Catching Up with Master Michael Phillips of Tucson

Catching Up

Rose had a wonderful time catching up with her old and dear friend, and Taiji mentor Michael Phillips!

Back in 2016, Rose travelled to see Michael and his wife Susan in Tucson, Arizona, in their home overlooking Mount Lemon, close to El Charro National Park’s Saguaro Forest.

Their reunion came after almost 20 years since Rose and her late husband Rey invited (Rey’s old teacher) Master Michael Phillips to the UK to teach several Taiji seminars in Cambridge, London and Bury St Edmunds. It was delightful to catch up after nearly two decades; and Michael looked barely a day older than when they were all last together back in 1996.

Kaimen – Open the Gates

Michael taught his wonderful ‘Kaimen’ (开门) or ‘Opening the Gates’ set of Qigong foundation exercises, which are designed to open the body’s energy gates, namely the physical joints and their linked energy connectors, fascia and meridian channels.

The exercises are twofold; standing and seated, with an escalation of difficulty into the “prone, seated” set. Key is relaxing into the moves, using the mind to allow the body to release hidden tensions and feel the joints and fascia let go of their stress.

Qigong

Michael is also renowned for his dynamic, and rejuvenating Qigong exercise sets. The exercises, alongside the Kaimen training, really focus the breath and help to integrate the mind and breathing with the physical movements, engendering a sense of calm, and serenity of mind and body. 

Rose enjoyed catching up and rekindling her friendship with Michael, reminisce about old times, and spend several amazing days in Tucson visiting the Sabino Canyon, the Tanque Verde Dude Ranch, the El Charro National Park, Saguaro Forest, climb the mountain trails and dine on sumptuous banquets of traditional Tex-Mex cuisine! Many thanks to Susan and Michael for their wonderfully generous hospitality and kindness!