About this blog

The name of this blog is small alley. As in an alley, I hope to post a variety of things that I find interesting and as you walk through the alley, you would find things that you like.

I have posted some songs that I wrote. I am not a great singer. I sing and play the guitar purely for fun and I hope people who thinks they can't sing can be inspired by me. No former singing lessons and no former guitar training. Just pure fun......

The recording is also done at home with a drum machine and one guitar through a small amp. The sound file has been touched up slightly by removing the noise. Otherwise the songs are as original as it gets.

I practise Taiji regularly. For me, it is a great exercise requiring control of mind and body to perform well and for it to be enjoyable. You can get more videos of Taiji from YouTube.

Other posts include places and events that I think are interesting and more important, which I have time to upload.

Enjoy your walk through this small alley.....

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Taiji - a wonderful exercise

Below is a video of me practising the 8-step Yang style Taiji.  It is a very short and simple exercise but if done correctly (correct posture, mindset, attitude, etc), has enormous physical and mental benefits.


I also practise other forms of Yang Taiji (eg. 48 steps, swords, etc) and one set of Chen Taiji.

For me, the stance and posture is important.  One has to be relax, upright and rooted.  The motion has to be fluid and continuous.  The motion may stop but it never cease.

Mentally, one should pay attention to the movement.  If you are able to do this, this can be carried over to your daily life where you can learn to let go of negative thoughts and emotions and start controlling your brain.

For me, some people are making Taiji more mysterious than I consider it to be - especially the spiritual aspect.  To me, it is a form of martial art and has enormous health benefits if done correctly.  Don't be too concern about chi, dan tian, etc.  Just remember to be rooted, move from the navel region (dan tian), relax and be aware of the movement - enjoy the movement.  All the others will take care of themselves with time.

If you want to learn, just search from Youtube.  I think those from China are pretty authentic.


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