We read the world wrong and
say that it deceives us.
(Rabindranath Tagore)
How
Much of our training is concerned with how we use the body.
This is a process-oriented approach, rather than a result-oriented one.
We are also interested in what we do with the body.
Strength
Tai chi is a martial art.
Students must be capable of defending themselves skilfully.
However, learning applications and martial sensibilities is not enough.
It is also necessary to strengthen the body to a considerable degree.
A strong body is resilient.
You cannot simply train the form, pushing hands and standing qigong.
These skills should be supplemented with a comprehensive range of
strength-building exercises.
Health-only
Students who have no interest in self defence also benefit from a stronger
body.
Health-only students learn:
High circle qigong
Leg stretches
Massage
Neigong (basic)
Neigong incorporation
Psoas work
Qigong
- 16 categories
- standing & moving
- 3 levels of ability
Qigong development
Qigong on one leg
Walking stick drills
Standing post with arms
Stretches & joint work
A new you
When you build strength through your tai chi exercises, there is none of the
strain associated with other forms of exercise.
The workout gradually becomes more challenging as you progress.
Each stage increases your suppleness, flexibility, joint strength and
awareness.
Students commonly remark that their body feels completely different after a
few short months of practice.
New starters
New students
focus upon practicing (and learning) a series of fundamental standing and
moving qigong exercises.
These are quite easy to perform and build a foundation level of strength.
Partner exercises are mild, with the emphasis placed upon awareness and
sensitivity.
Intermediate (part 1)
Students
extend the exercises they initially studied, and incorporate new features
and considerations.
The very same exercises now produce a more effective workout.
We call this 'column 2'.
Form practice and partner work is somewhat more potent now, requiring a
greater degree of flexibility.
Basic neigong is explored provisionally.
Intermediate (part 2)
Students start
to use the short staff and this strengthens the arms, shoulders and upper
body, in addition to encouraging a greater use of the hips and legs.
The partner work is significantly more vigorous.
Training the foundation exercises has paid off. Students feel upright,
grounded and comfortable in their bodies.
The risk of injury is low.
Students should have incorporated a range of neigong qualities by now.
Intermediate (part 3)
Leg stretches,
self-massage and slightly more challenging qigong concerns take the student
into unfamiliar territory.
The self defence work involves 'projections' - a precursor to throwing - so
the body needs to be a lot more relaxed and flexible.
Intermediate (part 4)
Stretches and
joint work offers an extensive range of exercises designed to take your body
a lot further.
These serve as a preparation for chin na.
You must strengthen the body significantly prior to learning how to
misplace the bones.
Otherwise, you will suffer injury.
No one attends classes in order to be injured, so we make sure that your
body is prepared for each stage of the syllabus.
Intermediate (part 5)
Students
extend the exercises they initially studied, and incorporate new features
and considerations.
The very same exercises now produce a more effective workout.
We call this 'column 3'.
Students should have incorporated a wide range of neigong qualities by
this stage in their training.
The self defence work now includes throwing and much more potent striking.
A resilient body, capable of a versatile range of movement is necessary.
Experienced syllabus
The strength building exercises have all
been learned by this stage in the curriculum.
The body should be very strong.
Students focus upon improving their understanding and awareness.
As they notice more, the benefits increase.
Chin na is now explored in-depth.
Students learn how to:
Cavity press
Divide the muscle
Seal the breath
Advanced syllabus
The advanced
syllabus requires the student to have an extremely comprehensive grasp of the
curriculum.
Every exercise is dismantled, explored and understood.
The how, why, what, why and when is fully grasped.
Each neigong must be incorporated.
The tai chi now begins to truly open up and the benefits of the training and
experience are readily apparent.
Students have their first glimpse of what is to come.
Time
Each stage of the syllabus offers new opportunities to build strength.
If we exclude the experienced and advanced syllabus, it usually takes a student
6-9 months to
complete each grade.
There is plenty of time to learn the new material.
Home practice (optional but recommended) is usually staggered across the week.
Page created 18 January 1999