Tai Chi Form

Tai Chi Form - “12” combat and “12” health

Modern Tai Chi training sessions contain two Tai Chi Forms (the slow flowing movements) one is practiced for health whilst the other for martial arts training. The traditional Tai Chi Forms have their roots set firmly in antiquity, taking many years of study and practice to become skilled in their practice. Tai Chi Chuan (meaning “Supreme Ultimate Fist”) is a Martial Art, the moves displayed within the form show very effective combat moves or “applications” as we call them. The slow and flowing movements teach correct posture and balance whilst carrying out these applications. The forms also provided an exercise that was believed to develop “Chi” (the Vital Energy of all living things) that would protect a warrior during combat.

Over the years the practice of Tai Chi Chuan as a combat Martial Art has been put in the shadows by the development of Health based Tai Chi exercises, many of which pay no attention to the applications held within Tai Chi. One can now find Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Chi for Diabetes (click here ) and even Tai Chi for Skiing! We recognise that individuals of all ages want to practice Tai Chi, and that they want to practice for many different reasons. The older members want to practice the “softer” “yin” side whilst the younger members are happy to mix both “yin and yang” with the hard and soft elements (health & combat). The youngest members have more of a “fun” time in mind, this is why we have developed “Tai Chi Kids” designed specifically for those between the ages of 5 and 13.

The Modern Tai Chi Forms

Unlike traditional Tai Chi our forms will not take you years to learn, you will not be criticised for every slight error - far from it. Our belief is that a student can benefit greatly from swinging their arms and legs around in a Tai Chi Like Manner! It is the nature and style of the movements that we are trying to capture. Our form is simple and short. It can be extended or condensed as time allows. Our focus will be on the manner in which you are holding and moving between postures, it is important to get an “internal” workout at the same time as you “swing your arms and legs around”. Our Modern Forms are based on parts of Tai Chi Form and Qigong style exercises. It really is a Modern spin on an ancient art.

Modern Tai Chi “12” Health
This slow Tai Chi routine is taken from a traditional form and contains 12 significant postures. Many of these moves can be repeated without destroying the style and look of the form, this can significantly expand the duration of the form. This means that a “quick to learn” form can be expanded with little further knowledge, thus gaining additional health benefits from its extended practice. This form is open to all ages to perform, aspects and the manner in which the form is performed will depend on the fitness and mobility of the individual.

Modern Tai Chi “12” Combat
This is the same Tai Chi routine as the Health form, however, it is performed with a more “Martial” stance and each of the twelve postures is analysed to define and practice the self defence applications. In all there are around 100 applications in this short form.

Push Hands - Fixed Step Form
A partner exercise in pushing hands with fixed steps is used to develop skills prior to practice in the “freestyle” fixed step push hands training and contests.

Push Hands - “Castle Step”
A partner exercise where students practice the control and evasion held within pushing hands with a choreographed movement. This can be quite a work out at the same time!

Tai Chi Form - “12” combat
here the student is practicing “as if closing a door”
an application that can “uproot” an opponent and
send them “on their way” when performed correctly.