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The 4 primary powers - Yang Style Tai Chi

A tutorial of the four primary powers of Yang style Tai Chi

A tutorial by Medway Tai Chi Society of - The four primary powers of Yang style Tai Chi

Average: 4.4 (5 votes)

Uploaded by:ashley

Nice explanation James both

Submitted by clouddragon on Wed, 06/16/2010 - 08:08.

Nice explanation James both in verbal description and in movement. I noticed the slide in the background, do you have kids? and do they try copy your movements when they see you practising?

Hi mate, sorry about the late

Submitted by Medway Tai Chi ... on Tue, 06/29/2010 - 07:41.

Hi mate, sorry about the late reply -

Yeah, I have a 3 year old daughter (though the slide is for me really :p)
She has started copying my form practice and she likes hitting my punchbag and focus mitts.

Thanks for the positive comments :)

Nice explanation James both

Submitted by bbman (not verified) on Thu, 09/09/2010 - 07:02.

Nice explanation James both in verbal description and in movement. I noticed the slide in the background, do you have kids? and do they try copy your movements when they see you practicing ?
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Hya James!!

Submitted by decker dude on Tue, 11/29/2011 - 23:58.

James, decker dude here! Just thought to tell you that i was having a browse at what else this site has to offer and i came across these videos!
I watched all of the ones that are on here and thought them interesting in many ways BUT!!!
Whilst watching YOUR videos on Tai Chi, it was MY MISSUS that said she ''would be quite happy to try that''!
She said that it was something that she would like to try as opposed to my preference of Shotokan Karate.
So i'm now wondering if i can find a class for her in the East Sussex Region that is near for her.
So i would like to ask you a few questions:
I have no doubt that we could find a class in this area, but is there a uniform she should have?
Are there registration forms to fill in?
What contitutes a ''good'' Tai Chi class?
Should she have a medical?
How much per lesson should be charged?
Would it be ok to visit a class and see how it operates?
And finaly, is there a ''belt'' system that practitioners can aspire to, or is emphasis not placed so much on the belt system, as in some other M.A.s?
Your comments much apreciated-thank you!

Hi DD, Some good questions

Submitted by Medway Tai Chi ... on Wed, 11/30/2011 - 10:48.

Hi DD,
Some good questions there!

The first thing I would recommend is checking out www.taichifinder.co.uk this is an excellent database of Tai Chi instructors in the UK, and should give you a starting point in your search.

Q) I have no doubt that we could find a class in this area, but is there a uniform she should have?
A) Some classes use uniforms, others don't. It will depend very much on where you go. If your class does, the instructor will be able to guide you towards the best place to buy the right gear.

Q) Are there registration forms to fill in?
A) Again, it depends on the class. As always, beware of long term contracts that tie you to a school.

Q) What contitutes a ''good'' Tai Chi class?
A) That will depend on what you wife's aims are. If she is wanting a bit of light exercise that will promote health and relaxation, then a class that teaches Tai Chi form, maybe some Chi Kung, and perhaps some simple Pushing Hands will be enough. If your wife wants to get into the fighting aspect of Tai Chi, you'll need a school that teaches all of the above, plus Neigong, Fighting Applications, Advanced Pushing Hands, Sparring, perhaps working with traditional weapons such as swords, sabres etc for building power.

Q) Should she have a medical?
A) Generally, it's always advised to speak to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. Tai Chi is considered a low-impact exercise system (when fighting is not the goal), so most people are generally well enough to start.

Q) How much per lesson should be charged?
A) Again, that will depend. I teach for free, some people charge per session, some people charge by the term (which might be a six-week period or such).

Q) Would it be ok to visit a class and see how it operates?
A) Most instructors would be ok with this, but check with instructors first. They may even offer free trial lessons.

Q) And finaly, is there a ''belt'' system that practitioners can aspire to, or is emphasis not placed so much on the belt system, as in some other M.A.s?
A) Traditionally, there are no belt systems in Tai Chi, however some schools have adopted such a grading system. Personally, I cannot see how an art like Tai Chi can be made to fit a structured grading system, but that's just the way I learnt. I know others who have done so with success.

Also, DD - you might give Tai Chi a go yourself; you'll find it'll help with your Karate practice :)

Hope this helps!

James

Done it!!

Submitted by decker dude on Sat, 01/07/2012 - 23:08.

Hya James, decker here! Well we finally did the deed today! My wife and i joined a Tai Chi club in Tenterden, in Kent. It is run by a guy called 'Max Mileham'. It is a very friendly class, with people of about our own age or above. At first during the warm-up, i got a little frustrated, because i am used to the harder type of work-out in my Shotokan Classes. But then i had a talk to myself, (i had masses of time to talk to myself!) and slowed it all right down, and all went very well. My wife enjoyed it too, but will ache like the devil tomorrow i bet, she is hobbling around a bit now!! We aim to go every week now James, and will combine it with Shopping in that area afterwards.
We were told by other students there that it is the 'Yang style' that is being taught, but 'max' gave us some literature when we finished, (and the medical infomation forms to fill in) which has the 'Wudang Style, Long River Tai Chi' logo on the paperwork, so i'm a tad confused at that, my thinking is that perhaps the Yang and the Wudang are linked in some way through lineage?
Anyway, this message is just to say that we are now firmly on our way into the Art of Tai Chi! Thank you very much for YOUR help James, i will let you know how we get on from time to time ok!?! DD.

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