One of the key themes in my work is to challenge the top-down methods of instruction eagerly embraced and duplicated in schools across the world. When deference and adherence to such structures drown out the voices for change, social justice and equality, then we need to speak out. Yes, I trivialise at times these debates by mocking the art on its uniforms and certificates, and the symbols of power and rigidity. But this is not just being controversial for controversy sake, but a reminder that such ancient approaches to learning are at best quaint and colourful, at worse, ingenious devices to maintain control in what Alan Watts has termed: "a wiggly world".

The Tao Te Ching shows us there is not, and there never has been a uniformity of perspective. Those that advertise most extensively, that shout loudest, that claim they possess the one truth, the correct lineage, the one true transmission - display an inflexibility at exactly the moment we need diversity and plurality. ​

In the writings of Chuang Tzu (Inner Chapters) we see a clear political affinity with the lowlands rather than the high peaks for it is there, we are told, that the Tao dwells, in the bottom of the valleys and in the streets rather than the embellished and righteous courts of the Confucians.  In the 99% as David Graeber reminded us. Amongst the many, rather than the very, very few.
​And so to politics and the abysmal electoral system that effectively gags all but two remarkably similar voices in a world full of variety and diversity and colour and energy. 
Without plurality, diversity and multiple forms of representation -  we foster the unhealthy belief in the one single path, the single political body, the one religion, the one form of democracy, the one tai chi authentic form (ha ha), the single cake recipe, the one unique sandwich filling, that leads - as always - to competition, violence and war. Okay, maybe not over sandwiches but you get my point. 

So what organisations can reflect ideals of flexibility, simplicity and plurality? Are there any organisational forms that foster the dust-free path, where not only is the exploitation of man by man opposed, but the dominion of man over man too? 
Well, certainly there are seeds to be found in the collective ideals within the voluntary simplicity movement, there are interesting ideas in the downsizing movement, the occupation movement and of course - now hold on to your incense sticks here - the Anarchist movement.  And before you call out the counter-terrorist police and issue them with my phone number, first look up something of anarchist history. Or, explore the history in a subtle and entertaining way here. 
Anarchism has a rather fascinating and extremely rich, creative history with pragmatic well organised proposals for a possible future. And this is not just an academic discussion - look at the Spanish experiment in 1936, recorded by George Orwell and later espoused eloquently by Noam Chomsky Or check out the Tao Te Ching version by Ursula Le Guin.)

So, to my point. Well, society has always been evolved through challenges to old ways. History has been forged by people who learnt from it, but were not chained to it. Have you read the surreal and Time travelling account of the history of the martial arts?  We just forget it in our rush to revere the past masters, methods and rituals. Don't get me wrong, Taoism is great for bite-sized quotes, cloud watching commentaries and observations on nature, but lets not forget it also has an organisational side that, unless balanced, leans in these market-driven times to an individualistic and less cooperative politics. 

As part of this years roaming Tai Chi travelling workshop, this month the classic move, Step and Punch was released to a backdrop of the dry hills and mountains of Almeria in Southern Spain. Haven't heard of the region? Well, if you have seen any of the spaghetti western flicks with Clint Eastwood, then you will have seen something of the area, as it was here that Sergio Leone filmed the famous trilogy. It's also the setting for much of Game of Thrones season 6. 

There is a cinematic martial history to the area, a history that creeps into the workshop this month. Take a look at the short video above for a flavour, or watch the full introduction to the workshop below, including the posture, breathing and footwork exercises. Want to know more about the workshops? 

Finally, if you would like to listen to something more musical that has emerged from the area, then download this podcast with Jason Newton of Pearl Viper, who talks to the mOnk about space, mood and Taoism.