Yang Family Tai Chi Discussion Board

Hi

i am now nearing completion of my long form (after eight months of training everyday) and one of my old teachers recommended this (though i do not know his taichi style except his instructor was from taiwan). it was the "holding the ball stance" which he said is very important for gathering strength and increasing strength.

my question is is their official yang family way of zhan zhuang excercize? I am spent time and investment in this form and wish to continue it and would appreciate any help. i dont think it is in the dvd i purchsed (tradiontal long form).

many thanks,
Ash

Hi Ash,

I am not sure that there is an "official" way. If there is, I hope someone chimes in with more accurate information than mine. What I think is recommended is as follows:

Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder width, maybe with your toes pointed a little away from each other. Bend your knees slightly, and raise your arms in front of your chest as if hugging a large tree trunk. Keep your fingers almost touching while keeping the arm circle as big as possible. Keep the hands slightly higher than the elbows and the palms tilted slightly inward and upward. Follow the Ten Essentials. Open and relax all the joints. Relax you muscles. Stay like this for a while. Working up to 20 minutes or more would be great.

For external practice, you can do this even while watching TV. To include internal practice, do it in silence while relaxing and calming your mind.

Take care,
Audi

Thank you Audi,

I will certainly give that a try. What kind of audi do you drive btw, is it a TT?

My brother had an Audi A3. Superfast it was!

best of wishes,
Ash