Progression from foundational forms through advanced partner and weapons training, organized by rank. Select any rank to explore.
Taiji Fighting Set Applications (太極對手之應用, tàijíquán zhī yìngyòng) will help solidify Taiji fighting concepts in your pushing hands and Taiji sparring practice. In this level, you must incorporate the alternative options and applications that you explored in the previous level into the sequence. The sequence should still be performed as a whole but with the new techniques mixed in.
In Taiji Sword Matching (太極劍對練, tàijíjián duìliàn), students must create 5 short repeating routines with a partner that demonstrate offensive and defensive techniques based in correct Taiji sword theory. The techniques should be different than routines that students have created for previous levels.
The classical Yang-style Taiji Saber (楊氏太極刀, Yángshì tàijídāo) form consists of 32 movements. Saber is usually the first short weapon learned to develop a foundation for all other short weapons training. In Taijiquan, it is important to coordinate the physical and Qi bodies together with the weapon.
The Taiji Sword Fighting Set (太極對劍, tàijí duìjiàn) consists of the 2-person sequence San Cai Dui Jian (三才對劍, sāncái duìjiàn). The first and second halves of the solo sequence San Cai Jian actually match each other in exchanging offensive and defensive techniques. Through this practice, students will gain a better understanding of sword applications.
Taiji Sword Applications (太極劍應用, tàijíjián yìngyòng) is the analysis, deconstruction, and discussion of techniques from the Yang-style Taiji Sword form. In this level, you should be able to execute at least 5 applications from a semi-cooperative freestyle sword matching situation.
Taiji Symbol (AKA Yin Yang Symbol, Yin-Yang Sticking Hands, Silk Reeling ) (太極圈纏手練習, Tàijí quānchánshǒu liànxí) is an important foundation to Taiji Pushing Hands and Taiji Sparring. It is also known as Tai Chi symbol training, or Yin-Yang Sticking Hands. A competent level will allow a practitioner to smoothly transition from one technique to another.
In this level, students must mix both the Yang-side and Yin-side patterns along with stepping forward, backward, and in circles. Direction changes should still be present as well.
