Tai Chi Walking

[NKociara]

For rhe past couple of months, I have been doing some research on Taijiquan (and I plan on taking Chen Taijiquan eventually) and I came across something called Taiji (Tai Chi) walking. From what I have read, It's more or less controling your weight distribution and how you shift your weight as you walk.
I was wondering if that is all there is to Taiji walking or is there more to it. Also, is it an excersize that would be practiced in a class or is it something that is supposed to be done at all times?
Thanks :bow:

[East Winds]

NKociara,

T'ai Chi walking is the way we move in Taijiquan. It is "empty stepping". If you imagine a fireman going into a smoke filled building, he will test the floor by putting one foot forward with no weight on it. Only when he knows that the floor is solid will he transfer his weight fully. It is also called "walking like a cat". If you see any of the large cats stalking prey, this is also how they step. In a martial aspect it makes sense not to commit your weight forward until you are ready to do so. Empty stepping means you can retreat is you wish. We train it in class to increase body control and as I say, that is the way we move when performing the taji form.

Hope this helps

Very best wishes

[NKociara]

From your explaination, it seems the way I interpreted it from the book was fairly accurate. I've been practicing it on and off for a little while now and I was impressed with how much quieter I walk and how much less my legs hurt at the end of the day (Between college and work I do alot of walking). Thanks for the confirmation. :bow:
So from what i've seen, i'm guessing that T'ai chi walking should be practiced all the time or at least frequently outside doing the forms? It would at the very least seem resonable.

[East Winds]

Nathan,

The answer to all your questions is quite simply - Yes. Taiji walking naturally drops your centre of gravity and is the basis for "rooting" or "grounding" in the form and of course in our daily lives. It also teaches us to move from the waist rather than have the upper body leading. I teach it as a fall prevention exercise in the elderly. Keep doing it!!!!

Very best wishes

P.S. Incidentally, if you watch these supermodels on the catwalk, that is exactly how they are walking!!!!! Don't do it in public though, you'll get arrested!!!!!!!!!

[NKociara]

Thank you, I will.:bow:


P.S. Incidentally, if you watch these supermodels on the catwalk, that is exactly how they are walking!!!!! Don't do it in public though, you'll get arrested!!!!!!!!!
I'll keep that in mind:laugh: :laugh:

[davidmitchel]

In the thread "My New Hero", there is some Chen Xiaowang footage, should you want to look at it. I pasted the links below. It is truly awesome.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnhE0B-ro9U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnhE0B-ro9U)
Killer Chen Set

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldH40uF_f28 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldH40uF_f28)
Rooting on one leg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxxebP0u31g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxxebP0u31g)
Fa Jing Demonstration.

Dave

[rgoad]

P.S. Incidentally, if you watch these supermodels on the catwalk, that is exactly how they are walking!!!!! Don't do it in public though, you'll get arrested!!!!!!!!!Very True. Remember that scene in the James Bond movie where Halle Berry walks out of the water? Like that.

I have that on my screen saver loop.

[NKociara]

Those were some interesting videos. I think thats the first time i've seen any Taiji form done at full (or at least close to full) speed.
thanks dave :bow: