Introduction to Tai Chi
By Athos Antoniades
In this article, Athos briefly explains the important aspects of the style of Tai Chi that he teaches. Links to more in depth information can be found at the bottom of this article.
Athos teaches the original `Yang Lu-ch'an Tai Chi Form`, sometimes referred to as the `The Old Yang Style `which he learned primarily from Master Erle Montague. This was the first fighting/healing system of the famous Yang Family from China. Yang Lu-ch'an invented this form of movement not only as a very deadly and efficient self defence system, but also as a way to heal the body.
The form was modified initially by Yang cheng fu, a direct descendant of Yang Lu-ch'an ,to an all slow moving form excellent for health but lacking the explosive energy (fa-jing) movements of the Lu chan form , making it too Yin and not really balanced, although still a great form.
However over the years, others have modified it further to the degree where it is not really effective and a far cry from the original intention of Yang Lu-ch'an. Some of these forms may even be doing more harm than good to those that practice them as by modifying it so much the energy, which should follow its normal 24 hour cycle during practice may skip the flow in certain meridians, leaping instead from meridian to meridian.
Unlike these more common 'all slow moving' forms of Tai Chi, this form also has very energetic or 'fa-jing' (explosive energy) movements as well as leaps and kicks.
The form is part of the `Kenpo Taiji` curriculum and also taught separatel .to those who are only interested in learning it.
More reading:
Tai-Chi's Ten Important Points for Practice
Tai-Chi Classics Explained - Part 1
Tai-Chi Classics Explained - Part 2