What is the Taijiquan solo form? What is it that we are actually supposed to be practicing? Why is it done so slowly? It has been a long-standing conundrum that something āinvisibleā is going on, something āinternal,ā that, in spite of the fact that Taijiquan is a martial art, its solo form is something more than just a rehearsal of martial attacks and defenses. Its slow speed and seemingly easy, relaxed movements provide the opportunity for the careful examination and retraining of deep internal responses. Here, in elaborate detail, are some of the āmeditationsā that spell the difference between hopeful fantasy and concrete progress. With the same rigor that he applied to the basic protocols of Taijiquan two-person interactions (The Theoretical Basis of Tāai Chi Chāuan), Robert Amacker now applies his fifty years of teaching experience to the solo exercise, and to the elucidation of thirteen important āmeditations,ā all critical to ultimate Taijiquan mastery, all meant to be eventually integrated into unconscious reflexive and creative response. If youāre in the mood for concrete, detailed instruction on the āinternalā aspects of TaijiquanĀ solo practice, aspects that transcend any style or version if the form, this book is for you.
Profusely illustrated by Olesya Amacker.
Contents:
1. Plucking up the Back
2. The Fundamental Somatic Concept ā Li and Stagnancy
3. Chansijing of the Arms
4. Chansijing of the Legs
5. Separation of Substantial and Insubstantial
6. Control of the Knees
7. Rooted Movement
8. Keeping the Feet Flat on the Floor
9. Empty Steps
10. Hand Posture
11. Taoist Breathing
12. Parameters of Size and Speed
13. Martial Meaning
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 