Typical class
Despite the name of this page, there is really no such thing as a typical class, with what is taught in the classes depending entirely on the instructor. However, there are common elements, which include:
- Seven Star Step
This is a pair exercise, often used as a warm up. - Hand form
This is important to practice as a part of tai chi conditioning and to provide a structure to the applications, and is the slow moving exercise most commonly associated with tai chi. - Applications training
Self defence applications are trained in pairs or small groups - Conditioning
There are many conditioning exercises to condition different parts of the body for different movements. - Chi kung exercises
These are conditioning and relaxing exercises taken from chi kung which are sometimes practised. - Pushing hands exercises
These are exercises (usually in pairs) which train the five principles of pushing hands (adherence, softness, spontaneity, yielding, rejection of brute force), including the Seven Star Step (above). - Pushing hands
Pushing hands is a partner exercise in which each person attempts to disrupt the balance of the other. Variations include fixed step pushing hands (in which you are not allowed to move your feet), and moving step pushing hands which requires mats. - Weapons form
Various weapons forms may be taught (e.g. sabre, sword and spear).