Tai Chi Styles

As a core of the teaching, we have three distinct Tai Chi systems: the Golden Flower System; the Traditional Long Form System; and the Small Circle, Internal Power System. All are descended from the Yang family's Tai Chi. Each is an integrated system of training and development techniques, including a specific variety of exercises which must be practiced together and over time to fully realise the benefits.

Golden Flower Form

The Golden Flower Form is the basic form of the Golden Flower Association and the main teaching of our school. It is a 'short' form, which means that it takes from 10 to 15 minutes to complete at normal speeds. It is derived from the Yang styles, and follows a similar sequence to the popular Cheng Man Ching form.

The Golden Flower system was developed by Master San Gee Tam to contain the most valuable essence of the other forms in an easy to access package which is more appropriate as a starting point for westerners today. In the more advanced levels (as taught to instructors), some of the deeper, internal technologies from the Small Circle system are integrated so that the practictioner can develop 'real' (ie internal) Tai Chi.

It is easy to learn, and, as students progress, we require more detail and more technique which can help you understand the movements, and eventually lead to martial applications if desired. Fighting is not our focus, but applications help to demonstrate the idea of the correct position, and can help improve the energy circulation when used correctly.

The main goals of this practice are health, harmony, balance, and well-being through the integration of Tai Chi principles.

Dong Family Long Form (medium circle)

The Traditional Long Form is the form as taught by Master Dong Zeng Chen, and as such is an acknowledged Yang family style. The emphasis is more traditional, and is also more martially focussed than the Golden Flower form.

Small Circle Form

The Small Circle, Internal Power form is the highest level of Tai Chi we know, and is the form, principles, and training techniques as taught to Master San Gee Tam privately over many years by Master Chu King Hung, an adopted son of the Yang family.

Golden Flower Fast Form

This form follows the same sequence as the slow Golden Flower Form. The movements require much more stepping, and are more martially oriented. By practicing this form you will learn some fighting techniques and how to move quickly when attacked.

Martial applications are not the only reason to learn this form, as practicing slowly is not sufficient for well rounded development. Practicing a fast form moves your energy in a different way. In higher levels of this form, you can require 'Fa Jing' movements. These are explosive outbursts of energy, issued thru the arms or legs. This trains your fighting ability and is also a good practice for your general health.

Weapons Forms

Within the Golden Flower School we also teach a variety of traditional Tai Chi weapons forms including:

• Sword Form
• Fan Form
• Falchion (Quan Do) Form
• Broadsword Form
• Spear Form