CURRICULUM

Empty-hand (or hand) forms are those performed without a weapon (on weapons, see below). This terminology reflects the martial aspect of tai chi. There are many forms or sequences among the various styles or schools.

In Yang Style, the basic form is called the Long Form, which the Yang family also calls the 103 Form (some number the moves differently, e.g., 108 moves). This sequence takes between 6 months and a year to learn. I also teach shorter forms, including the 16 (see video) and the 8, which are good places for beginners to start, as they can be learned in 8-12 weeks.

In Chen Style the basic form is known as Old Frame First Form (Laojia Yilu), which was the original from which all other forms developed. It also takes 6-12 months to learn. A shorter form is called Old Frame Second Form (Laojia Erlu) or Cannon Fist (Pao Chui), which, as the latter name implies, is more explosive. This may take several months to learn. I also teach the 16 Chen Form, which is, like the Yang 16, a good place for beginners to start; and a 32 sequence, which is the 16 Form combined with a mirror image of itself.

One can also learn a variety of weapons forms, which are usually taught after the hand form has been learned. Yang Style has the straight sword and the saber. In Chen Style, I teach straight sword, broadsword, and long pole. I also teach (from a variety of styles) Single Fan, Short Staff, Long Staff, Cane, Dagger, and Stick. In addition to the standard (longer) forms of these weapons, I teach shorter forms to introduce weapons training.

Push hands (Tui Shou) is a two-person tai chi exercise that develops sensitivity and awareness of the martial potential of some basic movements. For some, it is the next step toward martial application (or fighting); but it can be done gently as well, following a prescribed sequence.

Qigong (Chi Kung) Curriculum:

Qigong (literally, “energy exercise”) has many variations, most of which combine movement and breathing to enhance and balance the energy flow in the body. Some are individual movements, and others are sequences (e.g., Wild Goose Qigong).

In addition to a number of basic individual movements, I teach the Eight Pieces of Brocade, one of the most famous Qigong forms.

A related set of exercises from the Chen family is called Reeling Silk (Chan Si Gong). There are several sets, including single hand and double hand, as well as fixed step and moving step. All of these involve spiraling of the body and twining motions of the arms to enhance energy flow and coordination of the whole body.Tai Chi Ruler is a set of movements holding a rounded piece of wood between the palms. This exercise not only strengthens the joints in the arms but also stretches the entire body and enhances the energy flow by also focusing on breathing.