Yang Tai Chi Chuan

Yang Tai Chi Jian - "Straight-sword"

     A sample of how a typical class in our Tai Chi Chuan program is conducted:

  • Warm-ups
  • Chi Kung and/or Nei Kung Exercises
  • Basics
  • Forms Practice
  • Pushing Hands or Applications Training    

     As a system of physical and mental conditioning, Tai Chi Chuan practice is divided into the following components:

  • Chi Kung (Breathing Exercises)
  • Nei Kung (Internal Exercise)
  • Form
  • Tui Shou (Pushing Hands)
  • Application

     Chi Kung exercises usually involve the coordination of specific motions and breathing to help build the student's control of the breath. Chi Kung has existed in China for centuries and has been shown to alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness, lower blood pressure, improve lung capacity, flexibility, and help to fight-off and prevent illnesses. Chi Kung exercises are accessible to people of all levels of skill and have been proven time and again to be helpful in maintaining health and well-being.

     Nei Kung exercises are internal visualization techniques and are often stationary practices used to build correct Tai Chi posture. Typically, one would hold the frame of the body in a particular fashion to improve and strengthen the posture. Over time, these exercises serve the purpose of building better body structure and improving fuction of the musculo-skeletal system as a whole.

    

                  Yang Tai Chi's "Part the Horse's Mane"     Yang Tai Chi Dao - "Broad-sword"

     New students to our Tai Chi program begin their form training with the 24 posture Yang Short Form. This is a very common form which was created in the 1950's as a standardized, shortened version of the original form taught by Si Jo Yang, Lu Chan (Yang Tai Chi Chuan's founder). At our school, this form is taught in 4 sections, with new students learning sections 1 and 2 at the beginner level.

     The sparring element of Tai Chi training is known as Tui Shou (Pushing Hands). Tui Shou exercises are performed with a partner and help the student develop sensitivity, reflex, good body-positioning, and improve power generation. In the beginning, there are patterns to follow that build sensitivity to motion. Once the student has shown control and proper technique, Tui Shou is practiced in a "free-form" setting without a predetermined pattern. Unlike sparring in other styles of martial art, Tui Shou does not involve the use of kicking or punching to subdue an opponent. The winner of a "match" is determined by which player first steps off balance through the use of differing Tui Shou methods.

    

Tui Shou - "Pushing Hands"

     The self-defense techniques taught to Tai Chi students are the applications of movements and postures found in our forms. Where most Tai Chi instruction available leaves off at forms training, we teach Tai Chi as a complete system of martial art. As such, no area of the system is left neglected. This gives our students a more thorough understanding and experience.

Call us today at 703-834-2733 to arrange a FREE trial session in our Tai Chi Chuan Program!