chen style

last night was my first tai chi class at the temple & it was great. of course i was a little giddy & i had to really work my breathing so i would just relax & let it all flow. i feel like we were taught quite a lot of movements (10 i think) for the first class & i even got a not bad from sifu (a long with about 3 minutes of chinese i couldn't understand so i just said amituofo!). the movements are definitely reminiscent of yang style which is the requirement of any tai chi style: long flowing movements, straight back, head as if hanging from a string from the sky, relaxed arms, bent legs especially in transitions. what is markedly different already is the explosive movements & the strength you are required to have & build in the standing & sitting poses. the entire class my joints were popping in ways that shaolin didn't inspire. i think tai chi is harder than shaolin because you aren't pulled through by the momentum. i also broke a mighty sweat in repetitions & in waking up some dormant parts of the body. randy is a patient & conscientious teacher & i am pleased to have learned from him. it did surprise me that the movements, unlike shaolin kung fu, didn't have names. perhaps it's something you learn after the fact.

i showed shi heng ji what i learned last night & now he wants to learn too! a trade perhaps? we are in discussions. i am happy that i have finally returned to temple & to tai chi. i can return to shaolin later when there is more time & energy to give. i am first going to finish the chen style tai chi form. i could see the others in more advanced movements which excites me as to what i will next learn!

more chi!