HEy Guys ,
I am practicing TCC Yang style since 3 years now. I love the flowing movements and the softness. I am actually doing the traditional long fist form very intensively. My master is satisfied so far but… I am not quiet sure about the speed. I mean ,IF you are able to do the movements correctly and IF you stay relaxed all the way throu ,are you allowed to find your own speed??
Thanx for you comments!!#
TaiChiStorm
Absolutely! In addition to that you should try practicing the form at different speeds. Try doing large circles, medium sized circles, small circles, very slow and even breathing, medium speed, and do it quickly. The forms are there for you to learn from, and you can be creative with them and do all sorts of things, there is no limitation beyond that of your own mind.
Try doing the forms backwards, starting from the very last movement and working towards the very first, doing it right side and left side, etc. Lots of variations to work with.
TaiChiStorm,
From a physiological standpoint, the way to maximize possible speed (assuming no change in cross-section of the muscles involved) is to practice with as much relaxation as possible while executing the movements with as much perfect technique as possible.
Since that’s already a staple of Taijiquan training, it should come as no surprise that, in combat, Taijiquan can be as fast as anything else out there. In fact, if combined with small circle applications, Taijiquan combat responses can often be faster overall than many styles.
However, it’s also important to remember that speed, in and of itself, is not always essential. Timing is everything.