TAI CHI CLASS

The class consists of three essential parts:

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• Zhan Zhuang (Standing Meditation): A series of seemingly static postures oriented to develop a martially capable/healthy body structure. In other words, cultivate health and strength.
  
  If unfamiliar with the routine, you can experience  muscle fatigue and subsequent trembling at first. Later, once sufficient stamina and strength have been developed, the practitioner can use Zhan Zhuang to work on developing the sensation of "opposing forces," as well as one's central equilibrium and sensitivity to specific areas of tension in the body. 
   

• Silk reeling drills & Form: The forms are usually performed slowly by beginners and are designed to promote concentration, condition the body and acquaint students with the inventory of motion techniques for more advanced styles of martial arts training. Ideally what is practiced in the static postures (Zhan Zhuang) should be carried into the form. It's the substance of the form, otherwise it is just a dance. 
   

• Tui Shou (Pushing hands): Pushing hands works to undo a person's natural instinct to resist force with force, teaching the body to yield to force and redirect it.
  
  Among other things, training with a partner allows the student to develop ting jing (listening power), the sensitivity to feel the direction and strength of a partner's intention.
  
  The three primary principles of movement cultivated by push hands practice are:
   

  • Rooting - Stability of stance, a highly trained sense of balance in the face of force.
     

  • Yielding - The ability to flow with incoming force from any angle. The practitioner moves with the attacker's force fluidly without compromising their own balance.
     

  • Release of Power (Fa Jing) - The application of power to an opponent. Even while applying force in push hands one maintains the principles of Yielding and Rooting at all times.