Newcomers to the Center will begin by learning the Zheng Manqing (Cheng Man-ch’ing) short form, which is made up of 37 different postures and takes about 9 minutes to perform.  Beginning classes focus on the body mechanics and principles of movement necessary for executing the postures and improving flexibility and body strength.  The goal is to be able to move the body as one unit directed by the waist, freeing the body from as much muscular tension as possible.

Intermediate Students

Once students have an elemental understanding of these principles, they turn to a variety of intermediate-level topics.  For instance, by investigating the martial applications of each posture, the student will be able to imagine more effectively the usage of each posture while executing the form.  Adding the proper breathing sequence and method of qi circulation will enhance the internal aspect of form work.  Students will also gain the opportunity to learn the Yangjia Michuan solo form, which operates on the same principles as the short form but uses a different body structure.

During this stage, the intermediate student is also introduced to a series of two-person “pushing hands” (tuishou) exercises.  These drills and free play center around the taiji (tai ch’i) principles of yielding, neutralizing, sticking, and following, all of which lead to a deeper understanding of the form’s applications.  Those with the necessary skill and an interest in using taiji for self-defense can join the “free hands” (sanshou) class, where they will train form techniques in a martial context.

Advanced Students

Students who display good body mechanics and a strong understanding of technique will qualify for advanced weapons training with the Chinese straight sword (jian).  While such training might seem obsolete in a world of guns, sword work can do much to refine the advanced student’s empty-hand practice.  Within the complete taijiquan system, weapons serve as a form of strength training, allowing the student to further develop his ability to “release energy” (fajin, the art’s method for pushing or striking).  Also, because the sword form is more physically demanding, any slight errors in the student’s structure or technique will be greatly magnified, making them easier to detect and correct.

Many contemporary practitioners of Chinese sword forms focus on personal cultivation, often at the expense of practical martial application. In previous times, the opposite was true. The focus was on developing clear martial skill. This program is meant to parallel the type of training in swordsmanship Yang Luchan and his sons would have presented when training the provincial militia and elite Bannermen units guarding the Capital. It should also be noted that while this training is based upon the skills & basic cuts handed down within the Yang Family Taiji Jian system, this is not a program specifically in taiji jian, but in Chinese swordsmanship (jianfa). The basic cuts and other skills that are contained in this lineage are techniques that are common throughout all styles of Chinese jian swordsmanship. While students of taiji jian will find this program invaluable, prior training in taijiquan is not required for participation in this program; students of all styles and backgrounds are welcome.

Scott M. Rodell demonstrating jian cutting

This training program is divided into three levels: Foundation Skills, Intermediate, & Instructor. Students can study at seminars, at regular classes, or privately. Each part of each level, when taught as a seminar, is a self contained, complete training. As such, it is not necessary for a student to study or learn the parts of any level in numerical order or complete all parts of the Foundation training before attending a more advanced training.
 

Foundation Skills

Four Parts: Active study of 1 to 2 years

The first step to progressing in art is a solid foundation in that art’s core skills. In the case of swordsmanship, the skills that need to mastered first are the basic cuts. During each of the five sections that comprise the Foundation Skills levels of training, students will train in the basic cuts of the Yang Family Michuan Taiji Jian & the public Yangshi Taiji Jian. While these cuts are specific to these two systems, these same cuts, or similar ones, are also essential parts of most systems of Chinese jian swordsmanship. Students will learn the proper solo execution of, and two-man drills for, each cut. Students at this Foundation level will also engage in controlled free swordplay & other training essential to free swordplay.

• Part 1 – Michuan Basic Cuts: ci, pi, dian, tiao, liao, & zha
• Part 2 – Michuan Basic Cuts: dou, tiao, ya, hua, & mou
• Part 3 – Public Basic Cuts: ci, dai, xi, ji, ge (stationary & moving)
• Part 4- Public Basic Cuts: chou, beng, ti, pi, jiao, & jie

Once a student has demonstrated sufficient mastery of these Basic Cuts, he or she may beginning training in shi zhan (Test Cutting) with the instructors permission.

Intermediate Skills

Three Parts: 1 to 2 years training

This level of training represents a deeper level of commitment to study & works on developing a deeper understanding of core principles & how these relate to application in action. In respect to technique, this level of training will focus on combining the basic cuts in effective ways & on active stepping.

• Part 1 – Michuan Combination Cuts and transitions.
• Part 2 – Michuan Combination Cuts and transitions.
• Part 3 – Public Combination Cuts and transitions.

Instructor

1 to 2 years training, moving from structure to natural free play

This level of training is meant to provide a broader context for the student’s understanding. As such, those involved in Instructor level training will learn how to face multiple duifang & work as part of a unit. Instructor level students will also study the shuangshoudao (two-handed saber) & dao & tengpai (saber & rattan shield) swordsmanship to provide a broader historical context for the jianfa they studied previously & to season his or her understanding of martial applications. Instructor level students are also expected to conduct their own personal research into Chinese historical swordsmanship.

Chinese Swordsmanship Montage from Mugen@GRTC on Vimeo.

Beginners’ classes emphasize learning the form, understanding body mechanics, and improving balance, concentration, flexibility, and leg strength.

Intermediate and advanced classes break down study of the form into three areas: polishing (going over the form in minute detail), martial applications (learning to use Taiji Quan for self-defense), and breathing (developing the meditative and internal-energy aspects of Taiji Quan).

Tui Shou (“Push Hands”)

Students Practicing Push Hands

Push Hands is the beginning of two person practice in taijiquan. Its’ practice develops sensitivity, yielding, neutralizing, and internal strength, using body mechanics developed in the form. Push Hands begins with simple, single hand fixed position exercises and works up to move complex and demanding two hand moving step push hands.

Womens Focus Group

Organized by women students at Great River, this Group concentrates on practical self defense for the type of situations women are most likely to encounter.

Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan

A Yang Family Taiji Quan form that was for generations a closely guarded secret taught only to family members until after the fall of the Qing dynasty.

San Shou (“Free Hands”)

San Shou training takes the skills learned in Push Hands a step further. Students train to remain calm and yielding while facing all types of strikes,kicks and throws. This class focuses on developing practical martial skills in realistic full contact situations.

Weapons Forms

Taiji Sword Play, Rodell with Moscow Student, 1999

Jian (sword) and Chiang (spear) forms are more difficult than hand sets. As such they are reserved as advanced training for experienced students. Training with weapons further strengthens the body and helps develop fa jing (internal energy). Jian training involves the study and practice of basic cuts, solo forms, two person drills and free sword play. The Taiji Chiang is the last and most physically demanding part of any system of taijiquan. Great River is actively involved in reviving Chinese Swordsmanship.

Swordsmanship

Center director, Scott M. Rodell, is an internationally recognized expert of Chinese Historical swordsmanship & the author of “Chinese Swordsmanship, The Yang Family Taiji Jian Tradition.” While many contemporary schools of Chinese martial arts practice various sword forms, few practice swordsmanship. At GRTC we strive to achieve the complete sword art, moving beyond simple form practice to free swordplay in a manner that is both effective, adheres to the principles of taijiquan & is historically accurate.

Neigong

Traditional Taoist NeiGong (internal work) Meditation in the Jin Shan Pai (Gold Mountain Tradition) for students who have demonstrated sufficient skill and disciple.