Taichi cap~Taichi gotamma

Stay strong with Taichi

gotamma is a one of the taichi move of Zhao Bao Taichi form

Traditional Zhao Bao He Style Tai Chi 趙堡和式太極拳

Zhao Bao He Style Taichi 趙堡和式太極拳 is a traditional form of tai chi. It originates from the Zhao Bao town of Henan Province about 400 years ago in the Ming Dynasty and has been passed on by masters from generation to generation. I am the 12th generation master.

Zhao Bao He Style Taichi is a traditional form of tai chi. It originates from the Zhao Bao town of Henan Province about 400 years ago in the Ming Dynasty and has been passed on by masters from generation to generation. I am the 12th generation master.

The form is fully supported by taichi theories. The form consists of 72 movements and takes about 6 minutes to practice. Each movement consists of big and small circular and swirling movements. From the beginning to the end, we focus our mind to lead the movements. We must keep our head, neck and body naturally straight. The center of all movements is the waist, which makes it crucial for the waist to stay loose, steady, and erect. The movements should be soft, even, and completed with ease and agility. We do not use muscle strength. The movements have to remain fluid, and be linked together slowly and continuously. We need to relax the chest muscles and pull the rib cage slightly inward, so that no tension is present in the inner body. When practicing the form, each movement follows the other. They should be linked together seamlessly and with liveliness. To do this, we avoid sticking out the chest, stomach, or buttocks, lowering the head, bending our waist, or arching our back. We should be mindful of the shifting of the weight. Steps should be light and sensitive. The tailbone has to be in line with the spine at all times and should be curled slightly upward. This will help to keep the body straight and center our balance and link the energy in our body from top to bottom, unifying the entire body as one.

Pushing hands is another facet of learning Zhao Bao He Style taichi. Zhao Bao He Style taichi is powerful in pushing hands and combat. By practicing pushing hands, we put the taichi form in action. We can test the accuracy of the form and our ability to feel and sense the momentum/force of the opponent. It is a very intriguing game and interesting learning process.

Zhao Bao He Style taichi has proven to be beneficial to health. It improves blood circulation and enhances the immune system. It helps to bring about better body balance and prevent and alleviate illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach problems, spine problems and anxiety. A lot of students have benefitted immensely after learning and practicing the form. They have become more healthy, lively, happy and energetic in their life, work and play pursuits.

Since Zhao Bao He Style taichi is very complex and subtle, learning requires keen interest and a lot of patience and perseverance. There are two prerequisites. We should learn from a good master. Secondly, we have to be persistent and patient in learning, work closely with and follow the detailed instructions of the master, and firmly abide by the virtues of martial art. There are four basic stages in learning. First we learn the basic form. Secondly, we strive to achieve precision in the movements. Thirdly, we learn to use the inner energy to lead the body in practising the form. Lastly, we learn the application of the form in pushing hands. It is essential that we should persist, be modest and always strive to improve ourselves. With such attitude and intensive practice under the guidance of a good master, we will be able to attain maximum coordination of the body and mind.