Leading Influences

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Taiwanese Taiji Master Chern Chyu Kuan says "the purpose of Taiji is to be relaxed, to be at ease."  Good health is dependent on the body having a free, natural flow of "qi" energy.  Blockage of the qi leads to degeneration of health and well-being.  Taiji practice restores, increases, and balances the flow of qi. Master Chern's unique "Vertical Axis Taiji" is a modification of Cheng Man-Ch'ing's Yang style Taijiquan (T'ai Chi Ch'uan).  While Professor Cheng elevated the stance, simplified the movements, and emphasized momentum and softness, Master Chern has further raised and shortened the stance and simplified the movements even more.  His method is based on Laozi's Daoist philosophy of simplicity, softness, and non-doing and emphasizes cultivating internal principle over external technique. While the Chern method has become internationally known for developing skill in push hands, Master Chern holds that the martial aspect is "just a little portion of the significance of Tai Chi".  Redwood Coast Internal Arts is one of few schools in America authorized to teach Master Chern's Taiji. For more on Chern-Method Taiji, see Articles and Ru Yu Tai Chi School Website

C.K. Chern in his ultra-relaxed version of "Ward Off".

Willem de Thouars, affectionately known as "Uncle Bill", has practiced internal arts for over 60 years.  Having learned much of his art directly from the Black Macaques (primates) of Indonesia, he teaches Kun Tao, Silat, Bagua, Qigung, and Monkey Boxing.  Uncle talks about tapping the "static electrical charge of the universe", which allows him to borrow from nature and move like a tornado with tremendous acceleration.  When the energy can move freely throughout the body, one can respond to martial attack with spontaneous, free movement.  He teaches feelings, rather than techniques: "What you feel, how you respond, that is my art." "Studying and practicing martial arts, particularly the internal arts, is a way of understanding nature, the universe, energy (qi) and one's own passion in feeling...  The fighting aspect is very, very little." Uncle Bill lives in Colorado and teaches seminars throughout the United States. For more on Uncle Bill, see these links: Kun Tao Silat de Thouars Sierra Nevada Internal Arts

Willem de Thouars Spinal Energy Pa Kua.

Vladimir Vasiliev brought the Russian Martial Art "Systema", to the west.  Systema comes out of special forces training of the Russian military and is rapidly expanding throughout the United States.  As a military art it is based on true combat principles of the modern world. Systema emphasises four basic principles: relaxation, posture, breath, and movement, and approaches martial training through spontaneous comfortable action with minimal use of force.  Although Systema appears to manifest the principles of Taiji and Aikido, Vasiliev holds that it has no direct connection to these arts. Our apprach to the internal arts has been profoundly influenced by Systema.  We currently train with Norcal Systema under instructor Nick Nicholson. For more about Systema, visit Vasilev's website for Russian Martial Art.

Vasiliev in action.

Stephe Watson of Silent Dragon Kung Fu & Tai Chi Schools in Connecticut teaches Daoism through the martial arts, meditation, and anything else we happen to be doing.  A true-to life heavy hitter, Stephe can both up the ante martially and lure practicioners into opening up to their inner vulnerabilities.  One of the countless slogans of his school is "Martial Hearts". Stephe is known for presenting ancient wisdom in a simple, non-esoteric, clear, and palatable way. Stephe is the reigning World Champion in Taiji push hands, as well as a 10-time US champion.  He teaches thrroughout the country and is available for seminars.  He's with us in Sonoma County every Spring and Fall - join us. For more info visit SilentDragon Schools website.

Stephe Watson, Coiling Dragon