The Tai Chi Set consists of a series of movements done with a regular order and structure. The physical actions and moves that make up the Tai Chi Set can be somewhat difficult to learn, precisely because they do have to follow a definite sequence and structure. In order to facilitate the learning process, the Tai Chi Set has been broken down into component parts. In this fashion, the student can learn by focusing on the details and foundations of the movements that make up the Tai Chi Set.
The Tai Chi Set consists of a series of movements done with a regular order and structure. The physical actions and moves that make up the Tai Chi Set can be somewhat difficult to learn, precisely because they do have to follow a definite sequence and structure. In order to facilitate the learning process, the Tai Chi Set has been broken down into component parts. In this fashion, the student can learn by focusing on the details and foundations of the movements that make up the Tai Chi Set.
For learning purposes, the Tai Chi Set is broken down as follows:
1) The Tai Chi Set comprises 123 Units of Movement, or Postures, each with a name. In referring to the Sequence Guide, please note that the number and name of each Unit of Movement (or Posture) is listed in the order in which it occurs in the form.
2) Each Unit of Movement or Posture consists of a number of Parts, listed in brackets in the Sequence Guide. These Parts vary, up to five in number.
3) Each Part consists of 3 ‘Actions’, counted as ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, and this ‘count’ provides the basic guideline to learning the Tai Chi Set.
4) Where the Action is complicated (e.g. involving simultaneous and/or intermediate moves), it is further subdivided alphabetically as segments of ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’, etc, (as needed) to ease the learning process.
5) The Tai Chi Set is taught in 3 Stages. Stage I consists of Movements #1 to #14; Stage II consists of Movements #15 to #59; Stage III consists of Movements #60 to #123. Each Stage will feature some movements of increased difficulty from the one(s) before.