Yang Family Tai Chi Discussion Board

Hi Hans-Peter, A good practice is to keep the "3 forwards" pointing in the same direction. Eyes, Lead Hand and Lead Foot. In the "twist-step" we're all talking about we are doing just that. If you draw a straight line from the second toe to the heel and beyond (for both feet), th...

Hi All,

Most internal principles are, without a doubt, inter-connected. But I don't think they are interchangeable. Are we talking about "double-weighting" or "full & empty"?

Regards - Erik

Hi All - Louis - Thanks for that. Wow. The Wu quote pretty much sums up what I've come to realize as double weighting especially during solo practice. Very interesting translations as well. "Two bodies, one mind" - I'll be stealing this if you don't mind. Audi - Since my slant on this prin...

Hi Hans-Peter, You might try asking a practitioner of the Wu Yuxiang branch of Taiji. Sun Lutang stylists especially. They make great use of that stance. In fact it's somewhat of a hallmark of the style. Very practical is usage from what I've seen. Practicioners of the Yang Shaohou lineage seem to b...

Hi Hans-Peter, I use the cross-step often to close in with my opponent on any number of applications. It is an especially useful form of combat footwork when you close in from an outside angle, need to enter sideways or want to add a bit of rotational energy. A good example would be 'Slant Flying'. ...

M, Exactly! It's amazing how this principle - 2 little words - can be taken so many different ways and be equally applicable to each. I'm wondering, and would like to hear, all the different takes on this principle there are out there. I learn something new from each one. Thanks for yours M. Ciao - ...

Hi David and M. David - thanks very much for the link. I'm still a bit new to the site and haven't had a chance to read all of the earlier discussions yet. This was a good read to say the least. M - thanks for your input. I was really looking for something different than the "weight equally dis...

Hi Audi, It's my experience that the majority of solo forms do not necessarily have techniques arranged (one after another) in a manner suitable for practical fighting but are, rather, linked seperate movements. Athough some sequences may follow one another in a free-fighting situation, most don't. ...

Thanks David,

I'll give 'em a good read.

Good Training - Erik

Hi Audi, The truth is, when I was 16, I read an article on Taijiquan in which many Kung Fu teachers stated that they felt Taiji training developed martial skills and character to the highest level. After reading the article I ran to the nearest college to sign up for a course. I went through a few t...

Hey Guys,

Here's some really cool video footage of push-hands and an interesting article.

http://homepage.mac.com/mancheta/imovie.html

http://www.shenwu.com/TS_Article.htm

Hope you like it - Erik

[This message has been edited by Erik (edited 06-23-2002).]

Hi Guys,

This has always been a big topic for me. Anyone want to be the first to talk about it? I'd like to hear what some of your views are regarding double-weighting.

Cheers - Erik

Hi Audi, I think we agree more than it sounds in either of our posts. I used to fight pro-am (I made money if I won) and even fought professionally in the ring in Thailand where I now live. I moved back to the States for a few years and continued training under Tim Cartmell. He is the ONLY person I'...

Hi Audi, I usually place my lead foot where I want it to be when sparring or doing moving step push-hands. I ALWAYS try to keep my lead foot aimed directly at the center of my opponent's mass when I'm at a distance from my opponent or setting up a technique. Sometimes an application will require you...

Hi Again Audi, I love questions like this. Here's a simple app. that I like to use for the "Big Dipper". It can be done very quickly with one continuous wave of force. If you saw it done it would take you just a second to understand it. Writing it is going to be difficult but here goes: Sw...