The second half of the movement (Golden Rooster Rises on One Leg) is easy to see the pplication for, but the sinking down part that is Snake Creeps Down is particularly good for a takedown, either as a single leg throw or an over the shoulder fireman carry if the opponent is particularly. aggressive..
I've been doing T'ai Chi since 1980. When I see people doing Snake Creeps Down and "the snake doesn't creep down" but instead just shifts forward with only a minor bend I believe they're missing the point. The problem is that we've been told that you shouldn't bend forward but maintain an upright posture, which is difficult to do. As I write this I'm looking at a photo of Yang Cheng-fu taken circa 1918 and another circa 1932. In both images he is clearly bending forward at about the degree he would sitting down in a chair. It is a natural movement people do all the time. The only reason we are told not to bend forward is for form competitions. Remaining upright while squatting down is an athletic skill that judges can award points for. It has nothing to do with the best body mechanics. I wish teachers would understand and make the distinction between T'ai Chi form competition, which is entirely about athletic ability and T'ai Chi for self-cultivation and well being. Then possibly start teaching the internal side of the art.
You are correct, it does require more athletic skill to do it upright. Which most people do not have. The athletic skills should be attained in my opinion. The internal aspects are eaiser to aquire if you are if you are easily able to do the movements. You can focus not on the strength required, but the breathing, internal muscles contractions, weight displacement, ect. The Yang 24 is a basic form, the next form is old Style Wu, which is considerably longer and more dynamic.
Thank you for your imput. These videos are supplementary for my students. I like to talk to them. It helps them to remember aspects of the forms. Should it benefit others cool.
The second half of the movement (Golden Rooster Rises on One Leg) is easy to see the pplication for, but the sinking down part that is Snake Creeps Down is particularly good for a takedown, either as a single leg throw or an over the shoulder fireman carry if the opponent is particularly. aggressive..
100%
I've been doing T'ai Chi since 1980. When I see people doing Snake Creeps Down and "the snake doesn't creep down" but instead just shifts forward with only a minor bend I believe they're missing the point. The problem is that we've been told that you shouldn't bend forward but maintain an upright posture, which is difficult to do. As I write this I'm looking at a photo of Yang Cheng-fu taken circa 1918 and another circa 1932. In both images he is clearly bending forward at about the degree he would sitting down in a chair. It is a natural movement people do all the time.
The only reason we are told not to bend forward is for form competitions. Remaining upright while squatting down is an athletic skill that judges can award points for. It has nothing to do with the best body mechanics. I wish teachers would understand and make the distinction between T'ai Chi form competition, which is entirely about athletic ability and T'ai Chi for self-cultivation and well being. Then possibly start teaching the internal side of the art.
You are correct, it does require more athletic skill to do it upright. Which most people do not have. The athletic skills should be attained in my opinion. The internal aspects are eaiser to aquire if you are if you are easily able to do the movements. You can focus not on the strength required, but the breathing, internal muscles contractions, weight displacement, ect. The Yang 24 is a basic form, the next form is old Style Wu, which is considerably longer and more dynamic.
Don't talk so much, vibrate
Thank you for your imput. These videos are supplementary for my students. I like to talk to them. It helps them to remember aspects of the forms. Should it benefit others cool.