Empty Hand Forms
The most recognizable component of tai chi, the solo empty hand forms provide students with a framework to begin connecting their minds and body together. As part of this, they develop balance, physical strength, mental focus, and calm awareness. This training results in an overall centeredness - both mentally and physically.
Chen Form
Devised in the 17th century, Chen is the original from which most other styles derive. It is characterized by sinuous, spiraling motions designed to cultivate silk reeling energy, by lower stances and vigorous expression.
WuHao
The Wu (Hao) is an understated, tranquil, meditative style, with small steps and subtle movements that disappear into formlessness and appear ordinary. It fosters mind method: internal focus and awareness through a concentration on opening and closing (kai-he).
Wudangshan
This traditional long empty hand form which shares the same posture list as the commonly taught Yang style however each posture generally contains a few more movements or applications. The Form has 108 postures and, when performed in its entirety, takes 45 minutes to complete. Students usually learn the Form in roughly 2 years but are able to start benefiting from the practice of the form after a month or so, as principles of movement are ingrained.
Wudangshan is a starting point for anyone interested in the art of taijiquan. and is the predominate form taught by Violet. It is taught one posture at a time, at the student's pace, with an intensive focus on fundamentals in movement.
Partial Wudang Demo
Liuhebafa
A rare and powerful art that combines strengths of three internal martial arts: the straightforward, compact delivery of Xingi, the agile, circular dynamics of Bagua, and the smooth, relaxed execution of Taijiquan, and a fourth element consisting of unusual undulating, wave-like movement that gives the style the name “Water Boxing.”
Liuhebafa is characterized by a dramatic rising and falling. Once learned, the Form moves a bit faster and can provide a more athletic contrast to some of the traditional taiji forms. It builds leg strength, balance and agility at the same time it helps a practitioner unify the body and mind.
An Informal Practice session of Liuhebafa
Tangquan
Tangquan is a traditionally hard style martial art Form and includes a number of punches, kicks, and jumps. While it is a hard style empty hand Form, tangquan is taught from an internal eye and can be used to explore some faster techniques and explosive energy.
A popular form in China, though rare here, devised by the first Tang emperor's 3rd son in the 7th century, Tangquan is characterized by vigorous expression, fluid changes, and alacrity. LaoMa's teacher learned Tangquan in 1911, and in 1980 won a gold medal with it in open competition at the All-China Wushu Championships.
Demo created for Chinese New Year 2021
QiGong
Qigong is the cultivation of internal energy for various purposes: health or healing, martial power, enlightenment, etc. "Qi" is literally internal energy, often called bioelectricity, or breath-blood energy: both nutritive and defensive, both yin and yang. It is formulated of air and food and essence. It is also that vibration which is the source of both change and continuance. "Gong" means work or effort. Taijiquan can be used as a form of qigong, with an approach similar to that taken in qigong study. We also teach specific qigong practices, such as Bauduanjian, Taiji Qigong, zhan zhuang (standing meditation) and "Five Animal Frolics".