Martial Tai Chi

By Marlon Pilossoph

A precise and easy to follow instructional manual in the Yang style Tai Chi long (108) form with detailed step by step descriptions of the movements and how to use each of the movements for self-defense. Get all the manifold health benefits of Tai Chi PLUS learn how to defend yourself!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marlon
• Release date: Jun 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330222612

Book preview

太极拳

MARTIAL TAI CHI CHUAN

PART ONE

OF THE TRADITIONAL LONGFORM

YangChengFuStyle

The Traditional Yang Style Long Form Sequence

Step by Step Including the Martial Arts Applications

Move by Move

Copyright © 2024 All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

CHAPTER 1

POSTURE

CHAPTER 2

SINKING AND RISING

CHAPTER 3

NATURAL BREATHING

CHAPTER 4

KEEPING THE FRAME IN FRONT

CHAPTER 5

WARM-UP EXERCISES

CHAPTER 6

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

CHAPTER 7

COMMENCEMENT OF PART ONE OF THE FORM

CHAPTER 8

THE FIVE KEY CONCEPTS

CHAPTER 9

SELF-DEFENSE APPLICATIONS TO THE MOVEMENTS

CONCLUSION

GLOSSARY

YANG FAMILY IDIOMS

PREFACE

Most people see Tai Chi today as a pretty-looking dance for exercise, and it has lost its martial arts essence. Practitioners and even teachers today do not realize that Tai Chi was created as a martial art for self-defense. The numerous amazing health benefits are secondary.

In my 40 years of experience, I certainly cannot profess to know everything. However, I have gleaned some wisdom over the years that I humbly present to the reader that will prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Yang Tai Chi is a highly effective, valid, and complete system of Chinese Kung Fu.

The health benefits of practicing the Tai Chi form daily include great improvement in balance (falling is the number one cause of death in the elderly according to the CDC), coordination, muscular strength toning, and flexibility. Its practice increases breathing capacity, improves blood circulation, and promotes relaxation, calm, and peace of mind.

Recent studies say that Tai Chi practice can stave off dementia. Remembering the form sequence, its details, proper breathing, etc., is a great exercise in memory. The brain is, in fact, a muscle, too, and it must be exercised. Use it or lose it.

Depression is another malady that Tai Chi practice can treat. By combining deep, slow, and rhythmic breathing through the form sequence while moving slowly, the pulse rate gently speeds up, increasing the circulation of blood throughout the body. Body, mind, and breath entrainment over a 30-minute period causes the brain to become flooded with serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine (the feel-good hormones). This is akin to getting a runner's high.

One of my students has shown marked improvement in symptoms related to Parkinson's Disease. He has provided the following testimonial, hoping others can benefit:

As someone diagnosed with Parkinson's, I can 100% firmly state that Tai Chi's benefits have had a hopefully lasting positive effect on my life. I look forward to working daily on my balance, strength, and coordination using the techniques of Tai Chi. Alan Baboff 4/23/24

The Chinese characters of Tai Chi Chuan translate to Grand Ultimate Fist or Great Infinite Boxing. The meaning is that no matter how long you practice this art, you can never reach the end of its learning and improvement. We can always improve and be better. The movements in Tai Chi are circular, and circles have no beginning and no end. One movement can seamlessly blend into another one. Tai Chi is an infinite form and infinite learning. How beautiful it is…

What could be better than a 30-minute routine that puts a big smile on your face, gives you great exercise, and leaves you feeling good and energized with peace of mind?

Grand Ultimate exercise? Yes… And that is truly the definition of Tai Chi Chuan itself.

Sifu Marlon Pilossoph

Spring 2024

INTRODUCTION

This book is the first part of a three-part series. It includes part one of the three parts of the 108 long form sequentially, along with the applications (martial use of the movements). The second volume will