UCB Program

so here's an article that caught my eye...
video here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN88QIsMHqA
enjoy,

Stanford Researchers Record 'Optimal Force' of Tai Chi Master
By S.L. Wykes
Mercury News
San Jose Mercury News
Article Launched:05/03/2007 01:33:41 AM PDT
Jessica Rose, an orthopedic surgery professor at Stanford, could not believe her eyes.
Tai chi master Chen Xiang, sensor balls taped to key body joints, was demonstrating palm, elbow and fist strikes so fast - and with such force - that the sensors kept flying off his body.
And then she glanced at her computer screen, where Chen's movements were mirrored by an animated stick figure. Like a light-footed dancing skeleton, the figure's grace was undeniable. And frightening. The explosive power of the strikes was stunning - 400 pounds of force generated by Chen's body accelerating from 0 mph to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds - faster than any Lamborghini out on the street.
This level of power was a first for her lab. It's also just plain unusual. In its mainstream form, practiced by millions looking to boost their health, tai chi moves typically are performed in slow motion.

This story was told by Sifu Sam Chin at the 2006 I-Liq Chuan Intensive retreat in NY (I recall it fairly well, let me know if I've missed something):

There are 8 brothers working together to run a store.

• The first five brothers are in charge of the inventory and customers, stocking the shelves etc. and represent the five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing.
• The sixth brother is the mind and tallys up the totals, executes the plans (the 'sixth sense' manages the other five).
• The seventh brother is responsible for judgment and feeling, helping to determine what's important, values etc. He sets the prices determines the products for sale and plans for the future.
• The eighth brother is the storage center (input/output). Whatever the seventh brother checks in the eighth brother stores perfectly and returns upon request.

The aim of mindfulness training is to kill the seventh brother.

Why kill the seventh brother? Why not simply put him in his place. Well, it's not that easy, you can't negotiate or compromise with him. He's unreasonable - all or nothing. You've got to shut him down permanently.

Check out our videos from Phoenix promoting I-Liq Chuan and Master Sam F.S. Chin's terriffic book!
First two feature Ashe and yours truly... The last,  Ashe and Benjamin.
Enjoy!

• Channel 15 Spot
• Channel 12 Spot
• Channel 10 Spot