Indeed. I really like my teacher because he quite often avoids to pepper notions that would sound mystic because we’re ignorant of them. He gave us the exact approach to “chi” that the one you’re describing.

Yes. It could help somehow, in the ways you described, but I wouldn’t recommend it (at least how it’s taught in the West) at all for someone who wants to learn how to actual fight, or needs some explosive action from martial practice.

Yes, my instructors sometimes uses “chi” but quickly autocorrects himself “let’s say breathing”. I think the mental work taichi implies for me is striving for “perfection” in the moves, while remaining calm.

Thanks for sharing!

That’s a nice perspective. Whenever I have some free time, I’d like to dive into taoist vision a bit below the surface level. Some assumptions of Buddhism I can’t relate to. Maybe this one will be less directly opposing my deep beliefs. Anyway, it’s always interesting to learn, even if I end up disagreeing.

I’ll definitely check this, thank you very much fellow lemming!

That’s the thing. That person may also truly be one of the best practitioners of the discipline. I’ve hypothesized maybe there’s two sides to his activity : private teaching and public… shows?

Yes, phisical meditation is nice way to put it (plus agility training on the side, which is never a bad thing!)

We will start practicing push hands this year! We’ve just learned the moves individually. It’ll be interesting to practice then. Thank you!

I am and I’m super glad to have read your message! Thanks for sharing!

But this, I can’t explain : https://youtu.be/4yv34VZGeqs. Do people really believe in this? Can suggestion be that impressively strong?

That guy is my teacher’s master and he deeply respects him as an incredible martial artist. And my teacher and several students seem to follow a 0 bs policy.

But… how can not one question this… kinda grotesque scene?

The human mind impresses me everyday.

There sure is a lot of flashy myths and fantasies in this branch of martial arts. Sometimes, my fellow practitioners truly believe in Chi as a mystical force allowing one to get superhuman abilities, which is a bit frightening tbh. I’m not counting daoism among said fantasies and myth. I’m still ignorant about its meaning. So yes, I guess you’re right.

Oh I certainly am! But after trying to read a few studies about inner arts measurable effect, I’m left with more questions than answer, so I wanted to ask Lemmy’s collective knowledge and impressions.

Ooh. Thank you very much kind stranger.

As I would have a few years ago. But I’m an old man now and leave it to younger people. Of course, I’m quite happy to still have long earned reflexes from my practice of external arts, in case I need them one day…

I’m not certain, given your use case. As someone with a deep passion for martial arts (judo > Jiu Jitsu > Aikido > Tai Chi), I would say while they can be useful in certain situations (even tai chi chuan, which is certainly the most inner one). Self defense classes with actual teaching about fighting a guy with a knife/gun would be more suited, maybe.

The plot foldens…

Loneskum

Interesting thanks. Close enough but maybe different cultural overtones. I must admit I didn’t take time to check a more consistent definition as I’m 65% taking a nap.

Indeed, but just to be sure, is the meaning the same? The lower fringe/extremity of the bourgeoisie, often with more cultural capital than economical (teachers, non-pauperized nurses, young journalists, PhD in social sciences, etc.), joyfully rebellious but also with high levels of strict adherence to the established order, main agents of the gentrification of formerly popular urban neighborhood but whose younger generations can sometimes adhere to revolutionary perspectives, strongly despised by orthodox marxists while being the primary audience of such movements/orgs?

I truly had no idea the English name was similar to the French one. TIL something.