Author: <span>Mings Martial Arts</span>

Benefits

Dr Helen Didcott on Tai Chi and Healing in…

Dr Helen Didcott says she tries to keep herself balanced through Tai Chi, which she has practiced for 20 years, many of those years as a student of Mings Martial Arts Academy.  She shares in this podcast about “Healing in today’s world” about the similarities between tai chi and homeopathy; and it’s benefits, like how it helps us find balance, peace, and an awareness of our body and it’s energies, from the macroscopic to the microscopic.

(skip ahead to around the 23 minutes mark, for the bit about Tai Chi)

For more info on tai chi in general, and taiji classes in Johannesburg, contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468

Benefits

Tim Ferriss talks about Tai Chi and Martial Arts

Tim Ferriss is most well known for his books “The Four Hour Work Week” and more recently, “The Four Hour Body” and “The Four Hour Chef.”  He also has a great podcast show, interviewing high performers.

In his one episode he talks with Chef Joshua Skenes who is famous for his use of fire in his restaurants.  Joshua has also been practicing tai chi and martial arts for many years.   Tim and Joshua talk about:

  • the benefits of tai chi for health and rehabilitation and developing connective tissue,
  • about power versus resistance,
  • why Joshua practices this martial arts daily,
  • applicable martial arts,
  • being immovable with intention in the mind and body,
  • and hence how come even Tim has considered taking up tai chi.

Joshua also mentions one of his most recommended books, being: “The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation” written by Tsung Hwa Jou.  Joshua mentions how Jou, at the age of 40, started tai chi to help heal from cancer, and went on to become a renowned expert in the field.  The book has many epiphanies about taijiquan, and explains it health benefits.

To hear Tim and Joshua’s conversation, click here and go to these parts:

  • Most gifted books, including “The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation”  [53:50]
  • Discussing the value of tai chi, martial arts and becoming an immovable mountain [1:05:57 to 1:17:27]

For more info on tai chi in Johannesburg, contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468

Events

World Tai Chi Day Event in Johannesburg – 2016

To celebrate World Tai Chi Day and the practice of Tai Chi and Qigong, join us for a complimentary class before a talk, to try tai chi out – from 08:30 to 09:15.   Trying out this class will give you an experience of what is involved physically and mentally in taiji.

This class will be followed by an “Introduction to Tai Chi” Talk and Demo, where you will learn about tai chi and its benefits, and the best way to learn tai chi, with demonstrations of the different forms of tai chi. Sifu Leo Low Ming will be presenting the talk interspersed with demonstrations by him and his students, at 09:30 to 10:30.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday 30 April 2016
Time: 08:30 to 10:30
Venue: at Zoo Lake, Johannesburg, on the grass behind Moyo’s.
No cost, and RSVP preferable by contacting Leo by email or on 0833780468. You can also just arrive on the day for whatever part of the event you want to be a part of.

More about World Tai Chi Day

Across the world, on the last Saturday of April, events are organised to celebrate the practice of Tai Chi and Qigong. These exhibits, demonstrations, talks and classes are open to the general public, and there are events in hundreds of cities in eighty nations all over the world.

The aims of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, as listed on Wikipedia, include:

  1. Educate the world about emerging medical research revealing health benefits that t’ai chi ch’uan and qigong offer.
  2. Educate about the increasing use of these ancient traditional Chinese medicine modalities in business, healthcare, education, penal and drug rehabilitation.
  3. Provide a global vision of cooperation for health & healing purposes across geopolitical boundaries, and also an appeal to people worldwide to embrace wisdom from all the cultures of the world.
  4. Thank Chinese culture for the gifts of tai chi and qigong to the world.

 

In honour of this event, Mings Martial Arts will be open to the public to join in our session at the Zoo Lake in Johannesburg.

New comers and the young and mature, are welcome to join in the class at 8.30 am till 9.15am.
There will be a demonstration on taiji by Sifu Leo Low Ming and some of his students interspersed with talks about tai chi, and it’s many benefits.

 

For more info on this event and tai chi in general, contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468

Benefits

Introduction to Tai Chi – Monthly Talks for Beginners

  • Do you have questions about Tai Chi?
  • Why is it useful to develop your chi? And quieten your mind? And have a practice that exercises both body and mind?
  • Would you like to know about Tai Chi’s many other benefits?
  • How about the best and most helpful way to learn the practice of taiji?

Find out these answers and many more, and learn about Tai Chi from Sifu Leo Low Ming, who has been teaching the art of Qigong and Taiji for over 40 years.

Introduction to Tai Chi – Monthly Talks

These complimentary Talks are aimed at beginners, and held the last Saturday of every month, at 09:30 to 10:30 at Parktown Girls High –Tyrone Avenue, Parkview.  

No cost, and RSVP preferable by contacting Leo on 0833780468.

Next date:   TO BE SET.

Join us for a complimentary class before the talk, to try tai chi out – from 08:30 to 09:15

Future Dates of Talks

Talks will usually be on the last Saturday of the month (except public holidays or exceptions listed below).

Venue: Parktown Girls High School.
Time: Talk starts at 09:30

For more info contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468

Address:

Parktown High School
Tyrone Avenue
Parkview, Johannesburg

Events

Special Taiji Class on Saturday 16 April – open…

SEE THE PHOTO’S OF THIS EVENT ON FACEBOOK HERE…
…and the dancing here.

Last week Thursday (31st May 2016) Sifu Leo Low Ming held a free tai chi session as part of Secret Sunrise, and received a few enquires after it about tai chi. There’s another session of Secret Sunrise coming up that we’ll be having a free class at, to help spread the word about taiji. And we’re inviting all students, past students and friends to attend.

This next one is on a Saturday (instead of their usual sunrise weekday events) and is the launch of their Secret Saturday Editions.

What is Secret Sunrise?

Secret Sunrise Saturday eventSecret Sunrise Dancing is an early morning dance session timed to the rising sun, from 6:00 to 7:00. It happens every two weeks on a Thursday morning. The secret part is the exact venue is only announced the day before. There is a theme to each dance, and participants rent high quality earphones and are guided through the fun and celebratory dance session. Once in a while Secret Saturday events are going to be hosted too.

Before the dance session, there is a free Yoga session from 5:00 to 5:45, and now Leo will be offering at that same time, a free Tai Chi and Qigong session too.

Next Secret Sunrise Tai Chi SATURDAY 16 APRIL

The next tai chi session at the next Secret Sunrise Johannesburg is slightly different in that it will be on Saturday 16 April at 09:00 in the morning. The Venue is at the Old Railway Station, Carr Street, Newtown, right next to the Nelson Mandela Bridge.

What this means for Class:
We are trying to grow the awareness of taiji in Johannesburg, and so would like to invite you all to join us for Saturday 16th April’s class as a special once off event of a 1 hour 15 minute class in Newtown.

So there will be no class at Parktown, and instead, classes will be combined into ONE CLASS from 09:00 to 10:15 in Newtown. And you are welcome to invite friends to come and join us, and we hope our past students will join in this special event and catch up with us too.

Then if you want to partake in the Dancing Session which starts at 10:30, you will need to buy your tickets before hand online here.

DETAILS for this open and combined SPECIAL CLASS:

Date: Saturday 16 April
Time: 09:00 to 10:15
Venue: Old Railway Station, Carr Street, Newtown, right next to the Nelson Mandela Bridge. (There is parking in front of the old Railway Station)

More Info

More info about this event here.
and if you want to join the dancing you need to buy a ticket here.

More info about Secret Sunrise in general here.

Let us know if you will be joining, so we can make sure you know all the details, and we thank you for supporting us in promoting the practice of tai chi and it’s many benefits!

Contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468.

PHOTO CREDITS: Photos courtesy of Secret Sunrise Johannesburg

Events

Tai Chi Events in Johannesburg

We have a list of our most current upcoming events on this Events Page.

For more info contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468.

Secret Sunday Event – Sunday 25 June

SEE THE PHOTO’S OF PAST EVENTS ON FACEBOOK HERE…  and one of our Sunday’s event here…
…and the dancing here.

As part of Secret Sunrise Johannesburg, Leo will be holding a free tai chi session just before the Secret Sunrise Dancing session. This is open to all, and there is no charge for the tai chi. The next session is:

Date: Sunday 25 June
Venue: Rosebank Area (the exact location will be announced the day before – that’s the secret part. Check their facebook page for details)
Tai Chi Session time:  08h30 to 09h15
Dance Session Time: 09h30  (Dance Tickets need to be purchased before the event for the dance session)
More info here.

Tai Chi Retreat – 6th to 8th October 2017

We will be having our next taiji retreat from a Friday to Sunday in October 2017 at Melody Hill in Magaliesburg.
2 night’s accommodation including all meals. You are welcome to arrive Friday after lunch. There will be a light supper that evening. The first session will take place Saturday morn at 7:00, and we will end Sunday after lunch. Bring straight swords; sunscreen; swim wear; walking shoes; hats, mozzie spray, torch. Meals are vegan. Please feel free to bring other snacks if you so wish.
Total cost of R1850, and R1650 if our numbers are over 14, so please lets all try get there.

Meals are vegan. Please feel free to bring other snacks if you so wish. Booking is essential paid in full (R1850) by the March to confirm your place! (You will be refunded the difference if we exceed 14)

Please note we need a minimum of 14 people to make this retreat happen, so we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!

This retreat is tailored for the students who participate, and so will be for all levels of tai chi, from beginners to advanced.  The focus is on foundation building, on key concepts in tai chi, and on technique.  From this base Leo builds to the level of the group, including:

  • Beginners will get a strong foundation, further getting in touch with themselves and their bodies. Their  left and right hand co-ordination improves; developing more neural muscular signals and helping integrate mind and body.
  • Those with injuries, scoliosis, arthritic conditions will benefit from this retreat for therapeutic reasons, and learning the useful exercises.
  • And those more advanced in taiji, will improve their body alignment, perfect the foundation skills, aligning their technique with the correct breathing, and will gain refinement of their taiji moves, both mentally and physically.

Details:
Date: Friday night to Sunday afternoon 6th to 8th October 2017
Venue: Melody Hill in Magaliesburg
Cost: R1850 – payment upfront confirms your place
RSVP: contact Sifu Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468 to get bank details.

Other Future Events to be finalised:

Introduction to Tai Chi – Monthly Talks

Learn about tai chi and it’s many benefits, and the best way to learn tai chi, from Leo.  Talks are aimed at beginners, and held the last Saturday of every month, at 09:30 to 10:00 at Parktown Girls High –Tyrone Avenue, Parkview.  No cost, and RSVP preferable by contacting Leo on 0833780468.

Join us for a complimentary class before the talk, to try tai chi out – from 08:30 to 09:15

Workshop on Tai Chi- Foundation Skills – TBC

We are having a taiji workshop on a Saturday (next date to be confirmed). It will commence at 9.30 till 12:30/13:00. There will be short breaks in between. The cost of the workshop is R180p/p.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring hats, snacks if you wish, and something to drink. There will also be an urn setup for tea and coffee.

This workshop will be for all levels of tai chi, from beginners to advanced.

  • Beginners will get a strong foundation to develop their taiji practice from, as they are often not as in touch with themselves and their bodies. So they will gain from this workshop’s exercises an improvement in left and right hand co-ordination; improvement in neural muscular signals; better sleep; and a strong foundation for perfecting mind and body integration.
  • Those with injuries, scoliosis, arthritic conditions will benefit from this workshop for therapeutic reasons, and learning the useful exercises.
  • And those more advanced in taiji, will improve their body alignment, perfect the foundation skills, aligning their technique and breathing, and will gain refinement of their taiji moves, both m-entally and physically.

Leo will need confirmation by way of upfront payment to secure your place. So email Sifu Leo (leoming at telkomsa dot net) for banking details and to register.

Details:
Date: Saturday TBC
Time: 9:30 to 12:30/13:00pm
Venue: Parktown Girls School, Parkview
Cost: R180p/p – payment confirms your place
RSVP: contact Sifu Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468 to get bank details.

For more info on any of these events, contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468

Yoga at Secret Sunrise Johannesburg Events

Secret Sunrise Tai Chi in Johannesburg

CHECK our Event Page for the latest Secret Sunrise Tai Chi Date!

We’re excited to announce that we will be holding sessions as part of the movement called “Secret Sunrise” that is growing in South Africa.  It started in Cape Town last year, reached Johannesburg earlier this year, last week launched in Durban, and next month it starts in Pretoria!

What is it?

Secret Sunrise Dancing in JohannesburgSecret Sunrise Dancing is an early morning dance session to celebrate the rising sun, from 6:00 to 7:00.  It happens every two weeks.  The secret part is the exact venue is only announced the day before.  There is a theme to each dance, and participants are loaned high quality earphones and are guided through the fun and celebratory dance session.

Before the dance session, there is a free Yoga session from 5:00 to 5:45, and now Sifu Leo Low Ming will be offering at that same time, a free Tai Chi and Qigong session too.

Secret Sunrise Tai Chi

We’re launching the first session at the next Secret Sunrise Johannesburg on Thursday morning 31 March at 05:00 to 05:45, and the area is Illovo, Sandton (the exact venue we’ll only know the day before).

And we hope you will join us to help launch this, and have a fun start to your day.  After the taiji you can then leave and enjoy the rest of your morning, or stay and join in the dancing session until 7:00 (cost is R125 to hire the earphones).

Date: Thurs 31 March
Time: 05:00 to 05:45
Venue: Illovo, Sandton
No Cost

More Info

More info about this event here, and if you want to join the dancing you need to buy a ticket here.

More info in general about Secret Sunrise Johannesburg is here.

For future dates and for more info contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468.

 

PHOTO CREDITS: Photos courtesy of Secret Sunrise Johannesburg

Chen Man ching performing yang taiji form Benefits

History of the tai chi short and long yang…

Cheng Man Ching’s yang short form, of the 108 tai chi long form, has huge benefits to one’s health.  It is relatively easy to learn compared to chen and wu style’s and is the basic entry level form into the tai ji syllabus at Sifu Leo Low Ming’s school.

History

As a physician professor, Cheng used taiji training to add to his patients program for quicker recovery, as he himself was cured from disease using taiji.

The 108 is a lengthy form , so Professor Cheng shortened and summarized the key points of the 108 form to produce what we know as the short form or 37 posture. He eliminated repetitive moves and adjusted the sequence.

It is a great form for the young and the mature to learn and has a good energetic feel, creates calm and internal balance.

Professor Cheng was approached by the Kuomintang government to help create a formal fitness program for Chinese school children.

This form is practiced world wide today. It also is not as tedious in repetition as the 108, and thus makes it easy to absorb.

 

Here is old footage, from the 1900’s , of Chen Manching practicing this tai chi yang form.

Tai Chi Classes in Johannesburg

To learn this tai chi form and others, try a complimentary first session at Mings Martial Arts.  Our classes are in Parkview.

For more info contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468.

Karate Awards for studen Karate

Testimonial about Karate Classes with Leo in Johannesburg

Karate for Children - success storySifu Leo Low Ming received this message from the father of his long time Karate students, Ben and Sam:

“Hi Leo,
Our family will head overseas for a year of living, schooling and working. We hope to be back thereafter, ready for more of your classes. Many thanks thus far for your patience and skill as teacher to Ben and Sam. I know that they will miss your classes. We hope we can find a way to continue with karate classes over the coming year!
Regards,
Brian”

 

 

Just over a year later, in February 2016, Leo got this follow up email:

“Hope you are well?
Our family is still in London. This to let you know that Sam still inspired by you teaching, and continues his karate interests – selected for the Funakoshi Style Karate Squad South West 2016/17 season (kata and kumite techniques 8 & 9 year age group). Orange belt preceded by white, red, yellow grading).
Regards,
Brian”

Karate Awards for studenAnd again recently (March 2016), we heard that Sam has won some awards!

“2nd placing in Kumite and 3rd in Kata (age group 8) – he’s really enjoying it!
Brian”

We congratulate Sam for his achievements in being selected for this Squad in the United Kingdom, and his awards, and wish Sam all the best with his karate journey!

 

For more information about Karate Classes for Children in Parkview, Johannesburg, contact Leo Low Ming on 0833780468

sleeping after tai chi Benefits

Tai chi helps you sleep better

Poor sleep is known to have an impact on your health, as well as your productivity.

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry (November 2015) has shown that the Chinese exercise technique of tai chi, and cognitive behavioural therapy, have been shown to reduce both inflammation and insomnia.

Read about the full study here.

And to learn more about how Mings Martial Arts’ Tai Chi lessons can help you to sleep better, come and try a complimentary first session and speak to Leo, to find out more.

Classes in Johannesburg

Our Beginners classes are in Parkview on Tuesdays at 18:15, Thursdays at 17:30 and Saturdays at 8:30.

For more info contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468.