PE 147, Tai Chi Chuan
Spring 2012
Bryan Smith
1 Introduction
The primary purpose of this course is for you to learn the 24
Posture (standardized/simplified) pattern of Tai Chi. This is the
pattern almost all of the people are doing when you see them in TV
commercials or movies that include scenes of the parks in China. I
will not assume that you have any previous experience with Tai Chi
but, for those of you who do, note that the majority of this pattern
is based on the Yang style.
Please wear loose and comfortable clothes to class.
1.1 Styles
The history of Tai Chi Chuan is as complex as you would expect of something
that has developed over at least a thousand years. There are not only
competing stories about its genesis but there have also been numerous
fragmentations as students decide to change what they have learned from
their masters. At this time there are at least five major "styles" of
Tai Chi: Chen, Yang, Wuu, Sun, and Wu. Other important styles are Wudang, Tsao
Bao, Li, and Heh.
Even though it is unclear how and when the martial precursor to Tai Chi
originated, it is agreed that the origins lie in the
fundamental conceptualization of Yin and Yang made by the ancient
Chinese and passed along to us through Taoism. As for historical
documentation, Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan was probably the first to be
recorded in formal documents in the mid 1600's. Fourteen generations
later, Yang Lu Chan developed Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan from Chen Style.
The pattern we are learning is mostly Yang style and was commissioned by
the Chinese government in the 1950's. Although based on the Yang style,
it is called "Simplified Tai Chi" and incorporates aspects of the five
major styles. The postures of this pattern are
common to all those but are presented in a fashion that is
designed to preserve and enhance health as opposed to developing martial
skill.
1.2 Lineage
- Yang Lu Chan founded the Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
- Yang Jian Hou was Yang Lu Chan's son and the 2nd generation exponent
- Yang Chen Fu was Yang Lu Chan's grandson and the 3rd generation exponent
- Li Ya Xuan was the fourth generation exponent
- Lin Mo Gen is a fifth generation exponent
- Qin Li Li (Lily) studied under and was declared a master by Lin Mo Gen
- I have been studying with Qin Li Li (Lily) since 1998 and have studied
with Grandmaster Lin Mo Gen during visits to China.
1.3 Recommended Textbook
Tai Chi Chuan, 24 & 48 Postures with Martial Applications,
Liang and Wu, YMAA Publications, © 1996.
1.4 Basic Information
You can find information pertinent to all of my classes (office
hours, office location, etc.) at the link below and, once there,
information specific to this class by clicking on the PE 147 link.
http://math.ups.edu/~bryans/
Location FH 228, 3:30-5:10pm Tue
Bryan Smith | TH 390D | 879-3562 | bryans[at]ups.edu |
|
Math 181 | TH 383 | M, F | 11:00-11:50am |
| TH 391 | T, Th | 11:30-11:20am |
|
Office Hours | | Mon | 12:00-12:50pm |
| | Tue | 10:00-11:20am |
| | Thu | 10:30-11:20am |
| | Other | By Appointment |
|
1.5 Grading
In order to pass the course you must, by the end of the semester, be
able to perform the entire 24 Posture pattern (which takes 5-10
minutes) from memory. This should occur for most of you about 2/3
of the way through the semester and will be evident to me from my
observations during class. Anyone who misses more than three class
periods or who does not seem to know the entire pattern will need to
meet with me during the Final Exam period to demonstrate their knowledge of
the pattern.
1.6 First Assignment
Please send an email to me at bryans(at)pugetsound.edu with the following information.
- Have PE 147 or Tai Chi in the "Subject:" line and your name
as the first line of the email.
- Please tell me why you are taking this class and what you hope
to gain from it.
2 books
- Tai Chi Chuan, 24 & 48 Postures with Martial Applications,
Liang and Wu, YMAA Publications, © 1996.
One of the best books I've found for the 24 Posture pattern.
There is an associated DVD as well. The book is under $15.00 at
Amazon.
- Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan, translated by Louis Swaim
By Fu Zhongwen, Frog, Ltd./Blue Snake Books (2006)
- The Dao of Taijiquan, Way to Rejuvenation, Jou,
Tai Chi Foundation, © 1998. Under $15.00 at Amazon.
- Tao Te Ching, various translations
This book is not about Tai Chi so much as it is the foundational book of
the philosophical underpinnings of Taoism from which Tai Chi developed.
Emergency Response Information
Please review university
emergency preparedness and response procedures posted at
http://www.pugetsound.edu/emergency/. There is a link on the
university home page. Familiarize yourself with hall exit doors and
the designated gathering area for your class and laboratory
buildings.
If building evacuation becomes necessary (e.g. earthquake), meet
your instructor at the designated gathering area so she/he can
account for your presence. Then wait for further instructions. Do
not return to the building or classroom until advised by a
university emergency response representative.
If confronted by an act of violence, be prepared to make quick
decisions to protect your safety. Flee the area by running away
from the source of danger if you can safely do so. If this is not
possible, shelter in place by securing classroom or lab doors and
windows, closing blinds, and turning off room lights. Stay low,
away from doors and windows, and as close to the interior hallway
walls as possible. Wait for further instructions.
File translated from
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version 3.85.
On 10 Jan 2012, 18:00.