Practising Form training under the guidance of Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai

Form Training
Form training is an indispensible part of T’ai Chi. When a series of rhythmic movements and postures, which are based upon observations of animals, is strung together in a seamless sequence and performed softly, slowly and smoothly, in close communion with deep natural breathing, it is called a Form.

Practising the Form leads to self-mastery through the balancing of internal and external energy. Each style of T’ai Chi has its own Forms, in either a short or a long version. Different forms have different effects on the body, mind and spirit.

It is through the continual practice of the Form that a student is able to grasp the essence of T’ai Chi and attain the highest ideals of beauty and strength.

TIA’s Training Program includes the Old Frame First Routine (Lao Jia Yi Lu), Old Frame Second Routine (Lao Jia Er Lu) and San Shi San (Short Form). These Chen Style Old Frame Routines are the original forms developed by Chen Changxing (1771-1853), fourteenth generation descendant of the Chen family.

Old Frame First Routine “Lao Jia Yi Lu”
Lao Jia Yi Lu, the first routine taught in Chen Style T’ai Chi, harmonizes breath, body and mind. It clears any blockages and dramatically increases the flow of chi. Though these movements have a soft, ballet-like quality, there is an underlying strength just as silk is both soft and strong. Contained within the Form is the complete T’ai Chi methodology, including the various strategies of fighting.

The First Routine intersperses slow motion moves with fast ones. It is divided into three parts - the first part consisting of 14 segments focusing primarily on the hands, the second consisting of 27 segments focusing on the legs and the third consisting of 31 segments focusing on co-ordinated hand and leg movements.

Short Form “Shi San Shi”
The Short Form has the advantage that it can be learnt in a much shorter time than the Long Form, and yet retains almost all of the basic types of movement of the Long Form.

Push Hands training is the acid test of relaxation. When performing the solo form, you can easily convince yourself that you are truly relaxed. But when you are faced with an opponent who is attempting to push you over, you soon discover whether you are indeed relaxed. Muscular tension manifested anywhere in the body gives a seasoned opponent a foothold and upsets your body's structure.

T'ai Chi for Seniors*

Many people gravitate towards T'ai Chi because it improves their ability to balance. T'ai Chi is extremely useful especially for the older people whose fear of falling makes them afraid to go out. T'ai Chi for Seniors focuses on gentle movements to restore youthful pliability and joint mobility, increase circulation, improve balance, strengthen the immune system, and increase energy levels. Many of the exercises presented may be performed both sitting and standing.

*T'ai Chi for Seniors Courses and workshops may be scheduled at your local community center, condominium, health club, etc. Contact us for details.

T'ai Chi for Corporate Stress Management*

T’ai Chi is an ideal antidote to modern day stress. T'ai Chi's principles of balance and focus fit in perfectly into the corporate scenario. At present, T’ai Chi is fast becoming universally recognized as a high-level system of health that can benefit people of all ages. In addition to health and healing, T’ai Chi also encompasses philosophy, spirituality and self-defence. Recognized in China for centuries as a “fountain of youth”, T’ai Chi has a calming effect on the mind and nerves. The slow, gentle movements are aesthetically appealing and are reminiscent of dance steps.

Learn to relieve stress and restore depleted energy with Seven Simple Exercises based on this internal martial art. In these two- or three-day workshops, each consisting of three hours, you will discover how to improve your balance and flexibility, combat fatigue, tap into your energy, breathe mindfully and meditate and enhance your sense of peace and well-being. The workshop includes a special T'ai Chi Spinal Stretch that systematically unlocks spinal tension, restores youthful pliability, and eliminates back pain permanently.

These exercises do not require any special place, clothing, equipment, or time. They are gentle and easy enough for anyone to learn, regardless of age or physical ability. Along with the workshop, we also provide instructional DVDs which serve as a reminder system.

Sensei Desai has successfully conducted T'ai Chi workshops for several corporate houses like Reliance Money, Aditya Birla Group of Companies, Johnson and Johnson, Bharat Petroleum, Times of India, Central Railways, Blue Lotus Communications, American School, IIT and IIM.

*Stress Management workshops may be scheduled at your office or business location. Contact us for details.

T'ai Chi for Children*

Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression. The child is mentally free. We are the ones who place limitations on them. Treat him/ her like a champion. Train him/ her like a champion. Eventually he/ she will be a champion.