Author Archives: ilonabito

Notes From a Tai Chi Family

“Give Everything Up.” -GGM William CC Chen Parenting is humbling. When there seems to be no more time, attention, or energy left to give, that is when we are asked to give more. Push Hands is like parenting because you are always being tested. Playing, working, or struggling together depends on a secure root. RootednessContinue reading “Notes From a Tai Chi Family”

Root Up to Uproot: Where the push comes to shove in Tui Shou

I wouldn’t know if it is the same in Chinese, but the most common English name of the first movement in our matching set, “push,” seems a bit misleading. In the solo form, a preconceived image of push gives some people the idea of shoving their arms forward, or of leaning their torso into theContinue reading “Root Up to Uproot: Where the push comes to shove in Tui Shou”

If Tai Chi Were Taught In Schools…

The world would be a different place. At least three different people have shared this idea with me this week. From a dedicated practitioner now in her 70s, to a first time student in my YMCA class who works in NYC public schools, there is a sense of awe and urgency behind this statement. TheirContinue reading “If Tai Chi Were Taught In Schools…”

“What Happened to Push Hands?”

When I notice an article about tai chi, before I even take in the headline or the authors, I have a response formulated. I need to ask “what happened to push hands?” Further down that train of thought I think, “Where is the article about the World Cup in Taiwan?” I must point out whatContinue reading ““What Happened to Push Hands?””