The First Complete Energetic Third of the Yang Chen Fu Long Form
The first third is an energetic warm-up. Warming the colon and lungs, energizing the stomach, liver, and heart, and revitalizing the central nervous system, this energetic first third introduces repetitive, refrain-like concepts of Grasp Swallow’s Tail, Single Whip, and Step-Parry-Punch.
This is an early Yang Chen Fu form: it maintains martial integrity. For example, Brush Knee Twist Step, in this version, utilizes weighted turning rather than removing weight from the turning leg. In various ways and for many reasons, an unweighted turn invites contortion at the knee joint. This form, by maintaining martial integrity, creates opportunities, unheard of in shorter “easy” forms, for fitness and joint health and mobility.
This early version also contains many motions unknown to many Yang Stylists: like Fishes in Eight! It’s a great form. After learning it, you’ll know why a long form is superior to a short form in many, many ways. Plus —learn this one and your transition into learning Grandpa Lu-chen’s form will be smooth and explosive.
Boost your learning speed by reading and digging through Erle Montaigue’s Power Taiji. Use the following list to supplement your process. And, at the end of this article, watch and learn with Erle’s free videos to learn this Form right now.
This is an exhausting list of movements. Each number corresponds to one breath cycle: on the left side of the semi-colon, inhale; on the right side, exhale. In many Taiji manuals, breathing and motions get bound by one number because of the incessant repetition of several sections of many movements throughout the form. Here, I list each breath-motion individually.
If you have questions, please post comments, or call Steven Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA at 801-363-5757.
Begin First Section:
1. Raise wrists; lower wrists
2. Block left; block right
3. Step left foot forward; Ward Off left
Grasp the Swallow’s Tail
4. Step with right foot; Double Ward Off right
5. Roll Back; Squeeze (usually called Press)
6. Sit Back; Press (often called Push)
7. Sit Back Ready; Fishes in Eight
8. Single Whip — Hooking Circle; Press West
Lift Hands
9. Hands Sink (no breath); Turn North & Lift Wrists upward; Press Hand Edges Outward with Heel Stance
10. Pull Down; Shoulder Press
11. Ward Off right; Stork Spreads Wings
12. Grip the Ball on the right; Brush (left) Knee Twist Step
13. Single Weight (no breath); Guard Heart; Play Guitar
14. Grip the Ball on the right; Brush (left) Knee Twist Step
15. Grip the Ball on the left; Brush (right) Knee Twist Step
16. Grip the Ball on the right; Brush (left) Knee Twist Step
17. Single Weight (no breath); Guard Heart; Play Guitar
18. Grip the Ball on the right; Brush (left) Knee Twist Step
Step Forward, Parry, Punch
19. Circle Fist (by left ear); Step Forward Parry (by right hip)
20. Step Forward; Punch
21. Twist Back Ready; Press Forward
22. Sit Back; Turning Strikes
23. Wide Step; Cross Hands
24. Apparent Close-Up
End First Section
Master Erle Montaigue’s Learn Tai Chi Form Free
Follow these YouTube Videos through Part 15 for the first third of Yang Chen Fu Form.
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