Progression from foundational forms through advanced partner and weapons training, organized by rank. Select any rank to explore.
Part 3 is the final section for training Taijiquan at medium speed (中速, zhōngsù). Students are expected to perform techniques smoothly, efficiently, and confidently while employing all of the principles and skills learned in earlier training. Although medium speed practice does not focus on partner training, students will be expected to demonstrate a strong knowledge of how martial applications relate to the movements at this level of intensity and speed.
Fast speed (快速, kuàisù) Taijiquan is practiced for developing a stronger sense of opponent and martial intent. The movements need to be performed at a speed that is practical for combat. Students should manifest soft Jing for offense manifesting power (發勁, fā jìng) and firmly rooted Neutralizing Jìng (化勁, huà jìng) for defense. This level focuses on the second part of the form.
There are more than 200 fighting techniques in the Yang-style Long Form. In Taijiquan Martial Applications 3 (太極拳應用二, Tàijíquán yìngyòng èr), you must analyze, deconstruct, and demonstrate martial applications of movements from the third part of the Yang-style traditional form. Each application must contain at least one technique from each of the 4 fighting categories: kicking, punching, wrestling, and Qin Na (Chin Na) (擒拿, qín ná).
Testing: The panel will choose 3 postures from Part 3. You will demonstrate as many applications as you can of each posture with reasonable quality.
Criteria is under review
Borrowing Jìng (借勁, jiè jìng) is a reaction and sensitivity drill. You must detect and deflect your opponent’s push before its power is fully manifested.
Cai Lie Zhou Kao (採列 肘靠, cǎi liè zhǒu kào) is another popularly practiced international double pushing hands routine. Cai (pluck), Lie (rend), Zhou (elbow), and Kao (bump) are the next 4 Taijiquan postures after Peng, Lü, Ji, and An.
Testing: You should be able to switch back and forth between the right and left sides
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 practice the Yang-side of the form with Bagua circling (八卦圈, bāguàquān). Direction changes should also incorporate plucking the wrist and sweeping the leg.
