Practice – Page 3

Kitchen Clock Tai Chi

After this morning’s Tai Chi hands form practice it’s time to get out my electronic kitchen clock.

I’ve noticed my time for completing the long form varies according to when I practice. Afternoon sessions are shorter than a morning session. Usually I complete the form between 15-20 minutes. More often closer to the 15 minute mark.

I need to get some consistency in my form practice so for the next few sessions I’ll use my little kitchen clock timer and focus on building the duration of the form to 20 minutes. And I’ll record each form session to achieve may target.

It’s easy to speed through the long form in say 12 minutes which is not a good workout. In the past the kitchen clock has slowed me down because I’m aware I’m timing myself.

When I develop a consistent 20 minute workout I’ll put the kitchen clock back where it belongs.

In the kitchen!

Tai Chi Shorts

By Chris 2 Comments

It was hot the other day and I was practicising a Tai Chi posture in front of my mirror wearing my shorts.

Through the reflection of the mirror I noticed my knees were out of alignment. Had I been wearing my normal pants I may not have noticed the error.

It was a good lesson – in future I’ll occasionally wear shorts when I practice regardless of the weather – to make sure my knees are in the correct position and to avoid aggravating my minor knee injuries.

Not a difficult task considering I’m training indoors for a specific session.

It’s these little things of self discovery that can make a big difference to the quality of training.

And also keep my knees happy.

Spear Form – Strength Training Tip

By Chris Leave a Comment

Just had a work out with my Tai Chi spear form practicing strength drills.

As I was training I noticed I was occasionally off balance, particularly when I was using fajing.

The spear is about 8 feet in length, made of bamboo and a weighty beast.

I need to make sure I stay in control of the weapon which is easier when I practice my sword, sabre, and fan forms because they are lighter in comparison.

Next time I go into the garden and practice I need to remind myself to – relax and stay in control of the weapon.

Tai Chi? It Doesn’t Work

By Chris 2 Comments

I heard him mutter ‘Tai Chi doesn’t work’ but I resisted the temptation to explain and justify why it does work.

He wasn’t disrupting the group and it was probably his first attempt at Tai Chi so I ignored his comment.

My attention was devoted to the room full of people who were actively engaged and enjoying the Tai Chi energizer I used as part of a facilitation day.

Ironically this fellow was right.

Tai Chi does not work.

Especially if you stop after one minute of practice.

Push Or Shove Tai Chi

By Chris Leave a Comment

One of the techniques I practice each day is the ‘push.’

And there is a difference between a push and a shove when it comes to Tai Chi.

In the Tai Chi Chuan Treatise by Chang San Feng there is a line ‘…. if there is a front there is a back’ (‘When attacking or defending on one side, you must be aware of the other side’).

Here’s my interpretation of this in regards to a push.

When you are pushing an opponent forward be aware of the reverse direction.

Try this concept on a punching bag.

Hold your arms out in front of you, elbows bent and push the bag and see what happens.

If upon contact the bag swings away from you then you are shoving and not pushing because you have not paid attention to ‘the other side’ i.e. the reverse direction.

Now try it again by focusing on the reverse direction while you are pushing forward.

If the bag hardly moves then you are correctly pushing and not just shoving.

It took me many attempts to get to a basic skill level.

It’s not easy, have a go and let me know what happens.

Footnote: Quote from Dr Yang Jwing-Ming Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Vol. 1