The Creative Legacy Of Sean Kovarovic In Martial Arts

Photo: Sean Kovarovic – A Martial Arts Expert And Author Inspiring A New Era Of Taijiquan Practice And Innovation

Celebrating Martial Arts Mastery And The Art Of Creative Storytelling

This interview explores Sean Kovarovic’s martial arts journey, his dedication to preserving Taijiquan principles, and his mission to inspire practitioners through his innovative teachings in Drunken Taijiquan and authentic storytelling.

S  ean Kovarovic, a seasoned martial artist and prolific author, stands as a shining beacon in the world of Chinese martial arts and creative writing. With over 17 years of experience practising and instructing disciplines such as Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Wudang, and Qigong, Sean’s expertise is unmatched. His dedication to preserving the profound principles of these ancient arts, along with his relentless drive to honour his teachers and innovate through his unique insights, is truly inspiring. Through his book on Drunken Taijiquan, Sean not only introduces a lesser-known martial art form but also simplifies and modernises its path to mastery for enthusiasts and practitioners worldwide.

This interview dives into the mind of an exceptional artist who continues to inspire others to explore the beauty, complexity, and discipline of martial arts while blending his passion for creativity and teaching.

A visionary martial artist and exceptional author who brings authenticity, creativity, and inspiration to the world of Chinese martial arts writing.

What inspired you to write about Drunken Taijiquan? 

Drunken Taijiquan is not a well known system. Every martial art has a branch of drunken boxing, and it is more a set of principles than a specific artform. This allows it to be crafted and shaped to any art. It is to honor one of my 7 late teachers, Sifu Beto Briseño. 

How did your background in martial arts influence your writing? 

I have always been very creative and loved to write. As an adult, my only real interest has been martial arts, so it naturally fits for me to write about them. 

“Do what feels right, stand firm in your decisions, and don’t let fear prevent you from pursuing your creative dreams.” – Sean Kovarovic

Can you share any challenges you faced while writing this book? 

Part of learning Chinese Martial Arts is Teaching Chinese Martial Arts. Having to adapt language that is normally just shown, and how explaining a feeling can be difficult. 

What was your process for researching and compiling information for Drunken Taijiquan? 

I have been practicing Drunken Taijiquan since 2005, so I have lived it for a long time. 

How does your experience in Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang contribute to the authenticity of your work? 

Taijiquan Principles are a huge part of Drunken Taijiquan, without the 13 energies (ward off, rollback, press, push, split, bump, elbow, step forward, step back, firm the center, look to the left, see the right), then it cannot be called Taijiquan at all. 

“My mission is to inspire readers to begin a sincere practice of Taijiquan and honour the traditions of martial arts.” – Sean Kovarovic

Do you have any plans to write more books on martial arts or related topics in the future? 

Yes. I plan on making a YouTube series to teach Drunken Taijiquan, also to travel to Wudang Shan China and write a book about my experience training there. I also have some other book ideas in mind. 

What do you hope readers will take away from reading your book? 

I hope readers will be able to understand that there are prerequisites that are required, and they begin a sincere practice in Taijiquan, and Drunken Taijiquan. I also hope to honor my teachers. 

Can you explain the role of the wdhc Field Manual in complementing Drunken Taijiquan? 

The wdhc Field Manual explains Taijiquan and its principles. A new addition of this book will be coming out soon called the Complete Guide to Tai Chi Chuan and it discusses principles and the forms and methods I teach, including the Wudang aspects of my training. Either will offer some insight for beginners and advanced readers, and help to better understand the principles before undertaking Drunken Taijiquan. 

Who has been your biggest influence in your journey as a martial artist and writer? 

The books I started reading when I wanted to learn more about Taijiquan as a beginner were from Dr. Yang Jwing Ming, who broke everything down scientifically. I aim to do the same, but also simplify the mysterious aspects. 

What writing tips can you offer to aspiring authors? 

People are afraid to take the step and do it. Just go out and write, be yourself, and get your work published out into the world. 

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming an author? 

Make sure it is a secondary job until you know you can make enough to retire from it. 

Any recommendations or best practices for authors seeking to explore niche subjects in their writing?

Don’t let fear or negativity influence your decisions. Do what you feel is right, and stand firmly on your decision.