Tai Chi at Triyoga of Cedar Rapids is systematically presented in order to develop the full range of Tai Chi practices. I use fifteen basic movements in order to produce good alignment with the proper motion and coordinated breath.
Basic Level: The beginning class focuses on the unique system of whole body movement that is the core of Tai Chi. You become more aware of your body, learn to flow from your center of gravity and relax the physical, mental, and emotional tension through proper motion and breath. This will create a calm emotional state that quiets the mind and leads to insight and inspiration. People who want to learn balance, to relax or how to move more effectively for other activities, or may have health concerns will find basic classes easy and fun.
Level One: We focus on learning a "form." Forms in Tai Chi are a connected set of flowing movements that train the body to coordinate torso, arms and legs in useful patterns. These patterns are connected to health, but are primarily designed to be useful for self-defense. The Form is first learned as choreography. When the body internalizes the movement then one begins to learn the function. Forms can be practiced in different ways to develop different skills. The form practice begins to change as you gain skill, from slow, to fast, using pulsing rhythms, and from large movement to small. Stretching sets and exercises to strengthen the body are also introduced. Chi Kung or energy exercises are built into the form and are also practiced separately. Most Chi Kung in Tai Chi is to learn to transport energy. I primarily teach Yang based forms. A form is great way to practice moving meditation and complements other forms of exercise.
Level Two: Begins to work with Push Hands to gain sensitivity and strengthen specific muscle groups. The partner work of Push Hands brings out the art of Tai Chi. You sense physical movements with the goal of controlling your opponent's body better than they do. Applications associated with the form are taught. Power training exercises as well as two person combat forms, smaller counter drills, and impact training with equipment are introduced. This is where self-defense begins. Applications give one basic ideas, but are rather useless in fighting. One has to gain experience and reactions in order to begin work on fighting skills. Tai Chi is not a system of applications from the form, but a training method to gain a way of fighting. I have to teach some students to unlearn form movements, because their footwork is too rigid and lacks the freedom that comes from the method rather than the form. Tai Chi includes a full range of striking, and kicking skills. Specialized work in learning how to move in and out of range, to move with the opponent is build up. Eventually joint locking, point striking and throws are added.
Personal cultivation is possible in Tai Chi. It is a wonderful method for learning how to regulate the emotions, the physical body, and ones own will power. It is a meditation producing greater awareness and self-knowledge. It does not rely on a moral code or creed, but on examining one self and gaining control of thoughts, emotional-imaginations, energy, and the physical body. In this sense it differs from many kinds of martial art. One major difference is the emphasis on a relaxed whip like way of generating power, and to make the power come from a powerful inner part of the limbic system. Slow breathing changes the brain wave patterns and produces meditative states. One does not discipline the self with an ideal but begins to transform the larger self by allowing a physical change through relaxation. Transformation comes from within.
