This is Chris Shelton, who is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the owner of Morning Crane Healing Arts Center in Willow Glen, and my Tai Chi instructor. 
Chris recently competed in the Tiger Claw's Kung Fu Magazine.com Championships, held at the SJ Convention Center. Most people don't know that Tai Chi is a style of Kung Fu. Although Tai Chi is used as a meditative form of exercise, the movements have fighting applications. Chris entered 4 events. The first was Push Hands, in which each competitor tries to force his opponent off balance. Success in Push Hands requires internal power, not brute force.
Chris recently competed in the Tiger Claw's Kung Fu Magazine.com Championships, held at the SJ Convention Center. Most people don't know that Tai Chi is a style of Kung Fu. Although Tai Chi is used as a meditative form of exercise, the movements have fighting applications. Chris entered 4 events. The first was Push Hands, in which each competitor tries to force his opponent off balance. Success in Push Hands requires internal power, not brute force. 
His second event was a form of Tai Chi called Xin Jia. This form includes soft, flowing movements and competitors are judged not only on how well they perform the movements, but on how connected they are to chi (energy). This is the first form of Tai Chi that I practiced and it took me over 2 years to learn all 48 postures. I use the word learn loosely. Mastery is a never-ending journey.
First Place !
Because the body is moving slowly, to the unenlightened it looks like little energy is spent. That's an illusion. It looks easy because practitioners tap into an internal energy source. One can still work up a sweat. Click on the photo to see what I mean.
Tai Chi also includes several unique weapon forms. Chris competed with the Broadsword (Dao), a form I have practiced and not mastered. It is such powerful fun to swing that sword around.
Another first place !
Chris's family
The photography was challenging: lighting, movement, getting in close, and distracting backgrounds to name a few. After reviewing the photos, I realized the many mistakes I made, so it was most definitely a learning experience. I have been taking Tai Chi classes from Chris for going on 5 years, and this is the first time I had seen him compete. By watching him and the other competitors, I am newly inspired. NOTE: Chris won first place in 3 events and after a final Tai Chi face-off, was named, "Tai Chi Grand Champion."
aunt susan!! what a different style of photography from your usual picturesque photos... i love the photos - and your background knowledge on the subject adds a lot to understanding the photos and story-line that you have created... love you a lot! i expect to see some of your moves next time i see you! much love, adriana
ReplyDeleteSusan-
ReplyDeleteDo you take Tai Chi lessons in town? I have toyed with the idea of finding lessons for a long time. Meditation is difficult for me, but add movement and I really enjoyed it (the 1/2 hour that I have tried).
Lori - mainpeople@charter.net