The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by school1
When people think of a sport or an exercise, they think of “self-improvement.” and self-improvement means taking that basic person which is you and adding to it. But Tai Chi holds an opposite view. Where the athlete strives to increase their skill from day one, the martial artist begins a slow process of shedding habits, preconceptions, even strengths. In the martial arts we invest in loss. To some this may seem ineffably oriental and mysterious. But Tai Chi, as all martial arts, has embodied this approach for centuries. This is the reason martial arts has always proved so useful: the …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by Karl Forest
New Series Begins August 10, 2026 New to Tai Chi? Get started, deepen your skills, or join and try it out! This 3-month series introduces the beautiful art of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan). We will begin with the proper structure and biomechanics that give this ancient martial art its well-deserved reputation as a health and longevity practice. We will teach you a Yang-style short set that Sifu Ted Mancuso specifically designed to follow authentic and traditional principles. It is also learnable within three months. The class is oriented to beginners, but more experienced students who want to refresh their skills …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by school
Tai Chi for Health Get started or deepen your skills Meets twice a week for 3 months Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-10 a.m. Sept. 6 to Nov. 24 (we may adjust the final class date to accommodate Thanksgiving) Academy of Martial & Internal Arts 1570 Soquel Dr. (across from Dominican Hospital) (We will meet in the parking lot in front of the school) taught by Narrye Caldwell, AMA instructor and 40 year practitioner Tuition: $285 (paid in advance for full 3 months) or $120 per month This 3 month series is an introduction to the beautiful art of Tai Chi. We …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by Ted Mancuso1
~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 mountain stream turning and tumbling occasionally but never halting its fluid progress. And to make progress in this art we often return to the set, as to a favored poem, to refresh our remembrance and to gain new insights. Each of T’ai Chi’s honorable styles has a unique character. But the definite trait of Yang style is its emphasis on …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on 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? (and how?).” In our newest video, Sifu Ted answers this and offers some training tips for integrating martial aspects into Tai Chi practice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmfSN6ywSqU?rel=0
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on 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 caught my attention immediately, because he asked me to consider it from the advanced study point of view, not the more common basic level. After 50 years practicing Tai Chi, I admit that the shoe may be old, but it still fits. I went home and wrote this question at the top of a page of wide-ruled yellow paper: “What …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by Ted Mancuso
You’ve finished your workout and the idea comes to you: why not stretch a little? It can only help, right? But immediately your brain floods with questions: How important is it to stretch? If I have just worked out, is stretching necessary? Which is the best for me and, even more importantly, which should I avoid? And, as a martial artist, which stretches best fit my style? Any stretching related to Chinese martial practice could be associated with more than 300 different martial branches, consequently presenting a tremendous range of stretching and pliability options, along with related foundational interpretations. Add …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by school
It is no secret that we at Plum greatly admire Adam Hsu (Hsu Ji) and his teachings. We have published some of his books and DVDs, excerpted and reprinted articles, and referenced his many principles and theories. He is also our teacher. Although many have read his works and seen his videos, it’s not exactly the same as being able to take a class with Master Hsu. So it is with happiness that we are able to share this (free) excellent video of him giving a short lesson at his regular location in Taiwan, on Chen Tai Chi Chuan applications …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by Karl Forest1
Why is partner practice so different from solo practice? In my daily Taijiquan practice in a time of sheltering-in-place, the answer of course is quite obvious. As a martial artist, I find I am missing the feedback I feel, the energy from a partner’s response, and our discussion as we explore via push hands, partner forms, and apply specific applications taken from our Yang and Chen Taijiquan sets. But on the other hand, practicing by myself for many years, I have learned to use my imagination as I focus my Yi, my intent, on how my spiraling energy wraps around …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by Ted Mancuso
Here’s a new video on Beng Energy. If you’re one of our Tai Chi students you have probably heard me lecture on this special quality, and are undoubtedly practicing this right now! But Beng Jin exists in all styles of Kung Fu, and is worth exploring, especially when your temporary opponent might be that nice fig tree in your backyard.
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by school4
Our illustrious and accomplished colleague and friend in Sacramento, Sifu Robert Nakashima, has generously created and shared his daily Neigong routine. Running about 20 minutes, even just watching this video provides calm and comfort, although getting up and trying it yourself is highly recommended. The setting, the presentation, even the light chirping of birds in the background—along with, of course, Robert’s smooth and beautiful performance—all contribute to a real gift.
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by school
This is the PDF booklet to accompany our seminar, A Taste of Tai Chi: Core Moves and Energies. If you are interested in upcoming dates for this class, click HERE. If you would like to see the whole menu of short classes and seminars we offer, click the Events/Workshops tab in the navigation bar. Download the PDF file .
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by Narrye Caldwell2
I love teaching Tai Chi, and I especially love introducing this beautiful health promoting martial art to beginners. But many people start out with some ideas that are not only wrong, but prevent them from sticking with the practice long enough to benefit from it. This is not their fault. Unfortunately, bad teaching and popular but misleading ideas abound. So here’s my attempt to set a few things straight and get people started off on the right foot (sorry for the pun.) 1. Tai Chi is a martial art. Yes I know, that sounds obvious. But many people come to …Continue reading →
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by Ted Mancuso
The art of T’ai Chi is the art of consciousness. The slow, fluid movements of the art gradually blend with the flow of the mind and reveal things often buried in the silent forests of our minds. Most people associate T’ai Chi with the graceful motions of dance-like exercise without knowing the depths of concentration it requires and fosters. Perhaps the following will help illustrate T’ai Chi’s soul.
The Academy of Martial and Internal ArtsPosted on by school
Click image above to open (short) movie in new window. Read below for class info, then fill out the form at the bottom of the page to contact us with your interest. Thanks! Tai Chi Chuan We offer three levels of Tai Chi Chuan. A three-month introduction class, Tai Chi Short Set: Martial Structure for Health (open to all) Beginning/Intermediate Yang Style Long Form (Requires approval or invitation of instructor) Intermediate/Advanced Yang Style Long Form (Requires approval or invitation of instructor) Class Times Beginning Tai Chi Yang Style Short Form (open to all) Monday & Wednesday 6:30-7:30 pm April 20 …Continue reading →
