The 8 Energies Form: A Simple and Learnable Form
SIFU Niko created The 8 Energies Form which focuses on highlighting the eight major energies in Tai Chi. He explains the eight energies that are essential to all Tai Chi practices. The form he created helps us ground ourselves, shift, move, and step with greater connectivity. This form also helps deepen our understanding of the posture, the breath, and energy. Learning these eight will increase the quality of your practice and extend your education on these energies.
In This Session:
- Learn the importance of being rooted in your posture and how to feel this
- Learn about breathwork or meditative breathing as a soft power
- Receive a demonstration and explanation of the 8 Energies Form that is simple and available to all
SIFU Niko
SIFU Niko has been a student of traditional style Yang Tai Chi for over 21 years. His education began at six years old, after watching his father in his own practice of the art. He was persistent in imitating all of his father’s movements, as much as his uncoordinated body could allow, and eventually convinced his father to officially train him. Most of his formal training has been completed by his father, Sifu Leroy Alsup, with the occasional assistance of Master Yang Jun.
SIFU Niko was studious and consistent in training and practice but was not fearful of questioning the art and challenging himself and those around him. His rigorous training and countless hours of practice paid off when he won his first tournament and became Grand Champion in the ICMAC Circuit. He was paired with several brown and black karate belts, which may seem like a mismatch given the difference in philosophy and style of the two arts — especially since Tai Chi is not considered a fighting art. While sparring with students from different disciplines he used his mastery of “Soft Energy” to overcome their aggressive attacks.
After the big win, he became even more devoted to the art and began moving towards a role as an instructor himself. His father began to travel consistently for work, causing him to turn over the proverbial reins of his classes to Niko. The school began to thrive quickly and eventually Niko decided to relocate to a spot that allowed for growth in numbers. As is common with business relocations, this caused hiccups in how his classes operated and he had to redouble his efforts for growth.
He joined his local Chamber of Commerce to prove his commitment to the community. Now a Sifu himself, he travels and continues to compete and excel in international ICMAC tournaments all over the country. He is currently an undefeated Push Hands champion, with his most current win attained at the 16th Annual International Chinese Martial Arts Championship in Orlando, Florida. He also organizes and instructs seminars and workshops for Push Hands locally and nationally.
