Sigong started Part 20 of the Chen Spear seminar series with a lecture on a poem about Taijiquan, explaining how one just needs to follow the principles, and through regular practice we can intuitively realise the essence of Taijiquan. He also explained the frame of mind that we use to practice, by telling a story from ancient China about the happiness that can come from simply living in the present moment.
We then moved on to go through the whole of the Spear Form, with Sigong demonstrating each part, followed by us going through in small groups in breakout rooms. Finally we looked in depth at several key movements in the form, such as Flower Stepping and “Shoot with One Hand”, and helped each other and discussed the movements in the breakout room.
It’s amazing how far we’ve come with this form, and with only one seminar left, we all want to learn it to the best of our abilities and continue the skill.
By Alan Skarda
Student Comments
Great to do the moves fast – it is very efficient cardiovascular training combined with tricky coordination!
Thank you, Sigong.
Paul Hogg
It was so good to polish the Chen spear, clear up details and see if we can make the form flow. Thank you Sifu Peter A
It was really good to go through the entire Chen spear today. I think I finally got the ending now. Working on the flower stepping gave a very nice feeling of flow. I also enjoyed the seminar and particularly the story, telling us about how to be present in the moment! Thank you, Sigong. Best, Tom Hogg.
It was great to do the spear at top speed today – really bringing the energy up! Also, at that speed, it’s almost as if the spear is leading you rather than you leading the spear! Nice too to be in the breakout rooms to share thoughts on the details of the form. Thank you Sigong. Peter Hogg
I really like the idea of working together and practicing getting the right energy and flow for Chen Spear. The last parts of the form are finally starting to stick and working to smooth out the movements is also helping everything come together. Thank you Sigong. Sam
The second half of Chen Taijiquan Spear is quite difficult but it was really good to go through again and again and especially perfecting the rotation movements along with other tricky parts. Thank you Sifu!
-Radu
It was good to go over the whole form, especially the second part which has many repeating movements. Could check if missing any parts. The demonstration of the energy and speed at which the form must be performed was quite challenging to reproduce, but that gives us an idea to work on! Thank you Sigong. Christine