Tai Chi Chuan forms are a set of slow relaxed exercises which can be learnt through various stages of development guided by the principles of the art. It is through these stages of development that Taijiquan can be felt to be gradually understood, yet there is no one who will ever say that they have really fully mastered the art. This is because Taijiquan is a continuing learning process and the more one practices, the more understanding there will be in the art. In fact there will be understanding not only in the practice of the art there will be understanding and realisation in how the art benefits them in various aspects of life; be it for health, for self-defence, for leisure, relaxation, peace of mind, a feeling of security, physically and mentally.
Tai Chi Chuan is therefore suitable for people from all walks of life regardless of race or religion, male or female, young or old, weak or strong (physically/ mentally/ health-wise).
“But one thing I am very sure is Tai Chi really change my health, 3 Years ago I always go to see doctor once a month, now I seldom see doctor’s face for quite some time, thanks to Tai Chi Master.” Exact words of a Tai Chi Learner. Similar statements of which has been uttered by countless fellow practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan.
Tai Chi Chuan forms have helped many to regain their health but there is much more to the forms than to help in one’s health. The forms help to train one to practice the correct principles towards the training for self-defence and sports. That is why Taijiquan is named as one of the best forms of self-defence. Please refer to the push hands page for Taijiquan as a sport and for self-defence.
LEARNING THE FORMS
Learning of the forms needs to be explained and shown by an instructor to enable the beginner to see and understand how it is to be done.
Posture, Relaxation, Stance
Initially a beginner starts with a brief understanding of posture and relaxation. That will begin with some explanation of how to achieve a Tai Chi Posture of ‘Han Xiung Ba Bei, Shi Ling Ding Jing’ or relaxing shoulders and upright head that leads to the ability to relax. Then a practice of posture and relaxation exercises (Sung Sen).
Shape of Forms (XING/CHUANG)
After some understanding and practice of relaxation and posture the learning of the forms is ready to begin. This involves the shape and position of the body, legs and arms, footwork, direction of movement and direction of beginning and ending of a posture; transition between postures and the moving of arms and legs.
Stability and relaxation (Wen / Sung)
The stability of steps lies in the width and length of the steps. Once you have the length and width of steps done correctly you will have better stability and only then will you be able to really relax. The proper transfer of weight from 70% to 30% and vice versa and the relaxation of the shoulders and elbows will aid in the relaxation process.
Palms and Fists (Shou fa: chang, hu kou, chui)
The shape of palms, wrists and fists is as important as the other areas of the forms as they can affect the ability to relax; like a clenched fist will never allow the arm to be relaxed and when the arm is not relaxed the shoulders will tense up and thus the other parts of the body.
This is followed by various other principles like the use of the waist (yao), the hips (Kua), sinking (qen), the level of palms and fists, constancy in movement and height, lightness of steps and then the more advanced principles.
YANG STYLE CMC 37 FORM SET
| Taijiquan commence Ward off (left) (Grasp the sparrow’s tail) (Right Ward off, Withdraw, Press, Split, Push) Single whip Lifting hands Shoulder White Crane Spreads It’s Wings Brush Knee Twist Step Play the Pi Pa Brush Knee Twist Step Step up, Deflect, Parry, Punch Withdraw and push Cross Hands Embrace Tiger Return to the Mountains Grasp the sparrow’s tail: Ward off, Withdraw, Press, Push Slanting Single Whip Fist Below the Elbow Step Back Repulse Monkey(3times) Flying Diagonal Wave Hands in the Clouds Single Whip Snake Creeps Down Golden Rooster on one Leg (left/right) Split and Kick right / Left Turn around and kick Brush Knee Twist step(left/right) Brush Knee Punch Grasp the sparrow’s tail(Ward off, Withdraw, Press, Push) Single Whip Fair Maiden Weaving at the Shuttle(4 corners) Left Ward Off Grasp the sparrow’s tail(Ward off, Withdraw, Press, Push) Single Whip Snake Creeps Down Step-up, Form Seven Stars Retreat to Ride Tiger Turn Body to Sweep the Lotus Bend Bow, Shoot Tiger Step-up, Deflect, Parry & Punch Apparent Closure & Counter with Push Cross Hands Conclusion Continuation after 37 steps Part the Wild Horse’s Mane (3 times) Brush Knee Twist step Turn around Brush Knee Twist step Step up Brush Knee Twist step Needle at Sea Bottom Fan Through the Back Turn around white snake spits it’s tongue Step-up, Deflect Downward, Parry & Punch Turn & Hit with Back-Fist Step-up, Deflect Downward, Parry & Punch High Pat on Horse Kick (Right) Hit Tiger (Left / Right) Kick (Right) Double Winds Pierce Opponent’s Ears Kick (Left) Turn Body, Kick with Sole (Right) Step-up, Deflect Downward, Parry & Punch Apparent Closure & Counter with Push Cross Hands Conclusion, (Return to Origin) |