Tim I would like to get your opinion on the 48 form Tai Chi Chuan set. I currently practice the 24 Form and would like to move up to something a little more martial. I have read that some of the younger Tai Chi players in Beijing who are more martially oriented favor this form over any of the other "new" sets, but that they tend to do it with smaller movements. The Fajin portions of this form attract me more than the even tempo of the Yang style long form
Thanks in advance for any info,
Vic L.

Hi Vic,
Although I don't practice the 48 posture form, I'm familiar with its sequence. It looks like a fairly well rounded form. Since your goal is martial application, I think the most important consideration would be the skill level of the teacher, and whether or not the instructor knows and teaches techniques and sparring.

Thanks Tim. I guess I should spend less time worrying about what form or style to learn and more time looking for a good teacher

The Gentleman I learned the 24 form from showed us a few applications which we occasionally practiced, but I did not learn how to use all the frames until I got Liang Shou Yu's book on the 24 and 48 forms. This was where I got my impression of the 48.

Do you think it is feasible to learn from a video tape if supplemented by occasional visits to a good teacher?
Thanks again, Vic L.

I think it is possible to learn from a (good) video tape to a certain extent, if you have some background and have a teacher help you on occasion.