3 Students Preparing for Their White Sash Test

I'm very pleased to announce that 3 of my Tai Chi students will be testing for there white sashes next week.  They have been training for a little over a year at this point and I'm very proud of them for all their hard work.  I'm also very excited that they are about to take this next step in their training.


Below is a list of all the things they will be tested on and will need to show proficiency in to pass the test:

• Zhan Zhuang Qi Gong (Standing Like a Tree Qi Gong)
• Correct movements into posture, correct posture, and correct closing movements as well as an understanding of what you should be focusing on during this Qi Gong

• 8 Fundamental Stances – Static  (Ji Ben Ba Shi)
• Able to hold each Stance for 30 seconds 
• Horse Stance
• Bow & Arrow Stance
• Sitting on Crossed Legs Stance
• Four-Six Stance
• Tame the Tiger Stance
• False Stance
• Rooster Stands on One Leg Stance
• Squat Stance

• 5 Stepping Practices – Solo and with a partner
• Stepping Forward
• Stepping Backward
• Stepping to the Left – Inside and Outside
• Stepping to the Right – Inside and Outside
• Keeping the Center

• Yang Tai Chi 24 Postures Form

• Tai Chi 10 postures Qi Gong

• Basic Off-Balancing Concepts
• Explain the concept of the “3^rd leg of the triangle”
• Demonstrate where to lead someone to take them off balance from Horse Stance, Bow & Arrow Stance, and Four-Six Stance

• Correct Wushu Salute and Its Meaning

Many of these things may sound very simple when just reading the titles, but each section of this test requires a great deal of attention to detail.  There is a reason it has taken these students a year to prepare for this test, but all their hard work has definitely earned them the right to take part in this examination of skills.  :)


Stay tuned for pictures and updates from the test and the ceremony.  :) 

"Rise and Shine" Qi Gong in the Jackson Park

Just a heads up that on Saturday (7-30-11) I will be hosting a Qi Gong "Rise and Shine" session in the Jackson park at 6:30am.  It will last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much fun we're having.  :)  Qi Gong exercises help open the body's vital energy flow and they relax the mind while revitalizing the body.  They are meditative movements that focus on breathing and mental concentration.  You won't need to wear any special clothes just dress in layers as it will still probably be a bit brisk at this time of the morning.  :)  I will accept donations, but there is no obligation to pay anything for this "Rise and Shine" session.  This is just about starting your weekend off right.  :)  I hope to see you there and please tell everyone you know who would be interested in trying this.  :)