Eight Methods Taiji Drill

Taught to me by Sifu Morgan Buchanan, this drill was designed by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching for the New York students between 1965 and

1975.

Their usage, as I understand it, is to provide an internal change in emphasis when you are practising the form, which also gives plenty of variety to the form, as well as teach fundamental points of focus.

I am currently studying the 42 combined form, but this still helps me allot with my own practise.

1. Balancing The Moon On Your Head

Add this to any other method, the head is upright and you imagine that the top of your head is balancing the moon, and the Earth is under your feet.

My teacher would make me do this while balancing a flat rock on my head. The goal of this is to gain a feeling where you are lifting from the Bai Hui point, which is very important in Taiji, and good posture.

2. Walking On Thin Ice

Imagine you are walking on slippery thin ice, with one inch of water underneath, you don't want to break through the ice or slip.

This method is used to practise, or be concious of careful placement of feet, smooth transfer of weight, and precision of movement in both your footwork, and body... after all a sharp pump of the foot could break the ice.

3. Rowing The Boat

Imagine you are in a row boat with the oars drawing yourself backwards across the lake.

When you row, you maintain a straight back, accurate lines, and balance, but while using this method I believe you emphasise the draw back or pull or loading up.

4. Setting The Sail

Imagine a sail boat, feel yourself draw or raise the sail, particularly on the lifting action as you reach for more rope, the draw is done with the whole body both up and down.

I believe this method installs a feeling to draw down using while body, but on the lift up you allow the rope to pull you up effortlessly to draw again in a smooth motion.

5. As Clouds Around The Mountain

Imagine you are the mountain, rooted and strong, and your hands are the clouds, light and free.

6. Standing At The Cliffs Edge

Imaging a ledge, your back heal is right on the edge where ever you move.

Alternatively noted as...

Imagine a ledge at the toe of your back foot, front is suspended over the abyss.

I think this one promotes a feeling of forward energy, no going back.

7. Wading The Stream

Imagine you are knee deep in a stream with a strong current, feel the bottom of the stream as you step.

I believe this one develops sure footedness, root, and a careful attachment to the principle of weight separation.

8. Flying through the clouds with Immortals or Riding the Wind

Imagine you are soaring, gliding through the air, graceful and free.

I have found that this one promotes flowing light movement, though you remain accurate to the form, you enjoy more freedom for personal flourish and flow.