schools have changed training methods and are now using simplified
shorter forms first, to encourage beginners’ progress. Some have even de-
veloped their own shorter competition forms. The results are evident, as
taiji has gained tremendous popularity in China. Japan, Southeast Asia,
Australia, Europe, the United States, and Canada have ever-growing num-
bers of taiji practitioners.
Taiji is generally practiced as forms or sets consisting of a series of
connected and continuous postures performed very slowly. The slow prac-
tice of the art results in technique becoming refined, balanced, and strong.
Fast sets also are performed, but only in certain schools, and only after one
has gained some degree of proficiency at the traditionally slow sets. Both
empty-hand and weapons forms are practiced individually, but may be
practiced with a partner as well.
Training in push-hands is taijiquan’s form of sparring. It is the logical
extension of the solo forms of taijiquan. The principles learned in taijiquan
are applied in push-hands. Push-hands practice allows a person to perfect
the ability to yield and to let go of all that is nonessential in any interaction
or confrontation.
Other individual practices include Zhan Zhuang (Standing Post Med-
itation) and sets of qigong, including the popular Eighteen Movement Taiji
Qigong. Some modern schools repeat individual movements as a set of ba-
sics. A few schools practice seated meditation and breathing exercises,
which they later apply to forms.
Although not all schools still teach weapons, as they have fallen out
of favor, most traditional styles still retain the weapons as part of the cur-
riculum. They are used at upper levels of skill to improve balance, coordi-
nation, strength, and the correct use of jin(force). The gaze of the eyes,
with concentration (or focus), forms the yi (otherwise known as intention).
This in turn directs flow of qi(internal energy), which in turn manifests as
jing (physical force/action). Training in weapons clarifies the use of legs and
waist, which reinforces the empty-hand training. Weapons are beautiful,
and exhibit a power that demands attention and appreciation. All taiji
weapons techniques have certain common denominators: continuity and
smoothness, power from legs and waist, and “stickiness” once in contact
with the opponent’s weapon.
The major weapons include the jian,a double-edged straight sword.
It is the most popular, but the most difficult of weapons to do well, and the
favorite of aristocrats in years past. Quick, smooth, and accurate, it is said
to be like a flying phoenix. The dao(broadsword or saber) is a curved sin-
gle-edged weapon. Less sophisticated and more strength-oriented, it is the
favorite of the common people. A chopping weapon, the dao is said to be
like a fierce tiger. The gun(staff or cudgel) is a common weapon that uses622 Taijiquan (Tai Chi Ch’uan)