T'AICHI KUNGFU

T'ai Chi is taught as a martial art for self defense. For practicality, we use a variety of training methods.

Monday Nights

Form Practice: Is the core of t'ai chi training. Students learn a choreography and in phases apply the principles of t'ai chi to the form in order to develop proper structure, breathing, chi circulation, etc, and to develop a base from which their martial and self defense skills can be derived.

Students who are new to T`ai Chi learn a twenty four step short form in order to build a base of knowledge. More advanced students learn the Yang long form as passed down by Kou Yu Chueng, and Yang Michuan Taijiquan. Weapons forms starting form taiji jian (straight sword) are also studied at our school.

The principles of T'ai Chi Chuan are found in the form. Diligent practice of the form results growth and development. The T'ai Chi Classics describe the principles of T'ai Chi Chuan. The T'ai Classics are the text book for taichi; a compilation of schollarly writings and observations regarding the proper practice of t'ai chi chuan as a martial art. The Classics have grown and evolved with the art of t'ai chi.

Push Hands: Is a traditional two person training excercise in t'ai chi used to help practioners "apply and test" the principles of t'ai chi in a controlled environment. Pushhands helps students to improve and correct their structure, root, and ability to listen, stick, follow, etc. This in turn serves as feedback to help them adjust and correct their form. Push hands is not fighting, although many of the skills that it helps students to cultivate are practical for self defense.

Conditioning: It is important to be physically fit for health and self defense. Tai Chi practice methods such as form and push hands help students to improve the flexibility, balance, and internal health. In addition, tai chi practice is intensely isometric, strengthening the legs, and lower back. Extended periods of isometric training, such as practice of taiji forms at a slow steady pace result in a low impact elevation of the heart rate, which is maintained over the course a the practice session, this results in low impact cardiovascular conditioning. However, additional methods of conditioning are also beneficial and should be practiced in order to aquire well-rounded results. We practice, taiji ball training using weighted medecine balls. We also make use of heavy bag work, callisthenics, speed training, ironbody training, and sparring, and self-defense drills to strenthen the body.

Self Defense: We apply principles of taiji and practice self defense scenarios. Many of the methods in taiji involve, imbalancing an adversary and using their force and aggressiveness to their disadvantage. Self defense skills are adressed starting from a basic level so that they can be readily applied by beginning students. Many of the skills of taiji take many years to master, but it is our belief that students should learn defensive skills from the outset and that the rate of progress and ability should be comparable to the level of skills acquired by students at other respectable martial arts schools training in other systems with similar years of experience. With this in mind, students are free to progress in their tai chi training. Some areas of study trained in this program include, fajin with percussive blows, chinna, evasion, entry, and groundfighting.

Sparring: Free fighting is practiced using a variety of methods. Sparring is not intended as sport, but as self defense training to aid students to gain confidence in their tachniques, and to help build reflexes, fitness, distancing, and timing. We conduct all practice in a safe a controlled environment, while simulating different conditions that might be encountered in real life situations. Examples are: practice of sparring against multiple adversaries, with the objective of strike,escape, and evasion tactics and imbalancing adversaries using methods presented in taiji training. Students are not expected to spar above their level and ability. Full contact sparring is not required of any student.

Thursday Nights

Form Practice

Chinese Historical Swordsmanship: Thursday nights are used to introduce students of all levels to Chinese swordplay. The class includes basic cuts, two person-drills, and freeplay. For students who have not yet learned sword and other weapons forms, they will become familiar with the handling and dynamics of the sword. This will serve as preparation for advanced practice of forms, and also help students to develop proper self-defense instincts in the unfortunate event of encounters with weapons.A detailed explanation of Chinese Swordsmanship is provided here.

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updated 7/01/05