- This lesson will focus on a few things:
- a warm up joint loosening set
- a "waterfall" relaxing exercise to be done before starting form practice... not a Chi Gung set.
- using the "5 bows " as an introduction to expansion and contraction in the forms and in push hands.
- the importance of being responsible if hosting any "meet up" or open mat type of push hands session.
There will also be an open question an answer session from the students... what are they doing well, what are they not doing well... open discussion with no criticism
My first Tai Chi teacher was Ed Young - one of Cheng Man Ching's 5 pillars starting in 1973.
I studied the 37 step form of Cheng Men Ching as well as the push hands peng,lu, ji , an routine.
After relocating, I began to study in 1978 under BP Chan in NYC ..Majored in Hsing I with a minor in Tai JI and BaGua.
Job relocation and job travel caused a hiatus in my study under a Sifu until 2004 when I was introduced to and began studying under Wong Sau Wah who is well versed in the 4 main Tai Ji forms having been practicing or 50 years, i have been practicing the 24 step and 88 step Yang forms as well as the 55 step Yang Sword form.
Starting around 2008 I began practicing "Chinatown Park" Push Hands... essentially an open mat style of competitive push hand from cooperative to defensive depending on the nature of my "opponent".
At the same time I also began to push hands with a group headed by Mario Napoli a well known Tai Ji competitor.
this group was fiercely concerned with winning as the leaders were students of Stan Israel, a well known Judoka as well as Taiji player.
I have had the opportunity to "play " with Mario , Steve Watson and many other "Chinatown " opponents of all levels... from practicing circles to "Taiwan Rules"
Over time this group broke up and I started the Mid Town Taiji Meet up.
Open to all styles and all levels of cooperative or competitive push hands.
Covid stopped this group. I also continue to study and practice Pikiti Tersia Kali under Guru Tony Taclay.
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Tai Chi Gathering 2021 - Warm Ups & Starting Exercises - with George Antonion $47.00