Five aspects of Wu Dang Tai Chi Chuan

  • Tao Chuan (Hand Forms)
  • Tui Shou (Pushing Hands)
  • San Shou (Self Defence)
  • Weapons (form and application of Sabre, Straight sword, and Spear)
  • Nei Gung (Internal Strength) 24 exercises, 12 Yin, 12 Yang

In this system it is customary to train pushing hands and self defense alongside form from the early or indeed first classes. As Tai Chi Chuan was developed primarily as a means of self defense, and it is the techniques of self defense that informed and inspired the development of the other methods of training this seems only appropriate. We teach predominantly from a martial perspective because it is precise; a student can understand raising an arm and turning the body to defend the chest, more easily than “raise the spirit and extend the Chi”.  The martial practices also demonstrate the inescapable changes of Yin and Yang in terms of dynamic forces, momentum, and even psychological attitudes and how they are reflected physically through posture and response.

 Practising the full range of activities , to the best of your ability,provides a solid foundation of understanding, upon which the subtler developments  of Tai Chi Chuan can rest
It is important that both student and teacher recognise the individual nature of themselves and fellow practitioners, and adjust the training methods and approaches accordingly. Not everyone should train every aspect in the same way, but all should train with a genuine and open attitude.

Weapon forms are generally introduced after the hand forms have been perfected to a reasonable level. Training with a weapon introduces additional benefits

Other auxiliary training methods can and should be used for specific purposes such as training for competitions. They should help to prepare the mind, body and techniques for the demands of particular competitive formats.

The ‘Tai Chi Classics’ should become a constant source of inspiration for all Tai Chi Students intent on a deeper understanding of Tai Chi Chuan, they advise that we should ”study wide and deep” this encourages us to be vigilant, thoughtful and observant in our training,

"Practising the full range of activities, to the best of your ability, provides a solid foundation of understanding, upon which the subtler developments  of Tai Chi Chuan can rest"
"A student can understand raising an arm and turning the body to defend the chest, more easily than “raise the spirit and extend the Chi”