Step-By-Step Tai Chi - Softcover

Master Lam Kam Chuen is a recognized master of the arts of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, and a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. He was born in Hong Kong shortly after World War II and at a very early age began training in Chinese martial arts.

Studying under masters such as Lung Tse Chung and Yim Sheung Mo (both of whom were disciples of Ku Yue Chang, known throughout China as “The King of Iron Palm”), he was trained in Choy Lee Fut, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Iron Palm, as well as Tai Chi.

He then studied Chinese medicine, becoming a qualified bonesetter and herbalist, and opened a school and clinic in Hong Kong. He also undertook the study of Chi Kung, a system for the cultivation of internal energy in the body. Using his medical skills and his knowledge of Chi Kung he began to develop a new form of Tai Chi, now known as Lam Style Tai Chi.

Master Lam came to the West in 1976 when he became the first Tai Chi instructor appointed to teach in the Inner London Education Authority. In 1987 he gave the first European demonstration of the art of Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung, which he studied in Beijing under Professor Yu Yong Nian, the world's leading authority. He now teaches and practices medicine at The Lam Clinic in London's Chinatown.

Following the widely acclaimed BBC series, The Way of the Warrior, Master Lam was invited to act as consultant to the sequel publication, The Way of Harmony. This was followed by his ground-breaking work published by Gaia Books, The Way of Energy, introducing the Zhan Zhuang system of “Standing Like a Tree”.

Chapter 1

FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENTS

This set of basic exercises is designed to relax and tone all the major joints in your body. Starting with the neck, you work down through your entire frame. For the best results from these exercises, you should work through the full set in the correct order.

The movements are simple to learn. Most of them are based on the natural action of the joints when they are relaxed and free from tension. For this reason, if you are just starting to learn Tai Chi you should begin with this sequence to ensure that you develop a good foundation of smooth, relaxed movement.

These fundamental exercises are presented in a way that will be particularly helpful to anyone who has never done slow exercise before. They are ideal if you are out of shape, recuperating from an illness or a physical injury, or are elderly. Follow the instructions carefully, go slowly, and don't strain yourself in any movement and the benefits can be remarkable.

The exercises are based on two principles. First, there is a great deal of tension in our joints and their associated muscles. It is essential, therefore, to learn how to relax these areas in order to keep them supple and to help overcome the damaging effects tension has on the body. Second, all our major energy pathways pass through the joints. If tension exists there, then the natural flow of energy in the body will be blocked, leading to increased stress and, eventually, illness. So these exercises, simple as they may seem at first, meet some of our most fundamental needs.

Each exercise is described in detail, including the starting position for each, the precise movement, the pauses, and the all-important concluding moments of stillness. Many of these features are common to each exercise, but they are repeated so that you can be sure that at each stage you know exactly what you are supposed to be doing.

EXERCISE ROUTINES

Working through the full set of 18 fundamental exercises gently and slowly, as described on the preceding pages, takes just under 10 minutes. You should start at this level, carefully making all the movements in order, pausing briefly in between each one, until you are familiar with the full set. The number of repetitions to start with for each exercise is set out in Level 1 on the chart opposite.

If you are unfamiliar with this type of slow exercise, or you are out of shape, in poor health, or elderly, take your time and do them as gently as possible. This way, without straining yourself, you will start to make progress each time you do them. Some people may prefer to remain at this basic level, doing the movements as best they can. Even if this is the only exercise you can take, it will be of great benefit to you.

Once you are familiar with the exercises, and if you find that you can do them fairly easily, there are two further levels set out on the chart opposite. So, for example, you proceed to making four gentle circles of the head at Level 2, then six circles at Level 3, and so on. Maintain the calm, steady pace throughout. It is essential for Tai Chi exercise that you keep to the discipline of doing all movements slowly and evenly.

Try to do these exercises every day. The continuous repetition will make all the difference to your health and it will progressively relax your body and mind.

Copyright © 1994 by Master Lam Kam Chuen