Category Archives: Articles

Qigong: 10 Points for Body Control

Posted on September 3, 2023 by school

A very long while back, we published a 30 minute video on 10 points for controlling the body in Qigong. Over the years, this was one of our most popular DVDs — it is simple, accessible, and provides solid information … Continue reading →

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A Very Short Lesson on Bagua Zhang’s Reeling Silk

Posted on May 29, 2023 by school
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Kung Fu Has No Corners

Posted on April 15, 2023 by school
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Mat of Asphalt

Posted on December 4, 2022 by Gene Ching

The pandemic shifted everything, even our martial arts practice. Here at the Academy of Martial and Internal Arts in Santa Cruz, the most prominent change has been that we now train outside in parking lot. I know we’re not the … Continue reading →

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Defending The Self

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Ted Mancuso

As the story goes, a young boy wanted to avenge the murder of his parents, so he went to a sword teacher and begged to be accepted as a student. “How long will it take me to train myself to … Continue reading →

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Kaz Checks In From Humboldt

Posted on June 19, 2022 by school

Got a nice letter from our gone-but-not-forgotten student and friend, Kaz, who moved to Humboldt a few months ago. Here are some excerpts: How are you guys?  I miss you!  We are pretty settled in up here, and generally loving … Continue reading →

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The Role of Continuous Movement in Yang Style T’ai Chi Chuan

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Ted Mancuso

~Reprinted from T’ai Chi Magazine Millennial Issue, February 2000 At one time T’ai Chi was known as River Boxing (He Quan). The reason is obvious, even to the non-player. T’ai Chi’s smooth, continuous flowing motions move along like a gentle … Continue reading →

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Ted performing Mizong (Back in the Day)

Posted on March 27, 2022 by Ted Mancuso

Mizong Kung Fu is also known as Lost Track Style. It is known for its quick changes, deceptive footwork and unusual walking patterns. Like many Northern styles, it is extended, expressive and graceful. Here’s a short clip from the early … Continue reading →

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It’s Alive!

Posted on December 16, 2021 by school

Neither rain nor snow nor sleet nor covid has been able to stop our new book by Sifu Ted Mancuso, “Hawk Splits Sky: Jibengong Practice, Bagua Zhang Mastery,” from publication. But it’s not like the forces of nature haven’t tried … Continue reading →

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Bagua and the Pandemic Pivot

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Gene Ching

The unprecedented changes triggered by the pandemic are ongoing. Like every school all around the world, the Academy of Martial and Internal Arts is adjusting to the changes. We struggle onward despite these challenges, but there are surely more ahead. … Continue reading →

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Instructor Nick Hancock Displays Fine Form

Posted on October 8, 2021 by school

We found this great clip of our Nick Hancock demonstrating Northern Shaolin’s most famous form known as #6 Short Strike. Watch and enjoy.

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Tai Chi Training Secrets: How Do You Practice Martially, When You Are By Yourself?

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Ted Mancuso

A recent letter from one of our favorite correspondents, Gary Shapiro, put the question: “We spoke about how practicing taiji with the martial aspects in mind enhances it’s health effects. So— how does that work? Can one practice “martially” solo? … Continue reading →

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Year of the Metal Ox: Narrye Caldwell’s Annual Outlook

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Narrye Caldwell

One sure thing: as soon as the calendar page turns from December to January, we start to get inquiries about when people will see Narrye Caldwell’s post for the Chinese (Lunar) New Year. Well, here it is! As always, enjoy. … Continue reading →

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Becoming A Sifu

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Gene Ching

When do you become a Sifu? The simple answer is you become a Sifu when other people start calling you a Sifu. A more legitimate answer is you become a Sifu when your Sifu says you’re a Sifu. However, like … Continue reading →

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Better With Age

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Ted Mancuso

After class the other day my student Harvey, who has studied with me for more than 15 years, asked me a pointed question: “How and why does a longtime practitioner maintain his or her interest in studying Tai Chi?” This … Continue reading →

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