Get to know your Sifu Did you know that your Sifu, Leo Ming, started training in karate when he was a child? And that since then he has focused his training and experience in Kobujutsu karate and tai chi, training under masters all over the world in places like in China, Athens, Boston, Toronto, Taiwan and Japan? And did you know that he is known to make appearances in TV commercials once in a while? Like this funny one, for Castrol… Read More »Kung Fu Castrol Ad
“In most if not all martial arts, there is some form of integrative meditation component that forms the building blocks of a balanced yet formidable martial artist… half the battle is won and lost in the mind,” says Nicholas Bruce in his in depth article in the Business Day, May 2018. The article explains how martial arts like karate and tai chi can help us develop the ability to prevent ourselves going into the fight/flight response. When we don’t have… Read More »The Science behind why Martial Arts Meditation leads to Stress Free Living
On our field trip to China in April 2018, we spent some time exploring Beijing. This is a bustling city, with its 30 million residents and many cars and scooters. A prominent feature was the domino-like apartments that continue for miles across the city. Another striking aspect was one of the forms of transport – there are bicycles which can be unlocked via an app from your cell phone. You can then hop on the bike, cycle to your destination,… Read More »Beijing
With a background of over 40 years in Martial Arts and teaching self-defence, Sensei Leo Ming shares some of his tips and strategies for keeping safe and avoiding situations where we are an easy target to criminals and might be threatened. These points to remember are especially relevant for those living in big cities like Johannesburg, where there is a high risk of being mugged, or car hi-jacked. When in Car Parks Place your valuables in your boot, out of… Read More »Leo’s Top Tips to keep Safe
On our Tai Chi China Trip, we visited Xian, and we went to see the Terracotta Army. These sculptures, made out of terracotta clay, are something that will stay with us for life. It was special to have witnessed their creations, as the magnitude and detail of the warriors evoked a strong sense of culture, pride, awe and wonder. There is also a sense of the long history linked to these sculptures, as they depict the armies of Quin Shi… Read More »Terracotta Army
What stood out most for us on our stay in Shanghai, was the size of the city and amount of people who live there. Also striking is its modern buildings and sky scrapers, together with the authentic feel of the city. We visited Zhujiajiao, also known as the Venice of Shanghai. There is a beautifully manicured garden alongside, and one can see a lot of work has been put into the making of this space, in the style of a… Read More »Shanghai
During our visit to Chen Village, we spent a few hours exploring the 2800 square meters of the Chen Village Museum. Being the birthplace of Tai Chi, the museum is a wonderful collection of art, sculptures and information about the history and theory of this martial arts. The museum also has a way of introducing you to the tai chi Masters and their life stories. In this video, about half way through, you will see the painting of a master… Read More »Chen Village Museum
On our tour of China, we spent a few hours walking along the Great Wall. We visited a popular section called Badaling, about 80 kilometres northwest of Beijing. It is one of the most visited sections because it is the most well-maintained and representative section the Wall. What is most striking about the Wall is the sheer size of it, and the overwhelming presence it has. The fact that a million people lost their lives building the Wall, adds to its… Read More »Visiting the Great Wall of China
Part of our students travels round Hubei, China, was time spent in the Wudang Mountains. Besides the beautiful scenery, these mountains are an important destination for Taoist pilgrimages, as they are one of the “Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism” and thus have many Taoist monasteries and temples. The Wudang Mountains are also renowned for the art of Tai Chi. Many festivals and martial arts tournaments are held here, along side the tai chi training schools. Here is a yearly celebration… Read More »Wudang Mountains
Chen is the village where the Chen Form of Tai Chi originated. Over 11 generations ago, and more than 350 years ago, the Chen Family combined martial arts with breathing techniques and Chinese medicine, and created what we know as Tai Chi today, in the Chen Form. It is still taught today in Chen Village by the descendants of this historic family. On our trip to China, here are our South African students and our fellow US travel companions mingling… Read More »Chen Village Visit