https://www.classicaltaichi.com/PDF/squareform.pdf
That is a link to names of Classical Tai Chi movements and includes what one student called “…a bemusing number of static written instructions…”.
The instructions are for Square Form. A student named Joe Milne compiled the names but realized a voice-over was difficult. So in my own best British voice (I’m kidding) I compiled a British voice-over for the moves, thus giving step by step instructions.
VOICE INSTRUCTIONS SQUARE FORM
The list and voice-over are quite lengthy but I hope this helps some albeit with such detail. Oh right, Master Hwa kidded me and said “…I did not know you were British Jim…”!
“…….if you want to learn internal you have to start the very strict discipline in that square form…..”
Yes Sir! The words “very strict discipline” that define Square Form as a Stepping Stone of groundwork for internal work. Precise, “segmented movements” (to quote Master Hwa) and train the brain to decouple isolated body parts and deliberately sequence movements.
Even that word “precision” is eschewed by many. Teaching the brain to separate movement from stillness (Yin/Yang)is not a consideration. Yes, “focusing tools” force intense, inward-directed attention.
A student asked: “Why would anyone eschew precision in the square form? The purpose of the square form is to learn the moves precisely so we don’t lose the essence when doing the round form. What would be the use of learning it any way but precisely?”
My answer: It really makes one wonder doesn't it? I completely agree with your perspective on that. A lengthy thought would be student’s culture and daily routines are too rushed, aggressive, and obsessed with immediate results. A succinct thought might be “I ALREADY KNOW HOW TO WALK”. That was yelled to my student Jason during his 1st teaching class after becoming certified. Yelled as the student rushed out of the gymnasium.
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