Chen Style Taijiquan and Hunyuan Taiji email: practicalmethod@qq.com

At our Practical Method class in Sydney, Australia today, we recorded videos of the first 13 moves of Yilu for review. I provided students with the following feedback for training and continued learning. This will benchmark our current ability, and to see whether the body has changed in the future. We are looking forward to seeing Master Chen in Sydney on 7-8th December next month!

Bethany https://youtu.be/Nvz9NmKWbtE

1. #1 Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar. Shovel out step sequence not clear.
2. #3 Six Sealing Four Closing. Direction of feet is at 45 degrees. Left foot is on the toes, heel up.
3. #4 Single Whip. Review sequence of moves.
4. #9 Walk Obliquely in Twist Steps. Fetch Water stretch from front hand to rear shoulder, do not lose it.
5. #10 Second Closing. Review sequence, elbow in was missed.
6. #12 The Fist of Covering Hand. R elbow points to the floor, R fist is horizontal, L hand & elbow pulls back.
7. #13 Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar. Review sequence.

Brian’s Comment: Overall very good. Most moves are clear. Focus on the (1) sequence of moves (2) elbow in, hand out (3)clarity of stepping.

 

James https://youtu.be/UnXgHoV9G-U

1. #1 Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar. Clarity of shovel out stepping. Sequence, missed a move when stepping R forwards, there must be a stop. Elbow in to 合住, do not disperse.
2. #3 Six Sealing Four Closing. Direction of feet is at 45 degrees. Left foot is on the toes, heel up.
3. #5 Turn Left and Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar. Sequence, missed a move when stepping R forwards, there must be a stop. Elbow in to 合住, do not disperse.
4. #8 First Closing. L hand, L elbow, R hand, R elbow must be on a line.
5. #10 Second Closing. Do not withdraw the L hand off the line.
6. #11 Wade Forward in Twist Steps. Make a pause when you pull both elbows and feet in. 合住, do not disperse.
7. #12 The Fist of Covering Hand. Review sequence, missed double push down.

Brian’s Comment: Good progress. Slow down a little to get each move sequentially clear. Focus on size (so big there is nothing outside of it, so small there is nothing inside of it) and clarity of stepping.

 

Paul https://youtu.be/7ptVlrkyfD8

1. #2 Block Touching the Coat. When stretching the two hands out, do not allow your shoulder to raise. Sink the chest down.
2. #3 Six Sealing Four Closing. In positive circle out with hand, do not stand up, and do not allow your shoulder to raise.
3. #7 Brush The Knee. Review elbow positions.
4. #10 Second Closing. Throughout all stepping, do not change level. The body must not go up and down.

Brian’s Comment: Very good. You must put a lid on your shoulders. This will force your body to compress and stretch. Do not go up and down when stepping.

 

Francis https://youtu.be/f6xb7KMUXik

1. #1 Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar. Pull in with L elbow, do not flip your L hand. Do not stand up when R knee comes up.
2. #3 Six Sealing Four Closing. Maintain Tile Hand when going into Single Whip. L hand must point away from yourself.
3. #5 Turn Left and Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar. Do not stand up when R knee comes up.
4. #10 Second Closing. Do not fully straighten the L elbow, always have a bend.
5. #11 Wade Forward in Twist Steps. Do not withdraw L hand when stepping forwards.

Brian’s Comment: Overall good sequence and clarity. Focus on becoming smaller and holding it (合住) by elbow in, chest down. Maintain a bend in the elbow (never straighten) will allow you to help open the shoulder.

 

John https://youtu.be/EP1Lnczp-ZU

1. #1 Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar. Stepping of L foot must follow 1-2-3 sequence. Front heel out, shift forward, rear foot pull in.
2. #2 Block Touching the Coat. Stepping of R foot must follow 1-2-3 sequence.
3. #7 Brush the Knee in Oblique Stance. Review sequence.
4. #9 Walk Obliquely in Twist Steps. Fetch Water, maintain the stretch from front hand to rear shoulder.
5. #10 Second Closing. As L hand grinds out, the chest must sink down to get out of the way. Connection is L hand to rear foot.
6. #11 Wade Forward in Twist Steps. Review sequence. Pull both elbows and foot in.

Brian’s Comment: Overall very good balance and harmony of the body. Fixing the hand, pulling the elbow and opening the armpit will help open your shoulder.