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 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 and shoes 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
is research claiming its beginnings go back some 2500 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, Dong, Fu, Tsao Bao, Li, and
Heh.
Even though it is unclear how and when the martial precursor to Tai
Chi and Qigong 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
associated with my lineage, Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan was 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 the "Simplified (or Standardized)
24-Posture" pattern 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 focuses 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
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 My 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
Bryan Smith studied under 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 my work at the university at
the link below and, once there, information specific to this class
by clicking on the PE 147 link at the top.
http://mathcs.pugetsound.edu/~bryans/Location FH 228, 3:30-5:10pm Tue
1.3.1 Logistics
Professor Emeritus Bryan Smith
858- 5159
bryans[at]pugetsound.edu
Öffice" TBA
Office Hours
Friday
10:30-11:30 AM
1.4 Grading
In order to pass the course you cannot miss more than three
classes and, by the end of the semester, must be able to perform the
entire 24 Posture pattern (which takes 5-10 minutes) from memory
and with good posture and "footwork". We will finish our first
pass through the pattern about 2/3 of the way through the
semester. From then on, class time will be devoted to
practicing, and refining the entire form, exploring
"Extra Topics" like Push Hands, Bagua Zhang, Cha'an Tai Chi,
seeing demonstrations, or having individuals verify their
ability to perform the entire pattern.
Anyone who has not verified their knowledge of the pattern by the
end of the semester will also have an opportunity to meet with me
during Finals Week to do so. It will be up to them to make the
appointment.
1.5 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.
Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan, translated by Louis Swaim
By Fu Zhongwen, Frog, Ltd./Blue Snake Books (2006)
An excellent book containing both simple and sophisticated insights into Tai Chi. This book uses the Yang family long form (108-postures) for the examples. Every posture you learn in this class is also in the long form making this book a nice addition to a Tai Chi library.
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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