Monday 20 February 2017

Training Sword

I've been looking for a training sword for Tai Chi and found this polypropylene version from www.coldsteel-uk.com/store/chinese-training-swords.html

It cost me just under £46 including delivery. It is quite chunky and heavy (0.48kg). I especially wanted something heavier than the wooden versions available as it will help to build power and endurance.

Here are some photos:




Tuesday 14 February 2017

The First Lesson

The first lesson is the most important.

The teacher will convey the most important concepts and you had better pay attention, lest you miss all that heavenly glory.

Difficult, I know, when you are trying to work out which hand goes where.

For me, the most important concept was standing and letting the energy sink down the front of my body, into the ground, letting go.

You can also do this sitting down on a chair. Sit upright on a chair,perineum right on the edge, feet flat on the floor. Rest the hands palm down on the knees. Then let the energy sink down the front of the body, continuing between the legs, down into the ground.

Once you get the feeling for this try to carry it into your form.


Monday 6 February 2017

Cook Ding's Kitchen: A Tai Chi Chuan Resource

Cook Ding's Kitchen: A Tai Chi Chuan Resource: Find Your Tai Chi is a very nice resource. If you pay a visit, you'll find something like 150 (and growing) links to video clips, arti...

Thursday 2 February 2017

Use the Waist to Step

The waist doesn't just move the arms, it also moves the legs.

Generally this means shorter steps. If you want to take long steps then you need to sink lower in the supporting leg. Whenever the foot touches the floor, you need to be able to pick it up without lurching off balance or rising up.

Step like a cat.