Master Uri Solomons

Master Gohring trained with Master Uri Solomons for the few years when Master Solomons was in Austin Texas. Master Gohring continues to bring Master Solomons in from Taiwan for special workshops for his Masters Path and CIT students. The following is a write up from Master Solomons sharing his views on Tai Chi and Push-hands training.

Introduction to Tai Chi by Master Solomons
The essence of Tai Chi is very simple to understand intellectually yet extraordinarily difficult to master. I will attempt to share with you what I have come to know about this ancient art, and hope that you will find it useful.

Before we begin I would like to tell you a bit about myself. I have been fascinated with the martial arts as far back as I can remember. At the age of five I was diagnosed with a rear bone disorder that affected my hip joint and kept me bead ridden for over a year. After the operation I made a good recovery, however, doctors were not sure whether I would gain normal use of my legs.

Throughout my child hood I studied various forms of martial art. I also gained a lot of experience in street fighting, as I was not the most agreeable kid in the neighborhood. It was not until I discovered Judo that I became a disciplined student. I practiced with the Israeli Judo team, and members of the English Olympic team. While training in Manchester, in the North West Center of Excellence, I dislocated my knee, which basically ended my semi professional career

In the early 1990's I traveled to the Far East going through Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Hong Kong, in search of Tai Chi. I eventually I ended up in Taiwan. In my opinion Taiwan not only has the best Tai Chi in the world it also provides the best atmosphere to study it in. The Taiwanese are very friendly and living in Taipei is very convenient. I remained in Taiwan for three years, studying for many hours every day, and have been going back on a regular basis for over a decade now.

Master Solomons View on Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a form of self-defense, although there are those who do not practice it for that reason. When we think of self defense we think of defending ourselves from an outside attacker or attackers. However, in our daily practice we want to concentrate on defending ourselves from our own faults. This is a very important point that must accompany you in every practice session. I actually never realized how true and profound this concept was until I started practicing Vipasanna meditation. From this perspective you will agree that weapons may help you overcome the enemy form with out but not the one from within. A weapon will give you a definite edge over your unarmed opponent but will not help you overcome your inner most fears.

Why do I study this art? This is a question you may have asked yourself before, and whether or not you have a good answer it is an important question. This will guide you in finding what you want and need. If you study Tai Chi because you like the way it looks you might not want a teacher who teaches you to spar. Likewise if you are studying Tai Chi only for health you might want to consider something like Yoga.

What is a master? I don't believe that mastery in Tai Chi is something one achieves but rather a path one follows. Even after years of practice, it is possible to get out of shape and forget the finer points of what you have learned. So I would have to say that a master is one who has achieved a level of competence and is devoted to improving their skills. It is not a place at which you arrive and rest but rather a road you are committed to travel.

The Form
1. Concentrate on your feet first, and develop roots.
2. Keep your knee over your foot.
3. Shift your weight smoothly from one let to the other.
4. Relax your upper body; let your mind sink to your feet.
5. Keep your back and neck poised and erect.
6. Keep your elbows down; this will relax your shoulders and lower your center of gravity.

Push hands
1. All that is true in the form is true in push hands.
2. Practice yielding everyday, incorporate it into your daily life.
3. Feel with your skin and you will know your opponent.
4. Confront yourself first, and you will not fear others.
5. Practice is what matters, not winning.

Practice regularly, try to do something every day even if you think it is too little, it is much better than nothing.

Conclusion:
As I mentioned earlier on Tai Chi is very simple and that is why there are very few technical tips on this page. I do believe that in order to learn this art you will need a teacher and better yet a good group of practitioners which Master Gohring's School definitely provides. You should call them today.

Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu • MasterGohring.com • 512-879-7553