Techniques for tai chi boxing

As we have progressed through the sessions this semester, the advanced students (and others game enough to join in!) have begun to work on their tai chi boxing techniques and footwork.

Sifu John has written some advice on appropriate training methods for tai chi boxing. You can find this aadvice on his website under the pages titled 'Advice on Punching the Mitts' and 'Advice on Holding the Mitts'. For kickboxing, you can access advice here.

If you are interested in beginning tai chi boxing, please approach Sifu John during training. Beginners are welcome to watch advanced classes, but should check with Sifu before beginning the boxing. We have some beginners already joining in, so please don't be shy!!

This also demonstrates the range of t'ai chi chu'an; its aspects of relaxation and health AND in application. You take from tai chi what you wish and give what you wish in return. It is indeed a way of life!

Weaving a silky cocoon: moving the tai chi way

At a recent training session, Sifu John talked about maintaining a rocking motion in the easy tai chi form, calling it Chan Su Chin or Chan Xu Jing, depending on your Chinese - please correct me if this is incorrect! It's kind of like weaving a silky cocoon - not sure of the exact translation...anyone want to have a try? Leave your translation in the comments area at the end of this post!


Larvae spin silken cocoons and pupate inside. (Photo by Lacy L. Hyche)

Sifu was referring to the softness and smoothness of the movements of each posture and the connecting movements between postures in the easy tai chi form. Sifu considers this one of the fundamentals of Yang style T'ai Chi Chu'an. It also reminds me of the saying: smooth as silk and also light as a feather! You may notice this too when you are doing pushing hands.

The following link shows a slideshow of Master Chen Wei Ming doing the Tai Chi form. Chen Wei Ming was a senior student of Yang Cheng-fu, the great master of what is now our Yang style T'ai chi today!