Is it true that after you become really advanced with taiji that when you perform the form your arms/legs barely move. Like really "small" circles almost as if its only your wrist/hands moving, with a minimal shift in body weight?

Also I read that once you get to that level that you'll actually be doing the form constantly in your mind without actually practicing it.

Is any of this stuff true and where can i find more information (books/videos)

The longer you competently practise a taiji form, the smoother and more subtle the movements will become. Some old masters do look as if their form has "shrunk" in comparison to the same form being done by relative beginners.

You can't teach yourself this kind of approach, it's supposed to happen over the decades of practise.

Even if you reach this stage, it is also seems true that your joints will lose some of their range of motion if you don't practise supplementary exercises, if you use the taiji form(s) as your only form of exercise.

Read the Tai Ji Classics...
I've been enjoying the translation by Waysun Liao.

" Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain"
Author ChungLiang Al Huang (Al Huang)

These two book are very good reads about Tai Ji.

The book by Al Huang is an interesting read and is considered a classic of North American taiji literature by some. He has an excellent reputation as a dancer and a calligrapher; but that doesn't also qualify him to lecture about traditional taiji.

At least he is honest in the book about how his main interest was using taiji-like movements as a means of self-expression and body movement.

Wang Pei Sheng wrote a book about Wu-style Taiji Quan that is very good. It sets some excellent guidelines on how to improve your skill.

Could anyone help me?
i would like the address of people coming thrugh the Wang pei shen in beijing. tks

Wang Peisheng style is a Yang (Yuting)/Northern Wu style (beijing) pattern that is not too well known. The form is not that much different from the Shanghai version (Ma Yuehling) but it is more upright with twists involving subtle chansujin.

At one time, Yang and Wu style (Quanyou) were similar in appearance but with Jianquan, the form 'diverged'. Again, differences are minimal regarding outward 'performance'.

does anyone have any contact info on the beijing guys of wang peisheng?

Do a search on Zhang Yun (he teaches in US-Pittsburgh, USA), or Northern Wu style and there might be an address to contact.

I'm so excited I can hardly type!

4 of my long time Tai Ji students recently found themselves in a "situation". The oldest, Mrs. Jenkins, is 94. The other three are in their extremly late 80s. Anyway- when they came to class clammering about this incident, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical. But they were very convincing.

But another student recently found this recording of an eye-witness account. It's just freaky how these things work out.


You'll need speakers to hear this- but it definately shows the power of Tai Ji in action. And, I'm proud to admit, it also shows that my contriversial teaching teachnics pay off when the time is right.

http://www.big-boys.com/articles/impala.html

Cheers,
Bob frickin'#2