Does anybody do Tai Chi?

[nytemare]

I got an instructional DVD. I need to make more space in my living room.

The video is pretty decent, but there are times where they just show the movements from the waist up, so it makes it hard to know if you are getting the lower part right.

Anyone know a really good beginners video? I really do feel relaxed.

:D

[tigereye]

1. yes, for about 15 years

I do the yang short form, push hands and sun sze sword form.

:hi:

hmm, I've never used videos. The best one I have seen is Maggie Newman doing the form. (early student of Master Cheng) You really need to see the legs, since all the movement has to come from the waist and legs. There are actually a few good vids on you tube - look for Cheng Man Ching - he's the real master of the Yang form.

It's best to find a class - that' s the best way to learn, IMO.

[Critters2]

2. If you find a good one, could you pm me with the title?

I'd like to learn, and there are no classes here. I've looked.

Thanks! :hi:

[tigereye]

4. Benjamin pang Lo is a very good teacher

he may have a good video. Maggie Newman i also excellent.

Many teachers have different foci, and tend to emphasize different aspects of the form.

It's hard to learn without a class, though. Sometimes you might be able to find an informal tai chi group if you live near a University.

If you get a video, you have to be able to see the legs, otherwise it won't be correct. The whole body has to move as one, for it to be tai-chi.

[nytemare]

7. I will look for a DVD from them.

I work during hours that Tai Chi classes would be held, and I don't have much extra in the funding department.

The DVD I have is from Joey Bond. I like his instruction method, and most times they show everything, it's just at times they don't show the legs.

Thanks for the advice.

[tigereye]

9. I"ve never heard of him -

my teacher is a bit of a Yang form purist and many of his teachers were from China or Taiwan, but there are many forms of tai chi. It's interesting to see different instructors and their methods.


I enjoy seeing other types of the form to see how different the body movements are.


I was gonna say, don't get the naked tai chi video! :rofl:

[Redstone]

3. I hear it's real good for balance, so I should. I'll be watching the replies to your post

with some interest.

Redstone

[tigereye]

5. it's excellent for balance!

for all ages! There are lots of classes and groups - it's much more popular than it used to be. Research indicates it is beneficial for many physical as well as emotional concerns.

I would avoid classes taught at typical martial arts karate studios, though as, they tend to mix up the different martial arts too much.

[Redstone]

6. Thanks for the info. I'll look into it.

Redstone

[DS1]

8. I learned everything I need to know about tai chi from your sig pic

:bounce:

[nytemare]

10. Stan and Ollie

Masters of the Falling Piano down Stairs form of Tai Chi.

:hi:

[DarkTirade]

11. I got a couple books, hoping to learn.

Then I realized that just wasn't enough. I'll need to find classes or something. :P I'd love to learn tai chi sword especially.

[tigereye]

13. it's very hard to learn the form accurately from pics of drawings

it's much easier with a class or other tai chi players... (sorry, my teacher rants about this a lot) ;)

The sword forms are fun - but we use light wooden swords in my class.

[DarkTirade]

14. Yeah, I pretty much figured that one out on my own.

Although the pictures in the book may still be handy one day... I'm an amateur game designer and I could use them for reference for fighting games. :)

[tigereye]

16. hmm, a tai chi video game would be quite interesting...

my teacher loves to tell stories about how one finger push from Yang Chang Fu and various masters sent the uninformed flying up to the roof!

I love the idea that softness (ping envergy) can deflect hard force.


The pictures make more sense after you have learned the form. And some manuals have them backwards....

[Swede]

12. Always been interested in it.

It does look relaxing.

[porphyrian]

15. I drank some when I was dyslexic once.

...

[many a good man]

17. Just massage the beach ball...

massage the beach ball...
massage the beach ball...

[Tuesday Afternoon]

18. I would like to take a class.

Always have wanted to study this art form.