Tai Chi in Paradise: 24 Steps Beneath the Palms

Greetings again from the island of Oahu - "the Gathering Place." In this lesson, you'll get a chance to see how varied are the kinds of people who learn and practice Taiji (Tai Chi).

In this Flow Motion segment, you'll get introduced to a new move called "Grasping the Bird's Tail" (the easy version, just follow-along).

An interview with one student who uses Taiji for dealing with work relationships as well as for fitness.

Learn the Four Basic Transitions - movements to link all the techniques of your Taiji together.

Learn two new movements in your routine: White Crane Spreads Wings, and Brush Knee & Push.

The Final Thoughts today include tips on how to modify your movements to accommodate your unique body.

Greetings again from the island of Oahu - "the Gathering Place." In this lesson, you'll get a chance to see how varied are the kinds of people who learn and practice Taiji (Tai Chi). In the Flow Motion segment, you'll get introduced to a new move called "Grasping the Bird's Tail" (the easy version, just follow-along). You'll also get a lesson in the Four Basic Transitions - movements to link all the techniques of your Taiji together. And finally, you're going to learn two new movements in your routine: White Crane Spreads Wings, and Brush Knee & Push. At the end of the show, David-Dorian and CJ will give you tips on modifying the movements.

The Hawaiian Taiji adventure continues! In this episode we'll learn how good Taiji is for your body. In China, TaijiQuan is called "The Ultimate Exercise." But just how good is it? You may be surprised to learn that research into Taiji shows that it surpasses almost all other forms of familiar exercise in burning calories, building muscle and endurance, and improving coordination and flexibility.

In this Flow Motion workout, you'll be given the option to sit in a chair if you prefer not to stand.

This course will introduce you to a series of traditional Taiji principles that guide the correct practice of the movements you are learning in your Short Form lessons.

And of course, you'll learn two new TaijiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) movements: Play the Pi'pa and Repulse the Monkey.

The lesson concludes with a comparison of the healthy active older people in China to the more sedentary and frail older people in the U.S.

The Hawaiian Taiji adventure continues! In this episode we'll learn how good Taiji is for your body. In the Flow Motion workout, you'll be given the option to sit in a chair if you prefer not to stand. In Lesson 3, you'll learn the first of the six Basic Principles of Taiji practice - to Slow Down. And of course, you'll learn two new TaijiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) movements: Play the Pi'pa and Repulse the Monkey. The lesson concludes with a comparison of the healthy active older people in China to the more sedentary and frail older people in the U.S.

Where do you go to find healing? In this lesson, you'll be introduced to the basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We'll actually take a trip to a local herb shop and acupuncture clinic.

In the Flow Motion segment, you can follow along with some simplified Taiji (Tai Chi) moves - a great time to practice good posture and relaxation.

Chinese Medicine is partially based on a theory called The Five Elements - wood, water, fire, earth and metal.

"Relax the Body" is the second principle of Taiji - the one you learn in this episode.

Your Short Form lesson entails learning "Grasp the Bird's Tail." This is one of the fundamental movements in TaijiQuan. You can actually find this move in almost every routine and in every style.

We end this episode exploring a deeper understanding of the mysterious life force known as Qi.

Where do you go to find healing? In this lesson, you'll be introduced to the basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We'll actually take a trip to a local herb shop and acupuncture clinic. In the Flow Motion segment, you can follow along with some simplified Taiji (Tai Chi) moves - a great time to practice good posture and relaxation. In fact, "Relax the Body" is the second principle of Taiji - the one you learn in this episode. Your Short Form lesson entails learning "Grasp the Bird's Tail." We end this episode with a deeper understanding of the mysterious life force known as Qi.

Bonus! Today's Flow Motion workout is an extra long one. Plus, Flow Motion this time includes some special guided meditation called "Standing Like a Tree."

Taiji has many benefits, some of them life saving. In this lesson, you'll learn how Taiji practice is an antidote to one of the deadliest killers in the world - stress.

To go along with the short lesson on Taiji as an antidote to stress, you'll also learn about the third Basic Taiji Principle: Keep it Simple.

In the 24-movement form, you'll turn your attention to the movements Single Whip and Waving Hands Like Clouds (two of my favorites, by the way).

As promised, here's what all those names mean!

In this lesson, you'll learn the hidden meaning behind the names of the movements in your Taiji form. Flow Motion this time includes some special guided meditation called "Standing Like a Tree." Taiji has many benefits, some of them life saving. In this lesson, you'll learn how Taiji practice is an antidote to one of the deadliest killers in the world - stress. To go along with the short lesson on Taiji as an antidote to stress, you'll also learn about the third Basic Taiji Principle: Keep it Simple. In the 24-movement form, you'll turn your attention to the movements Single Whip and Waving Hands Like Clouds (two of my favorites, by the way).

Master your "Monkey Mind!" Lesson 6 is an introduction to Taiji as a form of moving meditation.

During the follow-along Flow Motion segment, you'll get to do some new moves from the Eight Pieces of Brocade - an ancient form of Qigong meditation.

The Basic Principle in this lesson is the concept of "Sinking Down."

Since this is the halfway point in the series, instead of learning a new movement you'll review the whole form that you've learned up to this point.

And the thought for the day: remember that learning Taiji is a journey - not a destination!

Master your "Monkey Mind!" Lesson 6 is an introduction to Taiji as a form of moving meditation. During the follow-along Flow Motion segment, you'll get to do some new moves from the Eight Pieces of Brocade - an ancient form of Qigong meditation. The Basic Principle in this lesson is the concept of "Sinking Down" and since this is the halfway point in the series, instead of learning a new movement you'll review the whole form that you've learned up to this point. And the thought for the day: remember that learning Taiji is a journey - not a destination!

Grab a partner, because in this lesson you'll learn about the martial arts roots of Taiji.

In the Flow Motion mini-class, you'll see how you can use the moves you've learned from the 24 form to get a mind/body workout.

In the lesson on the Short Form, you'll work with a partner on the practical self-defense application of the Taiji techniques.

The way you play Taiji may change a little depending on what's known as the "style" or "family" of Taiji you are studying. Our Final Word covers what are the different styles of TaijiQuan.

Grab a partner, because in this lesson you'll learn about the martial arts roots of Taiji. In the Flow Motion mini-class, you'll see how you can use the moves you've learned from the 24 form to get a mind/body workout. Principle #5 is the Principle of Continuous Motion - it's how you keep flowing in TaijiQuan. In the lesson on the Short Form, you'll work with a partner on the practical self-defense application of the Taiji techniques.

In this lesson's Flow Motion segment, you can follow along to see how easy Taiji kicks can be.

The strict translation of "Taiji (Tai Chi)" is "The Supreme Ultimate." It's a euphemism for the marriage of Yin and Yang, the ultimate state of Harmony.

In this lesson, we cover the final Basic Taiji Principle: your movements must demonstrate the balance of Yin and Yang.

Ready to learn three new moves? High Pat on Horse, Step Up and Kick, and Box Both Ears.

A short Chinese Creation story - and how it relates to Taiji.

In China, Taiji is known as a Living Philosophy - a practical method of living in harmony day by day. In this lesson's Flow Motion segment, you can follow along to see how easy Taiji kicks can be. Later in the show, we'll cover the final Basic Principle - which happens to be "Balance Your Yin and Yang." And then you'll learn three new moves in the forms class: High Pat on Horse, Step Up and Kick, and Box Both Ears. The Final Words today turn out to be a short Chinese Creation story - and how it relates to Taiji.

Pushing Hands - aka Taiji for Two - is a Taiji sparring game, a way to gently practice the martial techniques. But it is also an interactive metaphor - a way to learn to bring whole relationships into harmony balance.

Getting into the rhythms and patterns of Taiji - like we do in Flow Motion - is actually the foundation for Push Hands play.

We also find that the correct spinal alignment improves your Push Hands. In fact, don't you think that standing up straight improves all your relationships?

In this episode, you'll go from the height of the kick to the depths of the ground with your new movement: Snake Creeps Through the Grass.

The Final Thought is an invitation: have you shared any of the Taiji that you've learned? It's never too soon - and it's never too late!

Pushing Hands - aka Taiji for Two - is a Taiji sparring game, a way to gently practice the martial techniques. But it is also an interactive metaphor - a way to learn to bring whole relationships into harmony balance. In this episode, you'll go from the height of the kick to the depths of the ground with your new movement: Snake Creeps Through the Grass. The Final Thought is an invitation: have you shared any of the Taiji that you've learned? It's never too soon - and it's never too late!

The life force energy known as Qi is a mystery to Western science, but throughout Asia it is the basis of traditional medicine. What is it and where does it come from?

Althogh Qi cannot be seenor measured, it CAN be felt, and Flow Motion is a great way to get your Qi circulating every day - especially when you've only got 10 minutes to spare.

Taiji is beautiful to watch and perform. But what you can't see is all the wonderful things happening on the inside of your body - and in particular what is happening with your Qi.

In your Short Form lesson, you'll learn how to stand on one foot - like a Rooster!

Nietzsche wrote, "I would only believe in a God who danced." So.. what kind of dance do you imagine God is doing?

The life force energy known as Qi is a mystery to Western science, but throughout Asia it is the basis of traditional medicine. What is it and where does it come from? Althogh Qi cannot be seenor measured, it CAN be felt, and Flow Motion is a great way to get your Qi circulating every day - especially when you've only got 10 minutes to spare. Taiji is beautiful to watch and perform. But what you can't see is all the wonderful things happening on the inside of your body - and in particular what is happening with your Qi. In your Short Form lesson, you'll learn how to stand on one foot - like a Rooster! In our Final Thoughts, we recall that Nietzsche said, "I would only believe in a God who danced." So.. what kind of dance do you imagine God is doing?