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 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 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 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
Adam Hsu is one of the top Kung Fu teachers in the world. He is also one of the “grandparent” teachers at the Academy, having taught both sifus Linda and Ted. In this series—the first THREE parts now posted—he begins an in-depth conversation on the meaning of true Kung Fu. Update: Parts 4 & 5 Now available Want to watch on youtube? Click HERE Want to watch on our affiliate site (plumpub.com?) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5
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
Due to the nature of Kung Fu the first thing to say about warm ups is that some people don’t believe in them. There are even some famous teachers who see no value at all in warm ups. Some of these teachers say, “After all, you can’t warm up before a fight.” They believe that you should do the warm ups and the basics as a whole, that the warm ups and basics should be so close together that they are indistinguishable.
