AboutKen Gullette Expertise I am a senior level (black sash) instructor in the American Tao System of
Internal Arts. We study and practice the internal arts of Chen Tai Chi, Hsing-I Chuan, and Baguazhang. I also study and teach Chi Kung (Qigong) and Chin-Na.
I began studying martial arts in 1973. I was 20 years old, a college student, and was inspired by Bruce Lee and the Kung-Fu TV show. My first teacher was Grandmaster Sin The in Lexington, Kentucky. I studied Shaolin with him.
During the 1970's I also studied Taekwondo with Master Randy Chambliss. In the early 80's, I studied Tien Shan Pai Kung-Fu (wushu) with Karen Vaughn in Cincinnati.
I met Sifu Phillip Starr in 1987 when I moved to Omaha, and earned a black sash in his Yiliquan system. He taught me the basics of Hsing-I, Tai Chi and Bagua.
In 1998, I began studying Chen Tai Chi with Jim and Angela Criscimagna. They are indoor disciples of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. I've also learned from Grandmaster Chen and his brother, Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing, the head of tai chi training in the Chen village, Henan Province. Their ancestor, Chen Wangting, created tai chi about 350 years ago. I have also learned from Mike Sigman and other very good instructors.
I have a website, www.internalfightingarts.com, where I teach all three internal arts online to students around the world. The site is very video intense.
Eastern philosophy, especially Zen and Taoism, are very important to me. I am
developing a means of explaining these philosophies to Americans in plain English so they can apply them to daily life in the 21st Century USA. I call it American Tao. I am 55 years old and enjoy competing in tournaments, often sparring young black belts (and even winning occasionally). I can answer questions about the internal arts, chi kung, tournament competition, philosophy, and keeping fit after the age of 40 or 50.
Experience I've taught tai chi for 11 years and studied much longer. I've learned from some of the world's best. My DVDs are praised by martial artists around the world.
I teach online through my new online school at www.internalfightingarts.com.
I have competed in many tournaments. I won two national titles at the 1990 AAU Kung Fu Nationals.
Question ken.I have three questions,firstly can you give me any information on esoterics in martial arts.secondly,I trained in tai chi for about three years, but as much as i enjoyed it and intend to go back to it,I wanted to learn the martial side of the art,which my instructer did not teach,so i left and began learning krav maga,my question is,do you think that tai chi chuan can be used in with this form of self defence.Thirdly any tips on fitness for an over forty martial artist just starting out in MMA.Thank you ALAN
Answer Hi Alan,
I'm not sure what your first question is asking. If by "esoterics" you mean information known only by en enlightened inner circle, I certainly don't believe in "deep dark secrets" in martial arts. In tai chi, for example, there are body mechanics and skills that many teachers don't know (sounds like your teacher is one of them because any teacher that doesn't teach the martial side of tai chi doesn't really know tai chi). Persistence and a good teacher pays off.
I believe krav maga and tai chi can be used together. The body mechanics that give tai chi its power would help any martial artist. Grounding, rooting, the use of the dan t'ien rotation, store and release of energy, even silk-reeling energy can be useful no matter what martial art you study. The problem is that most American tai chi teachers don't know this stuff. I recommend you find a good Chen style teacher, one with a decent lineage.
Staying fit over forty is no different than any other time of your life. You still have a lot going for you. Cross-training is key -- weight-training, aerobics, heavy-bag work, Precor cross-trainer, running (on a good surface that gives, not concrete or asphalt). Lots of crunches and oblique work. Weight training is key, to stop the inevitable decline in muscle mass. I believe you can maintain most of your muscle mass for a LONG time but it takes discipline. I'm not talking about bodybuilding, I'm talking about weight training with good sized weights (I'm 200 pounds and never bench more than about 175 because it isn't necessary). Weight train all muscle groups twice a week.
It's also important to rest. Maybe when we were 20 we could work out hard every day. Not now. We can be as good as we were then, seriously, but we have to rest one or two days a week.
I'm 53 and I'm still winning tournaments. It's fun to see how long we can push the old body to perform. You have to keep the weight off the gut and push yourself toward excellence.
This week, the new issue of Taekwondo Times has an 8-page spread on me. They asked me to write an article about Tai Chi, and I took the martial arts aspect of it. You might try to get a copy.
Hope this answered your questions. Write back if you have more, or check out my website at www.kungfu4u.com. There are some good tai chi videos that might open your eyes.
