T'ai Chi Complete
Golden Rooster Stands On One Leg
"Golden Rooster Stands On Left Leg, and Golden Rooster Stands On Right Leg" has some specific details about the rotation of the arms and the positioning of the lead leg.
Play the Flute
The end position of "Play the Flute" looks similar to the pictures of "Lift Hands," but they have two different functions. Note that "Lift Hands" has an empty right heel, and "play the flute" has an empty left heel.
Grasp Sparrow's Tail & Ward Off Right
"Grasp Sparrow's Tail and Ward Off Right," demonstrated both peng (pung) ballon expansion on all sides but one of the primary energies to ward off or deflect on the surface of a sphere.
The Apparent Opening
The "Apparent Opening." Note, the pull and push interplay of the kuas as they translate traction through the entire leg into the feet, which creates a torque on the ground.
Rollback and Push
Note the change in center of gravity. See Handout
White Snake Sticks Out Tongue
From "Crane Flaps Wings," to "White Snake Sticks Out Tonge Right" and White Snake Sticks Out Tongue Left," and return with "Back Fist To Bridge of Nose."
White Snake Sticks Out Tongue - Two Perspectives
Here I demonstrate "White Snake Sticks Out Tongue" from two additional perspectives.
Crane Flaps Wings
From "Pheonix Knuckle to Solar Plexus" into "Crane Flaps Wings."
Balancing On One Leg
It is important to understand the biomechanics involved with balancing on one leg. This video will give one the essential principles. If you have your alignment correct but are still having difficulty with balance the problem usually lies in one's leg strength. Over time one's leg strength will naturally improve and balance achieved. Additionally, One can also practice Qi Gong leg exercises as we do in class to increase leg strength.
Rounding of the Space Between the Legs
The peng, pronounced Pung, is the balloon-like inflation with equal pressure on all sides of the body which has it's centered from the Tan T'ien. The area that is between the legs referred to as Tong, means that there is a roundness between the legs as though one had the legs wrapped around a ball with the legs touching the curved surfaces of that ball.
White Crane Cools Wings
From the lean step, one enters into "White Crane Cools Wings." There are two variations of this form which I demonstrate. Because this movement can be interpreted as a universal encompassment, the first variation I teach in the form, or as a split in the second variation shown.
Lifting the Leg To Step
The thigh should be lifted 90 degrees to the torso with each step. Handout .pdf file
Traction On the Kuas
Traction On the Kuas is one of the more advanced skills. There is a handout with you can download.
The Ready Posture
Here are some details of the beginning posture referred to as the "Ready Posture."
The Opening
The second movement in the solo form is called, "The Opening."
Single Whip, Rotate and Push
"From Grasp Sparrow's Tail and Push" transitions into "Single Whip, Rotate and Push." My rear foot has come around to point just pass North which is the minimal angle of the rear foot which should ideally point 45' relative to the front foot. Therefore, bring the rear foot around to point directly Northwest to be in a perfect position. If you bias the toes of the right foot to the Northwest you can present your hips & the push directly into the west.
Lift Hands
This video emphasizes the coordination and timing of the "Lifting Of the Hands" and placement of the empty heel. Handout .pdf file and More Videos
T'ai Chi Complete: The Eight Energies
Reference the Thirteen Postures: five directions; advance, retreat, move left, move right and hold center with eight hand transformations; peng (pung) ward off, Tsai (cai) pull back, ji (gee) press, lu (lue) roll back, an (on) push, Kao (cow) shoulder stroke, zhou (joe) elbow stroke, and Lien (lee air) split or separate. I refer to the thirteen postures as the thirteen energies. Here I execute a left and right side practice of the advance step and eight hand transformations or eight energies.