Best Taijiquan Podcasts (2024)

1
Internal Fighting Arts 75 - Tim Cartmell 1:00:02

1h ago1:00:02

1:00:02

The Diamond episode of the Internal Fighting Arts Podcast -- number 75 -- features an interview with Tim Cartmell, a highly-respected internal martial artist who also has competed in and teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ken Gullette first heard about Tim in the 1990s, when Tim wrote articles in Dan Miller's "Pa Kua Chang Journal." Tim has also written …

1
DMP #45 - Qigong & Madness 1:03:38

7d ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Damo Mitchell in the forests of Sweden, chatting about the recent explosion of poor mental health which resulted from the Covid era. He looks at the nature of believing ones own mind as well as how extreme visualisation within the internal arts may contribute to a loss of sense of reality. The main section of the podcast talks about the difference …

1
DMP #44 - Principles of Baguazhang 53:21

15d ago53:21

53:21

A podcast (as requested) on the topic of Baguazhang and the underlying principles of the system. Damo Mitchell discusses the similarities and differences between Baguazhang and Taijiquan. Further discussion then looks at the following principles of Baguazhang training: - Yi and Qi - The Baguazhang body - Static postures - Circle walking - Common er…

1
DMP #43 - Quality of Touch in Taiji 43:50

28d ago43:50

43:50

A very niche podcast here. This one is looking at the quality of touch in Taijiquan pushing hands. Damo discusses the difference between 'grappling' style push hands and 'subtle Qi type' push hands practice. The mechanics behind pushing hands and the internal arts in general are looked at as well as the nature of Qi within these arts, the place of …

1
DMP #42 - Speaking in Tongues in Qigong 48:54

1M ago48:54

48:54

Damo Mitchell discussing the phenomenon of 'speaking in tongues' which is commonplace within many Christian traditions but also within Qi Gong and Nei Dan schools. He discusses the nature of religion, his own approach to religious practice, the idea of attachment and the necessity for recognising transience when approaching the spiritual path. Anot…

1
DMP #41 - The Pain of Spiritual Awakening! 1:06:07

1M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Damo Mitchell doing a late night podcast on the idea that 'a spiritual awakening is a painful and chaotic process'. Damo explores this idea and explains why he doesn't see this as an accurate statement as the suffering is unrelated to the awakening process itself. He also looks at the nature of suffering when on the internal path, the nature of 'go…

1
DMP #40 - Semen Retention & Sexual Qi Gong 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

Damo Mitchell responding to many of the questions he is asked on semen retention and sexual Qi Gong. He discusses two different reasons for semen retention - rationale from an alchemical/energetic perspective and then rationale from a meditation perspective. As a rule, he is anti the practice of long-term semen retention for the sake of it. What is…

1
DMP #39 - Internal Arts in Bali 47:09

2M ago47:09

47:09

Damo Mitchell looking at the development of the group here in Bali over the course of the third semester. This is a talk about the overall plan for student development over the previous 18 months and then onwards into their future. The students development is based on working through external mechanics, then on into Dan Tian and Qi development foll…

1
Internal Fighting Arts 74 - William Bentley 1:04:00

2M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Ken talks with Bill Bentley, who teaches Xingyi through daoistgatecenter.org, and privately he teaches Xingyi, Bagua, Wudang style sword, and self-defense. He is involved with the Daoist Arts Organization International (DAOI) and interviews martial artists for the DAOI podcast. Bill began his martial arts training at the age of 10 in a Shaolin-base…

1
DMP #38 - Taijiquan Chat - Adam Mizner 1:03:20

3M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Adam Mizner & Damo Mitchell chatting about various aspects of Yang Taijiquan...By Damo Mitchell

1
DMP #37 - Xingyiquan & The Harmonies 46:43

2M ago46:43

46:43

Damo Mitchell talking on one of the most requested podcasts which is an episode on the subject of Xingyiquan. It's quite a niche subject, so maybe not of interest to many, but this talk looks at the core principles of Dan Tian development and the Liu He or 'Six Harmonies' in Xingyiquan and the San Ti standing posture. The episode concludes with a d…

1
DMP #36 - Criminal Cult Leaders 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

In a slightly more serious (sometimes) podcast episode, Adam Mizner and Damo Mitchell discuss some of the hate that comes their way. Damo reads out an online article which paints himself and Adam as s3xually deviant, criminal cult leaders and the two of them respond. Being in the public brings a lot of hatred these days and the two shine a light on…

1
DMP #35 - The Qigong Body Method 47:13

3M ago47:13

47:13

Chatting about the process of changing the body in Qigong. Damo is explaining how he views the moving exercises of any traditional Qigong system as being tools which are used to take the body through a series of transformational stages. The use of the Dan Tian and the palms is discussed along with the meaning of Yi Dao Qi Dao.…

1
DMP #34 - Shkar Sharif - Tiger Crane Cultivation 1:14:53

3M ago1:14:53

1:14:53

Shkar Sharif is a martial artist from London. He teaches Tiger Crane style Gong Fu and Shuang Yang Taiji to his students from his full-time school in Islington. He sits down with Damo to discuss his training background, the San Zhan form/system, Sufism, Shuang Yang, the Dan Tian and Hermetics.By Damo Mitchell

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

3M 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
DMP #33 - No Spiritual Teachers 25:01

4M ago25:01

25:01

A short talk on the nature of teaching the mechanics of the inner arts (such as Qigong, Yoga and Meditation) versus claiming to be a spiritual teacher. The term 'spiritual teacher' is a term Damo does not apply to himself at all and increasingly is a term that he deems less relevant in the wider picture of spiritual cultivation.…

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

4M 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
DMP #32 - The Yogafication of Qigong 57:42

5M ago57:42

57:42

A follow-up to yesterdays podcast on a comment Damo made concerning the way that Qigong is turning into contemporary Yoga and starting to offer short term teacher training courses of a month, two months or even, horribly, 10 days or shorter! These teacher training certificated courses are being offered online even with no interaction between teache…

1
DMP #31 - Australia & Qigong Principles 55:09

5M ago55:09

55:09

Just a debrief and sharing of thoughts after teaching a three day long foundations event in Perth, Australia. This talk may not be of interest to 'casual listeners' and more for those who are interested in the school, Damo's thoughts and our system of Qigong in particular. Damo primarily discusses the differences between his method of teaching and …

1
DMP #30 - Dr Cindy Engel - Somatic Empathy 1:28:32

5M ago1:28:32

1:28:32

Damo chats with his good friend, Dr Cindy Engel about her book: Another Self - How Your Body Helps You Understand Others. They look at Cindy's experience as a therapist and especially her use of 'somatic empathy' as a tool and how it functions as a part of human awareness. The nature of understanding others through felt-knowing, visual phenomena du…

1
DMP #29 - Shen Up, Qi Down in Qigong 21:28

5M ago21:28

21:28

A short chat from a bland hotel on the principle of 'Shen Up, Qi Down'. This was a teaching Damo was given early on in his Qigong journey that summed up the division of the mind and the Qi, two of the poles of Yin and Yang. Note that this is a fundamental principle that establishes the groundwork for more advanced mental qualities utilised within t…

1
DMP #28 - Dr Lawrence Blair - Animism & Spirituality 59:42

6M ago59:42

59:42

Damo Mitchell chatting with famed explorer and film-maker, Dr Lawrence Blair at his home in Bali. The discussion looks at Indonesian culture, mythology, religion and even UFO's! Dynamo Jack is discussed along with the connection between subtle energy and spiritual experience. For more information on Dr Lawrence Blair, please visit his website at: h…

1
DMP #27 - Dream Teaching & Sleep Visitations 33:03

6M ago33:03

33:03

Damo Mitchell discussing the mechanics behind teachers visiting students in their dreams, the nature of why we dream of teachers, ascended masters and deities. Some of the misconceptions are looked at as well as canvassing for new students via dream visitations!By Damo Mitchell

1
DMP #26 - Disciples & Bai Shi 1:02:13

7M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

A talk by Damo on the subject of Bai Shi and the accepting of disciples. He looks at the difference between Bai Shi in the martial arts and the spiritual arts, the nature of having multiple lineages and the expectations of Bai Shi. Also explored are the implications of translating Chinese customs over into western culture and how these things may b…

1
DMP #25 - Spontaneous Qi Flow 43:33

7M ago43:33

43:33

A short discussion of the nature of Zi Fa Gong or 'Spontaneous Qi Flow'. This is to help with some of the confusions around the topic. Spontaneous Qi flow is when the body moves free from conscious control and this is often something that manifests within practices such as Qigong, Yoga and Meditation. It should always be approached with a degree of…

1
DMP #24 - Qi Talks in Tokyo with Adam Mizner 54:36

7M ago54:36

54:36

Adam Mizner & Damo Mitchell chatting about Taijiquan, Japanese culture, Karate, Qi development and a bunch of other stuff whilst they are in Tokyo. Of particular interest is the distinction between three forms of 'internal force' within these arts - body level practice, mind level skills and Qi development. One is the key method and the others beco…

1
DMP #23 - The Secret to Mastering Qigong 48:35

7M ago48:35

48:35

A discussion by Damo Mitchell on the subject of learning Qigong and the internal arts. He chats about transmission, the nature of learning subtle skills, the auric field of the Guru and how to master Qigong and associated arts. He also look at the nature of teaching online; its limitations and the nature of what can be learnt through solo study.…

1
DMP #22 - The Teacher/Student Dynamic 1:10:14

8M ago1:10:14

1:10:14

An informal and yet frank discussion of the dynamics that may exist between teachers and students within the martial and internal arts world. These are thoughts in response to the recent year of full time teaching by Lotus Nei Gong and the ugly truths of keeping people happy in schools and the difficulties of teaching are looked at.…

1
DMP #21 - Lessons from a Year of Gong Fu - ⛩️ 38:57

8M ago38:57

38:57

An informal and unplanned talk by Damo Mitchell on what he learnt after a year of teaching full-time. He shares his thoughts on transitioning from a 'workshop teacher' to a 'full time retreat teacher' and how these two are different. Damo also discusses the importance of continual learning for teachers of the arts, the danger of 'psychic' teachers …

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

8M 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
DMP #20 - Damo Mitchell - Changing Wounds to Scars 31:00

10M ago31:00

31:00

A shorter talk by Damo on the idea of 'changing wounds to scars as wounds are debilitating and scars are character building'. This is just some general advice around how to sensibly approach managing ones own injuries and how to move beyond them so that the body may heal; an idea based in not over-identifying with the issue at hand.…

1
DMP #19 - Joey Nishad - Zhong Ding, Sinew Changing & Tai Chi 2:07:45

10M ago2:07:45

2:07:45

Joey Nishad chats about his Taiji training, weight-lifting as a part of Taiji, sinew changing principles and more. This conversation takes place over Zoom and so the sound quality reflects this. Joey Nishad has an eccentric take on life and a profound take on internal arts training. This is combined with a great sense of humour and so this talk sho…

1
DMP #18 - Damo Mitchell - Jing, Cultivation & Subtle Anatomy 1:41:15

10M ago1:41:15

1:41:15

Damo in a lengthy talk on the subject of Jing (Yuan Qi) in Chinese medicine and inner cultivation. Over the course of nearly two hours, he discusses the difference between medicine and cultivation as well as the difference between gross and subtle bodily mechanisms. The final section of the talk concerns the things a practitioner should do to assis…

1
DMP #17 - Adam Mizner - Taiji, Qi & Integrity 1:54:09

10M ago1:54:09

1:54:09

Damo is joined once again by Adam Mizner in the studio in Bali. After a month's practice retreat, the two of them sit down with a cigar and whisky to discuss evolution versus religious views, Taiji, the concept of Qi, Zhan Zhuang training, integrity, politics and various other topics associated with the internal arts.…

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

11M 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
DMP #16 - Qigong & Porn Addiction 1:04:32

12M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Damo (in a hotel in London) chatting about the effects of porn addiction on young men in the martial arts and Qigong world. He also looks at the effects of a lack of physical exercise in developmental years, the nature of video-gaming, online interactions and male competitiveness.By Damo Mitchell

1
DMP #15 - Violence & The Martial Arts 52:01

1y ago52:01

52:01

In this episode, Damo is giving a more personal account of his views on and contact with the subject of violence. He looks at why violence should never be glorified and why it is a complex aspect of martial arts. In his own classes, violence is a part of the training but not the mental focus and in this episode, he explains why.…

1
DMP #14 - USA Qigong Debrief & Cause and Effect 53:37

1y ago53:37

53:37

Damo chatting about his recent trip to the United States (Maryland, Washington DC and Louisiana) as well as his views on American/Western media. He also looks at one of the prime principles for developing within the arts - this is the principle of organising 'practice intent' according to the idea of Cause, Effect and Conditions. Not filmed in the …

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

1y 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
DMP #13 - Understanding Qi 56:41

1y ago56:41

56:41

A rambling podcast by Damo Mitchell on the various ways in which he understood Qi, the difference between belief and knowing, the impact of the internet and the danger of restricting yourself to fixed definitions. This is a talk that wanders around and looks at various topics, so dont expect a structured and systematic exploration of Qi so much as …

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

1y 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
DMP #12 - Adam Mizner - Cultivation chat 2:01:19

1y ago2:01:19

2:01:19

In this episode, Damo and Adam Mizner are in Bali, chatting about the nature of cultivation and what place the various arts such as Taiji, Qigong and Meditation play on this path. They discuss their personal entry into Taiji, the nature of pushing hands, Zhong Ding, meditation and more. This episode was filmed on a day off after they had been pract…

1
DMP #11 - Dodgy Dalai Lama Drama 40:18

1+ y ago40:18

40:18

In this episode, Damo is giving his personal opinion on the recent 'tongue sucking' scandal involving the Dalai Lama. The nature of cultural differences are looked at, along with public shaming, honest mistakes, red flags for abusive behaviour and the dangers of attributing divine qualities to humans, no matter how kind they may seem. It is importa…

1
DMP #10 - Five Year Internal Arts Retreat (1 Week In!) 41:01

1+ y ago41:01

41:01

Damo talks about his experiences of finishing the first week of a five year long martial arts retreat in Bali. Over five years, a group will be going deep into both external and internal martial arts, meditation and medicine. After the first week, Damo sits down and discusses his first impression of teaching the retreat and the mindset behind the p…

1
DMP #9 - Power Issues in Qigong 59:18

1+ y ago59:18

59:18

In this episode, Damo is testing out new sound equipment and talking about power issues in Qigong, Taijiquan and associated arts. He looks at the nature and difficulty of teaching, why teachers are so controlling and why they spend so much time badmouthing all of their rivals or perceived competition. Damo also discusses his experience of the polit…

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

1+ y 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
DMP #8 - The Shen (神) & Daoist Concepts 1:01:30

1+ y ago1:01:30

1:01:30

In this episode, Damo Mitchell is discussing both the benefits of a conceptual model such as that laid out within the Daoist tradition as well as its limitations. He then goes on to describe the Wu Shen (5 Spirits) in Chinese medicine and why they are a model of fragmented psychology rather than a model of spiritual divinity.…

1
DMP #7 - Joey Nishad - Live & Uncut 2:00:07

1+ y ago2:00:07

2:00:07

In this episode, Damo is chatting to his good friend, Joey Nishad. Joey is a Yang Taiji practitioner who gives his view on training, teaching, the internal arts scene and the arts in general. The discussion then goes on to Joeys experience at the recent ‘Martial Man Camp’ held in Chiangmai before it gets personal with a look at mental health in the…

1
DMP #6 - Paul Mitchell - A Life in Practice 1:23:02

1+ y ago1:23:02

1:23:02

In this episode, Damo is talking to his father, Paul Mitchell in his personal training space in the South of the UK. They chat about Paul's training history, his views on the arts and how martial arts and inner training has served him over the course of his life.By Damo Mitchell

1
DMP #5 - Damo Mitchell - The Death of Lineage ☠️ 55:27

1+ y ago55:27

55:27

In this episode, Damo is on his own and chatting about the importance and weaknesses of lineage, systems and traditions. He looks at the nature of spiritual practice, awakening and how this takes place according to the various methods contained within traditional training.By Damo Mitchell

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