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Visiting the Great Wall of China

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

Weapon Training

Recently Kaicho Akamine come from the Okinawa island of Japan to Johannesburg. He gave a Karate weapons workshop, which Sifu Leo Ming attended. Akamine is an 9th dan and head of Ryu Kyu Kobudo. Hiroshi Akamine was born in 1954 in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture, as the fourth son to Eisuke Akamine, the second President of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai. At the age of 6, he was given instruction in Karate by his father.  He began his serious practice… Read More »Weapon Training

Wudang Mountains

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 Village Visit

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

China Trip – Photos of our adventure

Here is the start of our collection of photos, of the adventure a group of tai chi students are currently enjoying, while on their trip to China. They are exploring the culture, places and people to get a more in-depth understanding of the history, people and current practice of tai chi. Here’s a video of the Fan Form that Sifu Leo Ming just shared on Facebook: More photos and videos here: Chen Village Visit Wudang Mountains tai chi sessions Great… Read More »China Trip – Photos of our adventure

Agility as a Team Building Theme

When asked by a corporate to help with a team building exercise, or fun and yet informative day, Leo uses tai chi as an analogy to highlight the points needed to work together effectively. Leo had the opportunity recently to enjoy a day with the team at Fulcrum, which was organised by the advertising company Van Damm.  The MC was Bongani Bingwa and a fellow presenter was Chef Benny Masekwameng, also known as Benny the Chef. Constitution Hill in Johannesburg… Read More »Agility as a Team Building Theme

The Importance of Being on Time

Dear Students Please revisit this blog about uniforms and bowing for valuable information going forward, and learning an art and a discipline such as taiji. Also remember, if you are learning, then in the spirit of learning anything, a certain code of conduct is expected. Arriving to my classes on time is one of them. I have noticed that the aspect of time tends to be overlooked. In some arts such as karate, if you are late for your class, you… Read More »The Importance of Being on Time

Code of Conduct at Mings Martial Arts Academy

Conduct Code Dress appropriately in Ming’s uniform. When entering or leaving class , or commencing a class please take note of the gesture of acknowledgement of bowing and respect. Use the appropriate term “sifu / sensei (karate)” when addressing the teacher. Show respect for one another, and welcome new students by introducing yourself. Being late for class is considered a lack of respect. Advanced just means that the student has more insight into the art. Be humble. Only certified instructors… Read More »Code of Conduct at Mings Martial Arts Academy

Tips for practicing the Tai Chi Sword Forms

There are forms of Tai Chi, being a practice of the Martial Arts, that use weapons. Specifically, the straight sword and the broad sword are commonly used in practice to enhance the understanding of this art form. Besides the sword forms being a way to promote good health and fitness, with their energetic moves and deep lunges, they also require some mental preparation and an inner attitude to gain the most benefits. Sifu Leo talks in this short audio clip… Read More »Tips for practicing the Tai Chi Sword Forms

Employee Engagement Sessions

Everything we do is with and through people, and even more so in the corporate world. It’s the people of organisations that make up the business, and the businesses success is based on how well those individuals are, and also how well they work together towards achieving the common goals of the organisation. Thus for a productive workforce, we need productive healthy and happy people. And a trend in companies is to bring their staff together in small team buildings,… Read More »Employee Engagement Sessions