What, When, Where to Practice Tai Chi Chuan
Hey Every Body,
Thank you for enjoying the Discussion of the Practice of T’ai-chi Ch’üan.
Let’s wrap up with final thoughts about:
- What to train — T’ai-chi Curriculum
- When to train T’ai-chi — Times of Day
- Where to train — Terrain for T’ai-chi
What does the T’ai-chi curriculum consist of?
The T’ai-chi Ch’üan curriculum consists of hand forms first (i.e., empty hand), such as T’ai-chi Ch’üan and T’ai-chi Long Boxing. Next comes One-Hand Push-Hands, Fixed Position Push-Hands, Push-Hands with Active Steps, Ta Lü, and Free Sparring. Last comes weapons, such as T’ai-chi Double-Edged Sword, T’ai-chi Broadsword, T’ai-chi Spear (Thirteen Spear), and so forth.
—Yang Cheng-fu from Yang Family Secret Transmissions, p. 7
When should one practice T’ai-chi?
As for the length of practice, one should do two forms after rising in the morning, then do two more just before going to bed. Each day one should practice seven or eight times, and at the very least, once in the morning and once at night. However, avoid practice when drunk or after a meal.
—Yang Cheng-fu from Yang Family Secret Transmissions, p. 7
Where should T’ai-chi practice commence?
As for the place of practice, courtyards or empty halls where there is sufficient air and light are best. Avoid strong winds or places which are dark, damp and foul smelling. This is because when we begin to move, the breathing becomes deeper, and if strong winds or foul air enter the body, it is injurious to the lungs and can easily lead to illness. As for clothing, loose fitting garments and wide-toed shoes are best. If after practice one is sweating, avoid removing the clothes and standing naked or washing with cold water. Otherwise sickness is inevitable.
—Yang Cheng-fu from Yang Family Secret Transmissions, p. 7
Got it?
The next video reveals my personal inclinations, using Yang Cheng-fu’s advice as a guide, about what, when, and where to practice T’ai-chi.
What, When, Where to Practice T’ai-chi Ch’üan
By now you’re expecting me to ask: “Would you please leave a note about what, when, and where you practice T’ai-chi?”
You’re welcome to discuss that, but I’m more interested in your whole experience of the Discussion of the Practice of T’ai-chi Ch’üan. Leave a note about your experience with this series, and about your use and understanding of Yang Family Secret Transmissions.
Thanks again; I look forward to practicing T’ai-chi with you.
Warm regards,
Steven Smith
