This was so beneficial for understanding the precise positioning of the body when performing the elements within all the forms taught by our teachers at the Golden Lion Academy.
The Tai Chi Basic Elements workshop was held on Sunday 26th April at the Rowville centre with 25 enthusiastic participants braving the bleak weather conditions on a chilly Sunday morning. Warragul and surrounds was well represented (yay for the Gippslanders!!) with several of us car-pooling and enjoying a chat along the way.
The weather conditions were quickly forgotten as we indulged in Chinese Tea, doughnuts and scones before hitting the mat.
This is my first year of Tai Chi and I participate in the beginner’s class at Warragul with Sifu Chris Everett and Brad Jarvis every Monday evening learning the Beijing 24. Capably led by Si Gung Charles and five wonderful instructors the 3 hour session was a fabulous way for newbies like me to learn the intricacies of each movement or for those more experienced participants to recap on the basics.
I found this session so beneficial for understanding the precise positioning of the body when performing the elements within the forms. For example, forward stance and empty stance and ensuring the weight distribution is correct. Then there was Fair Lady’s Hand. I loved learning about that and feel my hand positioning is now much better in class as a result. I mean Tai Chi is so elegant you could almost think you were swishing around the dance floor in the 1800’s with your Fair Lady’s Hand on your partners shoulder.
I can also proudly announce that I am now using my right hand to form the fist and touching my thumbs to perform the ‘bow’. I’m not quite sure what I was doing with my hands previously, but I was very excited when I learnt the specifics of that movement and had my first, of many, ‘ahaaaaa’ moments of the day.
I think by far the highlight of the day for me was the One Leg Stance practice and the little tip Si Gung Charles taught us, to keep the static leg off lock, foot and waist turned to 45 degrees. It’s amazing the extra stability you gain from that, and then keeping the head looking straight ahead as you change from leg to leg. Si Gung Charles’ excited praise for us was very encouraging.
I confess to inwardly scoffing when being told we were going to do things such as the 180 degree turn sequence, or walk backwards, but we all pulled it off quite well. There was a little fun with the crouch stance, as although we were given a ‘get out of jail free card’ with the option of the high version sequence, a few brave participants had a go at the low version and did very well. I could feel my ligaments tearing just watching them, but I’m sure down the track I’ll give that a go as well. Maybe once I master the Beijing 24!
All in all I found it a fabulous day. I learnt so much and I believe it has really helped my class practice. Many pieces of the puzzle fell together on the day and I will certainly do the session regularly if it is offered as it just helps to keep the basics ‘top of mind’. The workbook is also a great resource and training guide and I’m going to try to implement a special monthly practice session at home where I revisit all of the basic elements… well, most of them.
But, don’t believe just me! Below are some more feedback from the Tai Chi Basic Elements day.
You can Build a Solid Foundation for Your Tai Chi and obtain your copy of The Basic Elements of Tai Chi instructional Manual.
Helen Dunlop (Warragul) – Great to learn the correct techniques of each movement, foot work etc and put it into practice.
Kelly Burnett (Warragul) – Learning and understanding more of the detail and meaning of Tai Chi.
Margo McLeod (Warragul) – Great to revisit the basics.
Tissa & Neetha Kulatunge (Berwick) – Very beneficial. Learnt a lot, enjoyed every minute of it, thank you very much.
John Budd (Berwick)– Very interesting, informative and enjoyable, as these movements are so basic to Tai Chi.
Mary Fox (Berwick) – Fantastic, loved it. As a beginner I found the seminar/training invaluable, not to mention really enjoyable.
Margaret Coupe (Trafalgar) – A very uplifting experience. A great one to have experienced as a raw beginner.
Raine Eden (Berwick)– I found the workshop immensely enjoyable, with clear, concise instructions that helped everything fall into place for me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
From Tanya Heaney-Voogt, Warragul Tai Chi Student