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Kobujutso Karate with Weapons

Kobujutso is the Japanese term for “Traditional Martial Arts’. It is a form of karate that is a combination of open or empty hand techniques, and the proficient training in the use of weapons inspired from domestic and farm tools. Here are two of our teenage students demonstrating the use of the sai (a set of dagger-shaped truncheons) and the bō (a very tall and long staff or stick weapon): For more about classes in Johannesburg in Kobujutso Karate, contact your… Read More »Kobujutso Karate with Weapons

October 2017 Tai Chi Retreat near Johannesburg

A time of reflection, of going within, of practicing our art of taiji, of restoring our minds and bodies, a time of laughter and friendship and so much more was had at this Octobers Tai Chi Retreat. Melody hill welcomed us, and fed us with nourishing and o-so-yummy vegetarian food, and kept us warm around a fire at night. The setting has become our favourite, as the green grass under the walnut trees is a soothing and invigorating space for… Read More »October 2017 Tai Chi Retreat near Johannesburg

Taiji Trip to China in 2018

Sifu Leo will be hosting, with Master Jesse Tsao, a group of students and friends of Mings Martial Arts Academy for a 10 day trip around China in April 2018. Jese Tsao’s facebook post about the tour says: “This is a private tour with no forced daily commercial shopping stops  saving time and money); our own private tour bus. Jesse Tsao will lead tai chi and Qigong every morning for one hour before breakfast. Non-Tai Chi and Qigong people can enjoy… Read More »Taiji Trip to China in 2018

Cape Town Wellness taiji workshop with Sifu Leo

Sifu Leo spent a few days in the mother city, Cape Town, running corporate Wellness workshops, about the many beneficial aspects of tai chi for stress relief, and to bring the concept of flow into work, and teach some self-defense techniques.   Here are a few clips sharing some of the points covered: For more info on workshops for your team building or wellness days, contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468.

Tai Chi helps patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Impaired balance is one of the symptoms of those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. They also tend to fall often, and are less able to function on a day to day basis as the disease progresses. Exercise is encouraged – yet until this research, few forms of exercise had been shown to be effective. This study, published in the  New England Journal of Medicine , was conducted in 2012.  It found that tai chi was the form of exercise that… Read More »Tai Chi helps patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Racewalking and Tai Chi

“Taiji has enriched my life and improved my resilience immensely. I am grateful to Leo for all the help and guidance he has given me” shares Barbara Nell, a World Champion Racewalker. Barbara has been racewalking for over 25 years, and covered a distance of some 50 000 km’s during this time. She trains on both road and track, and has worked with many coaches over the years – each contributing in their way her preparation and technique. This had… Read More »Racewalking and Tai Chi

Bowing and Uniforms in Martial Arts

Learning the arts such as taiji and or martial arts has many interesting facets. One of the most fascinating is the aspect of bowing. What is bowing ? What does it mean? Why do we do it? Is it a gesture which has been handed down through generations? Before reading further, have a think about what it means to you. Significance of Bowing in Tai Chi and Karate Bowing at the door when entering the class is a sign of… Read More »Bowing and Uniforms in Martial Arts

How tai chi helps overcome stress and trauma

One of tai chi’s benefits is helping us overcome stress and traumatic ordeals. It is a movement practice that can allow us to feel centered and calm. Benefits of Group Tai Chi Tai chi can be done with a group or individually and is often taught in groups with others. The group energy helps us to compose ourselves. Practicing taiji with others brings a unity and togetherness which is experienced both individually and as a collective. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk,… Read More »How tai chi helps overcome stress and trauma

Learning Tai Chi in water

By Leo Ming I love water and its intrinsic value to life. I am a ‘fish’. Many years ago, while I was swimming, I thought I would try some taiji in the pool. Suddenly it dawned on me that the principles of taiji, through the movement under water, can be transferred and combined into being one with this element. Weightlessness and Weight A person would gain valuable insight into weightlessness but at the same time learn about how we need… Read More »Learning Tai Chi in water