Focus Taijiquan: A Study of the Taijiquan Classics

This book shares methods for learning and practicing the Chinese martial art of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan). In the late 19th century Wu, Yu-Xiang reportedly found written material that described Taijiquan practice. Wu and his nephew Li, I-Yu, added these works to their own collection of writings on the art. Taken together, these writings are considered the Taijiquan Canon or Classics. This book presents three of the classic texts as a handbook for your training. Each verse from these legendary texts is examined for meaning, explained in its cosmological context, and—where possible—related to a physical exercise. After a firm foundation is established through the classic texts, the long form of Sun Style Taijiquan is presented. While I practice Sun Style Taijiquan, the foundational exercises presented with the classic texts are excellent training aids for any style of Taijiquan. These exercises study functional alignment, breathing and stepping techniques, finding balance, and creating the focused, meditative, mind required for a long-term commitment to Taijiquan practice. This is a pragmatic approach to Taijiquan practice that varies from traditional methods of teaching the art. Many of the exercises described in this book come from the various family styles of Taijiquan but are presented as a cohesive whole. Additional isometric exercises reinforce key verses from the Taijiquan Classics. Most students abandon the supplemental exercises once the long form is learned. This book encourages you to continue with the supplemental practice routines by highlighting their importance in the classic texts. The hope is that this method of practice will keep you engaged with these supplemental exercises, and provide a framework for your further study.