Taichi 24 Form Name List

1.   Commencing (Qǐshì, 起势), Preparation, Beginning

2.   Part the Wild Horse's Mane (Zuoyou Yémǎ Fēnzōng, 左右野马分鬃), LEFT and RIGHT

3.   White Crane Spreads Its Wings (Báihè Lìangchì, 白鹤亮翅), Stork/Crane Cools Its Wings

4.   Brush Knee and Step Forward (Zuoyou Lōuxī Àobù, 左右搂膝拗步), Brush Knee and Twist Step, LEFT and RIGHT

5.   Playing the Lute (Shǒuhūi Pípā, 手挥琵琶), Strum the Lute, Play Guitar

6.   Reverse Reeling Forearm (Zuoyou Dào juǎn gōng, 左右倒卷肱), Step Back and Drive Monkey Away, LEFT and RIGHT

7.   Left Grasp Sparrow's Tail (Zuo Lǎn Què Wěi, 左揽雀尾), Grasp the Bird's Tail

1.  Ward Off (Peng, 掤)

2.  Rollback (Lǚ, 捋)

3.  Press (Jǐ, 擠)

4.  Push (Àn, 按)

8.   Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail (You Lǎn què wěi, 右揽雀尾)

9.   Single Whip (Dān biān, 单鞭)

10. Wave Hands Like Clouds (Yúnshǒu, 云手), Cloud Hands, Cloud Built Hands, Wave Hands in Clouds

11. Single Whip (Danbian, 单鞭)

12. High Pat on Horse (Gāo tàn mǎ, 高探马), Step Up to Examine Horse

13. Right Heel Kick (Yòu dēng jiǎo, 右蹬脚), Separate Right Foot, Kick with Right Foot

14. Strike to Ears with Both Fists (Shuāng fēng guàn ěr, 双峰贯耳)

15. Turn Body and Left Heel Kick (Zhuǎnshēn zuǒ dēngjiǎo, 转身左蹬脚)

16. Left Lower Body and Stand on One Leg (Zuo Xià shì dúlì, 左下势独立)

1.  Single Whip Squatting Down, Snake Creeps Down,

2.  Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Golden Bird Standing Alone

17. Right Lower Body and Bird Stand on One Leg (You Xià shì dúlì, 右下势独立)

18. Shuttle Back and Forth (Yòuzuǒ yùnǚ chuānsuō, 右左玉女穿梭), Fair Lady Works with Shuttles, (Walking Wood), Four Corners, RIGHT and LEFT

19. Needle at Sea Bottom (Hǎidǐ zhēn, 海底针)

20. Fan Through Back (Shǎn tōng bì, 闪通臂), Fan Penetrates Back

21. Turn Body, Deflect, Parry, and Punch (Zhuǎnshēn Bānlánchuí, 转身搬拦捶)

22. Appears Closed (Rúfēng shìbì, 如封似闭), Withdraw and Push, as if Closing a Door

23. Cross Hands (Shízìshǒu, 十字手)

24. Closing (Shōushì, 收势)

Important tips for taichi beginners

Tai Chi Chuan is, to Western eyes, an unusual way to exercise. It is not the usual sweaty workout expected in order to build muscle and lose weight.

The first and most common impression that young students have upon seeing this slow and almost-no-impact exercise is “this is for elders, not for me.”

Tai Chi is an ART; a slow cook, not a deep fry. It’s not fast food or a magic supplement. Young students often do not stay in class long enough to digest this art which can maintain the body for a lifetime.

If you are a student who has hesitated to try Tai Chi, or if you are ready to leave class after just one try or a look or two, we suggest that rather than just quitting, you try some of the following guidelines and go to your teacher for some advice and encouragement.

Tip: Watch for Details During Class

The biggest challenge for beginners is trying to quickly grasp each movement seen in class. That is a difficult challenge which can require great patience when progress seems so slow. The trick is to watch your instructor!

A good teacher will put together slow, segmented movements to let you see the details. Watch closely, and try to replay them in your mind after you have left class.

Here are the details you can watch for:

1. Step: Watch which foot holds the body’s weight. (The other foot should be weightless.) Notice how the body weight changes with a step forward or a step backward. Notice the direction the toes are facing and how that changes with each step. When the foot is lifted, notice if it turns with the ball or with the heel, and if it lands on the ball or the heel.

2. Body: Notice whether the body turns to the left or the right as it moves forward and backward.

3. Hands: Notice when the hands move from left to right or right to left, from up to down or down to up, from inside to outside or outside to inside. Notice which direction palms are facing.

4. Eyes: The eyes should not stare, but should gaze through the upper, moving hand most of the time.

5. Coordination: As you become more familiar with the movements of the step, body, hands, and eyes, look for how they coordinate with one another. For example, one hand will move forward and the other hand will move down.

Tip: Class Structure

Our classes are carefully designed to have:

Warm Up to limber up all joints.

Easy Energy Development to practice fixed step movements that extracted from the forms.

Single Movement Practice to learn details and develop expertise in a particular movement.

Form and/or Routine Practice to gain familiarity with an entire form.

Movements are carefully explained for your level, then reviewed again in the next session to make corrections and to allow you to catch up if you miss an occasional class.

Tip: Names of Movements

Click here to get the name list for the Yang style 24 form.

Ask your teacher for a list of names of the movements for any other forms you are studying.

Our Chinese ancestors created these names in order to help students memorize the “body vocabulary” of each movement. In the old days, Tai Chi Masters required students to sing aloud the name of each movement while practicing. If you will do the same, it will help you master the sequence of the form quicker until you can perform it on your own.

Each name actually describes a posture that connects two movements. Each posture is a slight pause. In Chinese, this is called Ding Shi, the Pause Posture. All names are vivid descriptions or analogies. “White Crane Spreads its Wings,” “Wave Hands like Clouds.”

Click http://taichitoday.blogspot.com/2015/02/taichi-24-form-name-list.html to get 24 form name list.

Tip: Visit with Other Students

Always feel free to ask the students around you in the class for advice or explanations. They have also been beginners, and are always glad to help others. Discussions between students will always expose some interesting thoughts, insights, and questions.

Tip: Class is not Equal to Practice

Because a class has very limited time, a common problem for new students is lack of practice. Sadly, attendance at and learning in class is not enough of a commitment. Students should take what they can from class and repeat it at home on their own. To master even the rough appearance of a movement, the movement should be repeated at least 100 times a week.

Practice, practice, practice -- for yourself and for your teacher. Tai Chi teachers never want their students to say “I learned a new thing today, but I already forgot what I learned yesterday.”

Take notes if you can, very few students prepared to take notes!

2015 Taichi China Trip

We have an exciting news for you: we are again planning our 2015 Taichi China Tour! As some of you may know we had a wonderful trip this year, and many of you have asked to be informed when there is another trip plan for next year, here you are:

The trip for 2015 from will be from March 23rd to April 5th, a special class with grand master Chen Zhenglei will be included during 2015 Chen School Disciple Training Program.  We are trying to control the head count under a manageable number, if you are interested, please read the attached itinerary and respond back to me before Dec 30. 2014. 

Click here to see the detail itinerary

Contact email: xie.ming007@yahoo.com 

Phone: 210.526.1688

Wudang Taichi 13 Form 2014 China Wudang Mountain

2014 Spring Taichi Class Photos

Click here to see more photos from Garden Taichi Class

2014 China Taichi Trip

2014 China Taichi Trip Photos, click here for more pictures

Wudang Mountain Local News 2014, May 9

2014 World Qigong Taichi Day

World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day  

Saturday, April 26, 2014 9:00 am – 11:00 am Brackenridge Park  Lambert Softball Field Directly behind the Witte Museum 

World T’ai Chi and Qigong Day (WTCQD) is an annual event held the last Saturday of April to promote the disciplines and many benefits of t’ai chi and qigong. Celebrated since 1999, WTCQD brings people together worldwide across economic and geopolitical lines . . . coming together to celebrate health and healing.  

What will happen? At 10:00 a.m. all t’ai chi practitioners and groups will gather and practice their styles. Demonstrations will follow group practice. A “bring your own picnic lunch” will follow at approximately 11 am. Everyone is welcome to participate.  

What to wear? Wear your t’ai chi uniform or any comfortable clothing to practice in.  

What to bring? Along with your enthusiasm for t’ai chi, bring water, snacks or a picnic lunch if you desire to stay and enjoy the day at the park with other participants.  

How to get there? Off of Hwy 281 N, take the Hildebrand exit, follow right on Hildebrand and turn at the first entrance into the park on your right. Follow the street until it dead ends into the parking lot for the Lambert Softball Field. Look for the large gathering in the open fields by the softball diamond.

2013 San Antonio World Qigong Taichi Day photos

2014 Taichi Class Information Update

We hope you all have had a great Holidays and wish you have a healthy 2014!

Here is the link for garden Taichi classes photos from last year, enjoy.

Click here for 2013 NEISD TaichiSummer Tuesday Class

Click here for 2013 BotanicalGarden Summer Taichi Class

Because Botanical Garden is taking over Garden Taichi classes from NEISD, Garden will handle registration by themselves, for your convenience, here is garden Taichi class information for 2014 Spring session: 

Botanical Garden Taichi Clases: 

To register, go to the link here 

Cost: $120 without membership, $108 with membership

Taichi 24 Form 

Level 1: Tuesdays, February 4 - April 22,  9:30-10:30 am OR
               Saturdays, February 8 - April 26,  9:30-10:30 am 

Level 2: Tuesdays, February 4 - April 22,  10:30-11:30 am      

Taichi 42 Form

Saturdays, February 8 - April 26,  10:30-11:30 am

Chen Style Taichi Workshop by Grand Master Chen Zhenglei

2013 Fall San Antonio Nov. 15-17

On Friday, O.P. Schnabel Park at 9606 Bandera Road, San Antonio TX,78240.

On Saturday, YMCA, Braundera in O.P. Schnabel Park at 9606 Bandera Road, San Antonio TX,78240

On Sunday,O.P. Schnabel Park at 9606 Bandera Road, San Antonio TX,78240

Friday
6:00 pm-9:00 pm............................Silk Reeling                        

Saturday
9:00 pm-12:00 pm...........................Eight Energies/Push Hands
2:00 pm-5:00 pm.............................Laojia Yi Lu Review


Sunday
9:00 pm-12:00 pm...........................Laojia Yi Lu Review    
2:00 pm-5:00 pm.............................Laojia Er Lu Review

Tuition
Full Session: Friday, Saturday, Sunday $300 Before Nov.9th, $340 After Nov. 9th

Friday        $60 Before Nov.9th $80 after Nov. 9th

Saturday    $120 Before Nov.9th, $130 After Nov. 9th

Sunday      $120 Before Nov. 9th, $130 After Nov. 9th

Spectator:  $50.00 per day

Make checks payable to Grand Master Chen Zhenglei.
Cash ONLY if paid during the weekend of the seminar.

Send tuition to: 8314 Apricot Bloom San Antonio, TX 78254

Contact Anthony Lhotka at taichitony@hotmail.com Or call: (210)422-2907
*Please send an e-mail to notify that tuition has been sent for confirmation of receipt.

陈氏太极拳精要十八式套路名称

1、 太极起势,2、 金刚捣碓,3、 揽扎衣,4、 六封四闭, 5、 单鞭, 6、 白鹤亮翅,7、 斜行, 8、 搂膝, 9、 拗步, 10、 掩手肱拳,11、 高探马, 12、 左蹬一跟, 13、 玉女穿梭, 14、 云手, 15、 转身双摆莲,16、 当头炮, 17、 金刚捣碓 18、 收势

4. Brush Knee and Push Hand 搂膝拗步

Brush Knee and Push Hand Movement

1. Empty Step, Up Holding Palm
2. Bend Elbow, Step Forward
3. Brush Knee, Push Hand

Chinese Classics About Holistic View of our Body

曲黎敏-黄帝内经1
曲黎敏-黄帝内经2
曲黎敏-黄帝内经3
曲黎敏-黄帝内经4
曲黎敏-黄帝内经5
曲黎敏-黄帝内经6
曲黎敏-黄帝内经07
曲黎敏-黄帝内经08
曲黎敏-黄帝内经09
曲黎敏-黄帝内经10
曲黎敏-黄帝内经11
曲黎敏-黄帝内经12
曲黎敏-黄帝内经13
曲黎敏-黄帝内经14
曲黎敏-黄帝内经15
曲黎敏-黄帝内经16

Stress Reduction: The dynamic balance of yin and yang

To rest the mind beneath the navel is to condense your spirit,
To direct the qi to the abdomen beneath the navel is to regulate the breath,
The breath and spirit correlate with each other.
To maintain their purity and naturaless is termed not-to-neglect.
To follow their purity and naturaless is termed not-to-aid.
With stillness and relaxation, the breath is smooth, and the spirit is calm.
Let your mind dwell in emptness, and rest your spirit in silence.
Over and over, purify and purify, suddenly you feel your breath and spirit as if they did not exist, It seems that theyb lend together with the whole body.
You are then entranced by a spiritual light, and intoxicated with a sense of euphoria as if you were drunken. - from The Collected Works of Zhang San-feng.

白鹤亮翅 - White Crane Spreads Its Wings

White Crane Spreads Its Wings - this form has 3 moves:
1. Step up and hold a ball
2. Shift weight to back and turn the body
3. Empty stance and sepearate hands

Those 3 moves only help you to memorize the sequencies and composed moves, once you feel you have mastered the move, the transition will be your focus. You shall try to make the moves flow through with smooth transition.

When you practice this form, common mistakes are: When standing in empty stance, the body either lean forward or lean back; buttocks goes out; chest goes out; the left leg too straight; the right knee is not inline with right toes; no empty and solid; double weighted on both feet; step between two feet is too far...

Advanced students shall understand the key practice method for this form is to entirely relax the shoulder and albow when you split the two arms, also coordinate splitting arm and emptying stance. The application (not mentioned here) of the form will be very helpful to train your mind, spirit and moves.

A good teacher will explain in detail where the force is, and how to apply the mind and spirit.

Here are a few key points:

For step up and hold the ball, slightly turn your body to left (this is called "Xu Jin", or make your waist tighten up so to prepare - accumulating the force to the right), the weight shifts to the left leg, your right leg steps up a half step, only use the front of right foot to touch the ground, the right foot becomes completely solid, your body weight shifts to the right leg. Your torso turns slightly to the right side, the left foot moves forward and touches ground with toes point down, and again torso turns slightly to the left side... (will continue...)

This White Crane Spreads Its Wings can also be practiced in still posting: To fully digest the details of this movement, it is better to just hold in still post position. Here is how you can practice; hold standing position of WCSW for more than 5 min or even longer, breathing - natural but deep... make slight move on your two arms that feel they are just two wings, forward and backward, you can start the move big then small, while you are doing that, try to get the feeling of this small move is causing the air around you waved...

Grand Master Chen ManQing's instruction for White Crane Spreads Its Wing:

"As you sit fully on the right leg, the left leg becomes empty, Now raise the left foot and place the toes off to the left-front side, at the same time, the right arm rises, the open right had moves up to protect the right side of the forehead, and drops, brushing past the knee to protect the groin, assisting next to the left hip joint."

Connected movements

In traditional form, White Crane Spreads Its Wing is started from Lift Hand, and transition into Brush knee and Push hand. However, in Simplified 24, the previous movement is Pat Wild Horse Maine.

Question to advanced students: What is the major difference when previous moment is Lift Hand? How do apply the right principle to make the connection absolutely right?

2008 World Qigong Taichi Day Photos

Here are some photos taken from 2008 World Qigong Taichi Day. Thank you for participation. Sal was leading his team in demonstration of Chen Style Taichi Quan.

Click here to see the pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Taichitoday/2008WorldQigongTaichiDay

2008 World Taichi & Qigong Day in San Antonio

To westerns, Taichi exercise is just a flowing dance; it is slow and it seems endless.

April 26, World Taichi & Qigong Day in San Antonio, 80 people had an opportunity to participate and learn what this exercise is about. Sponsored by S.A Taichitoday, Taichi Health Dynamics, S.A Chen Style Taichi Association, BodyMind Centered Therapies, and Matt & Greg Wing Tsun School, the event provided people with much more understandings and flavors.

After practiced together for the first 20 min, each school presented their various styles and forms: Chen short form, Chen old 1st frame, Yang traditional form, Yang short form, Chen Lao Jia Yi Lu, Yang taichi sword, Wu taichi sword, Din bu push hands, free form push hands, Da Lui push hands, Fa Jin… “it opened my mind, I did not know there are so many different ways to practice, and it can be so competitive” said Elma.

It has been proven that Taichi practice has following benefits: Release stress, strengthen Immune system, increase breathing and circulation, gently improve cardio health, lower blood pressure, improve physical alignment, relieve arthritis pain, reduce muscle and back pain, renew sexual vigor and interest, helps alleviate MS and asthma, rehabilitate old and new injuries, increase core strength and balance, gain new flexibility and coordination, restore youthful exuberance.

“Our goal is to promote this Chinese Treasure, to lead them into the door, so people from all age can benefit from it, and we want to share it with everyone and tell people ‘yes’ you can do it”, Xie Ming said, a Taichi instructor.

Most commonly asked questions and answers

About Teacher

Instructor Xie Ming has over 25 years Taichi teaching experience in China and United States.


What skill level is this for?
The class is designed for beginners and intermediate students, and it is for anyone who is seeking a gentle sport to regain his/her capabilities. It is to introduce someone into TaiChi's amazing power. The class addresses great deal in internal development and Qi Gong which a lot of schools in now days rarely mention.

How long can I see the result?
The key is the persistence, it takes at least 1 month to see any result, and that is non stop, practice everyday regardless if you know the complete form or just a few forms. Only relying on 4 times a week will not make you batter quick. You have to commit about 30 min at minimum each day for practicing. Most of student sees the result in 3 months program.

How long can I sign up for (one class, one month, etc?)
For first time, you can sign up just for a month to see if you like it or not, then sign up for a 3 month program, and later sign up for 6 months or 12 months program to enjoy our special discount.

How long and how often is the class?
The class is 1 hour long, and it occurs once a week.

Can I come to observe the class without sign up?
Yes, you can come to join us for free for your first visit, (you still need to pay Botanical Garden admission)

What do I wear?
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You may practice in appropriate exercise shoes, or in bare feet, or cut-off socks (cut the toes off for grip). Please do not wear perfume, cologne or noisy jewelry.

Is TaiChi just for old or sick people?

Not at all. TaiChi is developed as a martial art, it has very soft look, but not soft result. Today most people want to learn it because of health healing power, however, the training can pave you the entrance into Internal Art which is focusing on the internal strength that ultimately generates incredible fighting power and technique.

I have done no exercise for many years, is it safe for me to do Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is one of the safest forms of exercise - it is even prescribed for heart patients in America. However, having said that, the responsibility lies upon each individual to check with his health care practitioner before engaging in any new exercise.


I have terrible coordination and balance, can I learn Taichi?
In the beginning most people struggle with the movements of the Tai Chi form - our brains have to learn again how to properly control their bodies. This is a very common phenomenon, in our modern technological society, where almost all our activity is purely mental - reintegrating body and mind through Tai Chi is one of the best ways to restore our proper human functioning.

Saturday Taichi Class at Botanical Garden, San Antonio

Introduction of Taichi

Taichi, Taichi Chuan, or Tai Ji Chuan is an unique physical exercise that benefits people of all ages. This uniqueness is reflected through: a. slow and graceful movements (from an external view), b. combined meditation in motion (from an internal view), c. provides remarkable relaxation and healing effects, d. can produce incredible fighting power.

It is a proven sport that strengthens the legs while conditioning the tendons and ligaments of the ankles, knees, and hips, increasing their range of motion and making them more resilient, less prone to injury. The constant weight shifts train balance and body awareness, leading to confident ease of movement within the form and in everyday life. Tai Chi is a physical exercise that focuses the mind, while conditioning the body. Practicing twenty minutes a day dissipates stress and reduces stress-related debilities, increases stamina, and strengthens the body and will.

Taichi exercise provides cardiovascular benefits to the body. After practicing Taichi, instead of feeling exhaustion you will feel a rejuvenation of energy. The Taichi exercise is a self-tuning process that empowers your own mind and body to improve your health conditions.
The study has already shown the great evidences that consistent Tai Chi practice is very effective to lower blood pressure, increase bone density, increase heart-lung capacity, lessen arthritis, Diabetes, and reduce back pain.

Taichi is also an ancient philosophy that has been around in China for thousands of years. It represents the Ying and Yang concept which stating everything is in endless changing. A concept that is the foundation of Taoism.

In today’s fast-paced society, many are pursuing ways to regain the qualities of life. Purifying the mind, slowing the aging process, and happiness are becoming very important aspects to each individual. Taichi Chuan has been a proven tool to help you to reach these goals.

New readings in 2008

The article provides considerable research in comparing the styles from different taichi lineage.

3. Part Wild Horse's Mane 野马分鬃

1. Taking back the left foot and Holding a ball
With torso turning slightly to right and weight shifted to right leg, raise right hand until forearm reaches horizontally in front of right part of chest, while left hand moves in a downward curve until it comes under right hand, palms facing each other like holding a ball.

Loose the wrist and drop the elbow. Taking left foot back and holding the ball, the focus goes from left foot to left knee, left hip joint, Low Dan Tian, then Zhong Dan Tian, raising and accumulating the energy.

2. Bow Step and split the arms
Turn body to the left as left foot takes a step towards, bending knee and shifting weight onto left leg, while right leg straightens with whole foot on floor for a left 'Bow Stance'. As turning body raise left hand to eye level with palm facing obliquely up and elbow slightly bent, and lower right and to the side of right hip with palm facing down and fingers pointing forward. The focus is at left hand. The spirit goes from shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand (outside of thumb)

3. Sit back slowly, like take a seat and shift weight onto right leg, raising toes of left foot slightly and turning them outward before placing whole foot on floor. Then bend left leg and turn body to the left, shifting weight onto left leg and making a hold-ball gesture in front of left part of chest, left and on top. Then move right foot to the side of left foot, toes on the floor. The focus is at left hand.

Loose the wrist and drop the elbow. Make taking right foot back and holding the ball the focus goes from right foot to right knee, to right hip joint, to Low Dan Tian, to Zhong Dan Tian, raising and accumulating the energy.

4. Take a right bow stance by moving right foot a step toward left side, straightening left leg with whole foot on floor and bending right leg at knee. At the same time, with body turning slightly to the right, gradually raise right hand to eye level with palm facing obliquely upward and elbow slightly bent, and press left and down to the side of left hip, palm down. The focus is at right hand. The spirit goes from shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand (outside of thumb)

Point to remember: Hold the body erect and keep chest relaxed. Move arms in a curve without stretching them when you separate hands. Use waist as the axis in body turns. The movements in taking a bow stance and separating hands must be smooth and synchronized in tempo. When taking a bow stance, place front foot slowly in position, heel coming down first. The knee of front leg should not go beyond toes while rear leg should be straightened, forming and angle of 45 degrees with ground. There should be a transverse distance of 1 or 2 fists.