Retreating back to the present moment

Retreating back to the present moment

By Brenda Ryan, Student of tai chi

Retreat (N) ‘An act of moving back or withdrawing’ is what one typically does when wanting to escape… and who among us can say we don’t want or need to escape from time to time?

This past weekend afforded a group of students just such an opportunity. I was fortunate enough to secure a place on the Taiji Retreat with Sifu Leo Ming held in the beautiful, tranquil setting of Melody Hills in Magaliesberg.

Our time there was spent practising the healing art forms of qigong and Taiiji. Reconnecting with Mother Earth, and being present in the moment, truly appreciating the beauty around us that in the course of our daily lives we so often take for granted.. And later, under a beautiful starry sky, we sat around the camp fire, tired but content, and grateful for all the blessings of the day.

On our last day we had the privilege of participating in a gong meditation session with our wonderful host, Tejbir and her lovely dog, Pono.

Our time on retreat was very special.. and it is with a greatful heart that I thank Sifu Leo Ming for bringing me, and I’m sure my fellow students, back to the moment… as Mother Theresa once said:

“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.”

 

(Photos courtesy of Brenda Ryan)

To  join your Sifu Leo Low Ming for a complimentary introductory class and be invited to the next tai chi retreat, contact him on 0833780468.

By Brenda Ryan, Student of tai chi Retreat (N) ‘An act of moving back or withdrawing’ is what one typically does when wanting to escape… and who among us can say we don’t want or need to escape from time to time? This past weekend afforded a group of students just such an opportunity. I …

Zanta Hofmeyr: how tai chi helps her as a violinist

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 …

Racewalking and Tai Chi

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 Nell in action

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 lead her to achieve world records and to winning championships.

Some of her impressive achievements include:

  • the first woman in Africa to walk a 20km in under 1:50
  • held the All Africa record for the 20km women’s walk
  • has won SA Senior Track and Field Championships 4 times
  • won the SA Road Walk senior Championships 5 times
  • attended 11 World Masters Athletics Championships
  • has been the World Champion in her age group 14 times
  • won 4 silver and 3 bronze medals from these competitions
  • competed in team events and won WMAC gold medals, silver and a bronze Medal
  • in 2000 set the W45-49 5000m racewalk World Record with a time of 24:14
  • set 4 SA Senior records, and 18 SA Masters records
  • won her age group races at the South African Masters National Championships 33 times
  • won SA Masters Provincial Championships 47 times.

As part of her development in strengthening and maintaining her muscles needed for racewalking, Barbara supplements her training with tai chi and works with a biokineticist.

“In 2009, I was injured and my Physiotherapist recommended taiji to help me build strength and improve my balance in order to avoid further injury. I have worked with Leo since that time.

Firstly, it has been great to do taiji as a complete contrast to my other training which is time or distance based. The sense of being in the present while doing the movement with no immediate objective in sight is very fulfilling. Doing Taiji has definitely enhanced my muscle strength and improved my balance which has been advantageous to my race walking.

Secondly, there is so much wisdom in this ancient practice as the entire body is worked and strengthened by the many graceful movements during a morning’s session.

She is also very much aware of her mindset, and finds that learning from her failures, not letting her walking define her, and having fun while training and competing, are also key parts of her success.

Recently she attended the World Masters Athletic Championships in Perth in October and November 2016. This event included more than 4000 competitors from some 80 countries between the ages of 35 to 97 competing in 31 events.

Barbara, on the podium after the 10km with the Australian Barb Bryant 2nd and the British Walker Cath Duhig 3rd.

Barbara participated in the Race walks in the 5000m track event, the 10km road walk and the 20km road walk in the Women 60-64 age group, where she won the 5000m and 10km walks and got the silver medal in the 20km.

Together with Lucia Willemse (W60-64) and Elsa Meyer (W70-74), they made up the South African team and they won the silver medal in the team event for the 10km (W 60-64) and the gold medal in the 20km (W60-64).

We agree with Barbara that “walking is a healthy lifestyle activity and one of the best forms of exercise” as she shared in the November/December edition of the SA Racewalking Newsletter. She further imparted that she “feels that individual endurance sport is a great teacher. She has learnt many life lessons from walking and competing. ‘In the end you are racing against yourself and trying to be the best that you can be. The most important thing for me is that it must be fun. I walk because I love it.’ ”

We commend Barbara on her achievements, and her multi-disciplinary approach to her training. May the grace and wisdom from the practice of taiji continue to give her the inner and physical strength to persist in being the inspiration she is to us, and to so many others.

 

To find out how tai chi can help you excel in your chosen sport, contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468.

“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 …

Tim Ferriss talks about Tai Chi and Martial Arts

Tim Ferriss talks about Tai Chi and Martial Arts

Tim Ferriss is most well known for his books “The Four Hour Work Week” and more recently, “The Four Hour Body” and “The Four Hour Chef.”  He also has a great podcast show, interviewing high performers.

In his one episode he talks with Chef Joshua Skenes who is famous for his use of fire in his restaurants.  Joshua has also been practicing tai chi and martial arts for many years.   Tim and Joshua talk about:

  • the benefits of tai chi for health and rehabilitation and developing connective tissue,
  • about power versus resistance,
  • why Joshua practices this martial arts daily,
  • applicable martial arts,
  • being immovable with intention in the mind and body,
  • and hence how come even Tim has considered taking up tai chi.

Joshua also mentions one of his most recommended books, being: “The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation” written by Tsung Hwa Jou.  Joshua mentions how Jou, at the age of 40, started tai chi to help heal from cancer, and went on to become a renowned expert in the field.  The book has many epiphanies about taijiquan, and explains it health benefits.

To hear Tim and Joshua’s conversation, click here and go to these parts:

  • Most gifted books, including “The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation”  [53:50]
  • Discussing the value of tai chi, martial arts and becoming an immovable mountain [1:05:57 to 1:17:27]

For more info on tai chi in Johannesburg, contact your Sifu, Leo Low Ming, on 0833780468

Tim Ferriss is most well known for his books “The Four Hour Work Week” and more recently, “The Four Hour Body” and “The Four Hour Chef.”  He also has a great podcast show, interviewing high performers. In his one episode he talks with Chef Joshua Skenes who is famous for his use of fire in his restaurants.  Joshua …

Testimonial about Karate Classes with Leo in Johannesburg

Testimonial about Karate Classes with Leo in Johannesburg

Karate for Children - success storySifu Leo Low Ming received this message from the father of his long time Karate students, Ben and Sam:

“Hi Leo,
Our family will head overseas for a year of living, schooling and working. We hope to be back thereafter, ready for more of your classes. Many thanks thus far for your patience and skill as teacher to Ben and Sam. I know that they will miss your classes. We hope we can find a way to continue with karate classes over the coming year!
Regards,
Brian”

 

 

Just over a year later, in February 2016, Leo got this follow up email:

“Hope you are well?
Our family is still in London. This to let you know that Sam still inspired by you teaching, and continues his karate interests – selected for the Funakoshi Style Karate Squad South West 2016/17 season (kata and kumite techniques 8 & 9 year age group). Orange belt preceded by white, red, yellow grading).
Regards,
Brian”

Karate Awards for studenAnd again recently (March 2016), we heard that Sam has won some awards!

“2nd placing in Kumite and 3rd in Kata (age group 8) – he’s really enjoying it!
Brian”

We congratulate Sam for his achievements in being selected for this Squad in the United Kingdom, and his awards, and wish Sam all the best with his karate journey!

 

For more information about Karate Classes for Children in Parkview, Johannesburg, contact Leo Low Ming on 0833780468

Sifu Leo Low Ming received this message from the father of his long time Karate students, Ben and Sam: “Hi Leo, Our family will head overseas for a year of living, schooling and working. We hope to be back thereafter, ready for more of your classes. Many thanks thus far for your patience and skill …