Last night at 9pm was the halfway point of the seminar. We’ve completed 3 days of training, consisting of 30m standing practice at 7am, breakfast, 2.5hrs of xinjia, lunch, 2.5 hrs of xinjia, dinner, 1.5 hrs of weapons.
Read moreTraining in the Julian Alps
I have always been enamored with rich green forests, peaks touching the clouds, and the sound of mountain streams. Last year in China I said that while training should be the same everywhere, no matter the aesthetic, one should train in beautiful places when the chance arises, because why not?
Read morePre Training Regimen
Walk, eat, nap, walk, eat, sleep…and so on. Our taiji group of 7, plus a daughter who briefly joined us, has been pounding the streets of Vienna being good tourists.
Read moreDeparture!
The morning started like other mornings on past taiji pilgrimages, very early. We were packed before bed the night before, engaged in pre-trip texting among our fellow travelers, slept a few hours and woke up to the alarm.
Read moreAnother International Gathering is on the Horizon!
In just 7 days Bill and I leave for Europe! We are traveling to Slovenia for the First International Advanced Chen Taijiquan Training Camp, taught by Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing and his son Master Chen Ziqiang. In attendance will be advanced students from all over the world, and the curriculum will include xinjia yilu and weapons.
Read moreBill Helm's podcast on Taoism!
Bill's interview with Ken Gullette is now live! Ken is a long time martial arts practitioner who teaches Chen style Taijiquan, Xingyiquan and Baguazhang. Ken recently started a series of podcasts, interviewing several well known teachers in the US on topics that have included Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Taoism.
Read moreBack to our Regularly Scheduled Practice
Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing has moved on and is now in Seattle. Here in San Diego, we reviewed Laojia Erlu, Laojia Yilu, Push Hands, and the first section of Xinjia Yilu.
Read moreGrandmaster - Incoming!
Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing arrives in San Diego on Tuesday! From here, he will travel to Seattle, then Los Angeles, then Phoenix, then Denver, then Philadelphia, then Chicago, then St Petersburg, then DC!
Read moreHappy New Year!
Happy Chinese New Year to everyone! We have entered the Year of the Wood Sheep. This year will be characterized by a softer energy than the Year of the Horse. The focus will be on relationships, family and togetherness. This is the year to cultivate contentment.
Read moreCalendar Updates!
The Taoist Sanctuary website is experiencing some calendar problems – probably left over from the recent backward motion of Mercury!
Read more