Due to my busy family and work schedule I have not been teaching Tai Ji for the last year or so but by popular demand we will resume classes once again. This time I will try a bit different format.
Also, Chin Na (the art of joint grappling) will be offered on those days.
Tai Ji – Tuesday Nights 6:00 to 7:00pm starting on August 21st (not much time left).
I will teach the entire Yang Style form in fifteen sessions (13 class time and two make-up).
Chin Na – Tuesday Nights 7:15 to 8:15pm
Please call us for tuition and overall questions.
These are professional small format classes you may not just show up. Please call us first.
Many Blessings,
Sincerely,
Scott Bray A.P.,L.A
407 658-1341
Acupuncture of East Orlando & Rehabilitation Services
(Chinese: pinyin yáng jùn m?n) (born August 11, 1946) started his martial arts training at the age of fifteen under the Shaolin White Crane (Bai He) Master Cheng, Gin Gsao. In thirteen years of study (1961-1974) under Master Cheng, Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts. Dr. Yang studied Tai chi chuan under Master Kao Tao. Dr. Yang earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. While doing so he was already teaching Taijiquan to his fellow students. He worked four years in industry while founding Yang’s Martial Arts Association in 1982. He has published dozens of books and DVDs covering his knowledge of the traditional Chinese Arts. The International Kung Fu Federation lists Dr. Yang as a Certified Kung Fu Master. Dr Yang has twice been awarded Man of the Year by Inside Kung Fu Magazine (1990 and 2007), and Kung Fu Artist of the Year by Black Belt Magazine (2003).
Kung Fu and Tai Chi Silk Uniforms: Black or White Silk
100% herringbone-weave raw silk, pre-washed black trim and buttons.
***The new stronger and more durable herringbone silk fabric gets softer with each wash. All pants and tops are sized ‘long’. Some hemming may be required.*** Silk Jacket General Height Guidelines:
* 5’2″-5’6″ Small Jacket
* 5’6″-5’9″ Medium Jacket
* 5’8″-6′ + Large Jacket
* 5’10”-6’2″ XLarge Jacket
* 6’2″ XXLarge Jacket
* 6’2″ XXXLarge Jacket
From time to time I will be writing my thoughts on issues or situations that had helped shape the way that I do T’ai Chi. Here I will concentrate on leverage. This physical phenomenon cannot be adapted to self-defense without the help of the famous T’ai Chi principles. Let me try to explain. When one sees a person that is very strong and heavy one tends to assume that it cannot be moved. The fact is that without the knowledge of how to find his own center of gravity and how to use the body structure to transfer all that weight into the ground they will have no root and will be relatively easy to move.
Now I realize that in using leverage correctly there are other aspects like peng, embryo breathing, relaxation, suppleness in one body movements, concentration on the mental rather than the physical, correct technique etc.
But I think that leverage can make the execution of all the other principles a whole lot easier. In my humble opinion it is the integration of these physical, mental and spiritual techniques that will allow you to express energy more efficiently to the point that some people can make it look magical.
I teach T’ai chi in a place were Aikido, Ju Jitsu and Judo form part of the daily scene and again leverage is at its finest here. Methods change from style to style but even if you are lying on your back a technique with good leverage can save you.
Avoid extensions. This will give you leverage.
Move as one unit.
Always keep Zhong Ding or central equilibrium.
When your technique has become good concentrate on the mental so you can listen better. This will give you leverage.
Let your weight drop by not tensing too much the upper body.
The closer you get to your opponent the more leverage on the counter to his technique.
Try to understand where to move the fulcrum of your techniques.
Strive to understand your opponent centerline as it relates to yours.
Never offer too much resistance or wet noodle the techniques either. Instead blend with the techniques always expressing peng. Timing and breathing will do the rest.
Each one of these points has different levels of understanding and refinement.
We meet twice a week for regular classes. Also every other Sunday advanced students meet for push hands study group and martial arts applications. Fees are $60 a month.
