I often quote Tai Chi instructor Sifu Waller, who has a
great way of stating taoist principles succinctly. His website includes
extensive writing about taoism and related subjects.
(Dave Nicolette)
I just found your website. I have been looking for explanations of energy (and
how it is linked to the martial arts and will) like this my entire life! The
descriptions on your site are so straight forward and easy to understand. I’m
finding it hard to express the gratitude I am experiencing.
(Angie Aukee)
In just a few hours time reading on your website I feel
I've gained more understanding than I have in 47 years of living. Words cannot
express my gratitude.
(Roger Hawkins)
Thank you for your lovely site... just what I
needed to stumble across tonight.
(Jenny)
I enjoyed the depth and knowledge of Tai Chi on your website and appreciate
the study and hard work it represents. While many of your observations regarding
tai chi instructors, classes and practitioners may be perceived as somewhat
negative or harsh, I believe that those seeking Tai Chi will be spurred on to
seek the deeper art instead of just emptily waving their arms.
I especially appreciated your comments regarding Tai Chi Competitions. I detest
the shoving matches that pass for push hands, and the flowery forms and displays
of gymnastic flexibility that seem to impress the judges. I generally suggest
that my students go to a competition to compare and contrast what they see
there, between various competitors and in class. They usually note the lack of
the yielding principle and the ostentation, and egos, and are somewhat shocked.
I have found that most authors who have a negative view on most of what is being
taught in Tai Chi classes are only interested in pushing down others to point
out their supremacy. Definitely not so with your site. Instead of insisting that
people travel great distances to learn from you alone, you post a helpful
guideline for students to be aware of when evaluating a teacher or class. That’s
great! Like you, my teacher, George Ling Hu, often said that the particular
style did not matter. Rather the focus should be on the tai chi principles and
they should be evident in your practice, not just a list you recite. In my 21
years of practice I have seen the truth of this and applaud you pointing this
out.
I will add a link to your site on my local website so that my students and
others in the Houston, Texas area can access your impressive store of knowledge.
Thank you. Sincerely,
(Greg Illich)
Your web site...
Beautiful and truth seeking, a joy to read. Thank you.
(Sue and David)
Congratulations on your outstanding website.
My name is Ron and I currently live in Melbourne Australia.
Studied and practiced martial arts as a young man in the 60's and 70's.
Was fortunate to study Classical Yang style tai chi in Montreal Canada with Lee
Shiu Pak disciple of Chen Wei Minh in Shanghai prior to cultural revolution.
Studied with Master Lee for over 10 years. His concept was that to truly develop
the tai chi student must study the following four areas: Form, Boxing, Healing
& Philosophy. I moved to Australia in 1980 & Master Lee died in 1982.
The reason for this e-mail is to congratulate you on your website content. Your
approach is very impressive & thoughtful. You remind me of Master Lee, and that
is the greatest compliment I can give. Good Luck with your school. If I were
living in Newcastle I would love to attend your school.
(Ron)
Over the years I have increasingly
become interested in qigong.
The idea you had of complimenting what I already do by introducing neijia
practice really appeals to me and it's a what I intend to explore, hopefully
with your help.
(Richard Matthews)
This morning I was attempting to remember and
re-organize my discipline, love, honour, and commitment vis a vis my life and
martial arts training. I discovered your web site and it is so beautifully
organized and to the point of my thoughts, that I had to email you and say thank
you for having it on the internet.
(Mike)
Excellent website and photos. Very thought provoking!
(Patrick)
I am writing to say how inspiring I find your
website and blog. Calm and inspiring.
I only found it last week but I hope to be a regular visitor from now on.
(Maria)
Insightful and concise remarks from deep within
the heart of a master.
(Michael P Garofalo)
I came across your (excellent) tai chi
blog by
doing a Google
blogsearch. I'm adding it to my blogroll.
(Matt)
I love your website. Is there a book/paper version available?
(Julie)
Having looked on your website, I am interested in starting a tai chi class.
(Lauren)
I learned more in one afternoon about the art of
Yang Cheng Fu style tai chi chuan by browsing Sifu Waller's website than I have
in the 2 months this thread has run. Some people are better at putting these
things into words than other people. Sifu Waller is one of them.
The art as explained on Sifu Waller's website is obviously the real deal.
(Ricky Wood)
The more I discover as I read the
more I want to explore the different
philosophies.
(Ann)
I stumbled across your site and have lingered
here now for several days,
reading, experiencing and enjoying everything.
I've also practiced Yang Style tai chi for about thirty years. I and my
kung fu master were astounded to find such a treasure - a site by someone who
actually gets it. From neigong to Lao Tzu, your site is as wonderful as it is
knowledgeable and perceptive.
(Alan)
Love the blog -
there are some very pertinent observations there.
(Steve)
First I am very impressed by your site. You have done the spadework and have so
much to share (I have not yet read every page but will work my way through).
Thank you for this.
The attitude that you have to teaching and learning of tai chi is spot on.
(Cherry)
You are a rare teacher, I hope your students appreciate this.
(Ron B)
Great Site! I have been exploring your site and it is full of great information
on tai chi. Even though I live in the U.S. It is great to see how tai chi has touched
other lives.
(Bob)
I love the website - nicely
set out and excellent information.
(Ivan)
Greetings Sifu Waller: I like your Xmas views.
Margot & I decided no presents for each other this year.
Well that is not strictly correct. I give Margot $210, she gives me $210.
We then pool the $420 & send it to India where a Tibetan Buddhist Monk's father
will have an operation and regain his sight.
I think I am starting to get that Christmas feeling again.
All the best Sifu Waller to you & yours
Cheerio, Ron B.
(Ron)
If you would like to send an article idea for possible publication in our
Journal of Asian Martial Arts, we would welcome hearing from you.
(Mike)
Sifu Waller's
site has more on it than may be first apparent, and it certainly has more free
and sensible information on it than most.
Having now spent several hours surfing through it I must say that it is very
good and I was particularly taken with the
alphabetical index of pieces on a wide range of subjects
that are highly relevant to the proper understanding of tai chi.
I was so struck by some (many!) of these pieces that I have begun to prepare a
commentary on some of them.
(Gary Robinson)
Page created 6 June 2002