Educational contents: Taiji Quan and Qi Gong.

taiji quan

  It originates from China where it is practised in a traditional manner.
  Taiji quan responds perfectly to the Occidental need for balance and relaxation. It looks like slow gymnastics where each gesture and each attitude has its importance.
  When practised in a group, it is remniscent of the ondulating movements of seaweed rocked by the waves.
  The relaxation progressively reaches the muscular blocages; these are translations of psychological tensions due to life’s ordeals and are recorded by the body. We learn to “let ourselves breathe”. Gradually, a deep and natural low breathing settles in. We become aware of the internal energy flow, the qi (or chi) and we learn to direct it and use it.
  Throughout this evolution, little by little, the student – even a beginner – develops a sense of his/her unity, the awareness of being rather than “doing” or “having”. The kind of flexibility we are seeking for here has nothing to do with joint openness.
  While practising very precise movements, the attention is on the globality of the body in “continuous merging” movements, thus leading to another form of physical and mental flexibility. The fluidity is initially physical and facilitates the free energy flow. Then follows a psychological relaxation and a calm and dynamic inner state.

Unarmed

The modern form 108 coming from the Yang Chengfu school

da lu:
  Resembles the tui shou with mobile steps, the partners carry out techniques each in turn, like pulling [lu], shoulder strike, pushing [ji]... The moves and attacks/ parries are codified and the whole sequence takes place in a square on the floor (a bit like the form sequence “the jade girl works shuttles”).
  => listening, following, mobility, centring...
  With practice, the two partners will be able to let slip unexpected techniques, then find their marks while carrying on with their da lu.

example of a sequence of da lu This is a basic pattern that will be repeated alternately. T. Alibert and S. Ciupa

Pushing hands [tui shou]

Explosive forms by Yang Shaohou

· The small short form: a short sequence that is repeated back and forth, the technique being performed symmetrically.
  => keep focused, relaxed and centred, while accelerating progressively the rhythm, slap steps and fa jing. Practised without excess or routine, this is a very stimulating exercise.

· The small san shou: a small sequence of feints/parries and counter-attacks performed by a person “not being able to step back”.
  => pivoting feint, “cartwheel” of the hips, slap steps, fa jing...
  This is the defender’s sequence, the attacks being much more brief.

· “Cannon-ball” form [pao chui] and Large san shou:
  Two forms that generate a “combat form” when performed by two partners.

Large san shou by E. Férolles, O. Rudzki, C. Schollaert & J.L. Chastanet Gourdon · 2007 Télécharger

· 12 circles: brief explosive sequences of parries/feints and counter-attacks, each exercise focusing on one of the twelve acupuncture meridians. Various interpretations are possible depending on whether one chooses strikes or luxation [qin na]

one of the 12 circles preceded with an exercise stimulating the opening of the corresponding meridian Rencontres Jasnières 2004

. old form assigned to Yang Luchan: Dating back to the XIX^th century, it’s the origin of all the Yang styles. Its progression is at times calm, at times explosive.

spontaneous demonstration of the old Yang style. digeridoo: Gaël Macho Jasnières meeting 2004

Weapons

· Long baton [taiji gun]

· Short sequence for two long batons

Short sequence for two long batons par T. Alibert et J.L. Chastanet Gourdon · 2007 Télécharger

Simple sword from Pekin

Advanced Yang sword [taiji jian]

Combined sword and dagger

taiji sword. at Thierry's garden (Gourdon) 2004

. Yang sabre [dao]

. Double dagger

. Fan [taiji fan]

beginning of a fan form by A. Brouillaud digeridoo: Gaël Macho Jasnières meeting 2004

Dao Yin Taiji

. yin/ yang aspect

. the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) and the five corresponding animals.

5 animals game digeridoo: Gaël Macho Jasnières meeting 2004

. magnetic field

. opening of the meridians in taiji

. song effect in taiji quan

qi gong

  This energy-channelling art form originates in the philosophical concept of Chinese tradition and traditional medicine. It was set up over 5 000 years ago by Taoist monks and gradually transmuted to to Buddhism and Confucianism.
  Qi gong strengthens the organism and gives it health, strength and longevity whatever the age or sex of the student. It develops the vital energy and optimises its flow through the acupuncture meridians. It restores the balance between yin and yang. Man is an integral part of nature as a whole. Thus, he is influenced by the original vital breath of the universe. The good usage of qi (pronounced “tchi”) is therefore indispensable to our well-being. Qi gong will enable us to deal with stress in a soft and progressive way, by controlling our emotions, our fears and our anxieties.
  If practised regularly, it can prevent illness by strengthening the defensive energy used to fight external threats. Finally, practised in a happy environment and as part of a friendly group, it will keep us “young and in good health”.

. The five animals of the Yi Quan

Four variants of the eight treasures (or pieces of brocard) [ba duan jin]


. The seated eight wonders (Buddhist qi gong)

. The twelve energy channelling spirals

some of the 12 spirals Rencontres Jasnières 2004

exercises stimulating the opening of the 12 acupuncture meridians

  . the 8 bagua zhang palms
  . qi gong of the great wild geese [da yan gong]
  . qi gong for posture [zhan zhuang]
  . double 9 invigorating qi gong