class #1

Why post a video of 'doing nothing?' to start?

One of the most interesting parts of the first move is not the first move. This can be thought of in the phrase "doing is not doing." I associate this idea with "wu chi," the void, which can be thought of as the time before you start the form. In many ways, the seconds or minutes in preparation 'to begin" encompasses a practice in and of itself. Settling the body and mind down, getting into the proper positions, 'feeling ready," these are all important ideas that should be attended to before starting your tai chi. My best practice sessions can always be predicted by how and when I begin and with what level of attention and intention I use TO BEGIN. I know my tai-chi will be fantastic when I feel it happening when it hasn't happened yet. This is a real feeling and you will know it when you feel it. Suggestion: practice "wu chi," before starting. Only start your tai-chi when the body and mind give you active signals that it is time to proceed. The intention you put into understanding when to 'cross the void' into tai chi is an important concept to learn over time. It will take time. There is no need to rush into the first moves of your tai-chi practice.

"Clear the heart and settle the nature is a principle gongfu of all gongfu, but clearing and settling would have to be based upon the stillness and stableness, only after the extremely still and silence one is able to clear the heart and settle the nature, then the conscience appears and followed by the realization, and this is the true realization." The correct understanding of Tai Chi Chuan practice, By Li Ya-shuan (1893-1976)

Focus for class and week 1

• • Meet each other

  • Basic Introduction to Tai Chi

  • Introduction and practice preparatory exercises (neck up/down, neck left right, neck around, shoulders to ears, shoulders rolls, 2 chest bellows, waist turns, knees, ankles, wrists, kicks)

  • Learn and practice two hands begin tai-chi

  • Learn and practice the double, front, and back stances (Chi Gong)

  • Understand crossing the center line

  • Learn and practice moving from the waist (the core)

added 2/8/15