My Journey into the World of Tai Chi

Sun Style Tai Chi

Thursday April 28, 2016

There is always something you can learn in any class.  Take for example today which was Tai Chi for Energy day.  We practiced the Tai Chi for Energy three times then proceeded to Part II of this form.  Today was a bonus day since we are now at a point where we can play Part I and II of this form.  There were three practice points that I remember from class today:

1. Single whip (right) – the eyes follow the left arm as the waist turns.  At the same time both arms remain in sight.
2. Golden Guard Stamping Ground (right) – the eyes gaze forward as the arms reach back in a diagonal line. There is a tendency for the gaze to follow the moving arms but since your opponent is front of you this would be a grave mistake if you are looking at your arms and hands rather than at your opponent.
3. Golden Guard Stamping Ground (left) – There is a tendency to slightly lift the arms and shoulders since this form flows from “Open-Close Hands.” Resist this lifting and keep the shoulders low and slightly extend the arms as you transition from the “Open-Close Hands” form.

Also in this class we discussed the principle of maintaining good tai chi structure at the same time as being relaxed.  This allows the energy to flow.