Taiji Quan

When I began learning Taiji (the martial art, not the dance) I first practiced the solo movements in the form. After I had an understanding of how to do the movements properly, I was then taught applications. Applying the moves in first a fixed state and then in free sparring quickly made you aware of whether you learned the solo forms properly; if the application worked consistently, then your practice was correct. Understanding proper application and trying it out on a non-compliant opponent (what is commonly referred to now as “pressure testing”) are both vital for proper martial arts training.

In the mid-1970’s I ran the first government sponsored Taiji program for senior citizens in North America. This collaboration with (the then) New Horizon’s department for Health and Welfare Canada ran for two years and also produced an instruction book for participants and a short documentary film. I used this experience as a starting point for my Ph.D. studies in kinesiology where I researched and lectured upon Eastern philosophies to human movement – focusing on Taiji in Stage One Cardiac Rehabilitation.