8-day Introductory Training Program in The Essential Postures of Tai Chi Chuan.
Tai Chi Chuan as a meditation in movement through the Original Thirteen Posture sequence
Yang Style.
The Primary focus of the class is to learn the fundamentals of posture,
stance and movement. Root the feet in order to issue energy. To
develop a center line "vertical axis" to turn. To drop the body's
weight, increasing stability. To fix the joints in order that body
manifest as single unit of energy. Rolling the tendons to absorb and
reflect energy. Cultivate empty and full to generate movement.
Learning
the fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan includes the eight basic movements
found in all Tai Chi sequences, corresponding to the Eight Triagrams of
the I-Ching, and developing an understanding of the Five Elements of
Chinese Medicine, or the five basic ways energy manifests in movement.
We
must first train the mind and body to be responsive to the will. This
is done through sitting and standing still meditation. The mind must be
focused and concentrated in one direction in order to lead the chi
through the body.
In Tai Chi Chuan, power comes from mind not strength. If the body is not relaxed the chi will not flow freely.
Deep
relaxation requires the mind be led deep into the muscles, tendons and
joints. In this way the body becomes responsive to the relaxation
instructions of the mind. With the mind present in the body, letting go
or releasing deep tension is possible.
The course is a continual cycle of practice, feedback and theory.
Most of the class time is spent on practice. It is important the
student deepens his or her understanding of theory so the mind will be
clear and you understand what you are doing and where you are going in
the practice.
In
our approach to Tai Chi Chuan, learning to calm the mind and relax the
body is where our training and practice begin. The training day is
arranged in such a way that the individual students acquire new skills
at their own pace.
Loose fitting clothing, thin sole light weight shoes are best for Tai Chi Chuan training.
Learning The Essential Postures
involves the repetition of the physical movements as well as developing a
relationship with the root nature underlying each posture. Training includes
sitting and walking meditation, chi kung and relaxation technique.
