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
When considering taking up Karate as your hobby or sport, here are some points to consider Karate over other sports. Self Improvement While training the body, one learns about the Okinawan or Japanese culture; such as its history; its tradition of respect in the symbol of bowing, and the distinction in seated bows, standing bows and the reasons behind this. One also learns about discipline by way of being on time, by way of dress code, and mind and body… Read More »How to choose to train in Karate
During our visit to Chen Village, we spent a few hours exploring the 2800 square meters of the Chen Village Museum.ย 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.ย 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.ย We visited a popular section called Badaling, about 80 kilometres northwest of Beijing.ย 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.ย ย The fact that a million people lost their lives building the Wall, adds to its… Read More »Visiting the Great Wall of China
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.ย He began his serious practice… Read More »Weapon Training
Part of our students travels round Hubei, China, was time spent in the Wudang Mountains.ย 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.ย Many festivals andย martial arts tournaments are held here, along side the tai chi training schools.ย 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
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
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.ย 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
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.ย 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