Forms and Exercises
LAO JIA YI LU “OLD FRAME FIRST FORM”
Covered in weekly Beginner Chen Taijiquan class
The First Form is comprised of 75 moves (postures), and usually takes up to a year to learn if attending weekly classes. Despite its length, the moves themselves are easier to learn in comparison to other forms and provide beginners with a solid foundation of taiji principles. This form is thus considered the Traditional Chen Taiji Form, the “mother form” before moving onto other forms and weapon sets.
SILK-REELING EXERCISES
Covered in the weekly Beginner Chen Taijiquan class
Silk-Reeling Exercises (SRE) is a set of repetitive spiral movements and joint rotations that relax the muscles and increase joint mobility. They emphasize rootedness, alignment and sinking. They also serve as drills to familiarize and train the body in preparation for the form – not unlike Mr. Miyagi’s “wax on, wax off” moves in the Karate Kid.
To read more about Chen Taijiquan forms and practices, please visit my teacher’s website. (which in and of itself is a well-preserved gem from the internet's early days!)