Taijiquan -- Greater Relaxation and Greater Power

The basic form courses are designed to introduce students to the principles and body mechanics of Taijiquan. Form Correction classes are designed to improve and deepen the knowledge of Taiji's essential skills. The Push Hands class teaches how to use Taiji in relationship with another person.

BEGINNERS CLASS

Learning Basic Qi Kung Warm ups

These are several repetitive exercises used for opening the joints of the body and the meridian pathways for increased circulation of blood and Qi. These exercises help connect the body's joints and provide continuity of movement.

Learning the basic opening eight movements of the Yang Style Taijiquan set

1. Commencement of Taiji

2. Grasp The Bird's Tail Right

3. Ward Off Left

4. Ward Off Slantingly Upward

5. Sit Back And Pull

6. Press Forward

7. Push Forward

8. Single Whip

Partnership Tests

Working with partners, the basic methodology for testing postures for alignment, strength and execution will be explored so that practitioners can develop their skills in and out of class.

INTERMEDIATE CLASS

Completing the Yang Style Taijiquan Set

Learning the subsequent movements of the set will be adjusted according to the interest and orientation of the students. Much time can be spent on form corrections and partner exercises. Before teaching the entire set, evaluation will be made and a mutual decision found.

Form Corrections

At the heart of learning the essence and benefits of Taiji is to practice the form correctly. The subtle changes in posture and alignment have profound implications in proper dynamic relaxation (sung) and power. Slow practice is a distinguishing feature in beginning Taiji. It allows the practitioner to continually inspect the alignment while in motion.

Pushing Hands

This is an introduction to the application potential of Taijiquan. Partners learn to avoid conflict by yielding, neutralizing and sensitivity.

Wuji: Before there is Taiji, there is Wuji, the neutral stance. It is done with the feet shoulder width apart, arms at side, with proper and neutral alignment of all the joints. Simple? Yes, but the path to Wuji is long. It marks the process of self-transformation where all things are possible.

Spinal Alignment: A supple spine is an essential element to proper Taiji practice. The head sits upright and floats atop the spine.

Waist Control: The waist leads all the movements in Taiji. The arms and legs follow the commands of the waist.

Shoulders Relaxed: One of the most difficult aspects of Taiji is to relax the shoulders. The shoulder is typically where we hold excess tension and cut ourselves off from the power of the ground.

Dynamic Relaxation (Sung): The joints of the body must be open and not held with any unnecessary tension. Maximum flexibility and sensitivity are bi-products of this quality.

Stability and Sinking: The weight of the body is directed downward through the aligned bones so that the body structure is held upright with a minimum amount of effort.

Agility: By maintaining the body weight over a single center rather than evenly spread between the two feet, the practitioner can move freely and easily in any direction.

Sensitivity: As the body relaxes it becomes increasingly sensitive and responds more quickly. Awareness is heightened.

Roundness (Peng): Taiji movements are continuous and without edges or corners. Roundness promotes smoothness, ease and relaxation. Peng is expansive and resilient, like a balloon filled with air.

Adhering Not Resisting: With greater sensitivity the practitioner can connect with a partner and, like a shadow, not lose contact.

Shrinking the Fear Zone: People lose their center when afraid. As the practitioner's center strengthens, the "Fear Zone" gets smaller. The less threat the body feels, the more comfort one has in any situation.

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