Created to complement the Combined 42 Forms, the 42 sword is a beautiful extension of the essential principles of four major styles of Tai Chi.

 

 

Instructor - Ralph Dehner

I have found the sword forms to be an excellent way to deepen my Tai Chi practice.  I especially like the 42 Combined Sword Forms because of the mix of soft and explosive energies, the athleticism of many of the forms and the gracefulness of the set overall. 
 
I have been teaching this set for more than 5 years now and enjoy it thoroughly.  Last year we had a small class at MT. Holyoke and enjoyed learning from each other with focus training and fun at the same time.
 
It shares the similar traits with the competition routine of 42 Form Tai Chi Chuan in its technical characteristics as the posture is elegant with the force / intention penetrating onto the sword as the movements are agile and steady, with a balance of softness and hardness.
 
I especially like this quote when describing the 42 Sword;
 
"42 Combined Sword Forms - You can take your Tai Chi practice to a new level by exploring the swords forms. " This competition routine contains the “silk reeling power” of the Chen, the graceful strength of the Yang, the exquisite subtleties of the Wu, and the flexible agility of the Sun."* 
 

 

"Learning and practicing the 42 Sword Form gives your personal tai chi practice a new depth.  While the form is beautiful and graceful, it also provides an opportunity to practice extending your qi.  This is a unique opportunity to grow in your personal practice and depth of tai chi as you utilize the techniques you already know while learning the new techniques of a sword form.  I highly recommend this form to any participant who wants to move beyond the basics.   Ralph Dehner is an inspiring instructor and the opportunity to learn from him is an opportunity not to be missed, regardless of the form he teaches.  If you’ve admired watching previous classes demonstrate the form or have always wanted to try a sword form, this is a great opportunity."
Betty Scanlon

 

The 42 sword class in 2008 was a small intimate group which received almost individual tuition. It’s a challenging form for both the students and the instructor, but Ralph Dehner’s easy going, non-threatening and encouraging teaching style combined with his knowledge of the form ensured that each of us had a wonderful, instructive and fulfilling week.
Fiona Black

 

 

 

Originated from China based on yang style, this Tai Chi Fan set combines both martial and monastic qualities, expressing the ultimate in yin and yang.

 

 

WHY REGISTER FOR THE FAN CLASS ? 

Would it be to learn the graceful, flowing movements? Find the beauty in combining yin and yang; the monastic and the martial? It might be, or it might be much much more !!!

 

It is a different feeling to do Tai Chi with a weapon in your hand, but to do so provide the student with skills that will enhance all his tai chi forms exponentially.

 

The spiraling movements in the Fan Form will transcend and transform your empty-handed form in many ways. Tai Chi Fan is based on Yang style, but no matter what form you know and practice now, the Fan class will enhance that form.

 

Yes, you learn a beautiful form, but the emphasis in the class is on the principles of tai chi and learning the form enhances spiraling ( silk-reeling ), empty stepping, weight shifting techniques and improving flow.

Join me and I’ll take you on a journey of fan, form and fun!

 

Hi! My name is Jan Davis and I live in Hervey Bay Queensland Australia. In January 2008 at Dr. Lam’s workshop I enrolled in the moving in stillness fan form, I was very worried how I would learn 53 moves in one week. My goal was to learn more about Yang tai chi and experience this moving in stillness fan. What a wonderful week with a very experienced teacher, I learned about the concept of Yin and Yang how to use the fan as a weapon and how to move and flow in harmony.

“Martial art and dance became one”.

Moving in Stillness Fan Form is about spiralling energy in the body, I would like to thank Shelia Rae for my wonderful week and helping me to obtain my goals.

 

"The Fan Form Class with MT Shelia Rae improved my Tai Chi and understanding of  Tai Chi Principles. 
Mental focus is necessary to coordinate the hand movements of this form while the continuous pivoting foot movements require awareness of weight shifts and keeping joints open and loose."
Joanne Zeitler - Arkansas USA

 

 

 

Chen style is characterised by softness and hardness complementing each other, fastness and slowness intermixed. Learn this shorter set to experience the spiral force and inner energy of the style.

 

 

This workshop is designed to explore the internal energy expressed in Chen Style Tai Chi.  The class will focus on reeling silk and spiral energy especially apparent in the Chen Style. Since the class will only be covering the first 12 movements of the Chen 36 form the class will focus more on the internal and applications of movements than on the choreography of movement.

 

The class is an excellent choice for the beginning Chen student as well as the advanced student of Chen seeking deeper understanding of the movements.

 

 

"Troyce is absolutely a world class trainer & teacher.  Her thorough knowledge and teaching methods, as well as attention to each student and the group as a whole, resulted in a unique learning experience, one I often revisit in my now daily practice of the 73 form."

Joe Higgins

 

 

Chen style has many features (as with class 10), much complexity and is more vigorous. It is powered by a sophisticated spiral force (chan suu jin), ideal to expand skill for advanced practitioners.

 

 

We will explore the softness of the power in Chen, and smooth the transitions between the postures in the form.  At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to practice the complete set and begin to explore their own expression through the movements.

 

 

To be advised.