Form Practice in a tight space.

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Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby fazhou » Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:07 am

Hello all. I try and practice my Taijiquan form everyday, usually outside where I have plenty of room, but on occasion I am unable to practice outside. Unfortunately, I don't have the room I need inside to perform my complete routine (Beijing 24 form) uninterrupted. Does anyone have suggestions for what I could do on those days ( think "Typhoon and related weather" ) that I can't do my form outside? I already stand Zhan Zhuang everyday. I am more interested in practicing my form as opposed to just doing Qigong. Any suggestions?
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby pete5770 » Sat Jun 30, 2012 5:36 am

I think that if you really look at what you have to do, you will discover that you don't need as much room as you think.
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby adamfuray » Sat Jun 30, 2012 9:00 pm

pick two consecutive postures and work on transitions/applications
"I know sir, that I have played out of tune, but when I learn where to place my fingers, this shall no longer happen."-Giovanni Bottesini
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby wpgtaiji » Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:23 pm

I have dine the entire 108 form in an 6 foot wide hallway ( yes the short way ). The 24 count could be done in a metre square! Btw i havent done that form in 20 years so dont ask. You are finding it difficult because you still think taiji is 24 postures. It is one.
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby adamfuray » Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:32 am

wpgtaiji wrote:You are finding it difficult because you still think taiji is 24 postures. It is one.


that is a logical fallacy. there are many reasons a person could find taiji difficult.
"I know sir, that I have played out of tune, but when I learn where to place my fingers, this shall no longer happen."-Giovanni Bottesini
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby pete5770 » Sun Jul 01, 2012 2:48 pm

If you're a newbie to Tai Chi I'm thinking that it most likely seems that you need a bunch of room to "spread out". Lots of new people take too big of steps. Keep at it and you'll find that things get "smaller". Like "wpgtaiji" I'm thinking I can do the 108 form in a six foot long area, although I would prefer a more open space. Strangely enough I find that my balance is not as good when I'm in a tighter space as opposed to being outside. :?
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby fazhou » Mon Jul 02, 2012 4:22 pm

Thanks for the responses.
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby wpgtaiji » Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:41 am

adamfuray wrote:
wpgtaiji wrote:You are finding it difficult because you still think taiji is 24 postures. It is one.


that is a logical fallacy. there are many reasons a person could find taiji difficult.

You would think it was a logical fallacy, wouldnt you? Except that this is about Taiji in Tight spaces! If one is doing the form already, then that is one thing (which is what one assumes (as bad as that is), when one says "I have a hard time doing my form in small spaces".

The reason they have this issue is that they THINK they have to continue on as the form is. They dont understand that the taiji form is an illusion.

btw, STOP with the 24 form! Move on. Those basic forms were only designed to get people interested in Taiji. Once that has been established, learn a full form (typically called 108, or some variation of that).
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby pete5770 » Tue Jul 03, 2012 11:07 am

wpgtaiji wrote:
adamfuray wrote:
wpgtaiji wrote:You are finding it difficult because you still think taiji is 24 postures. It is one.


that is a logical fallacy. there are many reasons a person could find taiji difficult.


btw, STOP with the 24 form! Move on. Those basic forms were only designed to get people interested in Taiji. Once that has been established, learn a full form (typically called 108, or some variation of that).


Ya got that right. A couple of months ago I took a beginners class, just for something to do, I was bored I guess. Anyway I "learned" the 8 form. Didn't even know there was such a thing. Maybe the "instructor" made it up? It was a bit of fun and I always enjoy the people but definately "move on". Go for the whole thing, if you will(108).
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby adamfuray » Tue Jul 03, 2012 11:10 am

wpgtaiji wrote:Once that has been established, learn a full form (typically called 108, or some variation of that).


but taiji form is an illusion! (just messing with you :p)
"I know sir, that I have played out of tune, but when I learn where to place my fingers, this shall no longer happen."-Giovanni Bottesini
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby wpgtaiji » Tue Jul 03, 2012 11:39 am

adamfuray wrote:
wpgtaiji wrote:Once that has been established, learn a full form (typically called 108, or some variation of that).


but taiji form is an illusion! (just messing with you :p)

Yes. By that I mean that what one THINKS is happening isnt really. The form is important because it causes the correct Qi flows (hence, why I have no idea about the styles of taiji that dont talk about this, or declare that it isnt true!), and we learn the way to move our body in harmony with this flow. In the beginning, this is impossible, hence, we have "beginner" or block form (of the 108, for example). As you progress, the body balances and we notice changes that are distinct to each person.

I have seen video of a dude who links his lineage to Mary Yang, daughter of Sau-chung. Yet, in 30+ years, the dudes form has never adapted. It is still big beginners form, and he is doing GROSS (take what ever meaning you like, they ALL work),

With respect to this topic, it means that you dont HAVE to step forward! For example, I was taught that if you dont have room to do Wave Hands (in Old Yang, it is done in the third third with very long steps) you can do it in a circle instead. There are other things that happen as well. SInce this is not an advanced training that is enough.
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Re: Form Practice in a tight space.

Postby fazhou » Tue Jul 03, 2012 7:15 pm

Excellent info from everyone, especially wpgtaiji. You really got me thinking about that. Thanks again to everyone. I really do appreciate your time.
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