Stirling, Scotland
July 6-13
23rd Tai Chi Caledonia
This year's Tai Chi Caledonia features classes with Sam Masich, Yanira Masich, and Javier Arnanz. Check out the Tai Chi Caledonia website at for full details and registration.
Here are our class topics:
Weekend
45 min. Topics
Yanira Masich
1. 5 Words of Self-composure (Section 5 of the 5 Section Taijiquan Wuduanjin).
The 5 Words of Self-composure are ‘Breath', 'Calm', Centre', ‘Root, and 'Energy'. Yanira will explore the practices and ideas behind this simple yet powerful prescription for release or tension, presence of mind and gathering of energy.
2. The Eight Kicks (from Yang-style Taiji Baduanjin)
The Eight Kicks—Forward kick, Small backward sweep, Propping foot, Forward drilling kick, Side lifting, Front uprising kick, Large back sweep and One legged stance—form part of the ‘Legs’ section in the Yang-style Taijiquan Baduanjin. Yanira will show you how to balance, kick, and laugh all at the same time!
Sam Masich
1. Taiji Five-phase Fists
Think peng, lü, ji, an but with fists! The Five-phase Fists practice is one of the ‘Linking-fist’ (Lianhuanquan) exercises from ‘Taiji Hitting-hands’ (Taiji Dashou). If you’re really quick in picking up the stationary practice Sam might show the stepping version.
2. Understanding the Hip and Waist in Taijiquan
Thoughtful investigation of the practices and writings of the past masters of taijiquan reveals that success in the art is contingent on correct understanding of the hips and the waist. Sam will demonstrate how mastery of these body parts is at the basis of almost every traditional taijiquan concept.
Javier Arnanz
1. Sensing-hands (jue-shou)
Jue-shou, or ‘sensing-hands,' provides the basis for the study of jin, the kinetic energies underlying just about everything in taijiquan. Learn how to make and maintain clear connection—to ‘stick’ and ‘adhere’—and about the ‘five operations’ that are the foundations of traditional push-hands training. Javier will break these concepts down to their simplest forms.
2. Sensing-sword (jue-jian)
Taiji partner sword work is similar to taiji push-hands. Taiji zhan-nian jian, or ‘sticking-adhering sword' also requires the ability to 'listen', 'understand' and ‘receive'—but with the blade. Many concepts from ‘sensing-hands’ (jue-shou) are directly transferable to ‘sensing-sword’ (jue-jian). An expert with the taiji sword, Javier makes this material accessible to everyone.
Week
4 x 2.5 Hours
Yanira
Eight-gates Taiji Sword
Graceful and profound, taiji straight-sword (taijijian) is the most popular of the weapons in taijiquan curriculum. The main focus of this weekend will be the 'eight-gates' sword energies and drills that comprise a major part of the taiji thirteen-power sword. The practical simplicity of the eight-gates study brings the sword to life, enlivening solo forms and partner practices.
Sam
On Dealing With An Opponent: 37 Essential Forms of Yang Chengfu
In his 1931 book, 'Taijiquan Method and Application' Master Yang Chengfu (1883-1936) described thirty-seven core forms. He suggested that these are essential to the understanding of martial application. After listing all the forms within the long form he states, "The full sequence is comprised entirely of thirty-seven distinct forms.” Sam Masich's extensive work in this area has stimulated breakthroughs in the theory of the taijiquan. His principled approach breaks the thirty-seven forms into thirteen 'families' allowing for a deeper understanding of taiji's underlaying structure.