Sink Low, Kick High: The Art and Science of Tai CHI

SINK LOW, KICK HIGH: The Art and Science of Tai Chi leads the reader into the enigmatic world of Tai Chi, drawing on both classical descriptions and modern scientific research.

A Cogent and Experienced Teacher & Author

The author, Bradford C. Bennett, with a Ph.D. from Stanford University in mechanical engineering, is a former NASA research scientist whose academic career concentrated on Kinesiology and Somatic studies. He was trained in the movement art of Tai Chi by Hubert H. Lui, whose practice and translations of The Tai Chi Classics can be found in the books, Tai Chi Chuan, The Technique of Power, by Tem Horwitz, Susan Kimmelman, and H. H. Lui, and also in Tai Chi for Health and Harmony: A Special Short Form Developed by Hubert H. Lui, edited by Judith A. Chambliss and Allan Bruce Zee.

Movement and Thinking

The main portion of the book is divided into three intertwined parts: Movement, Thinking, and Doing. The book begins with the most accessible aspect of Tai Chi, the movements. Both the physical as well as the mental aspects of Tai Chi movements are explored. The characteristics of Tai Chi as put forth in The Tai Chi Classics are presented and then examined from, first, the view of biomechanics and neuromuscular functioning and then from the perspective of learning, highlighting the holistic nature of Tai Chi. This examination, using modern research findings to validate the methods of Tai Chi, reveals the genius of past Tai Chi masters. Repeatedly, Sink Low, Kick High shares research results suggesting that Tai Chi leads, not only to a longer life, but a longer and healthier life.

Living Philosophy & Growing Art

The section on Tai Chi Thinking presents Tai Chi as a living philosophy. This view is illustrated from the writings of past Tai Chi masters. The qualities of generosity and goodness are illustrated along with "water wisdom," yielding, the Margin Theory, yin and yang, and many other aspects of Taoism that show Tai Chi to be a "living growing art," a practical every day, living philosophy of constant change and improvement. The book makes the connection between the physical and the mental aspects of Tai Chi very clear, and that this ancient practice in our contemporary world creates a powerful, living philosophy.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The Doing section presents tips on practicing Tai Chi and Tai Chi as a daily practice. This section further advises on how long to practice, how to find a good teacher, and the importance of daily practice. Finally, Sink Low, Kick High, provides a compelling parallel between Tai Chi and the meditation arts, detailing how changes in the brain, much like those seen in long term meditators, have been indicated in recent research studies.

A Great Gift for Any Mover

Professor Bennett presents Tai Chi as both a movement art, a practical living philosophy, and as a means of achieving a healthier, happier, longer life. The book takes the reader on a journey toward a better understanding of the breadth of Tai Chi practice. It provides real inspiration for beginners and also for experienced practitioners of Tai Chi. All will appreciate the book's thoughtful approach through science and The Tai Chi Classics toward a more committed practice. One of the most interesting facets of the book is its relevance to any movement art or spiritual practice, from dance to sport, from yoga to sitting meditation.

Bradford C. Bennett, Ph.D., began his study of Tai Chi with Hubert H. Lui in 1985. Shortly thereafter a knee injury led him to begin his study of the somatic arts. These two endeavors along with his modern dance background revealed a new way of thinking about movement. Each activity reinforced the other with their similar holistic views of the human.

By 1990, Dr. Bennett was attending, assisting, and teaching Tai Chi six days a week. He also had a private practice as a certified Trager Practitioner and had studied with Thomas Hanna. By 1993, Dr. Bennett was impelled by his interest in human movement to leave his position as a Senior Research Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center to work full time teaching people how to move through Tai Chi and somatic education.

This pursuit of a dedication to full-time Tai Chi and somatic education soon ended, as Dr. Bennett was recruited to the faculty at San Francisco State University's Department of Kinesiology. He would subsequently spend the rest of his academic career researching human movement. In this "second career," Dr. Bennett received more than a dozen research grants, including grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health resulting in more than 25 papers and book chapters on human movement.

During this time, Dr. Bennett continued to practice and teach Tai Chi. For over 35 years, he has organized the teaching and taught at annual Cloud Hands West Tai Chi retreats in California. He continues to teach annually in California and regularly in local classes near his home in Crozet, Virginia, along with online classes in both Tai Chi and somatic education.

More information on Dr. Bennett's Tai Chi and somatic education can be found at his website.