Advanced Classes
Here are the virtual classes that are designed for more advanced Tai Chi students.
The first series of sessions is an introduction to the Yang 24. People who have completed the form but want a refresher can follow along. Whilst others who may have done the Yang 8 or 10 can step-up and work their way through the entire form broken into 12 parts.
PLEASE NOTE: Under each video title is an ‘Intro’ length in brackets. This is for those people who want to skip past the ‘bla, bla, bla and get right into the exercise. Especially if you want to repeat the moves at another time.
Yang 24 form
(No gas bagging – right into it)
This is a demonstration of the entire Yang 24 form
Generally students would need to have done the Yang 8 , 10 or both before many teachers advance them to this form.
The Yang 24 Tai Chi Form was developed in mid 50’s by the National Physical Culture and Sports Commission of the People’s Republic of China. Also called the Beijing 24, it is based on the Yang Family style of Tai Chi Chuan.
Encapsulating many of the movements of more complicated forms it is a wonderful way to teach beginners. The standardised form is ideal for Tai Chi competitions.
Lesson 1. Moves 1 & 2
(Intro: 59sec)
1. Commencing – Preparation, Beginning
The opening part of the Yang 24 form and indeed the opening of most Tai Chi forms. I always stress to my students that this is just as important as every other move!
2. Part the Wild Horse’s Mane
Appropriately named, this posture looks like you are parting a wild horse’s mane.
You step out with the left leg, your right arm brushes past your left imitating the parting of a horse’s mane. The move is repeated three times – left side, right and left again.
Lesson 2. Moves 3 & 4
(Intro: 42sec)
3. White Crane Spreads its Wings
The third move in the Yang 24 form. Pay attention to the shift in weight and placement of your feet. Initially it is a half step forward then a weight shift as you entend your left foot onto the toe. Then a right hand block and a left hand block.
3. Brush Knee
The transition to Brush Knee involves turning the waist slightly to the left as the left hand circles in and down across the torso as if brushing away an attackers kick. The right hand moves past the right ear, leading with the finger tips and the wrist drops at the end of the arm extension.
Key points to remember are not to fully extend your arms, keep your elbows heavy and your shoulders down.
The movement is repeated two more times, each time changing to the opposite side.
Stick Kata
Adapted from a Karate Kata
The beauty of this form is that it is easy to learn and the stick you use can be any old broom handle or a traditional bo staff.
Hints:
The stance begins in the Musubi dachi. This where the heels are touching but the tops of your feet are spread apart.
So, unlike all of the other commencement stances where our feet are together, we observe the proper karate stance.
What no charge?
During these uncertain times any of us are stuck at home, forced for health and safety reasons to distance ourselves from one another.
My reason for setting up this website is to share tai chi with m students to keep them active and healthy and to gift these lessons to anyone who wants to take part.
I ask no fee, but like many people, my livelihood as a small business owner is not guaranteed. If you feel that these lessons benefit you and you are in a position to contribute to me by way of a donation, that would be greatly appreciated.