Dr. Leung Kay-Chi holding a Bagua Zhang Posture
Discover Professor Cheng Man Ching's 8 methods to understand the principles of Tai Chi!. These valuable exercises were passed on by Tam Gibbs and are great for beginners.
1. #PutTheMoonByHat: Keep your head up high and visualize that the soft part of your head is connected to the moon, while your feet cling to the ground. Add this exercise after "Walking On Ice" for an increased enrichment!
2. #WalkingOnBrokeIce: Imagine walking on thin, slippery ice, with only an inch of water underneath. Make sure you don't break the ice or fall off!
3. #BadearElCreek: Feel like you're in a stream with a gentle current while walking. Connect to the bottom of the stream with every step.
4. #PararseEnElBordeDelPrecipicio: Adopt a White Crane-like posture and spread your imaginary wings. Visualise a shelf on the tip of your back foot.
5. #Rowing: Emulate the rowing motion, like when you push in the "GrabTheSparrowTail" pose. Visualize you're on a boat crossing a river and move your arms as if you're paddling, coordinating with your legs, waist and trunk.
6. #FollowingTheClouds: In the "HandsLikeClouds" pose, imagine that you are a mountain and your hands are the gently flowing clouds.
7. #CabalgarElViento: Just like in the "Diagonal Flight" pose, visualize that you're flying and gliding through the air with grace and control.
8. #UnfoldingTheSail: Like you were a beautiful lady knitting on a shuttle. Feel yourself lifting the sail (pushing up) on an imaginary sailboat.
These methods, taught by Professor Cheng Man-ching in New York between 1965 and 1975, passed down by Tam Gibbs and compiled by Carol McGonegal of Annapolis, Maryland, are a valuable addition to your Tai Chi practice. Explore these principles and improve your mastery of this beautiful discipline!