Gilman Studio
On-Line Lessons
Yang Style Long
Form
Tai Chi Chuan
[Home] [Return to
Lesson Index]
Final Words
This has been an incredible
journey for me. I started this project reluctantly. It was difficult to get
things going in the beginning. I bought a new computer that crashed twice in
the first couple of months, taking all my material with it. I had to start all
over again. My idea was to add a movement or so each week, like I do in
classes. This was not always the case. I had to find time in my schedule, which
sometimes was very busy, especially when I started organizing the Northwest
Push Hands Championships. I had to get Vinnie and a partner on board to take
the pictures. I then had to download the pictures into my computer and
manipulate them so they would be suitable for the web. I then would design the
lesson page, transfer the pictures, and finally write the explanations. After
all that, I would transfer the finished lesson to the web site.
So what would happen is that after I took
pictures, there would be a flurry of activity as I put the lessons up. That was
the fun part for me. Seeing it all come together. Yet I think the absolute best
part was hearing from you who were or are following along. It certainly makes
it worthwhile. I now have new friends all over the world - people who love or
are learning to love the wonderful art of Tai Chi Chuan. I am honored that you
have taken your time to check out the lessons. A teacher is only a teacher if
there are students. You all have given me the opportunity to learn, grow, and
share. For this, I will always be in your debt.
CD Rom
I have a couple of plans now that this course
is finished. First, I am going to put it all on a CD Rom. You will be able to
purchase this CD at this site. It is something that hopefully will make it even
easier for you to keep the lessons for the future. It will save you time and
energy from having to download the lessons yourself. You can also give them as
a gift to your Tai Chi friends. Please check the Home page for further
information coming soon.
Video Tape
I have recently produced a professional
quality videotape of the Yang Long Form as taught here. It shows the form from
front and back as well as breaking it down into the same application steps as
was presented in the lessons. It is an invaluable tool to help you master this
form. With the web lessons and the videotape, there are no excuses for not
being able to practice this form with all the fundamentals and subtleties under
control. Check the Home page for how to purchase this necessary tool.
Next Project
For the last couple of weeks I have been
thinking about what I will do next. I’m in the groove now and don’t want to
stop. I have decided to do the Tai Chi Broad Sword Form. This is a beautiful
form that I learned from Master Choy Kam-man. It is a specialty of mine now. I
don’t teach it often, and know I will have fun doing the pictures and
applications for this form. It has 37 movements so it won’t take as long to
present and learn. It will be taught in the same style as the Long Form was. I
am producing a companion professional quality videotape to match and further
enhance the learning of this special form. Watch for that also at the Home page
soon.
Books
Please don’t forget to purchase my two
books that are currently in publication – 108 Insights Into Tai Chi Chuan
and 101 Reflections on Tai Chi Chuan. I believe both of these books
to be wonderful tools to keep you on the path to learning. If you are a
teacher, they will offer you many hints to help your students learn. Please
support the art and me by buying these books. You can order them from your
local bookstore, Amazon, YMAA Publications, or soon, here.
|
|
Michael with Vinnie Pollina, the man who took all the pictures
and set up the web site. I couldn’t have done it without him. Many thanks. |
