Gilman Studio On-Line Lessons
Yang Style Long Form
Tai Chi Chuan
This Lesson Contains:
Movement # 62 – Partition Of The Wild Horse’s Mane – Left
Here is another instance where I modify the form. The traditional form uses simple forward walking in the next two movements. I use “replace step”. Instead of simply pivoting the front foot out on the heel, I lift the foot and replace it at a different angle. This type of forward movement is used quite a bit in the two person fighting form, and not in the long form. I like it, so I added it here.
The opponent attacks my center with his right side. I join, stick, and lead him to my right, which closes him up. I add a pull to disrupt his root. I then step behind him, and throw him over my leg.
Yoshi strikes with his right fist. I retreat and join with his energy.
Shift the weight back onto the left foot and pull in the right foot, touching the toe. As you shift back, turn the torso slightly to the left. The turning of the torso presents a smaller target, and if the strike hits, the body would be moving with it.
The right hand turns to face inward as the arm drops. It stays on the right side of the body with the hand about waist level. The left arm remains at about the same place in relation to the body.
Focus on the right wrist/forearm for joining.
I now lead his energy to my right, closing him up. I can kick his knee as I start my replace step.
As the torso starts to turn to the right, lift the right foot up. The right knee moves to the right with the torso.
The right arm starts to circle up and to the right with the torso turn. The palm now faces downward. The left arm follows the body.
Focus on the right hand for leading and possibly grabbing.
I am now in control and wait to see what Yoshi’s response will be.
Place the right foot down with the toe facing south. Put the weight directly on the right foot. Roll up the left heel so the left foot will be ready for kicking, blocking, or stepping.
The right arm has completed its circle and ends by the right side of the chest with the palm facing downward. The left arm has moved in front of the left side of the lower body to protect the crotch. It also threatens the opponent.
Focus on the right hand for grabbing.
Yoshi wasn’t retreating, so I decide to add a pull to break his root. At the same time, I step behind him to block his possible retreat.
As I sink deeper into my right foot root, I step ahead with the left heel. The toe faces slightly to the left of east. Be sure to step far enough to the left to provide a wide base of support for what is to follow.
The arms stay basically in the same relationship. The pull comes from sinking my torso deeper into the right side.
Focus on the right hand for pulling, and the left foot for proper placement.
Yoshi tries to withdraw, so I follow his energy and add Lieh Jing to throw him over my leg.
Shift the weight onto the left foot and turn the torso until it faces the left toe.
The two arms split the energy. The left arm rises and moves with the torso to the left. It ends at shoulder height, in line with the left leg, with the palm facing upward. The right arm moves downward to the right and ends by the side of the right hip. The palm faces downward.
Focus on the two arms splitting the energy.
Note: It is important in this application for the two arms to pull in opposite directions. The right hand downward pull keeps Yoshi from escaping backwards, while the upward rising energy with the left forearm takes him further then he would like to go. I could have used the left forearm to strike his ribs.