Yang Family Tai Chi Discussion Board

Hi Frank, I couldn't agree more. Just wanted to make sure we were talking about solid fighting abilities and not just more theory. Here's a cool quote from Tim Cartmell saying basically the same thing you posted: "...An almost unlimited number of efficient martial techniques (those based on tru...

Hi Audi, The opponent is trying to prevent you from placing your RIGHT fore-arm across his upper chest by grasping, blocking or pushing on your RIGHT wrist with his RIGHT hand. You then sit back to relieve the pressure, exchange the grasp (grab his right with your right) and re-direct or pull his ri...

Hans-Peter, Look under "suggestions for new forums". Whatever style Xingyi you practice Tim probably knows all about it. He used to be a translator for a martial arts publication that took him to nearly every great teacher in China. They all loved him because he speaks Chinese better than ...

Pretty ones! Haha!

- Erik

Roll-back, Press, Push series. You begin with your right foot just to the outside and behind the opponent's left foot. Opponent has the left foot forward. You are holding the opponent's lead wrist with your left hand and have his elbow in the palm of your right hand (a wrist & elbow control posi...

Audi, It's not so much a block, per se, as it is a gentle re-directing of the attack with your left fore-arm. The funny thing is - it works both ways. Generally I try to get to the side of the opponent so in this case I would make contact with the INSIDE of my left forearm and re-direct the opponent...

Hi Audi, Heck no! The Yang style is not really famous for keeping it's combat footwork. Sun style is really good for this. The footwork is exactly the same as you would use it for fighting. My opinion is that forms training is body mechanics training. When I fight I try to do what comes natural - an...

Hi Audi, Great reply. Sounds like you've really thought about this. I mis-understood and thought you were looking for counters for the single & double leg take-down. When you hear stories like the one you mentioned keep in mind that Chen's opponent was experiencing that old feeling of being outc...

Hi Hans-Peter, My computer died on me the other day but I'm up and running again. Look for more details in the 'applications and free-fighting' thread. By the way, I noticed you on Tim's Shen Wu board. I studied with Tim for a few years and just to let you know - He is the most PHENOMENAL internal f...

Hi Audi, Glad you liked the application(s). I usually do the form once then spend the majority of my time on drills and applications. Regarding the hook in Single Whip - I did forms corrections with Teacher Yang privately at his home in Taiyuan and the first time I saw him do his form I really liked...

Hi All, Here are 2 applications that really work well for me in push hands and free sparring derived from Single Whip and Single Whip Lower Gesture. Single Whip - Opponent strikes with his lead hand (right foot forward). You (left foot forward and on the outside of his) block and grab/stick to it wi...

Hi Hans-Peter, I love training in applications too. I think it's natural but incorrect to think of one gesture from the form as having only one usage. Often a practical application will use the same wave of force while looking significantly different in appearance. Think of it like hand-writing. We ...

Hi Louis,

I was that knuckle-head in the class that actually had to be hit or thrown on his butt while everyone watched and laughed knowing what was coming.

Did you ever ask him if it hurt?

Take Care Mister - Erik

Hi Guys,

Just browsing the above posts. My mandarin is not what it used to be. I haven't been back to China in a while - but what about the "13 Gestures"? Just a thought.

Good Training - Erik

Here might be another way of looking at the 5 elements (forward, back, left, right, central or whatever terms you personally use for them). In order for the body to generate the most power possible, already assuming you are moving with proper structure, you must use 3-dimentional movement. Pitch, ro...