Tai Chi

[karohemd]

Another fantastic Tai Chi session last night. First we did some more serious Push Hands and Chris (mazzarc's instructor) really put me through my paces. Push Hands is a great of realising if you're moving correctly or not and it made a few things "click" (mentally, not physically).
After the break, we practiced the Chop/Punch sequence, applying the principles we emphasised earlier and again things clicked and I'm a tiny step closer to what the coordination/timing should look like. Let's see where I'll be in five years' time...

I just need to get my arse in gear and practice more.

Comments

[mazzarc.livejournal.com]

Yeah, usually I practise at least a couple of times a week.. but this week I didn't have time... and we only just learned Single Whip... I think I really don't like that move.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Single Whip is weird to start with but will soon become easier when you get an idea of where your various body parts are supposed to be. One of the odd things for me was that in the beginning, I literally couldn't remember where my limbs were and would mix up left and right, trip over my feet and whatnot. Don't worry, though, that happens to everyone.

Single Whip will also come up several times (8?) during the whole set so you'll be doing a lot of them but except for one, they'll all be in the same direction which makes remembering the sequence easier.

There are moves that are far more difficult to get your head (and body) around but practice makes perfect and Chris's demonstrations are very exact and clear. It also helps that he's tall and skinny so you can see the way he moves very nicely.

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

I had one session of a very basic sequence a couple of years ago and walked differently for about a week, my balance felt like it had mooved down and back.

From time to time, I try to find a class and do some regularly, but every time I start looking, something comes up.

Next time we eyeball. I'd be very interested to talk to you about style, teachers, etc.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Improved balance is one of the major benefits I've had, closely followed by better flexibility and generally feeling better physically. This had an effect on my manner of walking (I used to sway left and right quite noticeably, now I walk straight) and posture, too.

I'm with the Taoist Tai Chi Society and you can look here (http://www.taoist-tai-chi-gb.org/ttcsgb/directory.htm) if there's a class near you. They emphasize the health aspect and there's no competition and no sparring as the founder wanted to go away from the martial aspects.