Tai Chi Posters
The nine principles are multiple translations of the first 9 paragraphs of Chang San-Feng's treatise on tai chi chuan. Details are in the image.
The CMC 37 is my listing of the actions in the Cheng Man Ching's form that a whole generation outside China have learned as their first form. I set this up to be annotated and have a poster size on my studio wall and add handwritten notes from time to time.
The Tai Chi Dao poster is a poem based on some ideas I've been working on over the years.
Chang Man Ching's short form (CMC 37)
This time around I came up with 58 for the the number of actions I try to make distinct. I try to cover the concepts in the session notes fairly quickly, and early in the intro class schedule and coming back in more detail as the class advances. The first column of numbers is the numbering I've found seems most common at the various schools that teach the form and have published a list on line. The second set of numbers reflect how I break it down when teaching. The thrid column of number over on the right side is how I would try to
Zhang Sanfeng Treatise on Taijiquan
The nine principles of Taijiquan
I think of Tai Chi Dao as a path defined by the way we walk upon it. Physically, we learn how to move precisely and under complete control while at the same time being totally aware of our environment and our opponents or partners. Mentally, we learn how to put a pause on incoming signals from our environment and other people so that we can decide what to do rather than simply react without thinking. Emotionally, we learn that keeping a cool heart makes walking the way more pleasant, as we also learn when a hot heart may be appropriate. Spiritually, we learn how to be grateful for what we have and humble before that which is beyond understanding. In our dreams, perhaps, we finish learning and we know the truth; but in reality we never stop learning, for it is how we walk the path is more important than where it goes. ause it will be too difficult to mow in here.
