Best Taijiquan Podcasts (2024)

1
Internal Fighting Arts 73 - Raphael Smith 1:18:26

7d ago1:18:26

1:18:26

Ken Gullette talks with Raphael Smith, an instructor of Song style Xingyiquan, Chen style Practical Method Taijiquan, and combat-related arts in the Sacramento, California area. He goes by Ralph and he is a disciple of Song style Xingyiquan master Li Yujie. Ralph's website is www.jingwupai.org. In this interview, Ralph talks about why he went to Ch…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 72 - Gerald A. Sharp 2:09:51

1M ago2:09:51

2:09:51

Ken Gullette talks with instructor Gerald A. Sharp, who Ken first became aware of in the 1990s when he bought Gerald's "Five Fists of Power" VHS instructional tape. Gerald A. Sharp began studying martial arts at age 12. Later, he studied with several internal arts teachers, notably Wu Taiji with Master Ma Yueh Liang, and he studied Pa-Kua Chang, Hs…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 71 - Byron Jacobs Xingyi Quan Book 1:09:31

5M ago1:09:31

1:09:31

Byron Jacobs published an excellent Xingyi Quan book in 2023 titled "Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit." In this book, Byron translates a collection of Xingyi Quan classics and provides commentary that will help anyone who studies and practices this powerful martial art. Byron lives in Beijing and has an extensive martial arts history. He has been a guest …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 70 - Greatest Hits Vol. 1 1:10:10

8M ago1:10:10

1:10:10

This podcast features some of Ken Gullette's favorite clips from the first couple of years the Internal Fighting Arts podcast. It's a Greatest Hits featuring fascinating interviews with great internal martial artists including Michael Chritton, Stefan Berwick, Marin Spivack, Kimberly Ivy, Kent Howard, Byron Jacobs, and Jeet Kune Do instructor Tim T…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 69 - Tony Wong 1:26:38

10M ago1:26:38

1:26:38

Ken Gullette interviews instructor Tony Wong. His birth name was Wong Wai Yi and he grew up in Hong Kong before moving to the United States. He lives and teaches in the San Francisco area. Tony has trained with some outstanding teachers. He studied Wing Chun with Kenneth Chung, Wuji Qigong with Cai Song Fang, and he studied Chen Taijiquan with Zhan…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 68 - Nabil Ranne 1:06:38

11M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Ken Gullette talks with Nabil Ranne almost three years after Nabil's first appearance on the podcast. Nabil is a disciple of Chen Yu (the son of Chen Zhaokui and grandson of Chen Fake). After he interviewed Nabil in 2020, Ken began studying with him. In this interview, Ken tries to get "into the weeds" with Nabil and discuss details that you don't …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 67 - Michael Dorgan 1:10:03

1y ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Ken Gullette talks with Michael Dorgan, a disciple of the late Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang. Among Michael's other teachers are the late Master Zhang Xue Xin and his gongfu brother, Chen Xiang. Michael has a wonderful new book about his life in martial arts and in journalism. It's titled No Fight No Blame: A Journalist's Life in Martial Arts. The book…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 66 - Scott M Rodell 1:14:42

1+ y ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Ken Gullette talks with Scott M. Rodell, a Yang style Taijiquan instructor who is known for his swordsmanship. He is the founding director of the Great River Taoist Center in Annandale, Virginia. Scott's principal teacher was Wang Yen-Nien. From Wang, Scott learned the entire Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan system. Scott is known for his swordsmanship an…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 65 - Running Your Own School with Kimberly Ivy and Michael Celeste 1:14:33

1+ y ago1:14:33

1:14:33

If you are like a lot of martial artists, you dream about having your own bricks-and-mortar martial arts school. In this episode, Ken Gullette talks with Kimberly Ivy, who has had a Taijiquan school in Seattle for 30 years, and Michael Celeste, who has owned a school for six years teaching Yang Taiji and Wing Chun in Mt. Arlington, New Jersey. Mart…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 64 - Questions with Graham Barlow 49:20

1+ y ago49:20

49:20

In a different kind of episode, Ken Gullette does a joint podcast with Graham Barlow, the martial artist behind "The Tai Chi Notebook" podcast. Graham is a former guest on Ken's podcast, and as friends, they realized they both are asked the same type of questions by people who are interested in the internal arts -- questions on subjects such as the…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 63 - Taoist Monk Yun Rou 1:22:52

2y ago1:22:52

1:22:52

Ken Gullette talks with Taoist Monk Yun Rou about applying philosophy to the sobering reality of death. Everyone will die, but for those who are diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, as both Ken and Monk Yun Rou have experienced, the question arises: how do you apply your philosophy or religion to give you peace at the time you are standing …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 62 - Ryan Craig 1:02:22

2y ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Ken Gullette talks with Ryan Craig, an instructor of Chen style Taijiquan in Philadelphia, PA. Ryan is a student of Nabil Ranne, who is a disciple of Chen Yu and lives in Berlin. Ken has also studied with Nabil for the past two years, so this is a conversation between two Taiji guys geeking out over the art and having fun talking about starting in …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 61 - Radames Pera 1:54:42

2y ago1:54:42

1:54:42

Ken Gullette interviews the last surviving star from the original "Kung Fu" TV show, Radames Pera, who played young Caine, the student monk who learned the ancient art of kung-fu at the Shaolin Temple and learned philosophy from Master Kan, played by Phillip Ahn, and Master Po, played by Keye Luke. Radames, who also appeared on "Little House on the…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 60 - Steve Contes 1:31:39

2y ago1:31:39

1:31:39

Ken Gullette talks with Steve Contes, a disciple of Grandmaster Zhu Tiancai, one of the "Four Tigers" of the Chen Village. Steve lives and teaches in the Tampa, Florida area. In this interview, Steve talks about his experience training in Chen Taiji, training with Zhu Tiancai, the relationship he has developed, and other people he has trained with.…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 59 - Douglas Gentile 2:00:26

2+ y ago2:00:26

2:00:26

What is the secret of achieving enlightennment, awakening, nirvana? Are we sleep-walking through our lives? How do we become better people? Zen Buddhist monk Douglas A. Gentile, an ordained monk with the Five Mountain Zen Order who is also a professor at Iowa State University with a Ph.D. in child psychology, talks with Ken about philosophy, which …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 58 - Byron Jacobs 1:39:18

2+ y ago1:39:18

1:39:18

Ken Gullette talks with Byron Jacobs, a teacher of Xingyiquan and Bagua Zhang who lives in Beijing. His teacher is Di Guoyong. This is a wide-ranging interview that touches on topics ranging from training in China to a book he is writing about the Xingyiquan classics, and they talk about training in Xingyiquan, including the "spirit" of Xingyi, how…

1
Crossing Hands Clips 4: My First Student that I Didn't Want to Punch in the Throat... 0:52

2+ y ago0:52

0:52

A clip from Crossing Hands Episode 2, with YogaMidnight & Uncle Sickness... Lessons Learned in the World of Martial Arts Sickness Kung Fu Store Books by Uncle Sickness The Sickness Kung Fu Email List Uncle Sickness on Twitter YogaMidnight on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uncle-sickness/messageSupport t…

1
Crossing Hands Clips 3: Easy to Learn, Difficult to Master 4:11

2+ y ago4:11

4:11

A clip taken from the conversation between Jonathan Pritchard & Uncle Sickness... Wing Chun Life Lessons Learned in the World of Martial Arts Sickness Kung Fu Store Books by Uncle Sickness The Sickness Kung Fu Email List Uncle Sickness on Twitter Jonathan Pritchard on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uncl…

1
Crossing Hands Clips 2: Discipline Equals Freedom... 2:18

2+ y ago2:18

2:18

A clip taken from the conversation between Jonathan Pritchard & Uncle Sickness... Wing Chun Life Lessons Learned in the World of Martial Arts Sickness Kung Fu Store Books by Uncle Sickness The Sickness Kung Fu Email List Uncle Sickness on Twitter Jonathan Pritchard on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uncl…

1
Crossing Hands Clips 1: Every Day Above Ground... 0:49

2+ y ago0:49

0:49

A clip taken from the conversation between Jonathan Pritchard & Uncle Sickness... Wing Chun Life Lessons Learned in the World of Martial Arts Sickness Kung Fu Store Books by Uncle Sickness The Sickness Kung Fu Email List Uncle Sickness on Twitter Jonathan Pritchard on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uncl…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 57 - Louis Martin 1:21:58

2+ y ago1:21:58

1:21:58

Louis Martin is the author of "The True Believers," the story of how he became involved in a martial arts school in Monterey, California that had a charismatic teacher and a cult-like atmosphere. Ken Gullette talks with Louis in a wide-ranging discussion of critical thinking skills, what kind of people are lured into martial arts cults, and how you…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 56 - Justin Meehan 1:49:50

3y ago1:49:50

1:49:50

J. Justin Meehan is an attorney in St. Louis and the senior U.S. disciple of Master Zhang Xue Xin, who lives in San Francisco and is a disciple of the late Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang. Sifu Justin, as his students call him, began studying Tai Chi Chuan in 1967. He also studied other arts, including Shaolin, Northern and Southern Praying Mantis, Hung …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 55 - Dennis Mace 1:12:50

3y ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Ken Gullette talks Bagua Zhang with Dennis Mace, an instructor of Cheng style Bagua Zhang in Seattle, Washington and a disciple of the late Yang Guo Tai. Ken and Dennis met when Ken was 34 and Dennis was a teenager. Both were training in the internal arts in Omaha, Nebraska. They each went their own paths studying other traditional internal arts. I…

1
Tales from the Hall of Dark Truths Episode 1: The Lemurian Timewar 1:50:52

3y ago1:50:52

1:50:52

Holy shit...The Lemurian Timewar. Sounds cool, right? Kind of intriguing, like the title of a Doctor Who episode, back when Doctor Who was interesting.In this first episode of our new series, examining paranormal & metaphysical mysteries, we dip into the cesspool that is the CCRU. The CCRU, or Cybernetic Culture Research Unit, were a collective of …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 54 - John Scott 1:03:49

3y ago1:03:49

1:03:49

John Scott is the Maryland State Representative for the Chen Pan Ling family and the Ling Yun Pai family. He is a successful instructor and tournament champion, with a school in Frederick, Maryland. John is completely devoted to the Chen Pan Ling Systems of martial and healing arts and is a senior disciple of Grandmaster Chen Yun Ching, Chen Pan Li…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 53 - Jakob Pang Isaksson 1:16:26

3+ y ago1:16:26

1:16:26

Ken Gullette talks with Jakob Pang Isaksson, a Jiang style Bagua Zhang instructor who lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Jakob has spent a few years in China studying with several teachers, first traveling to Wudang Mountain and then, after some time passed, he found his Bagua teacher in Quzhou, a few hours southwest of Shanghai. Jakob studies with Li Jia…

1
Kung Fu Discussion Group, Episode 13: Internal Power in Popular Culture 1:04:57

3+ y ago1:04:57

1:04:57

A long delayed, much desired episode is finally here!! "Inner Strength", "Internal Power", Inner Energy", "Qi", "Ki", "Chakra". There are a number of ways to refer to a capacity that lies dormant within most people. A few rare types naturally awaken to this latent aspect of humanity. But, for the bulk of humanity, special training is required. The …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 52 - COVID and TCM 1:12:52

3+ y ago1:12:52

1:12:52

Stephen Jackowicz, Ph.D. has developed an early-stage anti-viral treatment for Covid-19 patients using Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly herbal treatments. At the time of this interview, he has treated more than 90 people who tested positive for Covid-19. None of them have seen their symptoms deteriorate to the point where hospitalization …

1
Internal Fighting Arts 51 - Nabil Ranne 1:22:46

3+ y ago1:22:46

1:22:46

Ken Gullette talks Taiji with Nabil Ranne, an instructor in Berlin, Germany who is a disciple of Chen Yu. Nabil is the co-founder of the Chen Style Taijiquan Network Germany. He also has a Ph.D. in sports science. In this interview, Nabil talks about practicing Chen Style Taiji, understanding gongfu culture, differences between the Chen Village and…

1
And we’re back! - sanda Fighting Arts journey. 36:03

3+ y ago36:03

36:03

We are back everyone! After our long break we are finally producing content again, and bringing you some updates for Sanda Fighting Arts. Coach Tye talks about the start of Sanda Fighting Arts for the small back room in a community center to opening a brand new state of the art facility and gives you a look into the journey to building out our prog…

1
Internal-Fighting-Arts-50-Chen-Huixian 1:48:22

4y ago1:48:22

1:48:22

Chen Huixian is a 20th generation descendant of the Chen family. She grew up in Chenjiagou, the Chen Village, where Taijiquan is believed to have originated. Her ancestors include some of the greatest Taiji (Tai Chi) masters in history, including Chen Wangting, Chen Changxing, Chen Fake and Chen Zhaopi. She is an indoor disciple of her uncle, Chen …

1
internal-fighting-arts-49-ronnie-yee 2:01:50

4y ago2:01:50

2:01:50

Ken Gullette talks with Chen Taiji instructor Ronnie Yee of Vancouver, British Columbia. Ronnie has studied martial arts since 1980, when he enrolled in Li Chi Wai's school, and he has studied Chen Taiji since 1988. He has trained with Chen Zhonghua, Zhang Lianen, Liu Chengde and Li Enjiu. In this wide-ranging interview, Ronnie tells stories of tra…

1
Kung Fu Discussion Group, Episode 12: Keywords 1:22:06

4y ago1:22:06

1:22:06

Keywords are an important aspect of certain Martial Arts in Northern China. In this episode, "Lord of Motion" Uncle Sickness, "Metaphysical Polemarch" YogaMidnight, "Human Calamity" Maeko, & Scholar Boxer The Magister discuss using Keywords to summarize a Style, transmit primary Techniques or Principles, introduce Tactical & Strategic concepts, and…

1
Kung Fu Discussion Group, Episode 11: "The Manifesto" Part 1 1:40:09

4y ago1:40:09

1:40:09

In what is sure to be the first of several episodes devoted to the subject, the Discussion Group delves into Industrial Society and Its Future, better known as the Unabomber’s Manifesto. This is a fascinating read, especially in light of the many virus related events taking place around the world. The Sickness Kung Fu Patreon - https://www.patreon.…

1
Internal-Fighting-Arts-48-Tina-Zhang 1:10:08

4y ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Tina Zhang was born in China and lived in a home on the grounds of the Imperial Palace. She studied martial arts in school, and continued her studies in the United States after moving here as a student. In this interview, Tina talks with Ken Gullette about the internal arts and her thirst for learning, which led her to shoot, edit and write a great…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 47 - Frank Allen 1:23:10

4y ago1:23:10

1:23:10

Frank Allen is a disciple of Chent Style Baguazhang Grandmaster Liu Jingru and also a disciple of Northern Wu Style Taijiquan Grandmaster Li Bing Ci. Frank began studying martial arts in 1973 and is celebrating the 41st anniversary of his school on the lower east side of New York City, the Wu Tang Physical Culture Association. His website is www.wu…

1
Crossing Hands Episode 6: Alex Sender 1:44:34

4y ago1:44:34

1:44:34

Many years ago, when your Kung Fu Uncle worked in the decadent & corrupt cesspit that is the World of FINE Art, there emerged a man so fearsome, so terrifying, so overwhelmingly BALD that he was often mistaken for Lex Luthor, with the power & fury of a thousand screaming Conservatives who grew up in a Progressive, Liberal "city", that the weirdos &…

1
Internal-Fighting-Arts-46-Training-Tips 1:14:39

4y ago1:14:39

1:14:39

This is a different kind of episode. Instead of an interview, Ken Gullette celebrates the one-year anniversary of sending out a weekly training tip to his students, website members and customers. After 52 weekly emails, Ken has gathered up a collection, including some of his favorites, and you will notice a theme that develops which can guide you o…

1
Kung Fu Discussion Group Episode 10: Neigong In Depth 1:56:50

4y ago1:56:50

1:56:50

In this episode, your Kung Fu Uncle, "Metaphysical Polemarch" YogaMidnight, ", & first time participant but long time ally The Magister take a deeper look at Neigong.Lessons Learned in the World of Martial ArtsSickness Kung Fu StoreBooks by Uncle SicknessThe Sickness Kung Fu Email List--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/…

1
Crossing Hands Episode 7: Magister 1:28:40

4+ y ago1:28:40

1:28:40

In this episode, your Kung Fu Uncle sits down with Twitters own multi-disciplinary Martial Arts enthusiast, Magister. Topics include: The Way of Martial Arts, benefits of cross training in multiple Styles, Sport vs Traditional training, the effect of Mindset on one's perception of reality, recreating yourself through training, & a frank appraisal o…

1
Kung Fu Discussion Group, Episode 9: Baguazhang 1:48:25

4+ y ago1:48:25

1:48:25

Baguazhang is a mystery to many people today. One of the last Classical Styles to be created in the late Qing Dynasty by the legendary Master Dong Haichuan; the youngest of the Big Three Internal Styles; famed for its complexity & beauty; feared for its inscrutability & power. And, unjustly, considered a fraud by many of the "practical" martial art…

1
Crossing Hands Episode 5: Lloyd 2:11:29

4+ y ago2:11:29

2:11:29

This episode features a long overdue meeting of the minds between Lloyd & your Kung Fu Uncle. Topics include Martial Arts History, cryptids, “Spirit Shouts”, the Bridgewater Triangle, hauntings, runes, Old World Mythology, Cúchulainn’s “Warp Spasm”, shit talk, magical shit talk, & the necessity of full contact sparring. Check out Lloyd's website, B…

1
Crossing Hands Episode 3: Jordan “Volcano Hands” Casstles 1:23:01

4+ y ago1:23:01

1:23:01

Uncle sits down with the man known as "Volcano Hands": the legendary Jordan Casstles. Also known as "The Captain", aka Hercule A. Braunze, aka BNOC, Jordan relates his experiences learning Karate in the United Kingdom. Hear tales of belligerent Germans, the secret essence of UltraVitalism, how the truth can be known through physical combat, the imp…

1
Crossing Hands Episode 4: Roman McClay 1:14:24

4+ y ago1:14:24

1:14:24

DNA. Clones. Artificial Intelligence. The Past. The Future. The Way. Your Kung Fu Uncle sits down with Roman McClay, author of the phenomenal book Sanction to discuss honor, creativity, when conformity is a GOOD thing, embodying philosophy & intelligence, & the transcendent aspect of the Martial Way. Martial Arts are more than mere violence, but wi…

1
Crossing Hands Episode 2: Matt Peterson 1:38:09

4+ y ago1:38:09

1:38:09

Crossing Hands Episode 2 is meeting of the minds between Uncle Sickness & YogMidnight, two travelers of the Martial Way who have known each other for years. Learn how Matt began his study of Xingyiquan, the sinister nature of Yoga practice, the value hidden within the great Shadow of the Self, & the true depths of Uncle's ridiculousness. Don't be a…

1
Internal-Fighting-Arts-45-Mark-Chen-Book 1:38:05

4+ y ago1:38:05

1:38:05

Mark Chen has written a valuable new book called "Chen Style Taijiquan Collected Masterworks: The History of a Martial Art." The book is a translation into English of some important documents that date back to the earliest days of Taijiquan. In this interview, Ken Gullette talks with Mark about the challenges of translating Chinese to English, and …

1
Kung Fu Discussion Group, Episode 8: Martial Ethics & The Code of the Xia 2:24:00

4+ y ago2:24:00

2:24:00

This episode is all about the Ethical aspect of practicing Martial Arts. The Triple Alliance of Volcano Hands Uncle Sickness, Metaphysical Polemarch YogaMidnight, & Human Calamity Maeko compare Martial Ethics & the Code of the Xia. "But Uncle," you say, "I have no idea what any of that means!! I don't own a Sickness Kung Fu Hoodie!" Allow me to exp…

1
Kung Fu Discussion Group, Episode 7: Recovery Practice 1:23:17

4+ y ago1:23:17

1:23:17

A most vital topic is covered in this episode: Recovery Practice. Learn the open secret that separates those who advance in their training, quickly & continuously, from those who languish in mediocrity, crying & masturbating to corny Science Fiction TV series. Your Kung Fu Uncle, Akashic Psychonaut YogaMidnight, & Cackling Anti-Villain Maeko touch …

1
Crossing Hands Episode 1: Jonathan Pritchard 2:25:21

4+ y ago2:25:21

2:25:21

Crossing Hands is a Chinese Martial Arts term, used to describe two individuals engaging in a bout to compare their skills & the strengthen their Kung Fu. It implies an exchange of ideas for mutual benefit. A fitting name for a noble pursuit. In this inaugural Episode, Uncle Sickness sits down with Mentalist & Wing Chun aficionado Jonathan Pritchar…

1
Kung Fu Discussion Group, Episode 6: The Importance of Anatomical Targets 59:00

4+ y ago59:00

59:00

Episode 6 focuses on perhaps the most critical, yet neglected, area of Martial Arts: Anatomical Targets. Join e-Dad Number 1 Uncle Sickness, the Metaphysical Polemarch YogaMidnight, & Maeko the Human Calamity as they relentlessly hammer home the importance of Anatomy to Martial Arts, the benefits to learning Qin Na, the staggering reverse-talent of…

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Taijiquan Podcasts

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