The Universal Post GUANG PING YANG T’AI CHI ASSOCIATION

Nonprofit Organization Volume 12 Issue 3 December 2009

places, ranging from public parks to remote mountaintops. Diverse 3 DAY INTENSIVE lineages are passed down to individuals patient enough to persist with learning the specifics of one or another style. While all of them T’AI CHI CH’UAN’S UNIVERSALITY AND DIVERSITY ascribe to being relaxed, moving slowly, and connecting to gravity, by Marilyn Cooper minute differences at the core result in gross differences (from the appearance of the movements, to the philosophy and attitude of the Tai chi training increases energy, longevity, positive thinking, practitioner) at the circumference. balance, immunity, co-ordination, circulation, bone density, flexibil- Some styles are so soft that students must exercise in other disci- ity, and—when taught properly—protection from injurious as- plines to maintain flexibility and strength. Others, such as my style sault. These abundant claims sound almost too good to be true. How (Guang Ping Yang), have a range of motion that is more challeng- could anything cover so much ground? How could a mere exercise ing. The form can stand on its own for developing inner and outer make you more aware and spiritual, strong and compassionate, in strength. It is called “hard and soft.” While Yang style is excellent touch with your own feelings and the feelings of others, and less vul- (and Wu even better) for sensitivity and receiving force, Guang Ping nerable to illness, aging, and aggression? gives you the ability to hand it back in more directions and with In part, it has been my own doubts more intention. about these assertions that have driven The Bay Area, with year-round outdoor activities, fresh, local me to practice so persistently. By prac- food in abundance, and a predominance of meditation and yoga, ticing regularly, I prove tai chi’s effi- provides me with relatively fitter groups than the those in the east cacy to myself over and over again by and mid-west—where I used to teach Yang style first before intro- re-experiencing its effects. Tai chi dis- ducing the more challenging Guang Ping Yang style. Unless I am sipates the ruminating, fretting illustrating the differences to a Yang practitioner, I get right down to thoughts that tend to get trapped in the business with new students, teaching the sixty-four movement brain. Similarly, tai chi dissolves stagnation trapped in the body. Post- Guang Ping Yang style and push hands with great relish. practice, the mind and body are synchronized and revitalized. Tai chi rests on very specific guidelines that are its basic tenets— slow, continuous, relaxed, controlled-by-the-mind movements. In order to maintain the slow pace and light stepping, all body parts— from the core to the extremities—must be connected. In equal meas- ure, this unified body gets reconnected to its surroundings and gets “grounded.” This movement and transmutation of energy distinguishes tai chi Have a Happy Holiday from most other types of exercise. Tai chi players become clearer channels for the flow of energy in our atmosphere and from others. From the Board Members & Editor The enjoyable partnered practice known as push hands hones this awareness energy into a skill. It is a non-injurious method of in which punches are gentle pushes, coupling interception of force with emission of force, like catching and pitching. The most prevalent style of tai chi—Yang style—works directly WHAT’S INSIDE on the back-and-forth energy dialogue, the issuing and receiving of force from another individual. Other forms, such as the more ancient 3 Day Tai Chi Intensive 1 Guang Ping Yang and Chen styles, are more concerned with generat- From the President 2 ing force from within ones own body frame, and defending from all angles as if on a battlefield. They harken back to a time of less unity Out of Nick’s Library 3 in China, with familial compounds and warring citadels, when a tai The Right & Left of It (Part II) 4 chi master was needed to protect others from harm. Calendar of Events 6 The evolution of forms from China continues to this day. Grand- masters share their insights with devout students in a multitude of Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Application 8 Page 2 The Universal Post / December 2009

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Happy Holidays to all! As Speaking of moving forward, I am pleased to an- we dive into the heart of winter it nounce that our 2010 Annual Conference will be held on is time for each one of us to fol- October 22, 23, and 24 at the Radisson Hotel in Albu- low nature's example and con- querque, New Mexico. More detailed information on the serve our energy. Especially in venue will follow but I can tell you now to bring your these difficult economic times, swimsuit as the Radisson just opened an indoor water our immune systems can become park adjoining the hotel! Also, the room rates will be compromised by various forms very affordable this year and we will have free transporta- of stress in our daily lives. My tion to and from the airport, making getting to the confer- recommendation is, of course, to ence that much easier. So mark your calendars for this continue practicing your tai chi very special event! or any other internal style that I would also like to announce Nick Scrima's Kung Fu cultivates . Rest assured our continued practice will Tournament to be held in San Diego this January. Nick see us through these challenging times. has always supported and promoted our Association by Personally, I have found this to be a period where I having Guang Ping Yang divisions in all of his tourna- am more focused on helping others with their training, ments so for those who have never experienced compet- simultaneously earning their appreciation and gratitude, ing or being a spectator this would be a perfect opportu- all of which helps to make me a better teacher. In turn, nity. Tournament details are posted inside this issue . . . this re-focusing, appreciation, and gratitude has been In closing, we have received two nominations for the invaluable to me as I transition through the process of open positions on our Board of Directors. The two nomi- relocating my school, Peter Kwok’s Kung Fu Academy, nees are Valarie Prince Gabel and Jo Presbury Smith. I after 18 years in the same location. I am very fortunate am sure these names are familiar to you and you are all to have the full support of my students and staff, includ- aware of just how much Valarie and Jo have contributed ing Association members Tom Carney and Sylvia Gatt- to the Association through the years. Ballots will be in nig, who are also teachers at my school. In addition, I the mail soon . . . would like to give a heartfelt thank-you to Julie Bod- dorf, our Membership Coordinator, whose help with all- Sincerely, things Guang Ping and Peter Kwok is immeasurable. I Randy Elia now feel that after a difficult and challenging period President, GPYTCA things are truly moving forward in the right direction.

Dear Teacher Certification Candidates, As of January 1st 2010 there will be an increase in the application FEES for TEACHER certification. New Certification Fees: Members: An initial certification processing fee of $75.00 will be charged for active members maintaining a “Teacher” or “School/Organization” membership. Renewal shall be as specified on the website page http://www.guangpingyang.org/Images/pdfs/renewal.pdf Non‐members: Non members seeking certification by the Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association must, first or concurrently, join the association at either the “Teacher” or “School/Organization” level. An initial certification processing fee of $150.00 will be charged, in addition to the dues applicable to the chosen category of membership. If you are considering getting your Teachers Certification you can take advantage of the current fees and save by submitting your application materials before December 31, 2009. Visit our website for application details. http://www.guangpingyang.org/become_certified.htm Current Certification Fees: Members: An initial certification processing fee of $50.00 will be charged for active members maintaining a “Teacher” or “School/Organization” membership. Renewal shall be as specified on the website page http://www.guangpingyang.org/Images/pdfs/renewal.pdf Non‐members: Non members seeking certification by the Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association must, first or concurrently, join the association at either the “Teacher” or “School/Organization” level. An initial certification processing fee of $75.00 will be charged, in addition to the dues applicable to the chosen category of membership. Page 3 The Universal Post / December 2009

OUT OF NICK’S LIBRARY

The Basic Thirteen & The Supplementals:

A Reading List

By: Nick D’Antoni

Hello again! In the last few months, I’ve been asked by a number of friends and students if I would put together a short read- ing list. I’ve often thought about creating a short version of the fairly extensive bibliography that Lynn and I distrib- ute in our classes but I’ve always found the task of trimming it down daunting because I felt that I’d somehow need to be literally distilling, in the sense of purifying and concentrating, the longer list. I fooled myself into thinking that I’d need to come up with some magical list of the ultimate essential books one must read. For some reason, this time around I saw my previous attitude for what it was, perhaps well-meaning, but in a word – misguided. Ah! Then, as I began trying to zero in on my picks I was reminded of the Song the Thirteen Postures which is one of the classic mnemonics in the taijiquan tradition. So, I decided to settle on thirteen as my “magic” number. What follows is my list of the thirteen books that I feel meets the basic objective, and which I think is a good place to begin for those who haven’t yet done much reading as part of their journey along the way of taijiquan. If you’ve been read- ing this column, I’m sure you’ll recognize a number of titles, but there are also many books that I haven’t reviewed here. So I hope there is something new for everyone. And because I believe nearly all of these books are worth re- turning to as one continues to grow and progress, I’d like to suggest that even the “heavy readers” will stop and con- sider a second, third, or even fourth look at something on the list. The list is in two parts. The first section is the basic list. It is aimed at my primary goal: creating a selection of books that provides - first, a well-rounded introduction into the fundamentals and practice of taijiquan, second, an entry into the exploration of the history, philosophy, and culture of taiji and, lastly, includes information on related disciplines/practices that can help deepen our understanding and inform both our daily practice and the ways we may choose to grow in our taiji. I’m not suggesting that any one of these books is necessarily the best or most essential. What I am saying is that I think the list, when considered as a whole, includes at least an introduction to most – if not all – of the elements of taijiquan and that, when combined with the study of taiji create a powerful, unique, and spe- cial thing – one’s own personal practice. The second section is a supplemental selection of titles that will allow for a broader and deeper exploration into some of those areas on the basic list that may be of special interest. I hope you find it useful.

The Basic Thirteen:

1) Barrett, Rick. Taijiquan: Through the Western Gate. Berkeley, CA: Blue Snake Books, 2006. 2) Cheng, Man-ch’ing. Master Cheng’s Thirteen Chapters on T’ai Chi Ch’uan. Douglas Wile. Brook- lyn, NY: Sweet Ch’i Press, 1982, Douglas Wile. 3) Chuen, (Master) Lam Kam. Feng Shui Handbook: How to Create a Healthier Living and Working Environment. New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1996 4) Hoff, Benjamin. The Tao of Pooh. Penguin Books, 1994. 5) Jou, Tsung Hwa. The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation. Print _8. Scottsdale, AZ: Tai Chi Foundation, 2001. 6) Kaptchuk, Ted J. The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine. Chicago: Congdon & Weed, Inc., 1983. 0-8092-2933-1. 7) Kuo, Lien-Ying. The T’ai Chi Chronicle. G. Guttman. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books,’99. 8) Liang, T.T. T’ai Chi Ch’uan for Health and Self-Defense. Philosophy and Practice. Revised, ex- panded edition, ed. Paul B. Gallagher. New York: Vintage, 1977.

(Continued on page 5) Page 4 The Universal Post / December 2009

THE RIGHT & LEFT OF IT (PART II)

Tai Chi: The Right and Left of It (Part II) I first had an opportunity to test “rest one side of the by Diane Rabinowitz body,” as well as teach the mirror image form, after I had in-

Tai chi, as an internal martial art, is based on the philoso- jured a hamstring muscle during a long running race, likely phical ideas of yin and ynag and requires coordination of the from not cooling down properly. The muscle hurt so much the arms and legs in arelaxed unison with the entire body. This next day, I was crawling up the stairs. yin-yang symmetry of motion or balanced way of moving the Even when I had healed enough to walk, it still proved arms and legs is one of the unique properties of tai chi. difficult to teach tai chi. Those “lotus” , done with a However, tai chi has asymmetry as well, expressed in the wide of the leg, were especially demanding in the groin form of “handedness.” In the Guang Ping Yang style of tai area. In the regular form, this lotus , done twice, is always chi, the regular form is taught with the right hand cominating. with the right leg. Since I injured my right leg, I struggled For example, the right hand strikes as a fist 15 times compared with this dilemma. to only 5 for the left hand. The hand is closed like a “bird’s Fortunately, at this time, my family moved, and I was beak” 12 times with the right hand and only once with the left. faced with starting to teach all beginners, again. Because of As a right-handed instructor of tai chi, with both left and my injury, and because all students need to learn both regular right-handed students, does the asymmetry of the form affect and mirror image to be complete Guang Ping tai chi students, I how the students learn? Because the movements of tai chi are decided to teach the mirror image side first, with the left hand so unfamiliar and different from other exercises and other dominating. It was teach this way or stop teaching. kinds of movements in their daily lives, students don’t notice Students, finding tai chi such an unfamiliar way of mov- this asymmetry, whether or not they are left or right handed. ing, did not know they were learning an exercise that had the They are too concerned with the details to see this pattern. left hand dominating. Neither righties nor lefties knew the This Guang Ping form of tai chi is more than just a particu- difference. After a year or so of doing the “lotus” kick with lar style. It involves a method of teaching. All students learn my left leg, my right leg healed completely. an extensive set of warm-up and stretching exercises done A final reason for knowing both regular and mirror image, before tai chi practice. The advanced student who has com- the right and left handed forms, is that the student may better pleted the “regular” form then begins to learn “mirror image.” discern the general rules that govern the particular movements, This means that the student begins the form moving to the rather than just do them by rote. right instead of the left, the left hand There are some masters of Guang dominating, and all the postures now Ping style that do not include mirror “mirror image” the regular form. How image as part of their teaching reper- is this useful? toire. They reason that should one be Firstly, knowing both regular and called upon to use tai chi for self- mirror image helps the teacher teach. defense, the mind/body would react Besides having the student follow the instinctively using the dominant fist. teacher from behind, the teacher can, Therefore, it would be better to train alternately, face the student, acting as a exclusively with the regular form (i.e., “mirror image,” and still guide the with the right hand dominant). student while watching the student for Despite this argument, five rea- any mistakes. sons to know both left-handed and Secondly, if the advanced student right-handed forms are presented. knows both regular and mirror image, Since more people have a stronger that student has greater flexibility and adaptability in changing side and the tai chi form has asymmetric elements, there directions and controlling the given floor space. should be no surprise that learning tai chi one way can be an Thirdly, mastering both regular and mirror image can help extra challenge for some of us, and knowing it both ways, is the students strengthen their “weaker” side, or non-dominant helpful to everyone, student and teacher alike. side. Most of us are dominantly right-handed, and some are lefties, and only a very few are really ambidextrous. So, Editor’s Corner nearly all of us have a weak side, which tai chi practice can Editor: Sifu Thomas Carney strengthen. Thus, many sports and other daily activities are Email: [email protected] improved if both hands are working fully. We need articles from members and especially teachers. In addition to these three benefits, knowing both regular Please email me above and include a pictures. and mirror image may help in a fourth way. Sometimes, part of the body, an arm or a leg or a hand or a foot, may become The editor reserves the right to edit any material or article submitted for injured. Even if not enough to stop activity, it may be enough publication. to make one want to ease up and not use the injured part. The Universal Post and/or Universal Post, title of the Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association’s newsletter, copyright 2007 by Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Knowing mirror image allows the tai chi player to “rest” that Association. All rights reserved. Non Profit Organization. side of the body. Page 5 The Universal Post / December 2009

(Continued from page 3 - Nick’s Library) 9) Liao, Waysun, ed. and trans. “T’ai Chi Classics.” T’ai Chi Classics: New translations of three essen- tial texts of T’ai Chi Ch’uan with commentary and practical instruction by Waysun Liao. Boston: Sham- bala Publications, Inc., 1990. 10) Liu, Da. T’ai Chi Ch’uan & Meditation. New York, NY: Schocken, 1986. 11) Merton, Thomas. The Way of Chuang Tzu. Boston: Shambala Publications, Inc., 2004. 12) Watts, Alan. Tao: The Watercourse Way. With Al Chung-Liang Huang. New York: Pantheon Books, 1975. 13) Wile, Douglas, trans. T’ai Chi Touchstones: Yang Family Secret Transmissions. Brooklyn, NY: Sweet Ch’i Press, 1983.

The Supplemental Books:

1) Chen, Wei-Ming. T’ai Chi Ch’uan Ta Wen: Questions and Answers on T’ai Chi Ch’uan. Trans: Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo & Robert W. Smith. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1985. 2) Cheng, Man-ch’ing. Cheng Man-Ch’ing’s Advanced T’ai-Chi Form Instructions: with selected writings on Meditation, the I-ching, Medicine, and the Arts. Compiled & trans: Douglas Wile. 3rd edition. New York: Sweet Ch’i Press, 1986. 3) Chiang, Master Y.C. Wen Wu School Student Handbook. El Cerrito, CA: Wen Wu School of , 2006. 4) Cleary, Thomas. Vitality, Energy, Spirit: A Taoist Sourcebook. Translated & Ed: Thomas Cleary. Boston: Shambala Publications, Inc., 1991. 5) Huang, Chungliang Al. Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain: The Essence of Tai Ji. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 1997. 6) Kuo, Lien-Ying. Tai-Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice. Presented by: Simmone Kuo. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 1999. 7) Lee, Martin, PhD. and Emily Lee. The Healing Art of T’ai Chi: Becoming One with Nature. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1996. 8) Liu, Master Hui. Dayan Qigong: An Ancient System for Today’s Modern Life. El Cerrito, CA: Wen Wu School of Martial Arts, 2006. 9) Wile, Douglas. Lost T’ai-chi Classics from the Late Ch’ing Dynasty. Albany: State U of New York Press, 1996. 10) Wong, Eva. The Shambala Guide to Taoism: A complete introduction to the history, philoso- phy, and practice of an ancient Chinese spiritual tradition. Boston: Shambala Publications, Inc., 1997. IT’S ELECTION TIME!! Rating: 5 of 5 stars – of course! There are two NEW Board of Directors Nomina- Until next time, take care, and happy reading. tions up for Election. The two candidates are Valerie Prince Gabel & Jo Presbury Smith. -Nick Ballots will be in the mail soon. Please vote.

START PLANNING!!! 2010 Annual GUANG PING YANG CONFERENCE October 22 - 24

Radisson Hotel Albuquerque, New Mexico (Exciting New Location, Water Park in Hotel, plus more) Page 6 The Universal Post / December 2009

Honorary Chairmen Calendar of Events Y. C. Chiang, CA Henry Look, CA Past Presidents Dominick Ruggieri, NJ October 2003-October 2005 Nick D’Antoni, WA October 2001-October 2003 Nina Sugawara, CA March 2000-October 2001 National Kick-Off Donald Rubbo, CA October 1998-March 2000 January 22-24, 2010 Henry Look, CA February 1996-October 1998 Inside Kung-Fu Top Ten Rating Board Members Over 350 Divisions—Including Quang Ping Yang Tai Chi & Push Hands President: Masters Demonstration Randy Elia, NJ Quality Medals and Awards [email protected] Participation Medals for all Kids Divisions Vice-President Elect: Official Qualifier for National and World Titles To Be Announced [email protected] Event Address: The Town & Country Resort, Vice-President: 500 Hotel Circel North, San Diego, CA 92108 Lawrence Riddle, WI [email protected] www.kungfuchampionship.com Phone: 727-734-8222 | Fax: 727-734-2414 Treasurer: Paki Sukwattana, OH [email protected] ICMACC Calendar (upcoming 5-Star Events)  Latin America Championship…………………San Jose, Costa Rica | Feb. 12-14, 2010 Julie Boddorf, NJ  “Big D” Championship………………………. Dallas, TX | Mar. 26-28, 2010 [email protected]  European Championship……………………... Pisa, Italy | Apr. 23-25, 2010 Patricia Boucher, TX  12th Annual Orlando Championship…………. Orlando, FL | May 28-30, 2010 [email protected]  Golden Gate Championship………………….. San Francisco, CA | Jun. 25-27, 2010 Nick D’Antoni, WA  3rd Annual Las Vegas Championship………… Las Vegas, NV | Sept. 4-6, 2010 [email protected]  National Finals……………………………….. Washington, DC | Oct. 2010 Lucy Bartimole, OH  World Championship………………………… Nassau, Bahamas | Dec. 10-12, 2010 [email protected] Grace Cheng, CA [email protected] WORLD TAI CHI DAY Saturday, April 24, 2010 National Advisors Valarie Prince-Gabel, Newport Beach, Disclaimer: The events listed are provided as a resource. They may CA or may not be sponsored or endorsed by the GPYTCA. JoAnna Gee Schoon, Laguna Beach, CA Daniel Lee, Duarte, CA Jonathon Shear, Richmond, VA Paul Taylor, San Francisco, CA Donations

Membership Coordinator General Fund Julie Boddorf Wilkes Covey Ira Esformes c/o Peter Kwok’s Kung Fu Academy 268 Kinderkamack Road Donald Hediger Karen Mack Emerson, NJ 07630 [email protected] Jeannie Miller Susan Payne Jo Presbury-Smith Joanna Schoon Web Lynn Sharp www.guangpingyang.org

Webmaster: Marilyn Mathews Scholarship Fund Lucy Bartimole [email protected] Julie Boddorf Cecelia Levy

Editor: Substaining Member Thomas Carney [email protected] Ben Parsons Page 7 The Universal Post / December 2009

d Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association Teachers ie if Dominick Ruggieri rt e Denmark [email protected] C Inger Jensen [email protected] Michael Vassallo [email protected] France California North Carolina David R. Bernhardt Eric Lelaquais [email protected] David Chin [email protected] [email protected] Fu-Tung Cheng Sophie Meline Nichanian [email protected] [email protected] Ohio Lucy Bartimole Yun-Chung Chiang Illinois [email protected] [email protected] Steven M. Kemps [email protected] Jeff Burton Nina H. Deerfield [email protected] [email protected] Japan Paki Sukwattana Jarl Forsman Daniel D. Harrington [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Rhode Island Bing Gong Stephanie Morino Diane H. Rabinowitz [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Daniel K. Lee New Hampshire [email protected] Peggy Simone Texas [email protected] Patricia M. Boucher Henry Look [email protected] [email protected] Mary Sturtevant, M. Ed.

Jo Presbury Smith [email protected] Virginia

[email protected] Jonathan Shear New Jersey Valarie Prince Gabel Thomas G. Carney Washington [email protected] [email protected] Nicholas J. D’Antoni [email protected] Roger Ramey Randy Elia [email protected] [email protected] Lynn L. Sharp [email protected] Cheryl Lynne & Don Rubbo Ira Esformes [email protected] [email protected] Wisconsin

JoAnna Gee Schoon Sylvia Gattnig Wilkes P. Covey III [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Randall K. Sugawara Dennis R. Glanfield Joy L. Foye [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Paul Taylor Steven J. Karpen Kristina C. Bung Riddle [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Allen Trigueiro Gary Rosenblum Lawrence L. Riddle [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Mission Statement Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi Association

To promote, perpetuate, develop interest in, and preserve the quality of Guang Ping Yang style T’ai Chi Chuan throughout the world, and to provide support for research and education in Guang Ping Yang T’ai Chi in honor of the memory of Sifu Kuo Lien Ying, who brought Guang Ping to the United States, and in commemoration of his unselfish sharing of his many skills.

We strive to develop and honor the life-enhancing qualities of respect, humility, integrity, honesty, loyalty, and kindness. We manifest our commitment to this process by honoring our teachers, students, each other, and the practice of Internal Arts. Salutation To Buddha - Defense Against A Push L-R Ron Lee (blue) & Dave Tiopan (white)

Ready Position White Pushes, approach Blue Intercepts, Fa-Jing, Lift- toward Blue ing White of the ground Golden Cock On One Leg - Defense Against A Tackle L-R Dave Tiopan (white) & Ron Lee (blue) BY HENRY LOOK BY HENRY

GUANG PING YANG TAI CHI APPLICATION Ready Position Blue approaches & tackles White blocks, intercepts, Fa- toward white Jing, kick sending Blue out & up

stamp

GUANG PING YANG T’AI CHI ASSOCIATION c/o Peter Kwok’s Kung Fu Academy 268 Kinderkamack Road Emerson, NJ 07630 USA

Movement 9

Photo and description taken from: Fist Under “Tai Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice” By: Kuo Lien Ying Chou Ti Ch’ui