James: Do you think there is association between Martial Arts and Violence?

Phill: That's a good question. I think there definitely is just because Martial Arts are about fighting, but I think for me, personally, there is obviously something in me that's attracting me to Martial arts and fighting. I find in learning Martial Arts, as I learn more ways to fight and way to effectively hurt somebody, I am less apt to fight and although. I have learned techniques that I would not want to use because it would cause severe damage.

In my school there was a lot of emphasis put on Martial. Your first choice is to avoid the fight. In fact in the Chinese term "Woo Shoo", the original characters mean "stop the weapons". (So I say, for example joint breaking can be dangerous, weapons, Don't use unless you absolutely have to, but you have to show no mercy. But most of the time and) I know a lot of teachers, who don't teach techniques to students they don't trust. I think they have to teach morality first, and then teach the techniques.

When you purch a certain area. The same spot that can kill can also cure. Different techniques on the same spot will cure or help. Reverse the damage it's like Ying & Yang. On one hand you got Yang, which is violence, then on the other hand you have got Ying, which is curing, control and morality. It's a sort of a contradiction, for example Shaolin monks. If they are really Buddist then why are they learning to fight? One of my teacher once said; in order to appreciate life you must also appreciate death.

James: How did you arrive in Thailand?

Phill: I was here 10 years ago just travelling for fun. I had no real interest in Martial Arts, and I had heard about the Full Moon Party on Koh Pangna. I went down to the island got a map of Koh Pangan and there was a marker that said "Tai Chi Chuan" and I thought I'd check it out. Over a hill and through the jungle there was a little compound teaching "Tai - Chi" and a man was selling photocopied editions of my future teacher's book. I really got into it and it changed everything for me. By the way, I never made it to the full moon party. I traveled about 3 years in Asia, training a little in Malaysia and China whilst carrying a couple of my Teacher's book's in my backpack.

I went back to America, because in order to be serious about the training I would have to study in one place and study for a long time, devoting myself to it. And Dr. Yang was teaching in Jamaira Plain Boston which is where I am from, he is originally from Taiwan. I studied with him for six and a half years, teaching and working for him. I wanted to come back to Thailand because I missed Asia. When I decided to come back, he told me about the "Dance Center" because they had wanted him to form a program.

James : Could you describe the contrast between being a "Tai Chi" instructor in Thailand as opposed to in America?

Phill : There are things I can't do in Thailand, like correcting a persons stance. In America I'd think nothing of kicking somebody's foot, but I can't do that in Thailand, because moving things with your foot in unacceptable in Thai society. Because of that I have to describe it, or lean down and move it with my hand. I think westerners need more verbal explanations, whereas it seem to be more physical in Thailand . Also, I think the attitude here towards teachers is far more respectful than back home. It tends to be more informal (In the US) there is more joking around. Here the students hold the teacher in a higher regard. There are certain lines that wouldn't be crossed here, that might be crossed in the Western would. It takes longer for my students here to adjust to me because they are not used to my (western) style of teaching. It's a process.

James : What's "Chi"?

Phill : The term "Chi" basically means life force or energy. It is also known as breath. Basically Chi is the energy in everything. There are 3 categories of "Chi, Earth Chi, Heaven Chi and Human Chi" "Earth Chi" is the energy from the earth, for example "Fung Shway" deals with celestial movements of the bodies such as Chinese astrology and that kind of thing. "Human Chi" is the connection between "Earth Chi" and "Heaven Chi". In the body there's "pre-birth Chi" and "post birth Chi". "Pre-birth-Chi" is the energy were born with. We get it from our Parents, from our genes and hormones etc. "Post birth Chi" is the energy that we get after we are born, we get it from the food we eat, the air we breath and other things. "Chi" is learning how to improve, cultivate and build your " Chi". It's not just in the energy and breathing exercises, it also takes into account nutrition, ways of learning etc. Your mind also affects your "Chi". Meditation and focusing of the mind also builds and refines your energy. Basically, "Chi" means energy.

James: what do you think of Thai Boxing?

Phill: It's good, I think its effective because they spar all the time. They work on making their punches and kicks strong and they can take a lot of abuse, so in that sense it's very good and effective. I don't know that much about the spiritual aspect so I can't compare it to "Thai - Chi" but yes, I like it.