What an experience and what an opportunity. Two weeks of Tai Chi training with Gabriel was incredible, with huge progress from everyone in the group. Gabriel pulled us deeper into Tai Chi with his light, friendly and joyful nature, challenging us to train hard without becoming hard. But rather to become more open, transparent and released. We delved deep into the classic HME Earth Level training. One of the goals here is to get through the legs and find the foot. What sounds so simple is not so easy and needs the right training tips, corrections and partners. Gabriel took us through the exercises step by step. From the Standing (Zhan Zhuang), the Song Gong's, partner exercises to more complex Pushhands applications. He does not give long speeches, his instructions are clear and short and are aimed precisely at the exercise or process being practiced. He also gives direct, hands-on corrections specifically aimed at the participants. Which is enormously helpful. The close connection to his brother Sifu Adam is evident, as Gabriel's Tai Chi skills are top-notch. His fullness and “Peng” is big, his touch gentle and his Jin clear and sharp. When I first met Gabriel in Albania in 2021, I was impressed by him. But that was nothing compared to where he is now. He seems like a different person. His body is so much more connected, released and powerful. He radiates calm and serenity and an inner joy seems to come straight out of him.
The training was great for me, Gabriel helped me to find and release deeper layers. Although I already knew the exercises, I was able to gain a lot from them. And perhaps that's why. I have the feeling that I can now harvest some of the fruits of the last 6 years of training. Because the training was familiar to me, I was able to dive deeper than ever before. I feel like more and more pieces are fitting together, coming together and making sense. This gives me the confidence to keep going, to delve deeper and face new and further challenges. It feels like I am only scratching the surface of the full knowledge and potential of the HME Tai Chi system. For me, this is a sign of the incredible depth and potential of the system.
Small circle training
The group was as awesome as the training. All 12 people were motivated, open and super helpful in practicing together. This openness is not always a matter of course and is certainly also thanks to Gabriel's way of leading. Giving each other feedback, growing and developing together, taking each other to new levels is one of the great things about training in groups like this. It was also a wonderful opportunity to train with 12 different people, body types and nervous systems. It is always amazing how different they can be and how much you can learn about yourself, your Tai Chi and your reactions.
Thailand as a country for training
Thailand is known to be a popular vacation and travel destination for many Europeans. I also like the country, the people and the culture/religion. Although I didn't come here as a holidaymaker, I always have the feeling that it's a vacation. The warmth, lightness and often cheerfulness of the people, the taste explosions and sweetness of the tropical fruits, as well as the Thai massages and the sea, leave me feeling relaxed and liberated. The massages are not of the best quality everywhere, but with time you get to know the better places. And after a hard week of training, there's nothing better than a good Thai massage. It really helps to loosen muscles and tissues.
It is not yet entirely clear when and if there will be another Small Circle training with Gabriel in Thailand, but places are certainly limited and from what I gathered from the atmosphere in the group, everyone would like to come again. However, anyone who is interested in training with Gabriel can either do so at one of his next workshops in Europe or, as far as I know, take the great opportunity to book a private training with him in Thailand.
And here some impressions from Gabriels EU Workshoptour in 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4kDfnmPqYsFor
Comentários