Blackburn Tai Chi Academy

Available to all who've completed the introductory 20 week course, our seniors class focuses on further development of the Wu style Tai Chi form. With the options to pursue gradings, you can progress from the basic square form to the advanced round form. You'll also be shown Chi Kung breathing exercises and be introduced to simple techniques in push hands and self defence.





Square & Round Form (Tai Chi Ch'uan)

Square form is a more linear version of the traditional Wu style Tai Chi which we now call round form. The word "form" refers to the sequence of movements that are performed when practicing Tai Chi.

Square form is taught first to show the 108 basic techniques that make up the form. It helps you establish good habits early on and is easier to remember and learn. After you have completed the Introductory term, you move into the Senior's class and spend some time refining or "polishing" your square form.

When you have mastered the square form, you can begin on the round form - now that you know the sequence, you'll be shown how to connect the moves into the smooth and continuously flowing style of round form.





		Chi Kung Breathing Exercises

		Chi Kung (Qi Gong) is a series of exercises involving deep breathing and movement. They help improve circulation, flexibility and allow greater flow of energy around the body.

		At Blackburn Tai Chi Academy you'll learn the "Eight Treasures" as well as "Tai Chi - Chi Kung 18". This exercise is followed by a short meditation.




Push Hands (Tui Show)

In our seniors class you'll be shown some basic push hands drills which involve two people pushing and deflecting each other while standing in a fixed position. These drills develop your ability to judge the other persons centre of balance, while maintaining your own. Other important lessons in push hands are to never lose contact with your opponent, and to never use brute force. In push hands you begin to understand how it is possible to "use four ounces to move a tonne".

Starting off with single square push hands, you'll progress to double square push hands, and finally round push hands. These skills are further refined in our self defence class with the addition of throws, locks and footwork.

Starting off with single square push hands, you'll progress to double square push hands, and finally round push hands. These skills are further refined in our self defence class with the addition of throws, locks and footwork, and advanced techniques such as 7 Step push hands, 9 Castles and Dai Liu push hands.

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