Gilman Studio On-Line Lessons
Yang Style Long Form
Tai Chi Chuan
This Lesson Contains:
Movement # 64 – Ward Off Left
Following the replace stepping of Partition, I continue this step technique with Ward Off Left. The opponent strikes my center with his right fist. I join, stick, circle to close, pull, and finally throw him away with Peng Jing.
Yoshi attacks my center with his right fist. I withdraw, join and stick.
Shift the weight back onto the left foot, pulling in the right foot to touch with only the toe. As you do this, the torso turns to the left to end up facing the same direction as the left toe.
The right arm drops down to waist level with the palm turning counterclockwise to end facing downward. The left arm stays on the left side of the waist.
Focus on the right wrist/forearm for joining.
I start to close the opponent up.
Lift the right foot up and start to turn the torso to the right.
The right arm moves up the front of the body in a large clockwise circle. The palm stays facing down. The left arm moves with the body to the right.
Focus on the right hand for leading and the left foot for possible kick.
Note: In these pictures I have exaggerated the right foot lift in order to show the possibility of kicking. In the form, the replace is very subtle.
I have completed the close up, joined with the left forearm, and wait to see how the opponent will react.
Place the right foot down so the toe faces south. Roll up onto the left toe. My lower body is now ready to step freely in any direction, as well as block or kick with the left leg.
The arms have now moved into center position.
Focus on the right palm for sticking, and the left forearm for joining.
Yoshi tries to escape, so I step ahead with the left foot to seal his escape.
Step ahead with the left foot to face east. Just touch down the heel. Don’t add weight yet. In the form, be careful to step wide enough to the left with the left foot so you would be stepping to the outside of the opponent’s stance.
The arms stay in the same position.
Focus on the correct placement of the left foot, the back of the left forearm for joining and sticking, and the right palm for a slight pull.
Note: I’m sorry I didn’t take a picture of the form movement, but the form is very easy to see in the application picture. Sensing Yoshi’s retreat energy, I add a bit of pull with the right hand at the same time as I step with the left foot. The pull is important to make his retreat more difficult and to break his root.
I bounce the opponent away.
Shift the weigh onto the left foot until the knee just covers the toe. At the same time, turn the torso to face east. When all the weight is on the left foot, allow the hip turning to pivot in the right toe to face half way between south and east. Do not lean forward.
The left arm rises to end at the center of the chest, with the palm facing inward. Keep a nice, round structure to the left arm. Keep the elbow and shoulder drooped.
The right arm straightens, pulling down, and ends by the right side of the hip, with the palm facing down.
Focus on the left arm for applying Peng Jing.
Note: This works easily since the opponent’s energy is moving away anyway.