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hand form – competition categories

[vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title style=”true” color=”#393836″ margin_bottom=”18″ font_family=”none”]Ten criteria which are judged in Tai Chi Form Competitions[/mk_fancy_title][vc_accordions heading_title=”Adoption of these will improve your form – Click on headings to expand out explainations – ” container_bg_color=”#efe4d0″][vc_accordion_tab title=”Correct Posture”][vc_column_text]

  • The back needs to be straight
  • There needs to be a straight line through the head, the neck, down the spine and into the coccyx
  • The coccyx is in a state of “Zhong Zheng”
  • This allows for the lungs to expand in comfort

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Correctness of Stance”][vc_column_text]

  • good alignment of the knee and foot
  • making sure each stance is properly executed
    • front stance
    • back stance
    • horse-riding stance
    • cat stance
  • Length of stance needs to be correct for the different techniques

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Distinguishing Yin and Yang”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1525797101008{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

  • distinguishing
    • Yin and Yang
    • substantial and void
    • full and empty
    • all meaning the same thing
  • The weighted limb is considered Yin
  • The empty is limb is considered Yang
  • Doesn’t only apply to stances. Can also be done in opening, contracting, closing, expanding
  • There is always an element of Yin in the Yang and Yang in the Yin. It is never 100% one or the other. Just like the Yin Yang symbol

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Intent & Focus”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1525796734755{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

  • Correct use of the eyes
  • focusing in accordance with the technique

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Co-Ordinated Movement”][vc_column_text]

  • a much more difficult goal for beginners
  • every part of the body must start and end together
  • total body movement in unison

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Smoothness”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1525797246984{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

  • practising your forms in a smooth manner
  • the form is performed at different speeds throughout, but smoothness must still be maintained
  • smooth transitions between techniques

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Balanced Turning and Stepping”][vc_column_text]

  • You need to sink
  • distinguish Yin and Yang
  • good posture
  • correct foot placement before and after kicks, turns and steps

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Softness and Relaxation of the body”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1525796128133{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

  • no tension
  • in Chinese the term used for relaxed = “Song”
  • loose and lax
  • not as simple as it sounds
  • obviously there is muscular strength
  • the strength is trained and relaxed
  • various Tai Chi exercises can help a student achieve softness
  • If the techniques are done softly and slowly,  the body becomes more relaxed
  • if we are more relaxed we can move faster and more efficiently

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Aesthetic Appearance”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1525796901518{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

  • Overall, how does the form look?
  • Fast and then slow
  • High and then low
  • combining the other categories to produce a good looking form, from start to finish

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Martial Spirit”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1525797668033{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

  • making sure the martial aspect of the hand form technique can be seen
  • again, in accordance with intent and spirit

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