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For those who are seeking to find information about the practice of
T’ai Chi Ch’uan, I hope that this section will give you an
idea of the path that we follow during the early sessions until Section
One of the form has been absorbed and consolidated.
- The main focus of training is the Wu Style T’ai Chi Ch’uan
Long Form. New students commence by firstly learning and then consolidating
the sequence of postures for Section One. This short Section introduces
the sequence known as ‘Grasp the Bird’s Tail’, which
is repeated many times throughout all three Sections and thus is a vital
cornerstone for future study. We also have an introduction to the names
of the first four ‘energies’ (Jing) of T’ai Chi Ch’uan
during our further study of Section One. These four energies are part
of the Thirteen Kinetic Movements on which the art is based. They are:
The practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan should embody the following
qualities:
Stillness, lightness, slowness, exactness and perseverance.
(Wu Style Taichichuan by Wu Ying-hua and Ma Yueh-liang. ~ see BOOKS link.)
All classes start with a warm up session, which typically may be part,
or all of, either Ba Duan Jin, Ji Ben Gong or Yi Jin Jing.
Once Section One of the T’ai Chi Ch’uan Long Form has been
consolidated groups move on to Section Two which contains the postures
of the ‘Kick’ sequences, Repulse the Monkey and Cloud Hands.
- Wu Style has a shorter base stance than some other styles of T’ai
Chi Ch’uan. Wu Style retains circular movements and opening and
closing of the joints. Particular attention is paid to correct alignment,
use of the waist, central equilibrium and the correct weight shift
(substantial and insubstantial).
The movements and postures of T’ai Chi Ch’uan feature the
various qualities of Yin and Yang and this particular form includes some
examples of Fa Jing.
There is always an opportunity for all students to visit those groups
who have been practising for longer and who have more experience. These
more experienced students will study Da Lu and Si Ping Tui Shou, both
two person exercises which develop and illuminate those skills first
studied in the T’ai Chi individual hand form.
- T’ai Chi Ch’uan has its foundation in Taoism. The ‘Preparation’,
before ‘Commencement’ of the form is to attain a state of
Wuji or ‘empty mind’. Put simply, this means emptying one’s
head completely of all thoughts. Wuji then separates into two parts to
become T’ai Chi (Yin and Yang), substantial and insubstantial,
and the practice of the form commences. Eventually, after dedicated study
and practice, the Yi or mind’s intent will direct the flow of
movements within the form. We should be aware that within Yin there
is always an
element of Yang and within Yang there is always some Yin.
- In recent years there has been a move towards the art of T’ai
Chi Ch’uan to be practised solely for health purposes. These
evident health benefits can be further enhanced if the original intent
of the
postures is understood and the internal nuances of opening and closing
the joints, absorb and project, and lengthening the tissues of the
body are all incorporated into the practice.
Group classes at White Crane Internal Arts are kept small in number
to allow for personal attention and assistance. Individual instruction
is available in a private studio.
Note:
For students new to T’ai Chi Ch’uan I recommend an extremely
informative FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS web page, with answers from
Sifu Wong Kiew Kit at:
www.shaolin-wahnam.org/taichi.html
Instructor: Carole Milligan
Tel: 07808 671789 (m)
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