crossing
head1 FORM STUDY
Review
The Opening
,
The Beginning
,
Ward Off Left
,
Ward Off Right
.
Roll Back
,
Press
,
Push
,
Single Whip
,
Lifting Hands
,
Shoulder Strike
,
White Crane spreads its wings
and
Deflect Downward, Intercept and Strike
,
Clean the Arm and Push
.
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Crossing Hands
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From the push begin to press from the forearm to the right side
of the body. As the weight transfers to the right, pivot on
the left heel until the foot is facing forward.
Press to the left with the left forearm while pivoting on the
right sole of the foot (bubbling well). The arms open up and
begin descending on both sides of the body.
Make a complete circle as the right foot slides back alongside
the left foot so they are both facing forward. Sink the body
into the middle as the left arm circles. The right arm also
circles to the outside of the left arm into a cross hands
position.
We have now completed the first third of the Yang short form.
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Crossing Hands Application
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Crossing hands is a simple way to reverse the arm facing an
opponent. Check this out by crossing the arms in front of
the chest and then dropping both palms downward. The inside
palm becomes the outside palm with the shift in direction.
This is often used as a way of grasping an opponent. The
important principle to grasp now is to relax and open up the
shoulders so that the body can begin to absorb through the
various gates. The ankle, knee, pelvis, waist, spine, neck,
shoulder, elbow, hand are gates that link the whole body to
express the combined strength of its various parts.
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A Whole Form
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Repeating these movements three times is equivalent to doing
the complete form daily. Many tai chi students learn only
this much of the form to improve their health. It should
take about 10 minutes to complete a slow form.
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Conclusion of the Grand Terminus
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The form ends with a movement identical to the opening movement
called the conclusion of the grand terminus. At this point
in the form all the movements after the beginning movement are
on the same level. The ending will sink the body to the right
while forming a tripod on the left. Then sink the body to the
left while forming a tripod on the right. Come to the center
and slowly raise up to a normal standing height.
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sinking
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This discipline of sinking the body and maintaining the slightly
lowered stance is crucial to gaining the benefits derived from
practicing Tai Chi Chuan. The legs become like strings that will
alternately expand and contract to maintain this height. There
are three other great springs to find in the body. Realizing the
power of these five great springs will greatly enhance the ability
to move with the whole body.