Qi Elements

Students who wish to pursue a formal program of training in Taiji at Qi Elements have two options:  a martial Taiji (Taijiquan) program and a Taiji-Qigong program.  Beginners start with the Fundamentals of Taiji levels 1 and II, which are designed to provide a thorough introduction into the principles of Taiji posture, movement, as well as cultivation and circulation of internal energy. Once they have attained proficiency in the requirements of Fundamentals of Taiji I and II, students who wish to go deeper into the study and practice of Taiji may apply to enter the Taijiquan or the Taiji-Qigong training program.      

The Taijiquan program and the Taiji-Qigong program contain several common components.  There is the common requirement to learn to perform the Yang Chengfu version of the traditional Yang-style bare-hand long form and to know the standard applications of the form movements.  There are also common components in standing meditation, sitting meditation, Taiji ball qigong and basic partner exercises. Each program also requires that as the students progress he or she learn to teach the skills required in the levels he or she has already completed.   The teaching requirement is designed to reinforce and deepen the student’s skills for the levels he or she has already completed.  Each program also offers elective components, which the student can choose to broaden his or her knowledge and experience.  .

Qi Elements' Taijiquan training program is intended for persons who want to obtain an in-depth knowledge of and ability to execute Taijiquan movements and applications for the purpose of teaching the art or simply for their own development..  In addition to the study and practice of the Taijiquan form and applications, the program provides a comprehensive grounding in Taiji qigong theory and practice, which are essentials elements of Taijiquan training,   Upon completion of the program, the student will also be well-qualified to teach Taiji for health.

·         Successful completion of Qi Elements Fundamentals’ of Taiji I and II

·         Memorization and embodiment of Martial Morality

·         Signature and adherence to protocols for working with a martial training partner

·         Interview with instructors and instructors’ approval

·         Commitment to maintain a training regime of at least five hours of classroom and home training
        a  week

·         Demonstrated commitment to regular class attendance

1. Taiji Bare-Hand Long Form and Applications
2. Taiji Qigong:  Martial Arts Breathing and Qi Circulation, Taiji Ball Qigong
3. Taiji Zhan Zhuang (Standing Meditation)
4. Basic Taijiquan Fighting Skills Training (Reaction, centering, sticking, basic blocks and counters, basic Qin Na)
5. Partner Exercises for Taiji Fighting:  Applications of selected Taiji form movements,  Pushing Hands, Yin-Yang Symbol Silk-reeling training, and Taiji Fighting Set

1. Taiji Cane/Short Staff
2. Taiji Qin Na
3. Taiji Shuai Jiao with takedowns
4. Taiji Saber (prerequisite – Taiji Cane levels 1-4)
5. Fundamentals of Taiji long staff
6. Theory of Taijiquan and Taiji Qigong (earn one point for completion of five to ten page original essays with citations on an aspect of Taijiquan or Taiji Qigong).  Topic must be approved in advance by Sifu Blough

            Memorization and embodiment of Martial Morality

            Signature and adherence to protocols for working with a martial training partner.

            Successful completion of Qi Elements Fundamentals’ of Taiji I and II

            Interview with instructors and instructors’ approval

            Commitment to maintain a training regime of at least five hours of classroom and home
            training a week

            Demonstrated commitment to regular class attendance

1. Taiji Bare Hand Long Form and Applications
2. Partner Exercises for Taiji Applications—Levels 1 and 2.
3. Taiji Qigong:  Martial Arts Breathing and Qi Circulation, Taiji Ball Qigong
4. Taiji Zhan Zhuang (Standing Meditation)

1. Taiji Cane
2. Taiji Saber (prerequisite – Taiji Cane)
3. Fundamental of Taiji long staff
4. Taiji Sword (prerequisite – Taiji Cane)