TwitPics
Jun
9
A Retreat with a Difference – Sachidev, Chennai
The Tai Chi 2010 Retreat conducted by our Academy was one of its kind. As quoted by none other than our dear Grandmaster Fu and Master James.
Two China trips gave our Sifu an idea of what must be and what must not be done in a retreat of this sort and he carefully choreographed the events in the best location possible in India.
March was the month in which we experience tolerable weather in a typical and otherwise hot and humid Chennai. At least the 3 days, was literally a breeze.
Now coming to the event itself, over 80 participants – pan India – landed in the most pristine surroundings- Radisson Temple Bay Resort. Saiffuddin steered the logistics team to ensure everyone was received and transported without a hitch. A brisk reception team headed by Simu handled all of us (literally like a bunch of excited children!) and soon we settled down to serious business.
When we assembled in the Hall of Practice (!) we saw what our own Mala and TG Srinivasan did for the interiors! Visuals were bold, impactful and surely most appropriate. Grandmaster, Master James and Sifu walked into the hall amidst a huge applause, led by our own senior Instructor Rose. Claps and Clips (music) filled the hall.
The stage itself was a grand sight. Grand Master, Sifu and Master James, an inspiring combo – should I say! All of us just slipped into the routines which came one after another. The refrain right through the sessions by Grand Master was – Chi !, Stop! Again!. If I recall this, my bones still ache!
However, all the stress and strain of training was given a break by the ever agile, energetic and entertaining young master James. Like in a typical classroom all of us enjoyed it.
What was the takeaway from the 3 days of toil !!!
- All those who thought it was all fun were in for serious disappointment. Grandmaster said Tai Chi is all practice, practice and practice.
- We learnt why Authentic Yang Style Tai Chi is recognized as superior to the Chen Style. Master James gave a detailed talk.
- We learnt Tai Chi emphasizes ‘substance’ over ‘style’. We should not get carried away by form alone.
- Warm up sessions ended up as ‘heated up’ sessions. We learnt that without warm up, there is little benefit from practice.
- We learnt how the ‘chi’ moved to different points in our limb as we practiced forms and hence the importance of the position of the hand or leg.
- Master James described Tai Chi practice as full circle with 4 quadrants. The first quadrant is to the learn the forms. The second to practice the weapons, which become extensions of our hands. The third part, push hands is the concept of ‘listening through our touch’.This was indeed a dance! The last is the concept of the power packed ‘ fa jing’ (one inch power or exploding power delivered in the last one inch of the stretch of our limb)
- Master James, given his youth and vigour touched upon applications of the various forms – it was astounding to say the least. All young turks were quite kicked about it. Oldies like me were trying to avoid getting kicked!
- We learnt that our feet hold the ‘kung fu’ or ‘power’. We need to be sensitive to transfer of weight between the two feet for perfect movement and coordination. Master James’s demos were testimony to this.
- The use of feet either when the toe is pressed or heel is pressed marked the intentions of our next move. This learning was so logical and ‘punching’.
- All our conceptions and mis conceptions about Tai chi were fully clarified to inform us that in Tai chi – the head, heart and health are totally integrated.
The acknowledgement ceremony, award of certificates and thanks giving was touching. It also brought home the fact that we have to return to our mundane and routine lives, hereafter.
But, not to lose heart, we are now at least assured of the authenticity of our learning, the true and sacrificial spirit with which our dear Sifu is conducting the Academy and the guarantee of good health and spiritual benefits for all of us.
God Bless the Academy led by our Sifu.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next retreat.
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