The curriculum of the Yang Style is very specific in its orientation towards the development of footwork and timing, and the cultivation of “jing” (internal force). I explain how this goal is approached in a “step-by-step” manner.
The Classics of Taijiquan are an important part of the tradition and their understanding is vital to real comprehension of the art. I discuss the topic in general, my history and qualifications concerning it, and give a brief explanation of one of the more esoteric examples.
In last week’s talk, I traced the confusing definitions of root enough to establish that, although conventional gung-fu and Taijiquan use the same term to describe the same general result, an ability to “receive” the force of the opponent in such a way as to maximize the redirection of that force vertically into the feet, …
This short lecture outlines how the concept of root relates to the practice of “double-weight,” specifically as it is used as a deliberate method by a great majority of other Oriental martial arts. In part two I will discuss the term specifically in relation to Taijiquan.
This topic concerns the proper use of the solo form, and how this relates to the length and sequence of the movements. There is much made of the decision to study either the “short” or “long” forms extant, and I am attempting here to pinpoint the true focus appropriate to practice, and how this is …
This video, made in 2013 in Moscow, shows the physical manifestation of the three scalar dimensions of taiji “virtual objects” that I describe in The Theoretical Basis of T’ai Chi Ch’uan: the metal, wooden, and air balls. This, which I consider to be definitive of the art, is demonstrated in the context of tuishou or …
This week I am posting another short video“What Are Empty Steps.” It addresses at the same time something that I call disposable behavior, an important element in the methodology of Taijiquan. Please also check out my short companion article Empty Steps. I intend to continue with this format of weekly pairings of video and written …
Summer 2018
June 22 – June 24 2018 Taijiquan school Taiji Pod Lupou (Czech Republic) (http://www.taijipodlupou.cz) Penglujian and Da Lu variations, Yang Style Sword Form led by Olesya Amacker. In this seminar we explored Penglujian and Da Lu variations, such as cloudy hands, elbow, slanting flight, looked for connections between Penglujian and Da Lu exercises. …
