Tai Chi Nation:: 24 Posture Compact Yang Style Form (rear view) Tai Chi Demo

[wushujohn]

Very fluid and connected movement. All of the current Tai Chi champions of China adjust there back foot on the ball of foot, this lowers the centre of gravity and allows greater rootedness, not  less. However the arguments on this only serve to divide rather than harmonise Tai Chi., People shoul just see the beuaty of your movements, this speaks for itself.

[chrisweho]

adjusting your foot on the heal or toe depends on the application. In the traditional Yang style the heal stays connected to the ground. In the Beijing 24 committee form your heal slides... There are applications where your foot could be locking with an opponent.

[ssbreon]

Good performance and sequence! The only suggestion I have is to turn your back foot in by pivoting on your heel, not the ball of your foot, so you will not lose power.

[taichimatt]

thanks for the first comment. The second comment makes no sense to me as this is the correct way for this style.

[ssbreon]

In Yang style, adjusting your back foot by pivoting on the ball of your foot is considered a big "no-no". From a technical standpoint, it is beneficial to keep your back heel connected to the ground to maintain a solid groundpath. If you were taught differently than standard Yang style for this form, then I'm not sure the reason. I only offer this as constructive criticism. The rest of your form looks great.

[taichimatt]

thanks, yes I see what you mean, but not all the masters agree. I also practise cheng man ching, in which we turn on the heel.

[ssbreon]

Man that would drive me crazy doing it two different ways! I admire you for practicing the foot adjustment differently based on the form, but I'm still puzzled on the reasoning behind turning on the ball of the foot. Oh well...

[taichimatt]

hi there,

its not that hard. the reason I found out, is that turning on the ball of the foot has less impact on the hip joint as is more suitable for health. But who knows

best wishes

matthew

[laoshagua]

Hi again. I had a teacher who was a karate black belt who switched to tai chi when he hit middle age. He said the reason for turning on the heel is that you are advancing on your opponent and it moves you foreward. The reason for turning on the ball is what matthew said. It all depends on why you think you're doing tai chi. Martial arts or health. Regards.

[taichimatt]

thanks, glad you like it.

[laoshagua]

Hi! I really like this sequence - it took me two views and about ten minutes to learn (using my own variations of the moves of course!) I love that it opens in the traditional way and includes 'slant flying', which is usually dropped in the chinese short forms. Also the possibilities for repetitions and launching off into other variations. Best short form I've come across!

[rosswoof]

The beginning is like the Yang Cheng Fu long form but I have never seen this before... What is it?

[taichimatt]

Hi, this is the BCCMA (british council for chinese martial arts) simplified yang style 24 posture form. It was devised in the late 1980's by Master Huang Jifu as a beginners form, which is very compact.

[laoshagua]

Analysis: the form follows the long yang opening up to 'white crane', marking transition between micro and macro cosmic orbits, then moves to standard Beijing 24 eliminating all repetitions - exception being 'slant flying' as transition between 'repulse monkey' and 'cloud hands', again as in the long form, instead of 'sparrows tail'. This makes it 'feel' like doing a proper tai chi form rather than a series of graded exercises. Singing a simple song not just practicing scales!