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| Tai chi chuan syllabus (2) | ||
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Ability is everything in tai chi
Remember this - martial arts are a meritocracy. Ability is everything. Not
knowledge. Not time served. Ability. If you can do it, then you can advance.
From coarse to refined
A new starter can only approximate the required movements. Nobody starts
class with good body habits. With practice, a student slowly begins to use
their body in the internal way.
In order to move from coarse to refined, it is necessary to have your
practice regularly assessed and corrected.
Go easy on yourself
Tai chi cannot be forced; acquiring the fighting skills takes as long as
it takes. Take small methodical steps. Proceed at a pace that suits you and
your level of ability and commitment.
Do what you can without becoming anxious or stressed.
Be patient but not lazy
Focus on a topic, learn it and then move onto the next one. Be patient with
yourself. Set realistic learning goals. Each grade involves only a limited
number of topics, exercises and drills.
Aim to pass a couple of new items every time you are assessed. Look to
existing skills. Correct any mistakes and remove gaps in your knowledge.
Do not neglect material
With tai chi, you must constantly refine and improve your basic skills.
The most simple-seeming and obvious drills are with hindsight actually quite
complex and sophisticated.
As you move through the grades, Sifu Waller will be looking for increasing
skill in all areas of knowledge. You cannot just learn a skill and move on.
You must also go back and re-consider.
Repetition and familiarity
The only person that can train your body do tai chi is you. Talking,
watching video clips or reading books will not lead to skill. You must get
on your feet and do the work.
This means lessons, assessment, regular repetition of movement patterns and
familiarity with partner work.
5 missing pieces
Many tai chi classes lack 5 important elements necessary in order
for tai chi to function as a martial art:
Neigong (whole-body strength)
Martial concepts (what combat constitutes and how to do it effectively)
Chin na (the art of seizing)
Shuai jiao (take downs)
Jing (whole-body power)
Without these 5 components, tai chi is lacking something and may not work in combat. Newcastle Tai Chi explores an advanced version of the old/classical Yang style tai chi.
Establish
a ranking system similar to that used by the Japanese martial arts. Improve
the art by uniting in an effort to create standards for future generations
of kung fu practitioners.
(Adam Hsu)
Our syllabus
Our 'classical' tai chi syllabus includes chin na, shuai jiao and weapons.
Here is a summary of the subjects explored:
Qigong
Partner work
Pushing hands (5)
Horse stance
Yielding basic skills
Long Yang form
Floor work
Weapons drills (3)
Martial concepts
Martial sets (5)
Weapons forms (3)
Fighting skills
Biomechanics
3-tier wallbag (4)
Form applications
Neigong (5)
13 methods
Jing (5)
Fa jing
Full breakdown?
The complete tai chi syllabus is located in the School Database
A-Z.
Page created
18 April 1995
Last updated
22 January 1996