Thanks for a very clear visual explanation of the differences in hand and arm motions. One comment: I'm certainly no expert, but when I studied Chen style taijiquan a decade ago, it was pretty clear that the cloud hands movement had lots of relevance not as an elbow strike, but as a way of redirecting an incoming blow or push. (Grab the opponent's wrist/arm and direct them past you as you rotate and step out of the way) I've been thrown off balance by that move more times than I'd care to admit!
Hi razz P! Another great question. First of all, many people have lots of different ideas about the where, when, and how of breathing. I think many are valid, reasonable, and helpful. In my own experience, one thing that works well is to choose to either focus on the breathing or the movement first and then allow the other to follow along. For example, if breath is primary than focus on breathing slowly and deeply while pacing your movements to match. If movement is primary, then move slowly and smoothly and allow your breath to flow in coordination with the movement; if the movement is really slow then know its ok to take a couple of breaths with each movement. A simple coordination might be to inhale while switching hands and exhaling on the turn; or vice versa. Switch it up and see what works for you!
Sure thing Scott! Great question and the answer really depends on your goals and also what style you are following. In other words, there is no single correct answer to your question; and with that said, to keep it consistent for the IRQTC trainings we tend to inhale on the hand switches and exhale on the turns. I always suggest mixing it up and finding out what works best for you! What experiences do you have?
Institute for Rehabilitative Qigong and Tai Chi i practice the Chen Man Ching 37 form. I have tried the breath multiple ways. I find it very comfortable when I exhale as I shift and turn to the left, and inhale as I shift and turn right. My goal is to allow the most health benefits through using the form. I just wasn’t sure if it mattered doing it that way. 😊
Thanks for a very clear visual explanation of the differences in hand and arm motions. One comment: I'm certainly no expert, but when I studied Chen style taijiquan a decade ago, it was pretty clear that the cloud hands movement had lots of relevance not as an elbow strike, but as a way of redirecting an incoming blow or push. (Grab the opponent's wrist/arm and direct them past you as you rotate and step out of the way) I've been thrown off balance by that move more times than I'd care to admit!
Thank you - very clear and helpful instructions. I like the emphasis on adapting - according to personal needs and circumstances.
Do you breath with the movement and speed? If so when does one inhale/exhale.
Hi razz P! Another great question. First of all, many people have lots of different ideas about the where, when, and how of breathing. I think many are valid, reasonable, and helpful. In my own experience, one thing that works well is to choose to either focus on the breathing or the movement first and then allow the other to follow along. For example, if breath is primary than focus on breathing slowly and deeply while pacing your movements to match. If movement is primary, then move slowly and smoothly and allow your breath to flow in coordination with the movement; if the movement is really slow then know its ok to take a couple of breaths with each movement. A simple coordination might be to inhale while switching hands and exhaling on the turn; or vice versa. Switch it up and see what works for you!
thanks for sharing these variations....I'm doing all three!
Thanks Tom! We're happy to help :)
Thanks. How are you breathing during the movement ?
Sure thing Scott! Great question and the answer really depends on your goals and also what style you are following. In other words, there is no single correct answer to your question; and with that said, to keep it consistent for the IRQTC trainings we tend to inhale on the hand switches and exhale on the turns. I always suggest mixing it up and finding out what works best for you! What experiences do you have?
Institute for Rehabilitative Qigong and Tai Chi thank you.
Institute for Rehabilitative Qigong and Tai Chi i practice the Chen Man Ching 37 form. I have tried the breath multiple ways. I find it very comfortable when I exhale as I shift and turn to the left, and inhale as I shift and turn right. My goal is to allow the most health benefits through using the form. I just wasn’t sure if it mattered doing it that way. 😊
Excellent, thank you for clearing this up!!! Very helpful!