Most Taichi taught today is simplified Taichi. However, in the old days with the ancient masters, as students progressed they learned more and more detail. For example, to get the most out of Taichi, you must begin your practice by entering the State of Taichi. You cannot enter this state through physical posture alone. You must be able to integrate correct meditation, Chi awareness and Chi flow, and connect and integrate everything you do with your Dan Tian.

Most traditional practice begins with a Taichi Bow and several minutes meditating in Preparation form. Master Liao dissects each of these forms in great detail, the way they were taught in ancient lineages so that you can reach the state of connection with your internal energy before you even start your Taichi practice.

This class was originally recorded in 2011 during a gathering of Master Liao’s most advanced students and instructors for instructor training at the Taichi Tao Center.

ABOUT THE MASTERING TAICHI SERIES

Taichi is more than a slow-motion dance or exercise. Taichi masters understand that each form is specifically designed to help you move your energy in specific ways. But to do this, you need to understand the engineering and Chi principles behind each form.

Long-time students know that nobody on earth can go into more interesting, energy-focused detail on how to perfect a Taichi Form than Master Waysun Liao. Just when you think you know a form, Master Liao will blow your mind with amazing possibilities you never considered before, and suddenly a whole new world will open up in practicing a simple posture.

This series is a collection of such classes. The courses in the “Mastering Taichi Series” showcase those lessons where Master Waysun Liao does a deep dive into specific single forms, dissecting and explaining the energy flow, practice variations, meditative focus, and potential power in dynamic detail.

Viewers who are or wish to be Taichi instructors, masters, or practice group leaders will want to devour this series. It will not only put you on the road toward mastering Taichi, it is also rich with tips and lesson ideas you can bring to your own students. What you learn will help you know whether you and your students are doing a form correctly, and how to bring any Taichi form to the next level.