And don't forget to practice your tai chi...it really helps to battle the Xmas bulge! ;oP <br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-110205163694836178?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1098238414522549982004-10-20T13:08:00.000+10:002004-10-20T12:13:34.523+10:00<p> <br />Hi all just a quick note to let you know that the Arnis Club have invited us to a BBQ this Thursday, October 21 starting about 6.30pm, at the Sport and Rec Centre (under the covered area outside of the lounge area near reception). <br /> <br />Please come along and say hi - our last BBQ was a lot of fun! <br /> <br />We will start with a short session in the Basement Room (Campus Centre) then move to the Rec Centre around 6.30pm, if you wish to do some tai chi before eating! :o) <br /> <br />SEE YOU ALL THERE!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-109823841452254998?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1098237984959982152004-10-20T11:59:00.000+10:002004-10-20T12:06:24.960+10:00<p> <br />Hi everyone! I hope your exam and end-of-year preparations are going smoothly for you. It has been a very busy year all round I think! <br /> <br />We will not be running formal sessions once semester finishes, but Serg is very happy to run sessions so you can practice, ask questions or simply spend time to develop your form in more detail. <br /> <br />Please feel free to come along at the usual times, Tuesday and Thursday 5.30-7.00pm. <br />We may renegotiate these times depending on everyone's preferences over summer and the Campus Centre room arrangments over that time. <br /> <br />Please bring along a friend who is interested in trying out tai chi! This is a good time as it is quiet and attention can be given to new students in a more relaxed setting than our more formal sessions! <br /> <br />Come along! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-109823798495998215?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1094171392374193652004-09-03T10:09:00.000+10:002004-10-20T11:59:04.323+10:00<p>Serge was most kind to give us a rundown on the lineage of our form this week. I woudl like to put together a map of the movement of the masters of our form and the historical moments. If you are interested or have some knowledge of the lineage yourself, please contact me so we can build the bigger picture for the Club! That would be great. <br /></p> <p>This is the 4th Generation Master, Cheng Man Ching (1901 - 1975). It was from him that the lineage continued and was pursued in Penang, Malaysia, Yap Siew Ting (1918 - 1978) and 5th Generation Master, Huang Sheng Shyan (1910 - 1992). <br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/margoc/taichi/cmc.jpg" alt="Cheng Man Ching" /> <br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4th Generation Master, Cheng Man Ching</span> <br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/margoc/taichi/hss.jpg" alt="Huang Sheng Shyan" /></p><p>5th Generation Master, Huang Sheng Shyan <br /></p><p>Read about Masters Cheng Man Ching and Huang Sheng Shyan at <a href="http://htaiji.tripod.com/1.htm" title="opens in new window" target="_blank">Huang TaiJi Chuan (Singapore).</a> <br /></p> <br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/margoc/taichi/taichichuan.jpg" alt="Taichi Chuan lineage"> <br /><i>Diagram showing lineage to present day.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-109417139237419365?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1090306784776116922004-07-20T16:55:00.000+10:002004-07-20T17:01:38.593+10:00<p>Hi everyone! <br /> </p> <p>Time to shake off the winter chills with some tai chi! We are back into the swing this week, so come along and get warmed up! <br /> </p> <p>I'm sure you've been socialising and making the most of your break catching up with friends and family and meeting new people. So.... how about encouraging them along to a Tai Chi session? Remember they can try out a session for free and do some of the form and exercises too. <br /> </p> <p>Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.30 - 7pm (if you can make it a tad earlier for warm ups, especially with the cool weather now, that's great!) <br /> </p> <p>Cheers and see you there! <br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-109030678477611692?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1087785682713768142004-06-21T12:38:00.000+10:002004-06-21T12:41:22.713+10:00<p> <br />Hi everyone, <br /> <br />Just a quick note to say that after the Tuesday and Thursday sessions this week (beginning 21 June) we will have a break from training until the <b>first week of semester 2</b>. That is, the week beginning 19 July. <br /> <br />Hope your exams and assessments went well and see you in July! <br /> <br />Take care and enjoy your break, <br />Marg :o)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108778568271376814?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1085720722456112372004-05-28T14:58:00.000+10:002004-05-28T15:05:22.456+10:00<p> <br />In our training sessions you are probably aware that we greet and end our sessions with a slight bow, hand on heart. We usually greet our training partners too, in our application of the form. There are other meanings to the salutation too... <br /><ul>we are acknowledging the lineage of our Tai Chi<br>we also acknowledge our place of learning and our teacher (which is why we bow at the door to the training room and then bow as we leave!) <br /></ul><p> <br />Just thought those new to Tai Chi might appreciate a little explanation.... <br /> <br />Happy tai chi-ing! :oP<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108572072245611237?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1085720255780102942004-05-28T14:48:00.000+10:002004-05-28T14:57:57.966+10:00<p> <br />Hi everyone, <br /> <br />I don't know about anyone else, but I'm beginning to feel this cold weather and the only good thing about that is that there will soon be snow in which to carve up (I'm hoping!)--- that's just me! In the meantime, there's Tai Chi - thank goodness! <br /> <br />As we are approaching end of semester, if you can make it to tai chi that's excellent, but we understand there are assignment deadlines and exam prep to do! Tai chi can help you relax though - but it's personal preference really. So if you feel the need to de-stress, tai chi is very useful! <br /> <br /><b>Going away for the semester break???</b> <br />Serge will run through some drills to build up a <b>homework repetoire</b>... as many people are often away over the semester break, these drills are good to do in your own time, especially if you won't be able to make it to the training sessions. (Although I get some queer looks from my workmates when they see me bouncing on the spot swinging my arms - huh, what do they know! :o) <br /> <br />So, if you can make it this week especially, you'll be able to take away some knowledge of drills for practice, until semester 2 starts again. <br /> <br /><b>Not going away over the break???</b> <br />If you are hanging around over the semester break, we may still be able to meet as normal, depending on the room bookings and how many people we have. Stay tuned, Serge may have some ideas! <br /> <br />Cheers and stay warm! <br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108572025578010294?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1085113937689446632004-05-21T14:14:00.000+10:002004-05-21T14:34:27.226+10:00<p> <br />Hi tai chi-ers, thanks to everyone who was able to make it to the BBQ on Tuesday, it was a lot of fun and I certainly learned more about some of our members. <br /> <br />Not only that, we were joined by our friends from the <strong>Arnis Club</strong> and the <a href="http://www.buddhist.monashclubs.org/" target="_blank">Buddhist Society</a>! <br /> <br />There was plenty of cooking (thanks to Emmerson, Rusty and Phil), eating (great sushi Rusty! Brendan, your turn to make satays next!), talking and sharing of ideas for the Club. <br /> <br />Serge and Sifu John were also able to join us, which was fantastic! Sifu John brought along some videos of his colleagues demonstrating the martial applications of Tai Chi - it had everyone's attention! <br /> <br />The videos were enjoyed with cakes and desserts (did we eat! :o) - thanks to the Arnis club for bringing along choccie cakes and drinks. <br /> <br />Stay tuned for some photos! <br /> <br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108511393768944663?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1083138812147603662004-04-28T17:53:00.000+10:002004-04-28T17:57:46.950+10:00<p> <br />At training on Tuesday, Serge handed out some information about the Club's Tai Chi origins and some rules that govern the way the Club operates (mostly common sense rules really). <br /> <br />Included in this is a waiver form which should be read carefully and then signed and returned to Serge when you next see him at training. <br /> <br />If you haven't got one of these hand outs yet, see Serge at training. <br /> <br />Tuesday was excellent! We are really starting to synchronise our form and I for one really felt the energy in the room when we were performing the moves! <br /> <br />See you at training on Thursday! :o)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108313881214760366?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1082250750615746052004-04-18T11:12:00.000+10:002004-04-22T20:09:03.186+10:00<p> <br />You'll notice on the front left of the club t-shirt an image depicting the yin/yang symbol with a stork and a snake in each half. This illustrates the origin which is arguably said to come from Chang San Feng: <br /> <br /><ul><i>Chang San Feng is romantically favoured as the originator of Tai Chi. Chang San Feng developed the idea of yielding and following by watching antics of stork and snake in conflict.</i>- <a href="http://www.eclipse.co.uk/masterworks/TaiChi/taichi.htm" target="_blank">Masterworks Tai Chi Chuan</a>, 2004. <br /></ul> <br />The movements performed in Yang style Tai Chi Chuan imitate the swaying, fluid movements of the snake and the stretching, stable movements of the stork. These movements give rise to the naming of some of the movements in the Yang form, such as 'stork cools wings'; 'snake moves through grass'. <br /> <br />There are some websites which recall this story in various ways. Check some out for yourself! <br /><a href="http://www.eclipse.co.uk/masterworks/TaiChi/taichi.htm" target="_blank">Masterworks Tai Chi Chuan</a> <br /><a href="http://www.chineseculturecenter-abq.com/taic.html" target="_blank">Chinese Cultural Centre, Albuquerque, USA</a> <br /><a href="http://www.soton.ac.uk/~maa1/chi/taichi/origins.htm" target="_blank">Tai Chi Do (a way of Tai Chi)</a> <br /> <br />Sifu John has been kind enough to provide some informative videos on the art and practice of Tai Chi Chuan. We hope to screen these at our Club BBQ Dinner coming soon. <br /> <br />See you all at training!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108225075061574605?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1081924137689545472004-04-18T10:52:00.000+10:002004-04-18T10:54:12.000+10:00<p> <br />Thank you once to club members who were able to attend the AGM for 2004 to vote in our office bearers - much appreciated. <br />We now have approval from Sports and Recreation on the outcomes of our AGM. Our Club president, Brendan, is currently setting up our financial needs in order to move forward for the rest of the year. <br /> <br />Congratulations to our other new office bearers, Rusty, Phil and Marg! <br /> <br />...And what better way to celebrate than with a... <b>Club BBQ Dinner!</b> <br />We are in the process of arranging a BBQ dinner, following a short training session. <br /> <br />...stay tuned, more details at training sessions to come... <br /> <br /><b>Club T-shirts now available!</b> <br />Many thanks to Serge for arranging the t-shirts - they look spectacular! <br />If you were not present when sizes were arranged, please speak to Serge at training about getting a t-shirt. <br />It looks great with everyone wearing the club t-shirt at training! :o) <br /> <br />Finally, If you are not on our email list, or know someone who should be but isn't, please let us know! <br /> <br />Thanks to everyone for their contributions and interest so far. It looks to be a great year for Tai Chi!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108192413768954547?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693875.post-1080605889380011852004-03-30T10:18:00.000+10:002005-04-06T13:17:54.926+10:00<p>Hi all,<br /><br />Just a quick reminder that our training days are:<br /><br /></p><ul><b>Tuesday 5.00 - 7pm<br />Thursday 5.00 - 7pm</b></ul><br /><br />Tuesdays we will concentrate more on learning the form itself and the basic principles behind the form.<br />Thursdays we focus on applying the particular moves within the form for defense and martial arts techniques.<br /><br />Both evenings involve extensive warm-up routines and stretching, as well as <a href="http://www.gstaichi.org/qigongMartialArts.html" target="_blank">Qigong mediation</a> and breathing exercises.<br />The aim is to increase your awareness of "chi" - the energy life force that is in all of us!<br /><br />If you are curious and want to try out Tai Chi to see if it is for you, come along to a free session any day and talk to the Instructors and senior students to find out more.<br /><br />See you there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6693875-108060588938001185?l=monash-taichi.blogspot.com'/></div>Marg O'Connellnoreply@blogger.com