Tai Chi Fundamentals for Taiji Beginners

[trintitywise]

Master Jesse, like Roviern i went to your site and there were a lot of DVD's. I'm a beginner. No health problems. What's a good one for me to start with?

Also thanks for the videos. I really enjoy them.

[BaronVonKitarg]

I'm completely new to tai chi, thank you for this video, you are a very good teacher. :)

[22524457]

Oh very easy nice exercise - Thank you

[Biancanon]

"why are you making these videos?"??? i know that's 2 yrs ago but wtf. people on here will upload a 2-second video of a picture and a movie line... maybe you prefer that. tai chi tutorials were MADE for YouTube.

[taichitsao]

Roviern,

Try the Tai Chi Silk Reeling!

[roviern]

Master Jesse, I went to your site and there are so many DVD'S for beginners. Which do you recommend for someone who has arthritis and wants to improve health and lessen effects of arthritis, especially in neck, shoulders and hands. I'm not really old but have rheumatoid arthritis. I don't want to take drugs like the doctors want. Thanks.

[PakoTaiChi]

No me entero de na

[silvena86]

thank you for doing this.....The modern civilisation needs to turn back to its inner self.

[zaiterentertainment]

i am starting today i need this in my life time for change is now thank you very much

[HJLS123]

I really want to learn tai ch, but I dont have money, and where I live there isnt a place for learn... But with this kind of videos Im learning Yeah!!! Thanks!!!

[Seecubedeye]

Thanks, you're a good teacher.

[kleiva1980]

Ve a chingar tu madre.

[didiradev]

Thank you!

[MsAnnaSays]

i am going to start doing this tomorrow. Hopefully it helps. Thx for the video!

[blancatc]

A mi parece bien, la malloria de orientales son los que realizan mejor los movientos de taichi

[lemosrodrigo72]

improvisado y no domina el tema

[SeriousSam505]

i think i start to feel energy when i do this, i though using energy was difficult, what i've learned in tai chi was that keep the center of gravity and mutualyze the enemys force

[AlabamaSoldier]

The form is beautiful to look at.

[krtswims]

Lack of energy and motivation is getting me down.

I used to be very athletic but a work injury to my knee has left me partially disabled. I've had 2 surguries to my left knee and have no miniscus left.

I'm looking for something that will help my negative outlook and improve my heath.

Man, I think this is the first time I haven't been a smart ass on the net. Appreciate the comments and any help.

bummed out

[RestlessMike]

live strong dude!!! dont waste time complaining and get in tai chi classes...

[paullywalnuts2]

Hey Iam a longtime practioner of the arts and also severely injured. I have also been out of work for months and I dont know when Im going back.... IF...... there are any credible chi gung teachers in your area go to them. It works, you must suspend your disbelief and practice diligently everyday. DONOT LOSE HOPE YOU CAN RECOVER. Where are you from I may know people in your area.

[Thetaichifighter]

Excellent demonstration Master.

[SeriousSam505]

very good master, you are the perfect teacher

[07fasol]

dommage je comprends pas l'anglais...

bien je vais l'apprendre...

[debwatch]

Thank you so much for all this information - your explanations are great!!! Thank you!!!

[yiching2007]

Agree with you! This channel is very useful and good teaching. Very good stuff! I wish I can have a tai chi sifu like this man!

[Drakula5]

Thanks to Master Tsao! I`m monitoring his videos for 2 years and have found a lot of essential aspects not written in books. Russia is far from USA but the information is everywhere in ourselves and in Master. Great thanks! Really Tai Chi is an ART! Whis respect and admiration!

[gaugin1903]

I boght almost all of the DVD's of Master Tsao. I find his teaching miraculous. There are thousands of Tai Chi teachers, but my experience with the teaching of master Tsao prove me that his teaching is the most natural and by this the most easy to digest, the most human and the most effective teaching one even cannot imagine before having experienced it.

Beside it master Tsao teaching is very complex and at the same time very symple.

I know him only from his video's, but his teaching is. . .

[a290580]

I dont know much about tai chi..biut I find it very interesting ...can someone tell me why so many people say it`s a womens martial art?

[kiwisdad1]

Taiji is the art.. 'Tai Chi' is a way of life - it draws from compassion, yielding, love. These are the traits of the Yin; the 'female' side of the Yin/Yang philosophy. I recommend 'The Spirit of Tai Chi' by John Lash. This book explains the idea of the feminen side of Tai Chi (I think) pretty well.

[aja978]

you may also find the book "T'ai Chi for Dummies" useful. it demystifies T'ai Chi principles and practices for Westerners

selfservingbooks (.) com/dummies/T%27ai+Chi+for+Dum­mies/1139

[ replace (.) with . ]

[kanalje]

I want this global health.

[MistaBoombastik]

Hi, i'm looking for a way to improve my global health and reduce stress/anxiety. So I was wondering which was more effective : yoga or tai-chi. I imagine there are a lot of "styles" for each and i don't want to start a debate... just knowing that I can exercice 1 hour daily, which would YOU recommend.

Cheers.

[8dahar1]

What's "global" health? Here's a possibility: try alternating between yoga and tai chi on different days.

[Diamondwisp]

I believe tai chi is the most efficient system. Simply because while you are doing it you are also applying the principles of yoga and meditation. Also you get to learn some self-defense on the way. I try to do some yoga stretches before tai chi.

[iceprocrazy]

meditation is the best my wote for zen ! :D

[catpoo123456]

What is global health?

[EmYoussif]

I'd suggest Yoga.. but well as u see someone says yoga another one says tai chi.. so I suggest u ask an expert.. Try visiting "yogagarden's channels" and ask there.. am sure u'll get a satisfying answer from them :)

[SeriousSam505]

i've hear that chinese woman use yoga for their physical state

[EmYoussif]

NO doubt. I mean yoga is an amazing physical practice :) I do it too and I feel physically great actually =)

[djwrd123]

Hello, I've tried both yoga and tai chi. After long-term practice with both, I've found that they each provide some similar benefits and also some very different energetic movement, within the body. My suggestion is to try both and obtain some level of comfort with both and make your decision. Everyone's body, emotional and energetic system is different and each system offers unique benefits, for all types of people.

[beccasmomabcd]

Thank you. I was really wondering that .

I'm trying yoga too but I wonder about Tai Chi. You answered my question.

[Unityspirit50]

how do you do this when i have a very bad ankle that wont let me put a lot of weight on it nor does it support my weight. thanks

[8dahar1]

Go see a doctor about the ankle and ask his advice. Tai Chi is low impact but there are postures that might pose a problem for your ankle.

[lostfigur3]

Thank you very much for your videos.

[sasuketiger]

sifu tsao, could you please explain what is the difference between the five main tai chi styles?

[shogundidier69]

very intersting informations, please try to have same informations in French then I'll be happy to translate these to my students in my School in Belgium

Shgoundidier69

[yamamangiao]

what type of sick ness the taichi can fix it?

to the master taichi

[thelastflannelman]

why are you making these videos?

[taichitsao]

Tai Chi is a good practice for mind-body wellness. It makes people feel better. I use videos to share my teaching with other instructors, remote area students who have no teacher around, ....

[thelastflannelman]

thats very generous of you. i've been practicing for about a month now, and it has had a positive influence in my life.

[Larry6995]

@taichitsao You are an enlightened being and an example for us all. Thank you!

[MrJesus666]

sifu tsao, i was just wondering you said in this vidio that yang and not exsist with out yin and vice verca, but on the sybol on ba gua they have those lines around the eight sides and the brkoen lines are like the yin i think, how come some of them are just purly yin and purly yang?

[taichitsao]

From Yi-jing, Bagua represents the changes.  If you see the 8 sides as a whole, they are yin/yang balanced! The solid three lines is qian (sky), balanced with the broken three lines kun (earth). ...... Hope some other people can answer you better!

[Tianshou88]

One question..are taiji movements aimed to reflect qian and kun in the sense of qian rising and kun sinking? I have a hard time applying these philosophies to physical movements. Do you have any suggestions for material on this subject? I am greatly interested in understanding yin/yang balance in taiji as represented in movements.

[bigfatdick5000]

@MrJesus666

From I-Ching: Ying/Yang, are the two fundamentals in the universe where all thing form, like binomials 0-1, in computer codes where all codes form from. and then Ying/Yang branches off to eight "guas" - the octagon you see in the bagua, they explain eight directions or 8 phenomenons - those 'broken-full lines' you see by rematching them into different combinations gives off *64* different Gua's that can fully explain every phenomenon in this universe - every one of them is unique.

[bigfatdick5000]

@MrJesus666

E.g. Take the very top segment of the octagon ba-gua (what we perceive as "North" direction), take that segment, it should called "Gang" gua if I am correct, the "broken and full" lines combination are unique in "Gang", so as for the other 7 gua's (segments) along the octagon, this is the Gua for "social hierachy" - it explains how humans move up in society - the 6 stages of the lines inside this segment each has it's own wisdoms and cautions, this is the Gua for social mobility.

[bigfatdick5000]

@MrJesus666

Get a I-Ching commentary if you can, each of the 64 Gua's can get really in depth, they offer wisdom and foresight for *Change*. I-Ching explains *changes* in this universe so you can take precautions and get a basic idea why things are the way they are and not be overwhelmed when things happen.

[killerantho]

yo yo lets fight! ill take u out!

[fu546]

wow...good to see this video is popular...i need some advice...are there anyway to move your crotch more properly??i tried a few times but i feel like my leg or my stomach muscles are moving it...please guys!!i need some advice!!

[Loveyouall91]

this is so relaxing...it feels so good to do..makes me feel all better..cleaner inside..respect to the internal systems..I used to look at them with discontent..now..it is so blissful..I love it..

[yamamangiao]

thankyou

[EricOfBodomMan]

im gonna take a tai chi class this weekend

and see how I like it

also i might take aikido

[Melyannadevart]

Aikido is great!

I am also to start Tai Chi next week.

[blkguy620]

I want to study Tai chi, with hopes of mastering the discipline someday. I don't care if Im 100 years old by the time I master it, I just want to master it. The benefits outweigh time.

[Aheyne]

Why would you deliberately do something.. just to master it? Clearly you are interested in Tai Chi for the wrong reasons, my friend.

[mamba109]

For anyone wondering, it's never too young or too old to start tai chi.

[taichitsao]

Nice statement! Agree with you!

[sasuketiger]

now i know why yin and yang is the symbol of tai chi!

[kungfuikillyou]

this style looks good, i might take intrest in learning it.

[sinistavoicez]

If I ever move back out to San Diego I would be honored if you would instruct me. I have a chang Chuan foundation (Zou Chuan, lien bu chuan, er lu mai fu, etc. still studying)also I'm just beginning in Chen style, but Sifu english not so good don't get me wrong I love all my teachers my father included. However your nei jia techniques could really open my eyes.

[hula48]

thank you for sharing . i really wanted to learn this , and now i can do it my self!!

[mksterr]

amazing teacher and wholistic art

[CSBPriestess]

My Mother at age 65 started Tai chi and only a few months later she could run circles around me and my sister, I was 35 and my sister was 45 Tai Chi Works! This Guy knows what he is talking about!

[BlackGatchaman]

This really helps me a lot. Thanks for posting this! 5/5

[Frostylover159357]

he says ding but is there dong?

[kotodinganshunina]

lol, good one!

[yiching2007]

I agree with you! This is a true master. He is Jesse Tsao in San Diego. I have his DVDs. Very good instruction lessons.

[idesignmotion]

when i listen what he taught. I notice that this master isn't a fake. he's a genius and experience taichi practicioner and a teacher.

I love the person who posted this.

[phoney33]

Tai chi is a combination of martial arts and energy flow for self-healing! Haha.....

[imbrd]

i dont get wats funny...

[soryy708]

uhh, so whats tai chi? a kind of a dance or self deffance martial art??

[themusclewhisperer]

it is a martial art but most people use it for the health benefits.

I initially started practicing to improve my body mechanics as a massage therapist and improve my lack of balance. It has so many more benifits (including my ADD) that I absolutely love it!!

[jhestheeasamson]

Thank you Sensei for posting this video!!!

Earlier in my life I wish I can have an old scroll of kungfu and now that we are modern where will we find this sacred knowledge ofcourse here in youtube.

Teach us more Sensei! :)

[MoonlightChristmas]

Ha Ha! Were learning tai chi for Core/school, and yes, it does sonud like he says "you suck" but he says it at 3:36 not 3:35...

[maritimii]

woah!, I saw this guy on television once hehe.

[tatoneh]

good

[MoonCross10]

haha they mandarin to english (you suck) =)

[CheapCassette]

at 3:35 it sounds like he says "you suck"

dont get all angry over this comment, its sounds like he says it. and i thought it was funny.

[88jackjack88]

lol im pretty sure he does

[atxryan321]

lol, he says "yourself"

[PrismaRay]

awesome form this guy has it 4 real...right!

[ChinaChruth]

those are sum killer wlbows i dun wanna mess wit this man :P

[roywilliams61]

I used to practice the short form yang style tai chi, 8 years ago but I forgot some of the forms. There's three different styles I believe, Yang, Cheng, and Wu something. I'm going to get back into it. It's a good health/meditation exercise.

[kingjoshthemightyman]

very helpful, and good presentation, nice.

[wailiquan]

NICE!

[HyuugaFaisal]

where can i learn tai chi cuz i only find karate,takewondo,and jodo.sorry ...i cant speak english very well

[Tyrant1993]

there are some location local where your live or you can always buy dvds for tai chi lesson

[Tyrant1993]

there are some location local where your live or you can always buy dvds for tai chi lesson

[Reborious]

Hello! Great video! I was wondering, is 14 too young to start learning Tai Chi?

[yiching2007]

Some kids start tai chi at only 8 years old!

[Reborious]

@yiching2007

Wow! I was manily wondering because a Tai Chi program near me has the ages of 14-70 on it, and I don't really want to be the youngest person there...

[joshb0y]

Dude, I started at 14. Do it, you'll never look back - It's not easy at first but I find myself thanking myself for starting when I did. Feel free to give me a shout :-)

[Blessedsoulfather]

respect..

[eltaocris]

You are great, master. Continue with this kind of teaching.

[taichitsao]

Thank you! I will!

[pippismo]

nice video.. you rock!

[BSPrince]

"this is an elbow" hahaha nice video btw but when you said this is an elbow i couldn't help but laugh

[KaosuAiden]

O.o he said "it's the elbow" referring to the term "Zhou" lmao pay attention

[gungji9]

as always another great video from taichitsao thankyou for sharing with us some of our knowledge.

谢谢你朋友我很喜欢你的邓希(mychinese is poor i am afraid but i try to practice as often as possible)

[taichitsao]

Good try! I can understand your writings in Chinese, but you made mistakes in the last two words :-) Try again "Dong Xi"

[gungji9]

Thank you， so it is 东西 is that correct? your Tai Ji is some of the best i have seen on youtube i especially enjoy your applications they are making think about my styles a lot more since i saw your demonstrations, after i left china i have not had the chance to find a good teacher so i have to rely on things i find here so its nice to find someone who is practical and not just show.

[taichitsao]

Correct!

[ibelieveinhumans]

My first class I thought I was doing everything wrong because I kept creating a round, flavorful delicious dessert. Then it occurred to me that I was taking Pie Chi; completely different than this kind of stuff.

[gaura]

that looks like a mean elbow !!!

[LegendaryDamon]

i did tai chi for first time i fele pins and needle in my body fowing like some kind of energy and like my bones were creaking when i moved very slowly im i doing it right can someone explain please i will be very grateful

[Physicalarts0]

I am not sure if you doing it right,ask your teacher. and i wouldn't worry about pins and needles, this is probably increased circulation which you will get doing tai chi, the creaking of bones is probably not bones but ligaments, which i find that things like that are going on all the time for me. just keep doing you practice and go to your teacher with any issues.

[themusclewhisperer]

The creaking is called crepitus and can be caused by any number of things.

[Mikaelnth]

This is about as much for beginners, as Roger Federer playing tennis with novices.

[bai914]

Hips can use "Kao", like shoulder's bump!!!!

[findreligion]

When doing these movements, do you meditate, would you give an example of what kind of energy you channel in.

[shikakubu]

the best way to yin and yang in taichi is the fact that one foot has all your weight in most motions, full and empty.

[elgrau1]

tai chi should never have all the weight on one foot, that would un-balance the yin and yang...

[evilcritic]

yea but tai chi isn't a person. are you talking about the forms? if so, then what you said is not true. when using a tai chi body to fight, and the practitioner needs more power, he will HAVE to separate the chi as much as possible to generate that power. that is, one portion of the body has yang and the other portion has yin. depending on style, the person would choose whichever portion of his body as the attacking side.

[elgrau1]

how would you ever get more power only using half your body? if you keep your yin and yang balanced you can use your entire body for power. the way that you say one should generate power would surely throw you off balance. and that is completely against tai chi's concepts of timing, distance, precision, and POSTURE.

[imbrd]

not quite- for example, when u want to lift a leg or move it, if u leave dead weight in the leg, it becomes incomparably heavy-> cause tension-> lose own CG. but if u sink all weight into one leg, the other leg becomes lighter yet u r rooted. while it is impossible to fully seperate weight, the more u seperate yin and yang, the more stable you become.

[imbrd]

heres another way to look at it: in a 50-50 stance with legs shoulder width apart, the CG is approximately located at the Dantien. for maximum stability, the CG should always be located over the support. now if u try to slide some weight to the right say into a 70-30 position, then ur CG has moved 70 percent to the right- still not over the support. thus when u attempt to lift the left foot, it is very difficult even unstable.

[andywoooooo]

I train in Yang style, always been taught that generally beginners are taught to have 70-30balance, but for the more advanced, if your stake (im not sure how to pronounce the word, chang?) is fully down one axis and your moving an empty step then its 100 on the staked foot.

[scottlindsey]

neato!

[RamzGT]

Master Tsao: Thank you for your time in making this video - I am beginning to understand the concepts and applications of Chi energy, and am wondering if this energy is the same as what is called 'psychic energy' in the more western concepts of mental energy. Thanks very much.

[taichitsao]

RamzGT, Tai Chi's energy flow is more like the energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine system. It is real and can be felt, not pure mental energy :-)

[RamzGT]

So it is more a manifestation of physical energy? Is it possible to convert the physical to the mental energy? Thanks again ^_^

[LegendaryDamon]

Hi Master Tsao i know this sounds cheeky but if i giv eu my email address could u write it down what you mean by yin and yan i am partially deaf poor hearing and speakers not very loud.

Faithfully Damon =)

[taichitsao]

Yin and Yang are two opposite things, high and low, day and night, forward and backward, men and women, left and right, water and rock, open and close, motion and stillness, soft and hard....... They are all yin and yang.

[RinionTheWise]

Does that mean that Yin and Yang are good and evil as well? I'm simply curious. I've been looking over many of your videos and I am very interested in Tai Chi. Thank you!

[xnozomichanx]

they can represent good and evil, but you must remember that they are not "pure" they both contain a "piece" of the other, and thus create balance. (^-^)

[synax444]

Excellent video, thank you!

[sixnohit]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I just signed up for a Tai Chi class. Thanks for your explanation. I'm very excited about the class.

[taichitsao]

Good luck sixnohit! Thank you for like my videos. Go to my website taichihealthways dot com for more free lessons.

[DRGQ]

Very informative about the importance of yin and yang

for balance.

[cubix77]

Thank you Master Tsao for making your videos and teachings available to us, who live in countries other than the United States. I like explanations of the theory which informs the practise of Tai Chi.

[taichitsao]

CUbix77, thank you for your comment. I am sure will produce more instructional videos with useful explanation.