Tai Chi Chuan
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[Written Lesson]

by Brendan S


Tai Chi Chuan is a different version of tai chi, more reliant upon the isotonic effect of muscle on resistance, and resistance on muscle through your own personal energy, or muscle power. You will move in such ways that strengthen your body, and also enable you to become better at movement in general, shaping and molding your body through the moves over time, and developing a stronger will.

The use of tai chi chuan can be used in various ways. For strenghtening. For learning how to become a better fighter. For relieving stress.

The "S" shape hand-movements, or entire arm movements are in counter-oscillating movements, in which an oscillating pattern is made with the arms (to me) forming the words "EXTASY" in each arm mudra of the pattern of each letter of the word, in the version of tai chi chuan I do.

I form each letter with my arms, and focus on the S.

The T-shape made with your entire body (arms stretched out) is necessary to keep the action going.

Stretching in-between moves, or actually the use of what in dance is called "pop and locking" is useful to keep your body agile as you do the exercise.

I reccommend thinking of S-shapes to move your arms in, while trying to lower your body to the ground, with one leg out in a way to practice balance. Also, standing on one leg is a necessary aspect of pretty much all balance exercises, and relieves the gravity of your own body. Raising your arms up high is usually unnecessary, and I think movement of the hands (with fingers out or not) around the area of the chest, heart, and solar plexus are the most useful areas to focus on.

The idea of use of weights, also, such as light 2.5 lb weights, to move with your body as you do tai chi chuan is good for bodybuilders, who require the additive boost for their muscles to be as strong as they want them to be. I've done this with fifteen pound weights, also. (Tai Chi Chuan moves using weights is stressful on the back if you are not strong enough).

Crossing the arms in counter-crosses is one move.

It strengthens a lot of your upper body.

Move your lower body constantly, and try to walk around as you do the exercises, or simply move your legs in what you might consider martial arts stances.

Remember to keep your back strong throughout the exercise, and stretch constantly.

This can be for only two minutes a day, and you will still feel a result, when done properly.


BLS