Saturdays Taijiquan Stances & Set

Dates: October, 12, November 9, December 7, January 25, and February 22, from 10 am to 4 pm (lunch break 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm; short tea breaks in the morning and afternoon)

Content: Yang Style Taijiquan Long Set of 81 Movements (Yue Huanzhi Tradition)

In these workshops we practice the first two parts of the three-part 81 movements set as it was developed in Shanghai on the basis of Dong Style, which was created by Dong Yingjie (1897-1961), one of the most important representatives of Yang Style Taijiquan and the successor of Yang Chengfu. Dong’s friend and disciple Yue Huanzhi (1899-1960) introduced original Taoist Alchemy methods into the Dong Sub-style and his disciples further developed these into several branches of practice. Characteristic of Yue’s approach is the intensive development and use of the Dantian (Field of Cinnabar, the power center in the abdomen) in the practice of Taijiquan. In this way, the practitioner moves like a round, rotating ball, a manifestation of the motion of Taiji, the Great Ultimate of Taoist cosmology. The powerful Dantian action makes the body more resilient and better equipped to fight off disease and the problems of aging. At the same time, the rotating, spiraling execution of the techniques makes for a perfect foundation to incorporate the principles of Taijiquan as a martial art: evade, borrow (force), take over, and use the attacker’s force against him. Furthermore, the practitioner will move and stand firmly, become more flexible, and can concentrate his energy to attack more effectively.

Part 1 of the set is relatively short and contains Taijiquan’s fundamental techniques. In part 2, we practice more variations and this part is considerably longer.

To be able to perform the set adequately and to improve your focus, the circulations, and the development of the Taiji energies you also need to practice the 37 stances of our Taijiquan tradition. We integrate this practice in these workshops, but we recommend that you also participate in our Monday evening Taijiquan classes and/or enlist for the online course on the 37 Stances. This will enhance your understanding of the possibilities of authentic Taijiquan practice.

Practical information:

• when: Saturdays
• dates: October, 12, November 9, December 7, January 25, and February 22, from 10 am to 4 pm (lunch break 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm; short tea breaks in the morning and afternoon)
• where: China Arts College, Ballaarstraat 114, 2018 Antwerpen
• time: 10:00 – 4:00 pm (door open from 9:45 pm)
• For everyone interested in Taijiquan
• fee: Early bird: untill 11 September € 500,- after 11 September: € 575,-  You can follow the lessons separately; then you will pay a fee per lesson of € 115,- register: via the button below
• clothing and shoes: see terms & conditions
• a pen and notebook for taking notes
• You can bring your own lunch. There are several eateries or supermarkets in the immediate vicinity. Chinese tea is always available, but you can also bring your own drinks.

Intended for anyone interested in Taijiquan.

Professor Vercammen is an anthropologist-sinologist, an expert in Chinese Martial Arts, a Taoist doctor, an expert in Taoist Internal Alchemy, and an artist (Chinese & Western painting, calligraphy, poetry, design). He has published more than 30 books and articles on Chinese culture & Chinese Martial Arts.