"Fan through the Back": Beijing 24

Basic: Beijing 24:Students start by learning a the Beijing 24 form. It involves consolidating the principle of Chi Kung though students may do this class with no prior training in Chi Kung. Applications of the moves are taught so that students retain the meaning of each form. The 24 form is really the standard international beginners Yang form. There is abundant literature, videos and competitions with this form. Students can be reassured that they can find Teachers though out Australia.

Intermediate: Beijing 42  Students will learn the Beijing 42 which is the standard form throughout the world. This form is an amalgamation of forms from the Chen, Sun, Wu and Yang styles. At present made by private arrangement

"Cover arms and Strike with Fist Right style": Chen Style

"Tuck in Robes" : Chen Style

Advanced:  Chen Style

The first recorded Style of Tai Chi was the Chen Style. The Chen family in Honan province practised their own particular form of Martial arts which was used to train soldiers not only for combat but also for discipline and mind control. Around 1750 A.D. Wang Tsung Yueh an infamous adventurer, challenged and beat many of the Chen family's best combatants. Wang stayed in the village teaching the essence of his soft internal style and it became known as Chen style Tai Chi. It is characterised by a more martial and intense chi in the lower abdomen which is released in explosive outbursts. There is much emphasis on internal power and spiral force (chan ssu jin). Chen Style is more demanding physically and usually executed with a lower stance. There are fast and slow movements intermixed with softness and hardness complimenting each other. At times it is outwardly gentle and inwardly strong and other times vice a versa. Chen style is liked by both younger more physical students as well as experienced Tai Chi practitioners wanting to increase their Tai Chi vocabulary. The style taught is the Chen 56 which is a merger of the Traditional Routines No 1 and 2. It is the Internationally accepted competition routine which will hopefully presented at the next Olympics.

Tai Chi Boxing probably originated with the founder of Tai Chi called Chang Sen Feng. This was passed down through the generations to a Master Li who started the Wu Tang school of Chinese Boxing. The martial side of Tai Chi is now rarely taught. As Tai Chi has been relegated to the disciplines of healing and health. However Tai Chi is a martial art and for those that are interested in its true origins will study the martial as well. The content of these classes is based on the teachings I received from John Yuen in Melbourne during the 80’s. His masters were Master Ken Yue Kwong and Master Cheng Tin Hung .

Tai Chi Boxing is an intelligent form of martial arts which relies heavily on the principles of the Tao or nature. By using the body to its most intelligent or efficient. The weak can beat the strong and the slow beat the fast. Where 4 ounces can topple a 1000 pounds.

Students come to study Tai Chi Boxing not because they are pugilist but because they are interested in developing their spiritual, philosophical and physical aspects.

From the Wu Chi or nothingness came the Yin and Yang - the 2 primary forces of movement. This is akin to the formation of Heaven and Earth. From Heaven and Earth came the 5 elements which govern all matter. The Tao is the nameless one that binds them. To develop one’s innate vision, ones original strength and primordial magic of being one need’s to open the gate and enter the Tao. Upon opening, one will see existence as a series of symbols always reducing back to Heaven and Earth or Yin and Yang. A strike is Yang while a defence is Yin. The circle is the one that binds them. Within this circle are the five forces (Chi (water), An (fire), Tsai (wood ) Lieh (lightening), Chou (water) and Kou (mountain)) beneath Heaven and Earth (Peng and Lu ) which dictate the connections between the two. Learn the Limbs and movements as symbols an interactive dance of the 5 elements and the Yin and Yang. And then you will find your original source and the Tai Chi.

1. Brush knee with fast adaptation, mitt work and application

2. Parry and Punch with fast adaptation, mitt work and application

3. Continuous punching with fast adaptation, mitt work and application

4. Continuous Parrying (drawing of silk) with fast adaptation, mitt work and application

5. Cross Hands with fast adaptation, mitt work and application

6. Push Hands Introduction, Iron Shirt Chi Kung, One Handed and application

Lu is collecting. Usually the hand is on top. It sucks in the force or is the inward drawing of silk. It is yin only to change to an attack or Yang.

Chi : is the use of supporting force when there is not enough peng chi. This is used in the press in the birds tail.

An Ching: It is the sinking force while remaining centred and still listening and adhering.

Tsai: you must draw silk towards the back and incline downwards, using 2 hands, one guides while the other grasps. It is like grabbing a branch and taking the fruit with the other.

Lieh Ching: Is the chief striking energy. It is balanced by an equal and opposite drawing of silk energy to both create more power as well as preserving balance. The Lieh ching is a commitment and therefore creates vulnerability.

Chou: When you are off balance and being drawn by the wrist you can save balance by striking with the elbow and returning to centre.

Kao: This is the 3^rd line of defence when Chou fails. Strike with the shoulder when over extended.

"Basic Bagua Stance"