Gilman Studio On-Line Lessons
Tai Chi Partner Cane Form
This Lesson Contains:
Movement # 4 – Ride the Wind
This is a nice movement. It contains two retreats to counter B’s attack to the legs and then to the head. As always, when stepping back in Tai Chi, be sure to set a root before moving weight onto the leg. Just don’t fall backward.
Getting the right foot out of the way.
Shift the weight back onto the left foot and roll up onto the right heel.
The cane starts a large, downward, counterclockwise circle to join and lead B’scane to the right.
Focus on the center.
Step back with the right foot, getting it out of the way of B’s attack. Shift the weight onto it. You are now in right foot sit stance. (You might want to check on stance information contained in the Long Form solo class also on-line.) The body continues to face the starting direction.
The cane has finished half the circle, and is now in front of the right leg. It is now in contact with B’s cane and is leading it to the right.
Focus on the cane for neutralizing and leading.
B is now coming in for the head strike.
Step back with the left foot, just touching down the toe. Sink into the right Kua. Be sure to step back slightly to the left side with the left foot so you end up with a stable platform.
The cane continues its circle up and around.
Focus on retreating.
Blocking B’s attack to the head.
Shift the weight back onto the left foot. You are now in left foot sit stance. The torso turns a bit to the left of the starting direction.
The cane ends up in front of the left side of the body at about a 45 degree angle. Keep your right arm relaxed and don’t reach out too much. You should be comfortable in your center. The left hand continues to touch the right forearm.
Focus on the cane, about a third of the way down from the tip.
Note: This block can either be soft, just stopping the attack, or it can be hard, trying to break the opponent’s cane or knock it out of his hands.