Just back from taiji again; this is the big, group class at Toa Payoh.
I’ve missed a couple of these Monday night sessions, which is a pity. I’ve been put in the advanced class – that is, they’ve finished the form, and are now beginning to work on the finer points. My practice over the last week means that I’m able to keep up, and I know the form to the end – although, the way I’ve learned the moves is a bit different in places, so I still get a bit confused from time to time!
I’m definitely learning that I have never practised taiji properly before now: the way we’re being taught conforms to everything I’ve read, about how taiji should be practised, but it’s the first time that I’ve been taught this way.
As I wrote before, I’m sinking my stance much lower than I’m used to. I’m also discovering that my weight distribution has been completely wrong, so I have to think about every movement – which is a good thing in taiji anyway! My foot placements have also been sloppy, so I also need to work hard at correcting those. In addition, the instructors are teaching us how the movements should be used, which is more to bear in mind.
The lessons start with a long warm-up – in fact, this probably takes about half the evening. We do this all together, lined up in four or so long lines. Master Chong faces the middle of the front row, with the instructors flanking on either side, so that we can all see at least one of them clearly.
After the warm-up, we split into our groups. Each has one regular instructor, with usually one or two others wandering between the groups and helping where needed. We practise the full form two or three times in succession, and then focus on one move, or set of moves, to work on in detail. Tonight my group was looking at the set from single whip, through fair lady weaves shuttles, to ward off. We did that sequence about 15 times in a row, with individual corrections, comments from the instructor, and a lot of concentration. I learned a lot about moving my weight to the front foot, kou bu, opening the gua, and footwork.
As a result, my ankles, calves, knees and thighs are all throbbing as I type – I’ll probably feel this in the morning!
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