Tai-Chi - a journey within
Development of our inner and outer being
We are a group of eastern suburbs taiji enthusiasts who practice regularly in around the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Centennial Park and Coogee.
Larry Friedberg is the principal instructor who has been fortunate to study with different masters of various disciplines ever since his discovery of taiji in the mid seventies in San Fransisco (Chinatown). He has (over the past 42 years) continued to train in the internal and therapeutic arts and instructs taichi classes in Sydney based on the teachings of Professor Cheng Man-Ching, and Master Huang Sheng-Shyan (as passed on to him through the classes, books and personal contact with Patrick Kelly over the past twenty odd years)
AWARENESS – ENERGETICS
We first activate the body-mind, then the mind-body sphere; we circulate the energy through the open joints with a deeper understanding of muscles and pressures; through various taiji and qigong postures and stances of the forms, we then stimulate the meridians and channels; and finally we refine ourselves through self-awareness, self-discipline and meditation.
We seek to integrate the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems – which we might think of as the respective energy-getting and spending systems of the body (and are also analogous to the right and left sides of the brain – broadly, the intuitive, poetic vs the analytic, controlling spheres) – through particular exercises which stimulate the flow of energy to strengthen the organs, tissues and bones of the body and, consequently, develop greater mental and emotional well-being.
As these systems become more closely aligned, the parasympathetic (yin) will be favoured, producing inner calm and peace.
Knowledge and understanding of the methods, techniques, energetics and meditative quality of taiji can lead to wisdom. We can be revitalised, energised, sensitised, stimulated and refined to deepen our inner knowledge, inner calmness and peace.
Self-awareness, and discipline improves our connection to our body – mind - energy sphere.
Learning to absorb pressure helps to resolve conflict.
Certain taiji and qigong postures stimulate, promote and control the energy flow through the meridians to joints and centres, directing and activating the coiled energy through the mind-body energy sphere to increase their elasticity; Improved skill, movement, health and fitness are initial benefits; Horizontal body movements (yang) represent the physical plane, while habitual activity is circular and meditation or inner stillness us vertical (Yin).
We perfect the form, increase our physical skill through the movements and techniques of the form. The movements express ideas of the universal Dao in the way that the Bible, Koran, Bhagavad Gita, Torah, Vedas, Upanishads and various other spiritual texts convey meaning and connection to original sources. We learn to watch the flow of energy. We investigate the difference between our senses (eyes, ears, nose, smell, touch) with our sensors (pain, pressure, joint position, temperature, muscle states; We Improve vital energy;
Student Stories
I’ve been training with Larry for many years. I started with the Saturday class at Centennial Park once a week, and progressively moved onto 3 classes per week. Larry is a patient teacher, very much in love with taiji and qigong. He’s not only got a lot to offer, but also does so in a fun way. Laughter is a frequent guest at our training sessions. I look forward to many more years of practice. Bis hundert und zwanzig, Larry!
Best,
Zoltan
My name is Patrick and for the past 18 years I have been practicing a number of different types of body work including but not limited to traditional yoga, tai chi, alchemy, chi gong, massage. In this process I have become more aware of my body it’s muscles, tendons, bones, senses, the things that make up my physical me. As a result of focusing on my body i have become more aware of the inner workings of my mind! I love teaching tai-chi and body work!
Regards,
Patrick
“I practice Tai Chi at the Labyrinth each Saturday morning with an amazing group of people. I value the space that’s created by Larry, the very special natural environment that we practice in, and the practice itself helps me reflect, re-connect and rejuvenate at the end of a busy week.
While I am still a beginner, I actively observe the enormous benefits I get from Tai Chi, not only in the moment, but beyond that time on a Saturday morning which carries me in to a new week feeling focused, centred and connected to earth, self and community.
If you need a space for ‘being’ and a wise and unswervingly patient teacher, this class is for you.”
Chantal
I’ve been training with Larry for over 3 years, and the practice and philosophy of taiji has become a part of my life. Larry teaches both the outer and inner, the strength of the external forms and the inner stillness it engenders.
I heartily recommend!
Emile
My name is Anthony. I am 51, married and a father of 3. I am a physiotherapist, working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and physiotherapy student education in the public health system. I am a liturgical musician (keyboard, guitar, vocals, composition) and I am a martial artist. I have been involved in martial arts all my adult life both as a student and a teacher. I have mainly been involved in the external systems of Jujutsu, Kenjutsu and Kung Fu. 2 years ago I began internal martial arts training with Larry. We all start in martial arts for our various reasons. For myself, as with most others it was to develop fitness, self-defence ability and confidence. There has however always been something more that I have looked for. Ultimately, martial arts training can and should go beyond the fight and extend into the way we live. It should be our companion and practicable till the end of our days. It should help us understand how we should live and more importantly why we live. In Larry I found a teacher who was able to help me with both the superficial and the deeper aspects of my journey. I enjoy the training immensely. The last 2 years has seen me turn into a more relaxed, healthier and happier person. I have rediscovered my laugh. The park with the breeze rustling the leaves, the sun filtering through the branches, the clouds floating in the blue sky and even the rain on my face is the ultimate dojo.
I hope to see you there sometime.
Regards,
Anthony
'I would only recommend Larry if you are looking for the most genuine, experienced and passionate Tai Chi Instructor. For those like myself who value a wholistic approach to feeling more centred, compassionate, mentally and physically healthy - I can attest to have been positively and energetically blessed with Larry's spiritually grounded gift which Is available for all those who are receptive and willing. My Tai Chi sessions with Larry has afforded me user friendly and simple theoretical and practical tools to better manage, integrate and cope with life's inevitable stresses to ethically assist me in valuing myself and in turn, opening and nurturing all the goodness which abounds within and around me'
Cheers,
Malcolm
I would firstly like to thank you for being a part of the Bethany College sports Program during 2016. The girls benefit so much from your expertise. We would like to again invite you to be a part of our program in 2017. In 2017 however, we will be moving to a new time slot of 2pm to 3pm. If this is difficult for you or you are unable to accommodate us at this new time, be let me know as soon as possible. On behalf of the staff at Bethany College, we look forward to working with you in 2017.
Regards,
Donna
I started learning taiji with Larry almost 3 years ago when I was facing a few significant changes in my life, including some health issues. I did not know too much about taiji at the time, what it involved or what to expect, but am delighted with the results. Larry brings with him a wealth of martial arts experience and knowledge (well over 40 years) from various disciplines and applies the best of those disciplines to the learning of taijii. Taiji works in very subtle ways, both physically and mentally. When I apply myself to the practice it helps still the mind and enables me to face daily challenges from a calmer place. You should not think that taijji is made up of only slow flowing movements. That is part of the practice but there is much more and it can be physically very challenging. Larry takes you through various stages of learning which include taijii short form, long form, working with weapons and the more physical quick fist. Larry also gives you insights into its philosophical dimension which can be studied. Larrry is a very dedicated teacher of a beautiful practice. I commend it to anyone interested in maintaining physical well being and nurturing the mind.
Best wishes,
Nic
I’m an accredited Social Worker and Mediator working with people with Intellectual Disabilities and their families/Carers. I’ve been training with Larry for a few months now and really look forward to my weekly evening classes at Coogee. Looking through trees onto the sea after a stressful day - whilst learning about the age old wisdoms of Tai Ji and Qigong - teaches me ways to shut out the “noise of the world.” Larry is a genuinely dedicated teacher who gives us a sense of timelessness. He gently relaxes his students through patience, caring and encouragement. Classes at Taiji Sydney transfer philosophy, meditation and exercise all in one. They re-generate energy and balance for the week to come and help the quality of my personal and professional life.
Best wishes,
Virginia
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