A new adventure in Crete (Greece)
It has been a very unique experience and I hope it can inspire other people to practice this amazing ancient Chinese martial art.
19 Sunday Mar 2023
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Tag Archives: inspiration
Competing in Utrecht
25 Saturday Nov 2017
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Competing is always a positive decision.
I wanted to share some thoughts about this important decision.
First of all, I think everybody competes with themselves, their fears and limitations. Thus, deciding to compete means conquering these fears.
Second, the competition represents an effective way to reach a certain goal such as higher skills in performing a form. To do so discipline is required!
Third, during the competition you get to know many other martial artists. This is a nice way to explore and engage with the Martial Arts’ community.
Last but not least, after your performance is over and the jury shows your score, you must accept it with humbleness, either you agree with it or not. It’s part of the game.
This happened to me when I competed for Modern 42 Combined Hand Form, in Utrecht, The Netherlands, on Saturday, November 11.
Below you can watch the video that my friend Marijke shot for me that day.
How the benefits of Tai Chi are perceived in an urban area- An anthropological study.
21 Thursday Apr 2016
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Two months ago I received this message from Erika Persson, a student in Medical Anthropology at Amsterdam University College:
“Dear Monica, I am writing to you as you are listed as organizer in the Tai-Chi group here, and I have a question for you. Or rather a request. I am a student of Amsterdam University College who currently studies Medical Anthropology. As a part of the course we are conducting a visual anthropology project in which we are filming a chosen group/practice to answer a research question. Me and my research group are interested in knowing more about how the known health benefits of Tai-Chi are perceived in an urban areas, and to assess this we are looking for a practice that we could join for a meeting, and possible find people who would like to tell us about their experience regarding the activity. As it is a visual anthropology project, the aim is to film the meeting. However this will be done discretely, and not without consent will all practitioners! Please let me know what you think!”
I was very enthusiastic and so were my students. Erika came with two college mates and practiced with us. After the class there was an informal conversation about the benefits of Tai Chi in an urban area like Amsterdam.
I am sorry that the video including the interview is no longer available.
Eight Pieces of Brocade
04 Monday Nov 2013
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Few days ago I found a video of this amazing martial artist, Faye Yip, who performs “Eight Pieces of Brocade” beautifully.
Her mix of grace and power is very fascinating and inspiring to me! I have been looking for a nice version of this very ancient Qigong sequence for awhile and eventually I found it!
It’s so energizing and gives a deep sense of peace.
Tomorrow I will practice it with my students!
Challenging oneself
28 Thursday Feb 2013
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Next March, on the tenth, at the trials in Tokyo Prefecture, I won’t be fighting against anybody but myself.
It’s hard to defy fear and tension, not to feel overwhelmed by the implacable look of the four judges sitting at the corners of the koto area, to keep your internal rhythm and calmness when outside announcements are given repeatedly.
Someone may argue why I do this. My answer is that I want to compete because it gives a strong motivation to improve; the way for mastering Tai Chi is very long and sometimes you need your spark to become a fire, in order to refine your technique, make your style look more beautiful and maybe be able to inspire people to approach Tai Chi.
So, if you want to watch me come to the Shogo Sport Center in Hamacho (Chuo-Ku), on March the 10th: I will perform “24 Yang Style” form, around 2:30, in koto # 1. My number is 223.
But the most important thing is that you’ll be delighted by hundreds of athletes performing every Style of Tai Chi and Kung Fu, using many different weapons. I think that if you come you’ll be tremendously inspired and motivated in your practice, as well.
I hope to see you there!
Tai Chi drops 