In the Hand Form, Body Shape is closely linked to Footwork. The different stances have corresponding body shapes. Please note that no matter what footwork is used, the body shape must follow the Principles directing us to maintain the proper … Continue reading
Included in the Footwork is another stance called One Leg Standing Stance or Du Li. The requirements of this stance are: Stand on one leg with the standing leg’s knee slightly bent so as not to lock the joint. The … Continue reading
Included in Footwork is another stance called the Empty Stance, or Empty-Full Stance. The requirements for the Empty Stance are: The front foot points to the forward direction and the back foot points 45 degrees from the forward direction. This … Continue reading
Traditional Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan emphasizes training in five directions: Hand Technique, Gaze, Body Shape, Method, and Footwork. The Footwork is the foundation. The main Footwork includes Bow Stance, Empty Stance, One leg Standing Stance, and Down Stance. Let’s … Continue reading
An interview with Grandmaster Yang Jun By Bill Walsh 2014 is an important year for Tai Chi Chuan. Once again, leading exponents of the traditional styles will come together for a Tai Chi Chuan Symposium, where they will … Continue reading
Restoring a Sense of Balance and Strength By Karen Thaxton I have MS (multiple sclerosis), which has negatively affected my sense of balance and control of my right leg. However, I now regularly practice Tai Chi, and Tai Chi has … Continue reading
Basic Principles and Features of Taiji Quan By Lu Shengli English translation by Zhang Yun The central principle of Taiji Quan derives from one of the most fundamental concepts in traditional Chinese culture. The concept first appeared in Yi Jing … Continue reading
Further Conversations with Master Wu Wenhan By Dave Barrett, translated by Yang Jun DB: Can you tell us about the importance of Wang Zongyue and why his theories helped create Taijiquan? WW: I am very happy to see you again … Continue reading
An Interview with Masters Yang Zhenduo and Yang Jun Conducted by Dave Barrett, Translated by Jerry Karin This July when the Masters were in Portland, Oregon for the Seminar, they were kind enough to agree to an interview after a … Continue reading
By Sun Yongtian, as told to Dave Barrett Translated by Mui Gek Chan I was born in 1948. Since my youth, I was always interested in the martial arts. I practiced many types of martial arts, including long fist … Continue reading
