Wuji standing meditation is the foundation of the martial arts and healing system I teach. “Standing is everything,” my teacher Sana will say, over and over. When we stand we aim to release tension in the body and connect deeply with the earth. Being in tension limits our possible movements– if the arm is fullContinue reading “Standing Meditation”
Tag Archives: martial arts
Martial Arts Community
Earlier this week I co-hosted Markstravaganza, a martial arts party in the park to practice with my old training buddies, the Marks. One of the Marks, Dr. Mark, moved to California years ago, so we don’t see him very often. Back in the day, he was one of the people I trained with the mostContinue reading “Martial Arts Community”
My Thoughts on the Musical “Hamilton”
A quick caveat: I’m not a big fan of musicals. I like Cabaret, aka the best-musical-ever, and I like Hair, aka the second-best-musical-ever. Other than that, I’m generally not a fan. In the musical Hamilton, I really liked the character Lafayette. I was like, “Who is this French guy who is named after that streetContinue reading “My Thoughts on the Musical “Hamilton””
The Partner/Opponent: Paradox in Push Hands
I’ve liked fighting since I was a kid. Not real fighting, and not watching sport fighting, but wrestling with my little brother. I loved the energy of it— getting mad at each other, getting riled up, then yelling at each other, the grappling, the slapping each other, but not so hard that we’d actually hurtContinue reading “The Partner/Opponent: Paradox in Push Hands”
Self-Defense Success!
On Sunday I taught in a martial arts school for the first time in ten years. Holy cow! I’m so glad to be back. I have a great feeling about teaching at North Portland Martial Arts & Movement-– Sifu Michael is making me feel very welcome and appreciated. Sunday’s class was self-defense, and I startedContinue reading “Self-Defense Success!”
Michelle Folk Johnson 