| Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy |
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Beginner Level emphasises perhaps the best known aspect of Tai Chi Chuan - The Form which a sequence of 108 movements, made up of individual movement sets or forms. The forms are learned individually week by week and played sequentially in an invariant sequence to constitute the standard form or 108 movements. Beginners initially learn the form based on the concept of mechanical movement, with each individual form broken down into detailed postures by the class instructors. The instructors make sure that the students progress at the right speed and with the highest level of accuracy.The Beginners Level is complete once the student can practice the standard form to an acceptable standard. The Complete syllabus comprises:
There are two stages for assessment,or grading. The first is after the student completes form 54, the second is after the completion of the entire 108 movements. Gradings are relatively informal and a way of ensuring uniformity and completeness in the teaching and a forum for the students to give feedback about the teaching. As the student progresses into the Intermediate stage, The Form has been completed and refinement begins. More emphasis is placed on the Quality of movement which should become smoother, more continuous, softer (i.e. less angular) and more circular. This is aided by the learning of the competition form. In addition to refinement of The Form, the varieties of Pushing Hands, introduced at the beginner level, is expanded and extended to introduce new co-ordinations and more complex movements.Pushing Hands is essentialy the beginning of martial training and awareness of another's movements. It is a two person exercise that develops the students awareness. Awareness in terms of neutralising an opponents force, using the hands and arms to stick with the opponent and sense his or her intentions through "listening" by the sensation of touch. The range of exercises is extended as is the number of applications learned, as well as the beginning of Qi Gong (Chi Kung)or breathing exercises. The full syllabus includes: There are two gradings in the intermediate level. The first after about 12 - 18 months the second after a further 18 months. At the Senior Level more advanced Pushing Hands techniques are learned, and the student also begins weapons training. Students learn Forms and drills for the Sabre, Sword and Spear. Further development of the applications of the forms are taught as well as further developing Power generation and 24 form Qi Gong.The class timetable gives a full view of what is on offer each night. Instructor Training Students are invited to join the instructor training program once they have completed the first intermediate assessment. |
The Academy teaches a full syllabus of Tai Chi Chuan at three different levels, beginner, intermediate and senior. We ensure all aspects of the art are provided so that students may use it for relaxation, meditation, fitness
and self defence, all of which are taught in the classes.