Monday Morning Tai Chi Training Tip # 270
Kicks in the Form
As I said last week, this week we will examine what type of kick goes where in the Yang Style Long Form, as I interpret it. Your applications might be different than mine, and even if it is, this should give you some idea of possibilities. The main object of this lesson is to become clear about your intention. The kicks described below are for the Yang Style. Other schools or other martial arts might use different kicks.
Some basics:
*Horizontal kick is delivered by stepping to your left and swinging the right leg to your right.
*Thrust kicks can be delivered by facing the opponent of by turning your body to the side (side kick).
*Snap kicks are delivered by facing the target.
*Stomps are delivered facing the target.
Some moves are optional stomps or empty step on heel. It is for you to decide. Remember, any step can be a kick. Here we go.
Note: The best stance as a defense against kicks is empty stance on toe, sitting on rear foot. That way you can use your front foot to block or kick. Also consider the fact that most defense happens on the rear leg and most offense happens from the front leg.
Move number, name, type of kick, body position
#8. Raise Hands. Optional stomp. Facing.
#11. Play the Fiddle. Optional stomp. Facing.
#15. Play the Fiddle. Stomp. Facing.
#22. Fist Under Elbow. Optional stomp. Facing.
#27. Raise Hands. Stomp. Facing.
#40. Separation of the Right Foot Kick. Snap kick. Facing.
#41. Separation of the Left Foot Kick. Snap kick. Facing.
#42. Turn and Left Foot Kick with Sole. Thrust kick. Facing.
#48. Right Foot Kick with Sole. Thrust kick. Facing.
#51. Right Foot Kick with Sole. Thrust kick. Facing.
#53. Left Foot Kick with Sole. Thrust kick. Left side facing.
#54. Turn Around and Right Foot Kick with Sole. Thrust kick. Right side facing.
#83. Raise Hands. Stomp. Facing.
#96. Turn and Cross Foot Kick with Sole. Thrust kick. Facing.
#102. Step Up to Form Seven Stars. Snap kick. Facing.
#104. Turn Around and Kick Horizontally. Horizontal kick. Facing to your left.