Shadowhand Taijiquan Welcome

Taijiquan is a gentle exercise with therapeutic properties.

Taijiquan is a highly sophisticated martial art based on the interplay of Yin and Yang.

The forms teach posture, harmony,balance, relaxation and coordination.

The weapon forms additionally provide aerobic fitness training.

Nei Kung training allows the body to absorb blows.

Nei Kung increases the body's power and endurance.

Tui Shou teaches sensitivity and the application of the five step path.

Moving with the opponent allows us to use his force against him.

Each move of the form has its applications.

To truly understand the art you must know all aspects.

The purpose of the handform is to teach practitioners

Form must be balanced with aerobic and stamina training for total fitness benefit.

Handstands to strengthen the arms and wrists
Thunderhand weights to relax the shoulders and train indefinite continuous striking.
The use of kettlebells to increase stamina and power.
Stamina rolls to build breath control while under pressure.
Taiji QiQong exercises - (Lotus Leg, Tiger Embracing Head, Retrieving the Moon etc).

Nei Kung consists of a set of 12 Yin Exercises and 12 Yang Exercises.
Taijiquan Nei Kung is s the core training for all of Taijiquan practise.
It is now taught only after a certain degree of proficiency has been attained.
The weapon forms cannot be properly mastered until the Nei Kung exercises have been practised for a long time.
Nei Kung should only be taught by a fully qualified master as incorrect practise can be harmful.
After one years training a practitioner should be able to withstand a person jumping on their abdomen from shoulder height.
Watch some demos..

Nei Kung trains the mind as well as the body.
The exercises are very demanding and require a lot of time and dedicated practise.
Tradition requires that the Bai Shi ceremony be performed before a student may be taught.
Without Kung all the skill in the world cannot prevail.

Taijiquan has three traditional weapons

Dao - Sabre. This is a single edged weapon that can be supported by the second hand. The measure of skill is in keeping the weapon close to body.
Jian - Sword. This is a double edged weapon and is considered to be ultimate expression of yin overcoming yang.
Qiang - Spear/Staff. This is the shortest form but the hardest to master.
Cheng Tin Hung referred to the as "Additional Equipment Training"
Watch some demos..

The weapon forms are very physically demanding.
The weapon techniques include additional empty hand techniques.
First forms are learnt then the applications.
The weapons also have their "pushing hands" equivalents ; "sticky sabre", "sticky sword" and "sticky spear".
Free form weapon combat is very dangerous and should only be undertaken with the correct equipment, protection and with the greatest care.
Watch some demos..

Tui Shou is commonly translated as pushing hands

Its purpose is to train the coordination of the body with an opponent.
Without mastering Tui Shou you will never understand the true meaning of Yin and Yang.
Tui Shou trains sensitivity and correct movement.
Only by practising Tui Shou or similar training can one master the five step path.

Freestyle pushing hands tests what has been learned in the fixed format exercises

When the basic Tui Shou Styles have been mastered they can be extended by adding self-defence applications to them
They can be mixed together creating more complex and advanced training.
Ultimately they become free form and lead directly to San Shou.
Competitive practise trains the mind to learn to relax under stress

Shadowhand Taijiquan