– Clarity. At the beginning we learn the moves like following a printed instructional book. So we only learn the fixed posture, and the transition does not matter. This is called to trace the movements. No flow and as big as possible. Each move we pause like someone is taking a picture of your posture. Through years of practice the flow comes, without losing the frame.
Yuxin Liu
– First Cloud Hands. 1.Three counts. Follow the steps and procedure. 2. First count, in with elbow need to be very clear. 3. On the second count, open the front kua and turn with the waist. Do it big. 3. On the second count, lock the kua and two knees, only rotate. 4. On the third count, only back kua folds, pivoting on the front kua. 5. Open the front kua – Lock the front kua – Squeeze the back kua to the front kua. Master Chen used first form Pound the Mortar as example to explain how the front kua locked can create power. The sixth move, center of chest is locked, only step up from the kua.
– Levels. On level one, we learn the choreography. On level two, we coordinate the moves. On level three, we learn the energy alignment and are able to manipulate.
If you are in level three, all the moves are from the core, the baihui to huiyin vertical line. Everything else is passive, they only adjust. It is the vertical line ties everything together. You can train exaggerating the moves of the torso, without compromising the structure.
– Moves go bigger so all the corners are open.
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-Movements come from the kua, not the shoulders.
-The learning stage. At the beginning, you trace the picture. That is playing/performing Taiji. Later, we need to implement Taiji principles. We have to actually do and practice Taiji. The moves need to fundamentally change.
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Yilu counts: 2187
Cross hand
First only open the hands without any other movements. Then push the shoulders to open/propel the arms. Read more
Learning Taiji is like climbing the stairs. The teacher has to grind hard on you until you see the first step and put your foot on it. Whatever is correct has to be driven into you. Read more
Separation of Yin and Yang. Separate to 2 things. Yin and Yang is a relationship.
Three types to relationship:
1. Not related. A watermelon cut into two halves.
2. Positively related.
3. Negatively related. When the door is closed, it is part of the wall. When the door is open, it is separated but related. Read more
Find one point does not move to create the stretch.
In learning we have to find one thing as an anchor point. Repeat and exhaust yourself until you can move to the next anchor point. Read more
Rotation of front shoulder and front kua in positive circle.
Front shoulder and kua is the rotational vertical axis, which does not move. Read more
Start learning first Practical Method form in Jan 2020.(Foundations from October 2019)
47 years old, Japanese, Living with Kiwi husband and 2 kids in Arrowtown New Zealand last 20 years.
4 years ago I started learning Yang style Tai Chi at local class, as I felt a Qi strongly and looking for the way to introduce it to my family.
I like been in the high alpine in 4 season, surfing and sailing in the sea with the family.
Sandy Kong
Age 49
Queenstown
Started Practical Method 11 months ago
Tai Chi for 10 months before that
And chi gong for 1 year when I was 36
Michael Roger Menzies. Age 76. Queenstown. Have practiced Practical Method for 9 months. Before Practical Method practiced Yang Style for 10 months. Total Tai Chi experience 19 months starting January 2019.
My name is Mary Jowett. I’m in my early 50’s and I live in Queenstown, New Zealand. I’ve been practicing Practical Method for 4 months with no previous Taiji experience.
Born in Lower Hutt, Wellington. Currently living in Queenstown. Age range:45-50.
Started Practical Method October 2019, love it (but not good at it! find it challenging for my brain and body -which is awesome!) have never done any martial arts or Taiji before (wish i had tho!) I do a bit of skiing, mountain biking, swimming, the odd jog like to be active (when i get round to it!)