This course begins with the 26-section tai chi routine. It was developed as an “Extraordinary foundation method.” It builds progressively and endlessly upon fundamental principles in a way that is designed to build upon fundamentals until the student can be liberated from them. It is designed to improve the skill and understanding of beginners and experts alike, leading through form and formlessness.
After learning the foundation routine and its meanings, we will explore other routines from the different major styles, including routines with partners and weapons.
This is part of an ongoing series, teaching tai chi step by step, short segments, mostly of 5-10 minute lessons.
- key concepts and basic exercises for exploring them
- detailed instruction for a particular movements or sequences
- approaching the the art with a linear and progressive curriculum
If some of these lessons are too detailed for you, you can skip them and come back to them later. Some focus more on health benefits, while others focus on martial concepts. The first lesson in each section is meant to be simple and easy to follow, introducing the basics of the movement. Following lessons will go into more detail than most tai chi student will ever encounter.
Learning to relax should not stress you out. If it is too much for you, don’t worry about it. Just go on to the next section when you feel like it. Later, you might decide to revisit the lessons you skipped.