PE 147, Tai Chi Chuan
Spring 2014
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 put their marks on what they learned from
their masters. At this time there are at least five major "styles" of
Tai Chi: Chen, Yang, Wu(u), 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
observations of animal movements and 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 publicly 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. Mostly based on the Yang style,
it is called "Simplified Tai Chi" and incorporates aspects of all five
major styles. The postures of this pattern are
common to all five but are presented in a fashion that is
designed to preserve and enhance health as opposed to developing martial
skill. Tai Chi is taught in at least three different ways: as a "dance"
that focusses on flowing, meditative movements, for health - both internal
and external, and as a martial art. My teacher primarily presented Tai Chi
to us as something one can do for health along with a few illustrations of
martial applications to aid us in remembering the correct movements. I also
study with a different teacher who is a master of a different martial arts
school but who is sharing how he sees Tai Chi in a martial setting.
1.2 Yang Tai Chi Chuan 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 a fourth generation exponent
- Lin Mo Gen was a fifth generation exponent
- Qin LiLi (Lily) studied under and was declared a master by Lin Mo Gen
- I have been studying with Lily since 1998 and have studied
with Grandmaster Lin Mo Gen during visits to China.
1.3 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
| Professor Bryan Smith | 879-3562 | bryans[at]pugetsound.edu | Thompson Hall 390D |
|
| Office Hours | | Tue, Thu | 8:00-8:25 am |
| \ | | | 12:00-12:25 pm |
| \ | | | 1:30-1:55 pm |
| | | Wed | 2:00-3:20 pm |
| | | Other | By Appointment |
|
1.4 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.
1.5 Final Examination: Tuesday May 9 at 4:00 P.M.
I would prefer to use the final examination period as a time for you
to alleviate stress by playing Tai Chi midway through finals week.
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 Recommended 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)
Additional 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.
If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may
impact your course work, please contact Peggy Perno, Director of the Office of
Accessibility and Accommodations, 105 Howarth, 253.879.3395. She will determine
with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and
documentation is confidential.
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On 14 Jan 2014, 14:36.