Self Defence


 

For I was hungry, and you gave me food.
I was thirsty, and you gave me drink.
I was a stranger, and you made me welcome.
I was naked, and you clothed me.
Sick, and you visited me.
In prison, and you came to see me.

You may ask: when did we do this to you?
Whosoever does this to the least of my brethren, he does it to me.

(Jesus of Nazareth) 

The abbreviated syllabus

If you have no interest in learning tai chi as a martial art, you are quite welcome to attend lessons as a health-only student.

You will be taught a physically and mentally challenging curriculum, but no self defence at all.
Partner work will be limited.

Classes will focus upon flexibility, suppleness, relaxation, mobility, strength building and boosting your energy.

The syllabus

We have highlighted key concerns for each stage of the curriculum so that it is possible for our students to assess where they are in terms of their tai chi progress.

The syllabus is unique to our school and is the product of decades of experience:


New starters/Health-only (part 1)

Highlights:

  1. 4 ounces

  2. Alignment

  3. Balance

  4. Central equilibrium - maintain centre

  5. Centre

  6. Eyes closed walking

  7. Form (section 1) introduction

  8. Monkey paws

  9. Posture testing

  10. Pushing hands

  11. Qigong/neigong exercises (column 1)

  12. Stepping

  13. Structure

  14. Yielding basic skills

Health-only (part 2)

These topics need to be completed:

  1. Breath meditation

  2. Constructive rest

  3. Form challenge

  4. Form (section 1)

  5. Leg stretches

  6. Massage

  7. Psoas work

  8. Qigong/neigong exercises (column 2)

  9. Qigong development

  10. Stretches & joint work

  11. Walking stick drills

Health-only (part 3)

These topics need to be completed:

  1. Assignment #1 interpret a koan

  2. Assignment #2 write a haiku

  3. Assignment #3 interpret a zen/tao excerpt (1)

  4. Assignment #4 interpret a zen/tao excerpt (2)

  5. Assignment #5 interpret a zen/tao excerpt (3)

  6. Form (section 2)

  7. Meditation on body sensations

  8. Neigong
    - 21 qualities
    - extras     

Health-only (part 4)

These topics need to be completed:

  1. Form (section 3)

  2. High circle qigong

  3. Meditation on emotions

  4. Neigong
    - 11 qualities
    - incorporation

  5. Qigong/neigong exercises (column 3)

  6. Standing post with arms

Health-only (part 5)

These topics need to be completed:

  1. 13 postures

  2. Assignment #6 interpret a koan (2)

  3. Assignment #7 write a poem

  4. Assignment #8 interpret a zen/tao excerpt (4)

  5. Assignment #9 interpret a zen/tao excerpt (5)

  6. Assignment #10 interpret a zen/tao excerpt (6)

  7. Form (mirrored)

  8. Form posture qigong (part 5 version)

  9. Neigong
    - 8 qualities
    - incorporation

  10. Qigong on one leg




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Page created 11 August 1999