THE YANG STYLE TAI CHI FORMS

Our group of Tai Chi Chuan practices several traditional Tai Chi exercises:

The Long Tai Chi Chuan Form

This 'long' form (so-called to distinguish it from more recent 'short' forms) is traditionaly considered to consist of 108 movements. These movements derive from the martial arts. It develops all the basic principals of Tai Chi: balance; centeredness; empty vs. full (wieghted & non-weighted); alignment; careful attention to precise movement; rootedness of the legs; flexibility of the waist; sinking one's energy to the 'tantien'; internal stillness; smooth movement rhythms, etc. It consists of three 'stages' of increasing length and difficulty.

The Tai Chi Chien Sword Form

Traditionally the Sword Form is composed of 32 movements divided into four stages. It is very subtle, nuanced and graceful and drwas particular attention to the movements and positions of the hands as they are expressed by the sword and 'sword-finger'.

The Staff Form

The traditional Tai Chi staff form was taught by Master Lee. It is short and energetic and extends the flow of chi into a wide sphere of space.

Push Hands

We also practice a two person exercise in sensitivity and responsiveness which is known as push hands. This can be done with either one or two hands and in its more advanced stages actively incorporates the movements of the Tai Chi Chuan form into a sparring martial-arts like exercise. A Slow Discourse On Push Hands from Peter Lim.

The Tai Chi Tao Sabre Form

There is a Tai Chi Sabre Form which we hope to start teaching in the near future. It is very energetic, balance intensive and develops the concepts of attack and retreat very ably.