The Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior

Soc: Knowledge is not the same as wisdom.
Soc: ... You know how to clean a windshield?
Dan: Yes, why?
Soc: Wisdom is doing it.

Soc: There's no higher purpose... service to others.

Soc: You need to start asking better questions.

Soc: Everyone tells you what to do and what's good for you. They don't want you to find your own answers. They want you to believe theirs.
Dan: And let me guess you want me to believe yours.
Soc: No. I want you to stop gathering information from outside yourself and start gathering it from the inside.
Dan: What are you, a part of some cult or something?
Soc: People are afraid of what's inside and that's the only place they're ever gonna find what they need.

Soc: Why can't you sleep? Is it because maybe late at night, when all the noise dies down and you're lying there in the bed, and there's nobody around but you, then maybe, you get a little scared? Scared because suddenly everything feels so empty.

Soc: People think they are their thoughts. They think they are and it brings them all kinds of sadness.
Dan: I'm not what I think?
Soc: Of course not.
Soc: The mind is just a reflex organ. It reacts to everything. Fills your head with millions of random thoughts a day. Non of those thoughts reveal any more about you than a freckle does at the end of your nose.

Soc: That's what your training even your life is all about. Developing the wisdom to apply the right leverage in the right place at the right time.

Soc: Take out the trash.
Dan: You take out the trash.
Soc: The trash is up here (points to Dan's mind). That's the first part of your training. learning to throw out everything you don't need in here.

Soc: There's never nothing going on.

Soc: Take out the trash, Dan. The trash is keeping you from the only thing that matters... this moment, here, now. And when you truly are in the here and now, you'll be amazed at what you can do and how well you can do it.

Soc: Sometimes you have to loose your mind before you can come to your senses.



Dan: What kind of a warrior trains by sitting around scrubbing toilets?
Soc: When you become a warrior, you learn to meditate in every action.
Dan: Scrubbing toilets?
Soc: Letting go of attachments. Like your pride. Giving up your addictions.
Dan: Yeah, name one thing I'm addicted to.
Soc: Talking. Especially interrupting. Knowing everything, when in fact you know nothing.
Dan: You really think that this is going to expand my awareness of anything?

Soc: All you have is right now...

Soc: First realization of a warrior: Not knowing.

Soc: Emotions are natural like passing water.

Soc: Everything has a purpose... it's up to you to find it.

Dan's realizations:
1. Anger, hatred, violence... they're really just fear. Fear then, not money is the root of all evil.
2. Chaos Theory is correct except that chaos is actually not chaotic at all but perfectly controlled.
3. If you lend somebody $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
4. When making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich you must first apply the peanut butter, not the jelly to the bottom half of the bread.
5. The people that are the hardest to love are usually the ones who need it the most.
6. There's never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments.

Soc: There is no "better". You will never be better. Same way you'll never be less than anybody else.

Soc: The habit is the problem. All you need to do is be conscious about your choices and responsible for your actions.

Soc: Every action had it's price and it's pleasure. Recognizing both sides, a warrior becomes realistic and responsible for his actions.

Soc: Death isn't sad. The sad thing is most people don't live at all.

Soc: When you feel fear, use the sword. Take it up here and cut the mind to ribbons. Slash through all those regrets and fears and anything else that lives in the past or the future.

Soc: A warrior does not give up what he loves. He finds love in what he does.

Soc: A warrior is not about perfection or victory or invulnerability. He's about absolute vulnerability. That's the only true courage.

Soc: The accident is your training. Life is choice. You can choose to be a victim or anything else you'd like to be.

Soc: A warrior acts, only a fool reacts.

Soc: There's no starting or stopping, only doing.

Soc: Nearly all of humanity share your predicament, Dan. If you don't get what you want, you suffer. And when you get exactly what you want, you still suffer because you can't hold onto it forever.

Soc: The gold is a craving. "If only I had it, I'd be happy." Can't you hear it in there?

Soc: You don't surrender you dreams. You surrender the one thing you never have and you never will -- control. Accept that you don't control what will happen to you... that you may or may not and that you are something exceptional either way.

3 Rules of Life (by Dan)
1. Paradox: Life is a mystery. Don't waste time trying to figure it out.
2. Humor: Keep a sense of humor, especially about yourself. It is a strength beyond all measure.
3. Change: Know that nothing stays the same.

Dan: The journey's what brings us happiness. Not the destination.

Dan: When you get up there you make every move about the move.

Soc: Where are you?
Dan: Here.
Soc: What time is it?
Dan: Now.
Soc: What are you?
Dan: This moment.



Who is Socrates? Click here to find out.

The Peaceful Warrior

Movie Synopsis (from IMDb):

The story is about a young gymnast Dan Millman played by Scott Mechlowicz, and his struggle to make sense of his life in which he is successful but still unfulfilled. By chance he meets his "Yoda"/Schaolin priest/Boss Paul who helps him "git his haid straight" after which he goes on to be comfortable with his athletic prowess albeit not exactly olympic caliber. There is a lot of jumping around scene wise during which we don't know what is dream (part of getting his head straight) or reality showing his maturing personality. He suffers a debilating physical injury which forces him to work very hard to get back where he was ability wise earlier, but much wiser for successfully negotiating his transformation to wise old Grasshopper. This is almost a "Rocky IX" type movie with a wonderful happy ending.

Watch the Trailer here!


Who is Dan Millman? (I got the info from his site, visit Dan Millman's site for more!)

Dan Millman is a former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor.

After an immersive, twenty-year spiritual quest, Dan's work took form, influenced by four radically different mentors (besides the man he called Socrates), which he refers to as The Professor, The Guru, The Warrior-Priest, and The Sage.

The Professor provided theory, methods and practices to illuminate the body and mind. The Guru revealed a radical path of surrender to the Divine. The Warrior-Priest offered empowering, practical tools that transformed Dan's teaching work. Finally, The Sage brought him back to everyday reality, enabling Dan to serve the real-world needs of all those seeking greater clarity, meaning, purpose and direction in their lives.

The Peaceful Warrior's Way, expressed as Dan Millman's writings and teaching work, reflect his past but represents a whole, greater than the sum of his parts or his past -- an original teaching that continues to evolve over time.

Dan's books, including Way of the Peaceful Warrior, and The Life You Were Born to Live, The Laws of Spirit, No Ordinary Moments, and The Journeys of Socrates have inspired millions of readers in 29 languages worldwide.

His keynotes, seminars, and workshops span the generations to influence men and women from all walks of life, including leaders in the fields of health, psychology, education, business, politics, sports, entertainment, and the arts.

Dan and his wife Joy live in northern California. He has three grown daughters and two grandsons.

New Class for Beginners

There is a new class for beginners by Ed Sevilla. Below are the details:

Wednesday 8PM-9PM starting Oct 3, 2007
Kiryukan Aikido Dojo
along 10th St.,
near the corner of D. Tuazon,
Cubao, Quezon City
(It is at racross SM Cubao)

Tai Chi Push Hands Workshop with Chris Vogel

Watch the short video I created. Enjoy!

Things I learned from the Tai Chi Push Hands Workshop

Along with 2 other fellows from Iloilo, I too traveled a long way to Manila to attend the Tai Chi Push Hands Workshop with Mr. Chris Vogel. I enjoyed and learned a lot from the workshop.

I made a list of what you need to know during push hands training.

TO BRING:
1. A bottle of agua. To quench your thirst.
2. A towel to wipe the sweat away!
3. Extra shirt

TO WEAR:
1. Loose-fitting dark shirt. Crew-neck is good.
2. Comfy pants. Shorts are okay, but for ladies I think you'll prefer pants.
3. Good pair of sneakers. High heels are definitely out!

TO DO:
1. Listen to the Sifu's instructions carefully first then execute to check if you have understood them fully. If you do it at the same time as the Sifu does, there is a big possibility that you will miss important points.
2. Clear your thoughts. When I say this I mean, do not think about "beating" your opponent. Have the "intention" but lose the ego!
3. Always keep the correct stance/posture.
4. Use your creativity. Don't be scared or hesitant. Sometimes, you don't even need to think... just feel and things will just follow.
5. Learn to trust yourself. The self who feels. Not the self to preoccupied to "beat" the opponent or "resist" the force.
6. It's good to learn to defend but practice aiming at your opponent too... for me this is the most challenging part.
7. Be open. Practice with the same and the opposite sex. Not because your opponent is a girl, it doesn't mean they are weak and your practice will be boring. Also, it is during practice that you will learn push hands... by being open, you won't miss those chances to learn.
8. Take your time and be patient. It is okay to be slow as long as you understand what you are doing. It doesn't matter if you look good. What matters is what's happening inside you... being good at push hands practice is a process. It doesn't happen with a snap of a finger.

Pictures!
You may save these to your computer.
How?
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3. Highlight and click "Save target as..."
4. Put the file name
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Registration period

Nakikinig ba lahat? Hanapin kung sino ang hindi :)


Dapat may prize ang early comers!

Push hands with Mr. Chris Vogel

Lunch at Kitaro

Lecture and demonstrations


More demonstrations

Practice with a partner.

Class picture! Parang hindi napagod.

Tai Chi Union at the BEAUTY & FITNESS WORLD 2007 Exhibit (WTC Manila)

4th International Exhibit for the Cosmetics,

Personal Care & Fitness Industry

2nd International Expo for Spa & Wellness Professionals

"Your gateway to the Philippines'

Beauty & Wellness Industry"

You may visit Tai Chi and other Beauty & Wellness booths on from October 25-27, 2007!
The Tai Chi Demonstrations will be on October 27, 2007 at 12nn-2pm (Read more)


Venue:
World Trade Center Metro Manila
2/F WTCMM Building, Gil Puyat Avenue Extension
cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.
Pasay City 1300 Philippines
Tel: (632) 551-5151

Location Map

Tai Chi Classes

I got this information from Roh Mih of the Tai Chi Philippines Yahoo! Group.

• UP Diliman, at the back of the Administration Building, Sundays, 7:00 - 9:00am. Look for Rudolph Petalver.
• Quezon City Memorial Circle, Sunday mornings. Look for Mr. Elpidio P. Linsey. An elderly man, wearing traditional and colorful tai chi costume.
• Rizal Park, at the back of the Quirino Grandstand. Look for the Luneta Tai Chi Club group. They are there every day of the week, mornings, except Sunday.
• Alabang Town Center, Sunday mornings. Look for Mr. Jose Anonas. He knows Wu style 108.
• Quezon City, Good Shepherd Convent (along Aurora Blvd beside LRT2 Katipunan station beside St. Bridget School), Thursdays 8:30-10am. The Care for Carers T'ai Chi - Qi Gong Ministry. Look for Sr. Jane Pineda or Ms. Delia Arcilla. They practice Shi Ba Shi Tai Chi Qi Gong, Dao Yin, 5 seasons Qi-Gong, tai chi 42, tai chi fan & dragon fan.
• Bacolod City, at Oceanlight Import and Export, Magsaysay St., where the Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod provides free training. Contact Jose Uy Jr. at 434-7664 or Peter Yap at 0921-5680056.
• Sports building near Harisson Plaza, Pasay City. Philippine Wushu Association
• Naga City, at the Sto. Nino Memorial Park (San Lorenzo Ruiz Area), Balatas, Sundays, 6am to 8am. Look for Cecilio Barce or text +639195714499
• Taguig City, at the Aeternum, The Park Estate Columbary. Look for Ms. Ingrid at tel. no. 6344135, or text her at 0922-898-2508 .
  
  

What is TCUP?

Tai Chi Union of the Philippines

Mission :
The Tai Chi Union of the Philippines (Union) is a non-profit organization geared towards the propagation, support and uplifting of internal martial arts and chi kung (qigong) in general, and tai chi chuan (taiqi quan) in particular. The Union is specifically committed to exemplify the tai chi qualities of harmony and unity among practicing groups, teachers and students towards the direction of mutual assistance and working toward common goal.

Vision:
The Union envisions itself as the organization that would bring into harmony the Wushu International's concept of Tai Chi propagation and the independent traditional tai chi and internal martial arts organizations while respecting and accepting intrinsic difference. With this, the Union sees the marshaling of the energy of many individual initiatives that would result in an exponential growth in the practice of tai chi.

Philosophy:

The Union is guided by the following beliefs:

1. that tai chi chuan is essentially based on the "Tai Chi Classics" attributable to Chang Sanfeng, etc. and should be the main guidelines to adherence to the art
2. that scientific findings and modern language and concepts can and should clarify the profound meaning of the Classics
3. that creativity in the formation of the forms of practice and conduct of activities to develop and propagate the art should be encouraged for so long as they do not veer away from the essential meaning of the art based on the classics.

General Goals:

The Union shall therefore endeavor to:

1. Bring practitioners into a bond of fellowship of members
2. Provide access to information that would not be conveniently available
3. Bring to affordability, expensive resources through sharing
4. Hold periodic learning activities for common upgrading of teachers and students
5. Accredit teachers/instructors for teaching competence to safeguard the interests of students and protect the good name of tai chi
6. Provide a venue and organization where practitioners can have themselves evaluated for competency and level
7. Participate in international events and activities that would redound to the member's benefits based on the above avowed goals
8. To seek local and international funding to find support for these goals.

Specific Goals/Tasks:

1. Formalization of the Union as a non-profit corporation
2. Organization of founding members
3. Membership generation in the teachers/instructors' and practitioner's classifications
4. Program for development of the 1st Philippine Tai Chi Competition (concept to implementation):

>>> Judging concept and criteria
>>> Judge selection criteria and training
>>> Venue
>>> Finance & Administration

5. Target international events for participation

>>> Strategy
>>> Policies
>>> Organization & implementation

TCUP Forum link

Read "Tai Chi Union Philippines: Answering a call for authenticity, unity and harmony" by Tai Chi Code Blog

Tai Chi Union of the Phils. @ World Trade Center on October 27, 2007! You are all invited :)

Watch out for the Tai Chi Union of the Philippines (TCUP) booth, demos, free seminars, free registration and other surprises!

Theme:
Tai Chi Union: Strengthening Tai Chi Links in the Philippines

Objective:
Attract Tai Chi enthusiasts in general and teachers/instructors and their students in particular through engaging and compelling activities and events.

Activities & Events on October 27
12:00nn-2:00pm at the World Trade Center:

Free Workhops:
> Tai Chi for the Elderly & Arthritis
> Tai Chi for Stress Management

Free Lecture/Demo by a guest Master Chris Vogel
> Silk Reeling practice
> Standing Meditation
> Tai Chi Push Hands

Demostration by representative schools/teachers
of different traditional & wushu Tai Chi styles:
> Chen
> Yang
> Wu
> Sun
> Liu He Ba Fa

Free membership registration for Tai Chi Union Phils.

Free info on Tai Chi:
Where, What Style, With Whom, Where to Train in the Philippines Directory


For TCUP announcements and discussions, visit the TCUP forum

Read "Tai Chi Union Philippines: Answering a call for authenticity, unity and harmony" by Tai Chi Code Blog

Tai Chi Resources

Wondering where you can buy good
Tai Chi Instructional Materials?

You may check out:
Philippine Tai Chi Network aStore

I personally recommend Dr. Paul Lam's products as well as Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming's (YMAA)books and DVDs. Maganda, simple at easy-to-follow ang programs nila.


Tai Chi for Arthritis by Paul Lam
I have arthritis. When I learned about and practiced 24 form Tai Chi through the instruction of generous people from Blue Dragon Society International, wala na ang morning stiffness. I even stopped taking pain medications. Maganda at mabilis ang healing effect ng Tai Chi, lalo na kapag nasusunod ang principles at kapag disciplinado sa diet at practice. My instructor lent me one of his DVDs by Dr. Paul Lam. Maganda at madaling matutunan.



Taijiquan: Classical Yang Style
This is what will keep me busy this time. Dr. Yang started this instuctional DVD with a short lecture about Taijiquan. You have to study with this program. Ang ganda! One of the features of this CD is the yin yang sign. When you see this sign on screen, you will press enter. After pressing enter, an in depth discussion of the form will flash on the screen. Di nyo na rin kailangang basahin ng malakas kasi may gumagawa na nun sa CD :) So, if you are a visual or audio learner, para sa inyo ito.




Sunrise Tai Chi by Ramel Rones
This is under YMAA productions. Para sa mga early bird ito. Actually, if you are a Tai Chi practitioner, there is a 100% probability that you are an early riser. It is important to wake up early in the morning because it is a good time for Tai Chi practice. Napanood ko na rin itong CD na ito. Meron siyang 3 major categories (1) Demo, (2) Instructions, (3) Workout. Una muna demonstration. Madami-dami ito kaya sulit ang pagbili. Tapos yung mga steps, may in depth discussion siya sa "Instuctions". Sa workout naman, puede ka mamili kung 20-minute, 40-minute, or 60-minute workout. Ito pa ang maganda, sa workout puede ka mamili kung ang background music ay piano or flute and harp. Galing!

Tai Chi Sword Magic

I got my Tai Chi sword and began studying the 32 sword form. Here's an important thought I got from Tai Chi practice (you can even use this in your everyday life):

It is not important to get your sword in a "magical" way. What is essential is how you hold it, how you use it, how you handle it, how you take care of it, and how you appreciate it when you actually have it in your hands as you execute the forms. That's where the magic truly is!

Here is a scene from the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". Enjoy and be inspired!