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STRENGTHENING YOUR QI TAI CHI “Tai Chi Chuan, the great ultimate, strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated, and encourages the timid.” There are multiple types of martial arts across the world. Many of the techniques and forms we see today are ancient methods that have adapted as they’ve entered new cultures. However, although their forms or styles may change, the principles they were built on remain steadfast. Tai chi, which has been around for hundreds of years, has taken on distinct traits over the years, but its true purpose has remained the same. THE ORIGINS OF TAI CHI Tai chi originated in ancient China, but its creation is shrouded in mystery. Many records date the art form back over 2,500 years and claim it is descended from the martial art qi gong, which is an ancient Chinese discipline involving traditional medicine and healing. It’s argued that Zhang San Feng is the founder of tai chi,though its true origins are unknown. Some stories say that Feng created a new martial arts technique of soft motion by watching a snake fight off a bird with stillness and precision. Originally, tai chi was used for self-defense and to retain inner peace. Today, it is used as a form of exercise and meditation, which has proven to increase a person’s focus, balance, and relaxation and even treat or prevent health problems. THE ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF TAI CHI Five of the more popular forms of tai chi are yang, chen, sun, wu, and wu (two distinct words in Chinese). Although these forms are interwoven with other martial arts techniques, their core principles remain the same. These essential principles are movement and breathing control; integrating the mind with the body; and increasing internal components, song (loosening), and jing (serenity). These elements come together to form the purpose of tai chi, which is to pursue and nurture the qi, or life force, that is inside all living things by strengthening the body and mind. Olson’s Martial Arts Academy tai chi instructor, Master Henry, has been teaching for over 16 years and has seen the positive impact this technique has given each one of his students. Tai chi is a martial art that anyone can do, and we want to invite anyone interested to call our school today! –Master Cheng Man-ch’ing
SUMMER READING AWARDS! Hey, everyone! Don’t forget! We want 100% reading awards for the August Graduation. I know you can do it, so write down how much you read each day and turn it in for an award!
MASTER MOM - AMANDA OLSON
ROASTED CORN SALSA
INGREDIENTS
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1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
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2 medium ears of corn, shucked 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
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1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/2 red onion, diced
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Kosher salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.
5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND “ We have two kids who have trained with Master Olson. Along with God-centered rearing and our watchful guidance taught in our home, “growing” with the Olson’s environment of teamwork, respect of one’s self and others, perseverance, and healthy attitudes/habits has taught our kids to be confident but respectful, strong but not bullies, successful but not arrogant, and a young man and a little lady. I would definitely recommend involvement in Master Olson’s program. Thanks for all you do!” –Israel and Carmina
SHYNESS “I used to be a big introvert with not a lot of friends. Now, I have a lot of friends. I like talking, and I am more of an extrovert now.” –M.F., preteen
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