Wielding the ch
The fifth instalment of the basic 16-form of Yang-style tai chi by master Sim Eng Ker is about following the rules of nature while defending yourself, writes Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup
1 STEP FORWARD, DEFLECT,
PARRY AND PUNCH
Continue from the previous pose with your right hand at waistupwards, height and palms facing while the left is raised with the palms forward. Then lower your left arm and simultaneously raise the right. Open your right palm, facing out.
Then ball your right hand into a fist as you retreat your body slightly. Lower the fist and move it to the front of your body as if to deflect an oncoming attack.
Meanwhile, with fingers straight, open up your left arm while the right foot is raised but with heels on the ground.
Then ground the right foot and move your left foot forward. Touch the ground where it meets the right foot and move it forward again. At the same time, push your left arm forward with palms facing out to make the parrying motion.
Carry on by moving your right fist outward into a punching motion, while the left arm retreats to the front of your chest.
2 GRASP BIRD’S TAIL
Pull your body back, open up your right fist and lower the hand while raising the left hand up into a circular position like you’re hugging the air in front of you.
Move your right foot to meet the left before shifting your weight to the left leg and move the right foot forward.
Then move the right hand up over the left while the right palm faces out and the left turning inward. Twist your body to the left before returning to the original position.
Take the right arm back in front of your body and have both palms brushing against one another, left on top of the right. With palms touching, move the hands up before turning the right palm downwards.
Move your hands to have the palms facing the front, and pull your arms back before pushing them forward again and lowering your hands for the palms to face down.
Tai chi movement is slow because it is to move your chi. Chi is a form of energy that is inside the body. When you exercise your chi, you will learn to apply it.
Master Sim Eng Ker