This DVD includes:
Form & Application Instruction (2 hrs 20 min):
-Introduction to Taiji Form practice Dr. Yang discusses principles of correct form practice that are applicable to all styles of Taiji form.
Seven-Movement Introductory Taiji Form
-Key points are detailed for each individual movement, and front, side and rear views are provided so students can learn from and practice along with the video.
-Applications A self-defense application is demonstrated for each form movement, and Dr. Yang also demonstrates correct practice of "fajin" explosive power.
Qigong and Push-Hands (1 hr 20 min):
-Moving Qigong Exercises Dr. Yang demonstrates and provides key points for five traditional moving qigong exercises.
-Sitting and Standing Meditation Oral tradition and Taiji literature are replete with references to the importance of sitting and standing meditation for efficient practice.
-Lying Down Qigong Traditional exercises that allow one to restoratively relax the core-musculature upon which the mechanics of
"internal martial arts" fundamentally rely.
-Push-hands An introductory single hand push-hands exercise is taught, as well as key points that apply to all push-hands exercises.
About the Instructor:
Yang Yang, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized and traditionally trained Taiji and Qigong master and adjunct faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. His research has focused on the efficacy of Taiji practice for older adults. He is author of the highly acclaimed book Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, The Science of Power.
In order to conduct research on the benefits and mechanisms of Taiji over relatively short time periods, Dr. Yang has distilled the essential aspects of different components of traditional Taiji training into a simple, easy to learn program suitable for persons of all ages and physical abilities. Absolute beginners and long-time practitioners will equally benefit from the depth of knowledge and detailed instruction, as Dr. Yang shares the secrets of traditional practice that are absent in many westernized or commercialized forms of Taiji.
