What is Tai Chi and what is its purpose?

Tai-chi Chuan (Taiji Quan) translates as Supreme Ultimate Fist. It is a Chinese martial art and is considered a ‘soft’ or ‘internal’ system. Tai Chi cultivates and employs the principles of correct postural alignment and genuine relaxation or ‘song’ (release) to produce power.

Here is a quote from my teacher that I feel sums up the purpose of Tai Chi as an internal training method. It also speaks to why Tai Chi is good for you.

“As I teach it, the purpose of the internal training is to achieve balance and harmony. When yin and yang are in balance and the mind and body in harmony we can maintain zhong ding (equilibrium) and live in peace” Sifu Adam Mizner

This statement certainly makes clear pragmatic sense to me and with direct experience of the health benefits of Tai Chi for mind and body I am personally not left needing any further explanation.

That said, we live in a modern world that demands to quantify everything. Even that which is beyond the grasp of explanation. The first line of the famous Taoist text attributed to the sage Lao Tzu, the Tao Te Ching tells us ‘’the way that can be spoken of is not the true (eternal) way’’ warning us against the foolish requirement to intellectually constrain ultimate truth and thereby inevitably miss it entirely. Such as it is, here are some further factors to point out the way.

The slow physical movements that characterise modern Tai Chi are known to produce robust health benefits. In reality if we are only moving through learned choreographic sequences then the health benefits of Tai Chi would be much the same as dance or a similar discipline or expression of movement at best. That is to say that Tai Chi could be considered good for circulation, co-ordination, balance, awareness, memory, posture, strength and mobility.

However, when the correct foundation is taught, learned and practiced through repetition the conditions of mind and body / internal and external are changed. That is that the ‘jibengong’ or training of fundamental skills will transform the practitioner toward what my teacher calls the ‘’Tai Chi animal’’.

In Tai Chi, we strengthen the body via Qi. This sounds mystical but anybody who has trained authentic methods of Zhan Zhuang (standing pole) will quickly tell you otherwise. Holding static postures for periods of time, we train correct postural alignment in order to allow the muscles to relax. When the skeleton is aligned the soft tissue can release.

This is a major part of the process that gets too easily referred to as ‘sinking the qi to the dantien’ (a bigger conversation for another time), and it is challenging training both physically and mentally.

Through this neigong or internal process, we are training the principles of correct structure and release. On the physical level of the body this supports bone health and density through weight bearing, nourishes the connective tissue which is stretched via the process of release, promotes improved posture via attention and correction to skeletal alignment and allows for release of unnecessary muscular tension.

Naturally, through training the body in this method of structure and release, these qualities are transposed over the mind. Personally, I could not think of a more desirable condition to cultivate than a mind and body which is both structured and released.

At HME Melbourne, I will teach and train you in the authentic internal methods passed down to me as a direct disciple and recognised level two instructor of Sifu Adam Mizner – Heaven Man Earth International founder. Experience directly for yourself the calm and power of genuine Taiji Quan (Tai Chi).

What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?

This question was recently asked by a new student and it is a common line of enquiry so I have aimed to provide a basic answer in this brief article.

It is correct to say that Taiji is a martial art, and this is a key difference between Taichi and qigong. I hope the simplified explanation below will help to clarify:

  • Qi = energy (simply put)

  • Gong = skill

  • Qigong exercises = methods to develop 'Qi' skill

  • Tai ji (tai-chi) =  refers to the principle of yin yang

  • Quan = fist

  • Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan) = yin yang boxing

Classically it is said that Tai Chi is Qigong but Qigong is not yet Tai Chi. That is to say that practicing Tai Chi will develop Qi skill. However, in isolation Qigong practice will not equate to martial skill.

There are many qigong systems and the focus varies from health, medical and healing to the alchemical as well as iron robe and other exercises focused in supporting martial training. The Qigong and related practices that I teach are simple and focused on health: opening the body, accumulating qi, mobilising qi, promoting circulation, developing sensitivity and strengthening the mind, body matrix. 

online learning - private tuition

I am honoured to announce that Sifu Adam Mizner has selected me to offer online private tuition for current DT members

Remember this is for current members only and is a tool for reviewing and deepening unlocked course material. HME Melbourne members may also choose this option

Strange as the times are, this was supposed to launch a few weeks ago. But as it is - never a better time to deepen your practice via an online format

(and seriously never a better time for you to take advantage of a depleted Australian currency!)

You can book directly via my scheduling page here:

https://heavenmanearthmelbourne.com/book-skype-lesson-onlin…

I will be updating my availability to accomodate the U.S and European time difference shortly. You can also contact me with any questions and queries:

paul@heavenmanearth.com

I am currently offering a free 20 min consult so we can discuss your training. If your membership isn’t up to date or you have never had one - lets have a chat about how we can get you on board with an intro offer…

Check out the video below and get in touch /\

The spirit of practice 

Taiji quan is a cultivation art. Amongst other things, this means that we do not just train physically to kick, punch and move. Rather, we practice in order to cultivate the body and mind and to develop our character to evolve beyond our basic human constructs towards the non-dual, ultimate reality. This of course is no easy task to say the least and is impossible if we approach our practice in the wrong spirit.

If we are trying to learn and understand anything we have to first be open to receiving. This is fundamental to even the most simplistic teaching and learning. If you do not hear the information, see the information or experience it, then it will be impossible for you to learn any body of knowledge let alone to experience directly any wisdom for yourself. We all know that when we didn’t listen in school then we didn’t have the answers to the test! So why would we think this is any different with taiji quan, martial arts or any learning of the body mind connection, which is vastly complex and requires concentration on multiple planes.

What if every time my teacher tries to show me something but I already know better? That is to say that every time my teacher tries to show me something I have already decided what it means. I have already decided what the answer is. Already decided that I understand what my teacher is pointing to. Then I simply limit the possibilities to that which I already know. This way is not making space for new learning or for the arising of wisdom.

So how does this translate in a physical art when we are trying to absorb something and learn something in the body? If my teacher tries to show me a technique but instead of being able to feel what is happening I am fighting on some level, I am trying to win on some level, trying to get away or succeed or to have them fail, then I will never be able to understand what is being shown.

It is one thing to talk about the teacher in this way as this is less common, though surprisingly frequent regardless of how stupid that may be. However, what about our brothers and sisters in learning, those that we consider peers? If every time that you go to apply your practice with your partner it is just a competition, if it is just pushing each other around, using what works and relying on old habits, then we can never expect to learn, cultivate and understand new ways of being.

That is to say that a good training partner is worth their weight in gold. What is a good training partner? A good training partner is a partner who is willing to create the most scientific conditions possible for you and for themselves. This means if my partner is pushing on me in a certain way and I am practising to answer in a certain way that my partner pushes in the same way each time. However, if my partner starts pushing across a different line of force when I am trying to understand and learn a particular answer to a specific question, then I’m going to start building in an unskilful habit - the wrong answer to a different question. Following stupidity no one wins. Perhaps my partner has the victory of pushing me over yet this is really no victory at all.

Instead take pleasure and cultivate appreciative joy when your partner succeeds. If you take this attitude and you have the intention of creating harmony and taking joy in the success of others, naturally you open up. In an open and relaxed state of being you are able to receive and you will succeed. Now, if both training partners take this approach then the results must be harmonious and fruitful, harmony will bear the right fruit and result in success. This is one meaning of the idea of investing in loss.

If however when we practice we just try to win and when we apply or deal with force we allow the fight/flight neurology to be switched on then it is inevitable that when we are faced with a situation that is more free-form and outside of set conditions we will undoubtedly respond with the fight/flight reaction. The pursuit of taiji quan is to work toward actualising the non-dual. It is the practice of moving beyond the duality of fight/flight. Remaining in zhong-ding (equanimity) is a great pillar of the practice.

When I watch those rare practitioners that I would consider to be very skilful and the best that I have personally come across in the art of taiji quan working with one another there is no level of competition, there is no level of trying to win. There is only enjoyment, fun and freedom in the exchange. There is the desire for the other to succeed. Practicing in this way, when the other succeeds, when my partner becomes more correct, skilled, soft, powerful, more capable and closer to the non-dual. Then I am inevitably lifted up to myself become more correct. This is the path from the dualistic toward the non-dual. The path from division toward the supreme ultimate.

Enjoy your training. Paul McIntyre

Sifu Adam Mizner (Heaven Man Earth founder) and Sifu Curtis Brough practicing together in Chiang Mai, Thailand. January 2020

Sifu Adam Mizner (Heaven Man Earth founder) and Sifu Curtis Brough practicing together in Chiang Mai, Thailand. January 2020

A new decade of practice

My first teacher in the fighting and internal arts, Tao Sorjaiphet (Absolute MMA) once told me to measure my practice in increments of 10 years. He said this to me as encouragement and for me to reflect on how far I had come in my practice and training from a decade previous. So at the start of a new decade I look back again and see that indeed progress has been made. Whilst the daily work, hustle and grind can make it seem as though we really aren’t getting much done from a seemingly endless list of things to do, over time if we continue to move forward step by step we find indeed we have actually come a long way.

It is not much more than 10 years ago that I began my journey with Heaven Man Earth Internal Arts, Sifu Adam Mizner and his two top instructors Andy Mack and Curtis Brough. It was actually my fight coach at the time Tao, who suggested I go and pay Andy a visit at his new school in Melbourne (circa 2007). Andy had plastered huge posters all over the city that boldly stated ‘real taiji - 4 heavy hits in 1 second’. Somewhere in my fantasy I thought I would go and test out this arrogant guy who had decided that he had the ‘real’ taiji. As it turned out he certainly did have the real deal and I never looked back.

Countless trips later to study intensively with Sifu Adam Mizner and here I am again. This time in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am here to deepen my understanding and experience of this truly profound art that is taiji quan. Yet again, I am astonished and inspired by the man I call my teacher and dear friend. Yet again, I am humbled by the endless depth and wonder of this indescribable and unfathomable internal art and the path it offers and that I am blessed to walk.

I could take this in many directions and reflections. But I will just say that 10 years later I am happier. I am also 40 years old and with that time under the belt it seems there comes a natural maturity and ease. A great practitioner of the art once said that taiji builds great capacity for enduring frustration. As I practice daily with my teacher he keeps me consistently at the furthest reaches of my ability and just slightly beyond. However, a great difference I recognise from 10 years ago is that I am good with the frustration of trying to achieve the seemingly impossible. That is to say that presently it is without frustration. Rather, the pleasure that arises simply from the doing is truly immense and yet I am certain that I have barely touched on the limitless and boundless nature of taiji and the freedom that this art of cultivation offers.

This life of practice. Nothing to to be grasped. Nothing to be gained. Nothing to be lost. Any words that can go close to describing it inevitably fall short. Such as it is, there really is not much to be said. Enjoy your practice. Many well wishes for 2020 and the coming 10 years.

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Sifu Adam Mizner talks about taiji as a path

My teacher Sifu Adam Mizner discusses taiji as a path for self cultivation. In the many years I have spent close to my teacher I have learned the real meaning of transmission in the internal arts. Truly taiji is a vehicle for complete transformation - beautiful in the beginning, the middle and the end. Enjoy Sifu Adam’s honest and transparent insights into this vast practice of which he truly embodies a great expanse of understanding…

Qigong Day Retreat in the Yarra Valley

A great group of students enjoyed the one day Qigong retreat in the Yarra Valley over the weekend thanks to our incredible hosts & collaborators Phuong & Eddy @hillndale_farmcottages . Participants putting in the work, breathing in the lush surroundings & nourishing the body with fresh local produce. Much more to come, we are only getting started! 
Transform your self. Classes @ https://heavenmanearthmelbourne.com/
Get away to nature @ https://www.hillndalefarmcottages.com.au/

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Instructor Paul McIntyre in Chiang Mai 2018

Filming some push hands practice on retreat in 2018. Paul spends regular time in retreat with his teacher Sifu Adam Mizner. Keep an eye out for future HME Melbourne overseas retreats and check out the HME main page for details of camps with Sifu Adam and workshops with his head senior students Andy Mack and Curtis Brough. Stay tuned - we will be posting some footage of the last HME Melbourne student trip to Thailand as well as some footage of Andy and Curtis, who have both also visited Australia to run workshops in the past couple of years…