Tai ji update

I recently got together with my Taiji instructor, Paul Pitchford, after not seeing him for more than 25 years. I took my first Taiji class with Paul in 1975 when he taught in Moscow, Idaho.
On the left is a picture of us taken in Moscow dated January 19, 1979 practicing double Join Hands (i.e., Push Hands).
Below is a picture of us practicing double Join Hands on January 21, 2012 - almost 33 years later to the day!

Red Deer Antler Tips

Recently I had an inquiry about red deer antler tips that were mentioned in a book as a high quality product. The tips of the antler are said to be stronger and warmer than the body the antler, however, they are quite expensive and you may have to pay up to $1,000.00 for this product. One reason for the expense is that the tips have to be cut from the antler and you can not buy just a small amount. When the antler is cut you need to buy a minimum of three or four ounces of the antler.
We suggest using regular deer antler. For all intents and purposes this will serve you quite well.
See Deer Antler.

Bruce Lee Plays Ping Pong

This is fun! See: Bruce Lee Plays Ping Pong with nunchucks

As an update it turns out this video was created for an advertisement. They used a Bruce Lee look-a-like and made the film look old. It is still fun to watch though.

Pictures of China's Ethnic Groups

Here's a link to superb Photo's of China's Different Ethnic Groups.

Fructus Lycii 枸杞子 gou qi zi (wolfberry)

Fructus Lycii 枸杞子 (Chinese: Gou qi zi, AKA goji berry or wolfberry) is an important herb for longevity and beauty. It nourishes the blood and essence and is used for weakened sexual energy, backache, fading eyesight, oversensitive eyes, mental confusion, and underdeveloped inner psychic vision. This sweet and tasty fruit can be made into tea, eaten by itself, or used in food preparations. It combines well with Ginseng, Rehmanniae, or Chrysanthemum. Use 6-15 grams per four cups water.

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Note: Tibetan Goji Berries is a species of Lycii berries that is not listed in the Official Chinese Materia Medica and therefore is considered a Food Grade Product rather than a Medicinal Grade Herb.

China's Yuan advances to new high

Herb prices and goods from China will continue to rise as China's Yuan advances.

See: China's Yuan advances to new high

Chinese Yuan continues to advance -higher prices to come

Herb prices will continue to increase as China's yuan advanced to 6.5883 per US dollar. Ten years ago the price was about 8.2 to the US dollar which made products much less expensive - almost half of what the cost is now.