Sun style (孫家)
Was developed by Sun Lutang (孫祿堂) (1861-1932), who was expert in all three internal martial arts styles (Xingyi, T'ai Chi and Bagua). He absorbed elements of the Chen, Yang and Wu (Wu Yu Xiang) styles to develop his own style, which is characterized by small circular movements and high stances.
T'ai Chi training and techniques
The term "t'ai chi" is held to be related to the t'ai chi t'u (taijitu), more commonly known as the "yin-yang" diagram. T'ai chi techniques thus balance yin (soft/receptive) and yang (hard/active) principles in a number of ways.
T'ai chi training works on the Taoist principle that in order to become hard, one must first be soft; in order to be fast, one must first be slow; and in order to develop strength, one must cultivate weakness. The core of training is the solo form, a slow sequence of movements which emphasise natural movement and relaxation.
The solo form is essentially a catalog of movements that are practiced individually in application scenarios to prepare for combat. In the Yang Style (Chen Man-Ch'ing via Waysun Liao), the form is divided into three sections. The first section is for dealing with opponents, attacks or energy coming from the four cardinal directions (North, South, East & West). The second section is about energy coming from the four oblique angles (The four corners) and the third section is circular tying all the angles and directions into a circular flow, for dealing with multiple energies or opponents.
Other training exercises include:
- weapon forms employing the straight sword (jian), a heavier curved sword (dao, which is actually considered a big knife), fan, staff (bo), and spear. Less commonly known weapons still in use are the cane, nunchaku, Sai swords, rope-dart, tri-sectional staff and steel-whip.
- a two-person form (san shou);
- "pushing hands" (t'ui shou / tuishou) - an exercise in which partners attempt to push each other to upset the opponent's balance.
- breathing exercises (ch'i kung / qigong) to develop ch'i (qi) or internal energy. These are often taught as a completely separate system.
T'ai Chi combat techniques are similar to those found in other Chinese martial arts, with an emphasis on close physical proximity and fluid responsiveness. Pushes and open hand strikes are more common than punches, and kicks are usually to the legs and lower torso. Elbows and shoulders are commonly used to strike, and there are a number of locks (chin na), particularly applied to put pressure on the opponent's elbows. Despite its "soft" image, t'ai chi techniques can be lethal or incapacitating, with strikes to the eyes, throat, heart, and groin commonly used. However, most T'ai Chi forms are both trained and physically designed to be employed for defense. Recently there has been some divergence between those who practice T'ai Chi as a combat technique, and those who are more interested in its benefits to physical and mental health.
See also: Qi, Qigong, Taiji
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Qi Health & Fitness
Provides details of Tai Chi Chuan classes in and around the Havant, Chichester and Bognor Regis areas.
Pensacola Martial Arts and Fitness Academy
The Pensacola Martial Arts and Fitness Academy offers a variety of classes in Shaolin Chuan Fa (Kenpo), Jiu Jitsu, Tai Chi, Self Defense for Women, Aerobic Martial Arts Fitness Training and Natural Health and Healing.
The Wu Kung Federation
Traditional Chinese martial arts, including Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan). Working alongside Morningside Health Workshop offering a range of complementary health and beauty treatments. Details of the ventures and means of contact.
Wu Chian-Chuan Tai Chi Chuan
Teaching full syllabus (including fast form and weapons). List of locations, history and health benefits.
