What you are learning
Things may seem chaotic but there is a pattern to our teaching.
The movements your are learning here are aimed at:
- Improving your general health, balance, and mental acuity.
- Building a sound base for Tai Chi and Bagua forms.
- General steadiness, stability, and grace in your movement.
Just click a Title to get started on an exercise!
Stretching/Breathing Exercises
Many back and neck problems, along with headaches are due to tight hamstrings. These movements both stretch hamstrings, but strengthen the legs and ankles to promote better balance and stability.
8 Pieces of Brocade
Eight Pieces of Brocade is an ancient Chinese form which generally helps remove body adhesions, opens joints and meridians, and strengthens the lower body. All this enhances fluid and energy flow through the body, increasing general health and aiding in stability while standing and walking.
Abdominal Breathing
Abdominal Breathing is the basis of control for mediation, martial arts, tai chi, yoga, and almost any physical or mental evdeavor.
Hand Movements
These are basic patterns from the form which build a lot of mental focus as they require you to move your hands and feet independently and simultaneously. Also build balance.
- Wave hands like clouds
- Repel the Monkey
- Part the Wild Horse’s Mane
- Play the Lute
Posting
Shifting the body right and left to learn
- feet connected to earth
- feet move waist
- waist moves arms
This is a major theme in Tai Chi. Effects included better coordination, stronger lower body, better balance.
Tai Chi Walking
This is a fundamental Tai Chi skill which looks easy, but is quite complex.
Promotes balance and ankle strength.
Taoist Meditation
We do standing meditation which (I find) to be physical easier than sitting. The mental focus is on directed thought through visualization of energy movement through the body and the environment.