Zanta Hofmeyr: how tai chi helps her as a violinist

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Zanta Hofmeyr: how tai chi helps her as a violinist

Here is Zanta Hofmeyr, one of our students, explaining the benefits she gains from tai chi and how she enjoyed her trip to China with Sifu Leo Ming.

We also get a peak into the world of a classical violinist:

 

 

Contact Sifu Leo Low Ming on 0833780468 to learn more about his Tai Chi Classes in Parkview, Johannesburg.

Here is Zanta Hofmeyr, one of our students, explaining the benefits she gains from tai chi and how she enjoyed her trip to China with Sifu Leo Ming. We also get a peak into the world of a classical violinist:     Contact Sifu Leo Low Ming on 0833780468 to learn more about his Tai Chi …

The Wealth of Taijiquan

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The Wealth of Taijiquan

Tai chi may have very early roots in China, yet it has and still is spreading in popularity all over the world.  This is due to the many benefits it provides.

Here is a short clip that explains taijiquan and it’s wealth that we can enjoy.  It also has some interesting footage of Chen village– where we recently visited on our tour to China.

The video covers:

  • What is the link between Wújí  and taijí?  And tai chi and ying yang?
  • The history of tai chi from Chen Village
  • Benefits of practicing taijiquan for society and nature
  • The science of the effects of tai chi on our own bodies
  • The Chinese government’s plans of promoting taijiquan and martial arts

 

 

Contact Sifu Leo Low Ming on 0833780468 to learn more about his Tai Chi Classes in Parkview, Johannesburg.

Tai chi may have very early roots in China, yet it has and still is spreading in popularity all over the world.  This is due to the many benefits it provides. Here is a short clip that explains taijiquan and it’s wealth that we can enjoy.  It also has some interesting footage of Chen village– …

Beijing

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Beijing

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, and then park the bicycle on the sidewalk, leaving it there ready for the next traveller. It has a run-flat tyre too!

 

Palaces

Beijing is also known for their palaces.  A stroll around the Forbidden City within

Elderly man in the Forbidden City

Beijing allowed us to notice the people, and to admire the largest collection in the world of preserved ancient wooden structures.  Therefore, it’s a World Heritage Site.

It took 14 years to build, starting in 1406 and its 980 buildings cover 180 acres of land.  The Forbidden City was the home of the emperors, and for almost 500 years it also acted as the central place for ceremonies and politics of the Chinese Government

Summer Palace visitors

We also enjoyed an outing to the nearby Summer Palace, 15 km northwest of Beijing.  It is a World Heritage Site and is one of the best preserved regal gardens in the world.

In 1750 Emperor Qianglong build the Summer Palace, and today it holds over 3000 houses, covering an area of 70 000 square meters.   It has a landscape of hills and a man-made lake, with many beautiful walkways, bridges that arch, corridors innately decorated, and palaces and temples at many turns.

Practicing calligraphy at the Summer Palace

Tai Chi in Beijing

Beijing has a lot to offer, and like in most cities in China, taiji and qi gong are popular arts, together with badminton, playing music, singing, and various card and board games.  All of these are practiced and played by the locals in the parks of the cities.

A festive mood on the Summer Palace boat

 

 

> Missed any blogs about our China Trip?  Check the list here.

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 – …

Shanghai

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Shanghai

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 manor garden.

Tai chi is practiced in Shanghai in the many parks that are in and around the city. Where ever there is a space, it will be used. The locals get out into the park and have activities like taiji; badminton; qi gong; playing instruments; kicking the shuttlecock. This all contributes to a very vibey atmosphere.

> Next China Trip blog: 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 …

Visiting the Great Wall of China

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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 impressiveness.  And this fact has also lead the Wall to be called “the wall of tears”.

There is a great legend which tells of a lady called Meng Jiang, whose husband died while working on the wall.  Her tears that fell were so bitter that it collapsed a section of the wall, revealing where his bones were.  This allowed the grieving wife to bury them properly.

Another interesting fact is that in the Qin Dynasty, glutinous rice flour was used as cement to bind the bricks.

“The Great Wall symbolises everlasting strength and longevity and protection for my people” contemplates Sifu Leo.

> Next blog: 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 …

China Trip – Photos of our adventure

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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:

Sifu Leo Ming and 李连杰 Jet Li saving wildlife in Xian, China.
Tai chi in Xian, a small city of 10 million. The old wall was build around it, and is 7 miles long and could fit 4 cars wide on top.
Street market in the city of Louyang
Reading in the street market in Louyang
At the airport, ready to go 🙂


More photos and videos here:

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 …

Taiji Trip to China in 2018

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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 additional sleep or follow us to local park for sightseeing.
We arrange plenty flexible times on evenings free time for leisure or exploring as a group or on your own. These pictures are Year 2007 we practice tai chi with Xian local people.
Space is limited at 25.”

 

 

Itinerary for the 2018 Tai Chi Healthways China Tour Retreat with Master Jesse Tsao:

Beijing – Xian – Luoyang – Chen Village (Chenjiagou) – Zhengzhou – Yangtai Penglai.

Detail coming soon.

Contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468 for more info and to book your place.

 From another post by Master Jesse Tsao

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 …